Keytruda
(pembrolizumab) is a medicine developed and manufactured by Merck & Co.,
Inc. which is also known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. The
company is a global healthcare leader with a diversified portfolio of
prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer healthcare
products. It was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Kenilworth, New
Jersey, USA.
Merck
has a research and development program that is focused on discovering and
developing new medicines for unmet medical needs, as well as advancing its
existing products. In addition to Keytruda, the company has a portfolio of
other oncology products and cancer treatments, as well as drugs for a wide
range of other diseases and conditions.
Merck also invest in research for new
cancer treatments, currently it's actively running clinical trials for multiple
cancer types like head and neck cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, gastric
cancer, breast cancer, to name a few.
Keytruda's success has been a major
contributor to the company's growth, and as such it has become a key product of
the company. It was first approved by the FDA in 2014 and has since gained
additional approvals and indications, making it one of the most widely used
cancer immunotherapy drugs.
Keytruda
(pembrolizumab) is a type of immunotherapy drug that is used to treat certain
types of cancer. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by binding to a protein
called PD-1 on the surface of T cells, which are a type of white blood cell
that plays a key role in the body's immune response. By binding to PD-1,
Keytruda blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2,
which are found on the surface of cancer cells. This interaction normally acts
as an "off switch" for the T cell's immune response, allowing cancer
cells to evade the body's natural defenses. By blocking this interaction,
Keytruda "turns on" the T cell's immune response, allowing it to
target and attack cancer cells.
Keytruda
is FDA approved for treatment of several types of cancer such as Non-Small Cell
Lung Cancer, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma,
Gastric cancer, Urothelial Carcinoma. It is also being studied in clinical
trials for the treatment of many other types of cancer.
Keytruda is
usually administered intravenously, as an infusion typically every three weeks,
although the dosage and frequency of administration can vary depending on the
specific cancer and the patient's response to the treatment.
The drug
is well tolerated, but in some cases, side effects may occur, the common side
effect includes fatigue, itching, rash, difficulty breathing, nausea, and
diarrhea.
It's
important to consult with an experienced oncologist to determine if Keytruda is
an appropriate treatment option for a specific patient and disease, and to
closely monitor the patient's response to the treatment and manage any side
effects that may occur.
KEYTRUDA INJECTION
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a monoclonal
antibody, which means it is a laboratory-made protein that is designed to mimic
the body's natural immune response. The drug is typically administered as an
intravenous (IV) injection, which means it is given directly into a vein
through a needle.
The dosage and frequency of Keytruda
treatment varies depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated,
as well as the overall health of the patient. The drug is usually administered
as an IV infusion, which means it is given over a period of time through a vein
using a pump or an IV bag. The typical infusion time is 30 minutes, but it can
take up to 2 hours.
The FDA-approved recommended dose of
Keytruda is 2 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every 3
weeks. Doses may be administered until progressive disease or unacceptable
toxicity.
It's
important to consult with an experienced oncologist to determine the
appropriate dosage and schedule for a specific patient, as well as to monitor
the patient's response to the treatment and manage any side effects that may
occur.
KEYTRUDA SIDE EFFECTS
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is generally well
tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects in some
patients. The most common side effects associated with Keytruda include:
Fatigue: feeling tired or weak
Itching or rash
Diarrhea
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Abdominal pain
Cough
Shortness of breath
Sore throat or runny nose
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Other, less common side effects that have
been reported with Keytruda include:
Infusion reactions: some patients may
experience a reaction to the IV infusion, including fever, chills, hives, or a
drop in blood pressure.
Pneumonitis: an inflammation of the lungs
that can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, or chest pain.
Nephritis: an inflammation of the kidneys
that can lead to decreased kidney function and blood in the urine.
Colitis: an inflammation of the large
intestine that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.
Endocrinopathies: Keytruda can cause
changes in the levels of hormones in the body, leading to conditions such as
hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Dermatologic reactions: some patients may
develop skin reactions such as rash, dry skin, or itching.
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