Keytruda cancer indications

Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug manufactured by Merck & Co., remains widely used in cancer treatment. Its mechanism and expanding therapeutic applications highlight advances in immune-based therapies.

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)

Dimension	Key Details
Drug Type	Provides for classification as a checkpoint inhibitor used in immunotherapy.
Category	Comprises monoclonal antibody designed to bind specific targets on immune cells.
Mechanism	Provides for binding to PD-1 receptors on T cells preventing interaction with PD-L1 on cancer cells.
Immune Function	Provides for activation of T cells to identify and destroy cancer cells.
Approval	Has been approved by United States FDA in 2014 for advanced skin cancer.
Therapeutic Scope	Comprises treatment of lung cancer, melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, head and neck, breast, bladder, cervical, colorectal, gastric, liver, renal cell carcinoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Administration	Provides for intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every 3 or 6 weeks and availability of subcutaneous formulation.
Usage Stage	Provides for use in advanced or metastatic cancer cases as first-line treatment.
Other Immunotherapies	Comprises monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab and nivolumab and CAR-T therapy including NexCar19.
Global Status	Provides for status as the best-selling drug globally.