What is the basic information for a patient regarding Pembrolizumab (pembrolizumab)?

From the Guidelines

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy medication that can be used to treat various types of cancer, and the recommended adult dose is 200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks, as indicated by the study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network in 2019 1. The medication works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, and it has been shown to have an objective response rate of 40% in patients with MSI-H or MMR-deficient cancer, including colorectal and noncolorectal cancer types 1. Some key points to consider when taking pembrolizumab include:

• The typical dose is 200 mg given as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every 3 weeks, though dosing may vary based on the specific condition being treated 1
• Common side effects include fatigue, pruritus, diarrhea, anorexia, constipation, nausea, rash, fever, cough, dyspnea, and musculoskeletal pain 1
• More serious immune-related side effects can affect the lungs, intestines, liver, kidneys, or hormone-producing glands, and it's crucial to report any new or worsening symptoms to the healthcare provider immediately 1
• Before starting treatment, patients will undergo tests to check their overall health and determine if pembrolizumab is appropriate for their specific cancer, and during treatment, they will have regular blood tests and check-ups to monitor their response and watch for side effects 1. Pembrolizumab works by blocking a protein called PD-1 on immune cells, which normally prevents them from attacking the body's own tissues but can also stop them from fighting cancer cells, as reported in the study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network in 2019 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Pembrolizumab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD 1)-blocking antibody Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG4 kappa antibody with an approximate molecular weight of 149 kDa. Pembrolizumab is produced in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for intravenous use

• Basic Information for Patients:
  • What is Pembrolizumab: Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 blocking antibody used to treat various types of cancer.
  • How it Works: It works by blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which can help to activate the immune system to fight cancer cells.
  • Administration: It is administered intravenously.
  • Formulation: Each vial contains 100 mg of pembrolizumab in 4 mL of solution.
  • Key Components: Formulated in L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and Water for Injection, USP. 2

From the Research

Patient Information for Pembrolizumab

• Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody used to treat various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
• It works by blocking the interaction between the PD-1 receptor and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which can help to activate the immune system to fight cancer cells 5, 6.
• Pembrolizumab has been shown to be effective in treating patients with advanced NSCLC, including those with poor performance status 3 and those with untreated brain metastases 4.
• The drug can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, and has been shown to improve overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with NSCLC 6, 7.
• Common side effects of pembrolizumab include fatigue, pruritus, and decreased appetite, as well as immune-mediated adverse events such as colitis, pneumonitis, and hypothyroidism 4, 5, 6, 7.

Administration and Dosage

• Pembrolizumab is typically administered intravenously every 3 weeks 3, 5, 6.
• The recommended dose of pembrolizumab is 200 mg every 3 weeks 6.
• Patients with NSCLC who receive pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy may receive a different dose and schedule of chemotherapy 7.

Efficacy and Safety

• Pembrolizumab has been shown to be effective in treating patients with NSCLC, including those with poor performance status and those with untreated brain metastases 3, 4.
• The drug has been shown to improve overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with NSCLC 6, 7.
• Pembrolizumab has a manageable safety profile, with common side effects including fatigue, pruritus, and decreased appetite, as well as immune-mediated adverse events such as colitis, pneumonitis, and hypothyroidism 4, 5, 6, 7.