Pembrolizumab (2 brand names, 2 dosage forms, 2 routes)
Available dosage forms: INJECTABLE, SOLUTION.
Routes of administration: INJECTION, INTRAVENOUS.
Brand Names
- KEYTRUDA
- KEYTRUDA QLEX
Contraindications
None.
Adverse Reactions
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling. Severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Mechanism of Action
Binding of the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, to the PD-1 receptor found on T cells, inhibits T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Upregulation of PD-1 ligands occurs in some tumors and signaling through this pathway can contribute to inhibition of active T-cell immune surveillance of tumors. Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, combination treatment of a PD-1 blocking antibody and kinase inhibitor lenvatinib decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and reduced tumor growth compared to either treatment alone.