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ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS › MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND ANTIBODY DRUG CONJUGATES › PD-1/PD-L1 (Programmed cell death protein 1/death ligand 1) inhibitors
pembrolizumab
L01FF02
Forms & Strengths
- Injection: 25mg/mL
- Injection: 100mg/4mL
Adult Dosing
- Advanced melanoma: 200mg IV q3w
- Advanced NSCLC: 200mg IV q3w
- Head and neck cancer: 200mg IV q3w
- Urothelial carcinoma: 200mg IV q3w
Pediatric Dosing
- Not established for patients <18 years
- Clinical trials ongoing to assess safety and efficacy
Indications
- Advanced melanoma
- Metastatic NSCLC with PD-L1 expression
- Recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer
- Locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma
- Advanced renal cell carcinoma
Mechanism of Action
- Selective humanized monoclonal antibody
- Blocks interaction between PD-1 and its ligands
- Enhances T-cell activation and proliferation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab
- No absolute contraindications in pregnancy and lactation, but use with caution
Adverse Reactions
- Fatigue
- Pruritus
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Pneumonitis
- Colitis
- Hepatitis
- Nephritis
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants may decrease efficacy
- Concomitant use with other immunomodulatory agents not established
- Potential increased risk of adverse reactions with concurrent chemotherapy or radiation
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use