What is Keytruda?

Keytruda is an immunotherapy treatment that works by harnessing the power of the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs called checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs block proteins called checkpoints that cancer cells use to avoid detection by the immune system. By blocking these checkpoints, Keytruda enables the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Keytruda Mechanism of Action

Keytruda works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which is found on certain immune cells called T cells. When cancer cells are present in the body, they can produce a protein called PD-L1, which binds to the PD-1 protein on T cells and inhibits their ability to attack the cancer cells. By blocking the PD-1 protein, Keytruda prevents the cancer cells from hiding and allows your T cells to attack cancer cells. 

Immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda are specifically developed to give the immune system a heads-up about those mutated cells, enabling it to track them down and eliminate them.

What is Keytruda Used for?

Keytruda is used to treat various types of cancer. The FDA has approved it for the following types of cancer:

• Melanoma
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Urothelial carcinoma
• Microsatellite instability-high cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Merkel cell carcinoma
• Renal cell carcinoma

Keytruda Treatment

Keytruda is typically administered through an intravenous infusion (IV). The dosage and time of treatment depend on the type of cancer being treated, the aggressiveness of the cancer and the oncologist’s recommendation. Keytruda is usually given every three weeks for up to two years, but the duration of treatment may vary depending on the patient’s response to the medication.

Keytruda Side Effects

Like all medications, Keytruda can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Keytruda include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Skin rash
• Itching
• Joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cough

Less common side effects of Keytruda include:

• Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs)
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid function)
• Type 1 diabetes
• Infusion reactions

It is important to notify your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects while taking Keytruda. In some cases, treatment may need to be stopped or adjusted to manage side effects.

Keytruda Cost

The cost of Keytruda can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated, your insurance, and the availability of financial support. However, the cost of treatment can be expensive, with a single dose costing several thousand dollars. The cost of each prescribed dose of Keytruda is $10,897.12 when administered every 3 weeks, while it is $21,794.24 when given every 6 weeks according to the cost listed by the drug’s manufacturer, Merck, in May 2023. 

To help patients access Keytruda, Merck offers a patient assistance program. The program provides financial assistance to eligible patients who meet certain criteria, such as having a low income or lack of insurance coverage. In addition, some insurance companies may cover the cost of Keytruda, depending on the patient’s policy.

MORE What Benefits are Available For Cancer Patients? 

Signs that Keytruda is Working

Keytruda has shown promising results in clinical trials, but its effectiveness can vary among patients. It is important for patients to recognize the signs that Keytruda is working to ensure they receive the maximum benefit from the treatment. For example, in a clinical trial called KEYNOTE-024, Keytruda demonstrated improved overall survival and reduced disease progression in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Being aware of these signs and staying informed about clinical trials can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.

Here are some of the signs that Keytruda is working:

Tumor shrinkage:

According to clinical trials and studies, one of the most noticeable signs that Keytruda is working is tumor shrinkage. Keytruda has demonstrated the ability to reduce the size of tumors in a significant number of patients, sometimes within a few weeks of initiating treatment. This positive outcome can be observed through imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs. If your doctor detects a decrease in the size of your tumor, it may indicate that Keytruda is effectively working for you.

Improved symptoms:

Keytruda can also lead to the improvement of cancer-related symptoms. For instance, individuals with lung cancer may experience difficulties in breathing, persistent coughing, and chest pain. If you notice a reduction or alleviation of these symptoms after initiating Keytruda treatment, it may indicate that the medication is effectively working for you.

Stable disease:

In some cases, Keytruda may not cause tumors to shrink, but it can prevent them from growing further, leading to a state called stable disease. If your tumor size remains unchanged after commencing Keytruda treatment, it suggests that the medication is effectively working to inhibit further tumor growth.

Increased immune activity:

Keytruda’s mechanism of action involves stimulating the immune system to target and attack cancer cells. A sign that the medication is working is increased immune activity, which can be measured through blood tests that assess the levels of immune cells and proteins in the body. If your doctor observes heightened immune activity following the initiation of Keytruda treatment, it may indicate that the medication is effectively working for you.

Prolonged survival:

A significant goal of cancer treatment is to extend survival. Keytruda has demonstrated the ability to improve survival rates in specific cancer types in clinical trials. If your survival rate increases following the commencement of Keytruda treatment, it suggests that the medication is effectively working for you. When reviewing clinical trials, it’s important to evaluable the study’s sponsers and investigators. 

Keytruda Success Rate

In the treatment of metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Keytruda in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy has shown promising results. Data from the KEYNOTE-189 trial revealed a significant five-year overall survival rate of 19.4% for Keytruda combination therapy, compared to 11.3% for chemotherapy alone, reducing the risk of death by 40%. 

Similarly, in the KEYNOTE-407 trial, Keytruda combined with carboplatin-paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel resulted in a five-year overall survival rate of 18.4%, compared to 9.7% for chemotherapy alone, reducing the risk of death by 29%. It is important to consult with your doctor to discuss the success rates of Keytruda in your specific case. Keytruda has also demonstrated significant long-term survival benefits in bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma. These encouraging findings highlight the potential of Keytruda as an effective treatment option for metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC.

Final Words about Keytruda

Keytruda offers hope and promising outcomes in the field of cancer treatment. With its innovative immunotherapy approach, Keytruda has demonstrated remarkable potential in fighting various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and more. The impressive survival rates, tumor shrinkage, improved symptoms, and increased immune activity observed in clinical trials are encouraging.

While Keytruda may not be suitable for everyone, its success stories and positive results highlight significant advancements in cancer care. It is important to engage in open discussions with your healthcare provider to determine if Keytruda is the right treatment option for you or your loved one.

As ongoing research and advancements in cancer immunotherapy continue, the future holds promise. Keytruda is at the forefront, leading the way toward improved treatment options, increased survival rates, and enhanced quality of life for cancer patients. Together, with the support of dedicated medical professionals, researchers, and the unwavering spirit of patients, we move forward with hope, determination, and a shared vision of overcoming cancer.