Pembrolizumab

Definition

Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, specifically targeting the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor. It is used in the treatment of various types of cancer by enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pembrolizumab is approved for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and more.
2. By blocking the PD-1 receptor, pembrolizumab prevents the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), which are often overexpressed on cancer cells, allowing T cells to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
3. Pembrolizumab is administered intravenously and is typically given every 3 or 6 weeks, depending on the specific cancer type and treatment regimen.
4. Pembrolizumab can cause immune-related adverse events, such as inflammation of the lungs, colon, liver, or endocrine glands, which require prompt recognition and management.
5. Pembrolizumab has demonstrated improved overall survival and progression-free survival in various cancer types compared to traditional chemotherapy or targeted therapies.

Review Questions

• Explain how pembrolizumab, as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, works to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells.
  • Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the PD-1 receptor, which is expressed on the surface of T cells. When PD-1 binds to its ligands, PD-L1 or PD-L2, often overexpressed on cancer cells, it can inhibit the T cell's ability to recognize and attack the cancer cells. By blocking the PD-1 receptor, pembrolizumab prevents this interaction, allowing the T cells to mount a more effective immune response against the cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
• Describe the role of pembrolizumab in the context of the different phases of cancer therapy, particularly in relation to biologic response modifiers.
  • Pembrolizumab, as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is considered a biologic response modifier. It is used in the treatment of various types of cancer, often in the later phases of cancer therapy, such as the maintenance or consolidation phases. By enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells, pembrolizumab can help to prolong remission, improve overall survival, and potentially prevent or delay disease progression, making it a valuable addition to the cancer treatment arsenal alongside traditional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation.
• Analyze the potential impact of pembrolizumab on the future of cancer treatment, particularly in the context of the evolving field of cancer immunotherapy.
  • Pembrolizumab and other immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the field of cancer treatment by harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer. As a part of the growing field of cancer immunotherapy, pembrolizumab represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the complex interplay between cancer cells and the immune system. The success of pembrolizumab and other similar drugs has paved the way for further research and development in this area, potentially leading to the discovery of even more effective and targeted immunotherapies. This shift towards personalized, immune-based cancer treatments holds the promise of improved patient outcomes, reduced side effects, and a more holistic approach to cancer management, ultimately transforming the landscape of cancer care in the years to come.

Related terms

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A class of cancer immunotherapy drugs that work by blocking immune checkpoint proteins, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells.

PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death-1): An immune checkpoint protein expressed on the surface of T cells that, when activated, can inhibit the immune response against cancer cells.

Cancer Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to recognize, target, and destroy cancer cells.