What is Keytruda?
Keytruda, scientifically known as pembrolizumab, is an immunotherapy drug. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, Keytruda boosts the immune system so that the body can fight cancer naturally.
- Drug Class: PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) inhibitor
- Route: Intravenous injection
- First Approved: 2014 by the U.S. FDA
According to Keytruda’s official website, this medicine is now approved in more than 85 countries.
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Keytruda Company & Development
Keytruda is developed and marketed by Merck & Co., Inc., a global pharmaceutical leader. Merck is known for producing innovative cancer treatments and investing heavily in research.
- Brand Name: Keytruda
- Generic Name: Pembrolizumab
- Manufacturer: Merck & Co. (MSD outside the USA)
What Types of Cancer Does Keytruda Treat?
One of the biggest questions is: What kind of cancer does Keytruda treat? Currently, it is approved for multiple cancers, including:
Lung Cancer
Keytruda is commonly prescribed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), often in combination with chemotherapy.
Melanoma
It has shown great results in treating advanced melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
Head and Neck Cancer
Doctors use Keytruda to treat recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Other Approved Cancers
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney cancer
How Keytruda Works in the Body?
Our immune system has “checkpoints” to prevent it from attacking healthy cells. Cancer cells exploit these checkpoints to hide.
Keytruda blocks the PD-1 pathway, which allows immune cells (T-cells) to recognize and kill cancer cells effectively.
Keytruda Uses in Cancer Treatment
Doctors recommend Keytruda for:
- First-line cancer treatment
- Cases where chemotherapy failed
- Preventing cancer recurrence
- Boosting survival rates in advanced cancer
Keytruda Dosage and Administration
Standard Dosage Forms
- Given through IV infusion every 3 to 6 weeks
- Common dosage: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks
How Doctors Decide Dosage
The dose depends on:
- Type of cancer
- Patient’s weight and health
- Previous treatments
Keytruda Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Cough
Serious Risks & Warnings
- Lung inflammation
- Liver damage
- Kidney issues
- Hormonal imbalances
If any severe side effects appear, doctors may pause or stop treatment.
Signs That Keytruda is Working
Patients and doctors can track Keytruda’s success by:
- Shrinking of tumors in scans
- Improved breathing and energy
- Longer survival times
- Blood test improvements
Keytruda Cost & Price Details
Keytruda Cost in India
The cost per vial in India ranges between ₹2,80,000 to ₹3,50,000, depending on the hospital and availability.
Keytruda Cost in Australia
In Australia, a dose can cost AUD $6,000 – $8,000, though government subsidies may reduce expenses.
Global Price Range
- USA: $10,000 – $13,000 per month
- Europe: €7,000 – €9,000 per month
Is Keytruda Expensive?
Yes, Keytruda is considered expensive worldwide. Its high price is due to research, manufacturing, and its role as a life-saving immunotherapy.
What is the Success Rate of Keytruda?
Success rates vary depending on cancer type:
- Melanoma: up to 40% long-term survival
- Lung Cancer: improves survival by 20–30% compared to chemo
- Other cancers: depends on stage and patient health
Patient Experiences & Case Studies
Real patients often report:
- Slower cancer progression
- Better quality of life
- Hope after failed chemo
Keytruda Warnings & Precautions
- Not suitable for patients with severe autoimmune disorders
- Should be used carefully during pregnancy
- Requires regular liver, kidney, and thyroid function tests
Keytruda vs Other Cancer Treatments
Compared to chemotherapy:
- Fewer side effects
- Works with the immune system
- More effective in certain cancers
However, it doesn’t work for everyone, which is why genetic testing is often done before starting therapy.
Future of Keytruda in Oncology
Researchers are testing Keytruda for:
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
The future looks promising, with clinical trials expanding rapidly.
FAQs
1. What kind of cancer does Keytruda treat?
Keytruda treats multiple cancers, including lung, melanoma, head and neck, bladder, liver, and stomach cancers.
2. Is Keytruda expensive?
Yes, it’s costly, with prices ranging from $6,000 to $13,000 per month depending on the country.
3. What is the success rate of Keytruda?
Success varies: about 40% survival for melanoma patients and 20–30% improvement for lung cancer.
4. How much does Keytruda cost in India?
In India, Keytruda costs between ₹2,80,000 to ₹3,50,000 per dose.
5. How much does Keytruda cost in Australia?
A dose costs around AUD $6,000 – $8,000, but government health schemes reduce costs.
6. What are the side effects of Keytruda?
Common effects include fatigue, fever, nausea, while serious risks involve lung, kidney, and liver issues.
Conclusion
As someone who has been researching and writing in the health sector for three years, I can confidently say that Keytruda is a revolutionary treatment in oncology. It offers hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers, though its high cost and side effects can be challenging.
