How long can you live on Pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab also known as Keytruda is used in the treatment of multiple cancers. It is a monoclonal antibody that functions by blocking the PD1 receptors. This blocks the PD1 pathway and thus strengthens the immune system and also signals it to attack the abnormal cells. It works against the following cancers-

• Melanoma

• Urothelial carcinoma

• Non-small cell lung cancer

• Small cell lung cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Endometrial cancer

• Classical Hodgkin lymphoma

• Renal cell carcinoma

• Colon or rectal cancer

Pembrolizumab injection is taken via intravenous route once every 3 or 4 weeks.

Survival rate of Pembrolizumab

Reports have proven that Pembrolizumab injection improves the survival rate of patients. However, this success depends not just on the drug but also on the type of cancer and stage it is in. It also depends on previous medical conditions and other medications taken. A few of the results are-

• In patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the ones using pembrolizumab along with chemotherapy showed a longer survival rate and also shrinking of tumours.

• In melanomas and urothelial cancer, most of the patients showed shrinking of tumour size when using pembrolizumab.

Side effects –

• Lung complications – shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, chills, wheezing.

• Liver complications – yellowing of skin and eyes, dark urine, pain on the right side of the body, nausea, loss of appetite.

• Kidney complications – increased and painful urination, blood in the urine.

• Headaches, irregular heart rate, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and also fluctuations in weight are a few of the very common side effects.

Precautions –

• Pembrolizumab 100mg injection can cause an allergic response in the patient. Redness, rashes, and swelling around the injection site.

• It might interact with other medicines and vitamin supplements and hinder their actions.

• It is advisable to tell your doctor about previous organ or bone marrow transplantation.

• Pembrolizumab can harm the fetus. Hence, it is advisable to avoid pregnancy during the treatment and 4 months after the final dose.

Conclusion

Pembrolizumab is an effective medication for a variety of cancers. Chemotherapy along with pembrolizumab shows an improved life expectancy than when just chemotherapy is done. Pembrolizumab 100mg injection price is high, however, it can be bought from Magicine Pharma at an affordable range.