Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy drug given by IV infusion that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, meaning it blocks a protein cancer cells use to hide from immune attack. In mesothelioma, it is used in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment and may also be considered after other treatments have stopped working.

Origin

Developed by Merck & Co. and first approved by the FDA in 2014 for melanoma, pembrolizumab was a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. The "-mab" suffix denotes a monoclonal antibody, and "-lizu-" indicates it is humanized. Its role in mesothelioma expanded significantly after the 2023 KEYNOTE-483/IND.227 trial showed a survival benefit when added to chemotherapy.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For patients with pleural mesothelioma, pembrolizumab combined with cisplatin or carboplatin plus pemetrexed is now a recognized first-line treatment option, based on trial data showing improved overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone. It offers an alternative to the ipilimumab/nivolumab dual-immunotherapy regimen, and the choice between regimens depends on tumor histology (epithelioid vs. non-epithelioid), patient health, and oncologist judgment. Records of which treatments were tried, the response, and any side effects can be important to a legal claim because they document the medical course, costs, and impact on quality of life caused by the asbestos-related cancer.

Example Sentence

After her epithelioid mesothelioma diagnosis, the oncologist discussed adding pembrolizumab to her chemotherapy regimen based on recent trial results showing longer survival.

Related Terms

Mesothelioma, Immunotherapy, Checkpoint Inhibitor, Nivolumab, Pemetrexed, Monoclonal Antibody

Notes

• Ask your oncologist whether pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy is appropriate for your tumor type. Recent guidelines (NCCN) support it as a first-line option for unresectable pleural mesothelioma.
• Report new symptoms promptly: pembrolizumab can cause immune-related side effects affecting the lungs (pneumonitis), colon, liver, thyroid, and skin, which need early treatment with steroids.
• Keep copies of infusion records, drug names, dosing schedules, scan reports, and side-effect documentation. These support both your medical care and any legal claim for treatment costs and damages.
• Ask about clinical trials combining pembrolizumab with other agents; major mesothelioma centers often have trials not available elsewhere.