Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response.

Keytruda is specifically indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and disease progression following ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor.

Keytruda is supplied as a solution for intravenous infusion. The recommended dose is 2 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Adverse effects associated with the use of Keytruda may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• fatigue
• cough
• nausea
• pruritus
• rash
• decreased appetite
• constipation
• arthralgia
• diarrhea