If you’re looking to learn more about PD-L1 (Programmed Death Ligand 1) biomarker testing or determine if KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) is a treatment option for a patient, this site has information that could be useful to you.
PD-1 is an immune-checkpoint receptor that limits the activity of T lymphocytes in peripheral tissues. The PD-1 pathway is an immune control checkpoint that may be engaged by tumour cells to inhibit active T-cell immune surveillance. KEYTRUDA® is a high affinity antibody against PD-1, which exerts dual ligand blockade of the PD-1 pathway, including PD-L1 and PD-L2, on antigen presenting or tumour cells. By inhibiting the PD-1 receptor from binding to its ligands, KEYTRUDA® reactivates tumour-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumour microenvironment.1
Test PD-L1 expression in the following indications1
KEYTRUDA® is indicated for:
NSCLC (non-small cell lung carcinoma)
HNSCC (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma)
TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer)
Cervical cancer
Gastric Cancer or Gastroesophageal Junction (GEJ) Adenocarcinoma
1L=first-line; EGFR=epidermal growth factor receptor; ALK=anaplastic lymphoma kinase; HER2= human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
*Clinical significance is unknown
References:
cHL (classical Hodgkin Lymphoma)
PMBCL (primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma)
UC (urothelial carcinoma)
HNSCC (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma)
TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer)
NSCLC (non-small cell lung carcinoma)
UC (urothelial carcinoma)
Cervical cancer
Melanoma
RCC (renal cell carcinoma)
CRC (colorectal cancer)
Endometrial carcinoma
Esophageal Cancer
Gastric Cancer or Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) Adenocarcinoma
MSI-H (microsatellite instability-high cancer)
Biliary Tract Cancer
The safety and efficacy of KEYTRUDA® has not been established for pediatric patients with conditions other than relapsed or refractory cHL, relapsed or refractory PMBCL, or melanoma (Stage IIB or IIC).
No overall differences in safety or efficacy were reported between elderly patients (65 years and over) and younger patients (less than 65 years) for pembrolizumab monotherapy. No overall differences in efficacy were reported between elderly patients (65 years and over) and younger patients (less than 65 years) for pembrolizumab combination therapy. Limited safety and efficacy information is available for Keytruda in cHL ≥ 65 years of age (n=20).
Please consult the Product Monograph at www.merck.ca/static/pdf/KEYTRUDA-PM_E.pdf for important information regarding adverse reactions, drug interactions, and dosing information which have not been discussed in this piece. The Product Monograph is also available by calling us at 1-800-567-2594 or by email at medinfocanada@merck.com.
BRAF=B-raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase; HER2= human epidermal growth factor receptor 2