Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines the lungs and chest wall. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and has a very poor prognosis. Until recently, there were few treatment options available for mesothelioma patients, and the standard of care had not changed in decades. However, there is now hope for those suffering from pleural mesothelioma, thanks to the skin cancer drug Keytruda.
What is Keytruda?
Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a drug that is used to treat advanced melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It works by blocking a protein called PD-1, which helps cancer cells evade the immune system. By blocking PD-1, Keytruda allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Since its approval by the FDA in 2014, Keytruda has been approved for use in a range of other cancers, including lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and bladder cancer.
How Does Keytruda Work?
Keytruda is an immunotherapy drug that works by blocking a protein called PD-1. PD-1 is a checkpoint inhibitor that helps cancer cells evade the immune system. By blocking PD-1, Keytruda allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This can help shrink tumors and slow their growth. Keytruda is administered intravenously every three weeks.
What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the 1970s. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. The disease is rare, with around 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year.
Keytruda Shows Promise for Treating Pleural Mesothelioma
Although Keytruda was developed as a treatment for skin cancer, it is now showing promise in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. In a recent clinical trial, Keytruda was found to be effective in shrinking tumors and improving survival rates in patients with mesothelioma.
The Clinical Trial
The clinical trial involved 25 patients with pleural mesothelioma who had previously received chemotherapy. The patients were given Keytruda every three weeks. The results of the trial were encouraging, with 44% of patients experiencing tumor shrinkage and 76% showing disease control. The median progression-free survival was 6.2 months, and the median overall survival was 10.7 months.
Why is Keytruda Effective?
Keytruda is effective in treating mesothelioma because it targets a protein called PD-L1 that is found on mesothelioma cells. PD-L1 helps mesothelioma cells evade the immune system, allowing them to grow and spread. By blocking PD-L1, Keytruda makes it easier for the immune system to recognize and attack mesothelioma cells, which can lead to tumor shrinkage and improved survival rates.
Keytruda for Mesothelioma: What You Need to Know
| Drug Name | Keytruda |
| Manufacturer | Merck & Co |
| Drug Class | PD-1 inhibitor |
| Indications | Advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer, and now pleural mesothelioma |
| Dosage | 200mg intravenously every three weeks |
| Side Effects | Fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, and loss of appetite. More serious side effects can include immune-related side effects such as pneumonitis, colitis, and hepatitis. |
| Cost | Approximately $12,000 per treatment |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of Keytruda for mesothelioma?
The success rate of Keytruda for mesothelioma varies depending on the stage of the disease and other factors. In the recent clinical trial, 44% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage and 76% showed disease control.
What are the side effects of Keytruda?
The most common side effects of Keytruda include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, and loss of appetite. More serious side effects can include immune-related side effects such as pneumonitis, colitis, and hepatitis.
How is Keytruda administered?
Keytruda is administered intravenously every three weeks.
Is Keytruda covered by insurance?
Keytruda is often covered by insurance, but coverage may vary depending on the specific plan and the patient’s individual circumstances.
What is the cost of Keytruda?
Keytruda can cost approximately $12,000 per treatment. However, the cost may vary depending on the specific dosage and the patient’s insurance coverage.
Can Keytruda cure mesothelioma?
Keytruda is not a cure for mesothelioma, but it can help shrink tumors and improve survival rates in some patients.
Does Keytruda have any drug interactions?
Keytruda may interact with other drugs, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbs that you are taking.
How long does Keytruda treatment last?
The length of Keytruda treatment may vary depending on the patient’s individual circumstances. In general, treatment is continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Who is eligible for Keytruda treatment?
Keytruda treatment is typically reserved for patients with advanced mesothelioma who have exhausted other treatment options.
How long does it take for Keytruda to work?
The length of time it takes for Keytruda to work varies depending on the patient’s individual circumstances. In some patients, tumor shrinkage can be seen within weeks of starting treatment.
Does Keytruda have any long-term side effects?
The long-term side effects of Keytruda are not yet known, as the drug is still relatively new. However, studies have shown that some patients may experience immune-related side effects that can persist long after treatment has ended.
What is the cost of mesothelioma treatment with Keytruda?
The cost of mesothelioma treatment with Keytruda can vary depending on the specific dosage and the patient’s insurance coverage. However, it can be expensive, with each treatment costing approximately $12,000.
Are there any alternative treatments for mesothelioma?
There are several alternative treatments for mesothelioma, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, Keytruda is currently the only immunotherapy drug approved for use in mesothelioma.
Can Keytruda be used in combination with other treatments?
Keytruda can be used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, the specific course of treatment will vary depending on the patient’s individual circumstances.
Conclusion
For years, mesothelioma patients have had few treatment options and little hope for a cure. However, the recent success of Keytruda in treating pleural mesothelioma is a promising development. While Keytruda is not a cure for mesothelioma, it can help shrink tumors and improve survival rates in some patients. As research into immunotherapy continues, there is hope that even more effective treatments will be developed in the future.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to talk to your doctor about all available treatment options, including Keytruda. With the right treatment, it is possible to improve quality of life and extend survival.
Closing and Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The information contained herein is based on current medical research and is subject to change as new information becomes available. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
