Keytruda is an immunotherapy medication that reboots the immune system to identify and kill cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, this monoclonal antibody blocks the PD-1 pathway, preventing tumors from hiding and allowing T cells to naturally destroy advanced cancers like melanoma or lung carcinoma.
- Mechanism of action: It blocks PD-1 receptors so T cells can recognize and attack cancerous tumors.
- Treatment frequency: Administered via intravenous infusion every 3 or 6 weeks in clinical settings.
- Targeted cancers: Effectively treats melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and MSI-H positive solid tumors.
- Side effects: Potential immune-mediated inflammation affecting organs like the lungs, colon, or liver.
Bookimed Expert Insight: India has become a global hub for Keytruda due to high-volume expertise at centers like HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, where teams have performed over 50,000 surgeries. While US infusions average $21,500, Indian clinics offer the same immunotherapy starting at Price on request
, saving patients up to _price_percent_discount_%.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that immunotherapy feels different from chemotherapy because it revs up immunity rather than poisoning cells. many report that monitoring biomarkers like PD-L1 was crucial for predicting their individual success with the drug.