Cancer medicines

Pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab

An immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1.

Sources checked · Introductory guide

On this page

How it works

Blocks PD-1 signaling to help immune cells attack cancer.[1]

Where it is used

Used across cancers, with eligibility depending on type, stage, biomarkers and combination medicines.[1]

Key safety points

Immune reactions can inflame organs. Report new breathlessness, severe diarrhea, jaundice or marked fatigue promptly.[2]

Questions for your care team

  • Which biomarkers matter for me and which immune symptoms should I report?

Sources and scope

Source documents are in English.

  1. NCI · Pembrolizumab (opens in a new tab)
  2. MedlinePlus · Pembrolizumab (opens in a new tab)

General information based on official public sources. This is not a complete list of uses or side effects. Individual treatment decisions require your care team and current source documents. US-source uses do not establish local approval or reimbursement.

Related entries

Pembrolizumab | Cancer Encyclopedia | My Chemo Diary