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Clinical and Translational Oncology

24-04-2024 | Hodgkin Lymphoma | REVIEW ARTICLE

Recent updates in the therapeutic uses of Pembrolizumab: a brief narrative review

Authors: Vítor Silva, Cristiano Matos

Published in: Clinical and Translational Oncology

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Abstract

Introduction

Treatment of cancer has been improved with the discovery of biological drugs that act as immune checkpoint inhibitors. In 2017, FDA designated pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor employed in immunotherapy, as the first tissue-agnostic cancer treatment.

Objectives

To review pembrolizumab's use in oncology, gather and examine the latest discoveries regarding the effectiveness of pembrolizumab in cancer treatment.

Methodology

A literature review was conducted through PubMed(Medline) from January 2015 to December 2023 using "pembrolizumab", "cancer" and "treatment" as search terms.

Results

Pembrolizumab demonstrated effectiveness as primary treatment for metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer, unresectable esophageal cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and alternative treatment for notable triple-negative breast cancer, biliary, colorectal, endometrial, renal cell, cervical carcinoma, and high microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiencies tumors. Pediatric applications include treatment for refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusion

Evolving research on pembrolizumab allows a deeper clinical understanding, despite challenges as variable patient responses. Pembrolizumab has emerged as a pivotal breakthrough in cancer treatment, improving patient outcomes and safety.
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Metadata
Title
Recent updates in the therapeutic uses of Pembrolizumab: a brief narrative review
Authors
Vítor Silva
Cristiano Matos
Publication date
24-04-2024
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Clinical and Translational Oncology
Print ISSN: 1699-048X
Electronic ISSN: 1699-3055
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-024-03491-8
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