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PD-1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor

Pembrolizumab

Brand names: Keytruda

Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibody used as an anticancer agent in urothelial carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It blocks the PD-1 receptor, preventing PD-L1/PD-L2 binding and restoring T-cell-mediated immune activity against tumour cells.

Prescribing in practice

  • It can cause immune-related adverse events in any organ system (including colitis, pneumonitis, hepatitis, nephritis and endocrinopathies) that may be severe and require prompt corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Severe infusion-related reactions can occur and require appropriate monitoring and management.
  • Endocrinopathies may be irreversible and present non-specifically; manage in line with the SPC and local immunotherapy protocols.

Monitoring

Monitor liver, renal, thyroid and other endocrine function, blood glucose and clinical symptoms before each dose and throughout treatment for immune-related toxicity.

Counselling the patient

  • Report new or worsening symptoms promptly, including diarrhoea, breathlessness, rash, severe tiredness or unusual thirst.
  • Carry an alert card indicating you are receiving immunotherapy.
  • Side effects can occur after treatment ends, so keep reporting new symptoms.

Evidence & guidelines

Pembrolizumab is supported by randomised trial evidence in urothelial and renal cell carcinoma and is recommended within NICE guidance for specified indications.

Reference: NICE TA644 (Pembrolizumab for urothelial carcinoma); KEYNOTE-052; KEYNOTE-045; EAU Bladder Cancer Guidelines 2024; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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