Is PD1 Inhibitor Pembrolizumab Promising for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab shows promising clinical activity for triple-negative breast cancer

Dr Nanda (Dr Nanda talks to ecancertv at SABCS 2014 about the results of a phase Ib clinical trial which sought to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The drug was shown to be well tolerated and yielded durable responses) talks to ecancertv at SABCS 2014 about the results of a phase Ib clinical trial which sought to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. 

 Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. Pembrolizumab is an IgG4 kappa immunoglobulin with an approximate molecular weight of 149 kDa.

Prior FDA Approval for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab)  

It is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and disease progression following ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. An improvement in survival or disease-related symptoms has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.