carboplatin + paclitaxel + pemetrexed + pembrolizumab

This combination regimen consists of reduced-dose chemotherapy (carboplatin and either paclitaxel or pemetrexed) and the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab. It is being evaluated by Virginia Commonwealth University as a first-line treatment for vulnerable or older adults (aged 70 and older) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) of less than 50%. The regimen aims to maintain efficacy while reducing the frequency of adverse events that lead to chemotherapy discontinuation in this specific patient population. Pembrolizumab works by blocking the PD-1 receptor on T cells to restore anti-tumor immunity, while the chemotherapy components act as cytotoxic agents to inhibit cell division and induce apoptosis. Specifically, the trial utilizes reduced doses such as carboplatin AUC 3, paclitaxel 135 mg/m2, and pemetrexed 375 mg/m2.

Brand names

Keytruda

Other names

Reduced dose chemotherapy + pembrolizumabReduced dose chemotherapy + KeytrudaReduced Dose of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy