pembrolizumab + ziv-aflibercept

Pembrolizumab + ziv-aflibercept is an investigational combination therapy consisting of two distinct agents: pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‑1) immune checkpoint, and ziv‑aflibercept, a recombinant fusion protein that acts as a soluble decoy receptor for vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PlGF). Pembrolizumab blocks PD‑1 on T cells to enhance anti-tumor immune responses by preventing tumor-induced T-cell inactivation. Ziv‑aflibercept inhibits angiogenesis by sequestering proangiogenic ligands, thereby reducing neovascularization and vascular permeability within tumors. The rationale for combining these agents is to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors—particularly advanced melanoma—by simultaneously modulating the tumor microenvironment through antiangiogenic effects and enhancing immune activation. This combination has been studied in phase 1B clinical trials for patients with advanced melanoma resistant to prior anti-PD‑1 therapy as well as other solid tumors[1][2][3].

Brand names

KeytrudaZaltrap

Other names

pembrolizumab + ziv-aflibercept