pembrolizumab + anlotinib

A combination therapy consisting of the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab and the multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib. Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), thereby enhancing T-cell mediated anti-tumor immune responses. Anlotinib is a small molecule inhibitor that targets multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1-3), fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1-4), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRα/β), and c-Kit, primarily acting as an anti-angiogenic agent. This combination is being investigated by The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University for the treatment of recurrent or refractory high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), aiming to leverage the synergistic effects of anti-angiogenesis and immune checkpoint blockade to overcome resistance in platinum-resistant or refractory patients. Early trial results presented at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting showed promising efficacy with a median progression-free survival of 13.0 months and an objective response rate of 33.3% in this patient population.

Brand names

Keytruda

Other names

pembrolizumab plus anlotinib