pembrolizumab + gemcitabine

Pembrolizumab + gemcitabine is an investigational combination cancer therapy being developed by Merck (MSD) in collaboration with NYU Langone Health. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that acts as an immune checkpoint inhibitor by targeting the Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on T-cells. By blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), it restores the ability of T-lymphocytes to recognize and attack tumor cells. Gemcitabine is a small molecule nucleoside analog that functions as an antimetabolite; it is incorporated into DNA during synthesis and inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, leading to cancer cell death. The combination is hypothesized to be synergistic, as gemcitabine-induced tumor cell death may release antigens that enhance the immune response mediated by pembrolizumab. This regimen is administered intravenously and is currently being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials for several indications, including non-small cell lung carcinoma, muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Brand names

KeytrudaGemzar

Other names

pembrolizumab plus gemcitabine