pembrolizumab + radiotherapy

This investigational combination therapy regimen consists of the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab administered in conjunction with fractionated external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Pembrolizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, preventing its interaction with ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. This blockade releases PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, reactivating the body's anti-tumor T-cell activity. In this specific regimen, radiotherapy is utilized not only for its direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells via DNA damage but also to potentially induce immunogenic cell death and an 'abscopal effect,' where localized radiation triggers a systemic immune response that synergizes with the checkpoint inhibitor. This combination is being evaluated by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Brand names

Keytruda

Other names

pembrolizumab and fractionated external beam radiotherapypembrolizumab + EBRT