Early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (or stage 1 NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, wherein the tumor spreads to the nodes but not to other organs. To treat it at an early stage, doctors often prescribe KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) by itself or in conjunction with chemotherapy. KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy treatment that works with the immune system to fight certain cancers. Read on to learn more about how this prescription works.

The Spread of NSCLC
The immune system is responsible for making T-cells that detect and fight infections in the body, including tumorous growths. NSCLC cells use the PD pathway to hide from these T-cells, spreading the cancer to the lungs and other organs.

Blocking the PD-1 pathway
KEYTRUDA® blocks the PD-1 pathway, which prevents cancer cells from hiding. This blockage helps the immune system find and fend off cancer cells, slowing their growth and spread in the body.

When is KEYTRUDA® prescribed?
For early-stage lung cancer, KEYTRUDA® may be prescribed in two forms:

As part of a treatment plan before and after surgery-
KEYTRUDA® may be given as a neoadjuvant in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy in early-stage NSCLC before surgery. Once the tumor has been removed, the treatment may continue to prevent it from coming back.

As an adjuvant treatment-
Even after surgical removal, there is a risk of cancer coming back. In the case of stage 1B, 2, or 3A NSCLC, the oncologist could take two approaches to treatment:

• Schedule regular appointments to wait and watch if the cancer returns without any active prevention treatment
• Prescribing KEYTRUDA® as an adjuvant to fight cancer cells that may not have been removed during surgery. Depending on the type and spread of cancer, it may be prescribed as a standalone adjuvant or in combination with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.

In more advanced cases of NSCLC where surgery is not possible, KEYTRUDA® may be prescribed as the first line of treatment. It may be given standalone or with or after chemotherapy.

How is it administered?
Doctors administer the treatment over an intravenous (IV) line at the hospital. A single dose can take about 30 minutes to complete. Depending on the type and spread of cancer and one’s medical history, treatments may be scheduled every three to six weeks. The number of them required can differ from individual to individual.

Other uses of KEYTRUDA®
In addition to early-stage lung cancer, the FDA has also cleared KEYTRUDA® in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, melanoma, head and neck squamous cell cancer, urothelial cancer, cancers that are MSI-H (microsatellite instability-high), colon or rectal cancer, gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma, advanced endometrial carcinoma, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.