Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Truxima (rituximab)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Truxima (rituximab)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by blocking the PD-1 protein on cells, which can help the immune system to detect and fight cancer cells, and is commonly used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. Truxima (rituximab), on the other hand, is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein found on the surface of B cells, and is used to treat conditions like non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and rheumatoid arthritis. When deciding between Keytruda and Truxima, it is crucial to consider the specific type of cancer or condition being treated, as each medication is approved for different indications and works through distinct mechanisms of action.
Difference between Keytruda and Truxima
| Metric | Keytruda (pembrolizumab) | Truxima (rituximab) |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Pembrolizumab | Rituximab |
| Indications | Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and others | Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis |
| Mechanism of action | Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody | CD20-directed cytolytic antibody |
| Brand names | Keytruda | Truxima |
| Administrative route | Intravenous infusion | Intravenous infusion |
| Side effects | Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, rash, pyrexia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, pain in extremity, and headache | Infusion reactions, fever, lymphopenia, chills, infection, weakness, nausea, headache, diarrhea, muscle spasm, anemia, and peripheral edema |
| Contraindications | Hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients | Hypersensitivity to rituximab or any of its components, or to murine proteins |
| Drug class | Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody | Monoclonal antibody |
| Manufacturer | Merck & Co. | Celltrion Healthcare |
Efficacy
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Efficacy in Lymphoma
Keytruda, known generically as pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that has shown efficacy in treating various types of cancer, including lymphoma. Specifically, it is used to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after failure of other treatments. Pembrolizumab works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which cancer cells often exploit to evade the immune system. By inhibiting this pathway, Keytruda helps the immune system to detect and fight cancer cells more effectively.
In clinical trials, pembrolizumab has demonstrated significant efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The response rates in these studies have been encouraging, with a proportion of patients achieving complete remission. However, the efficacy can vary based on previous treatments and the extent of the disease. Keytruda has been granted approval by regulatory agencies for this indication, reflecting its benefit in this hard-to-treat lymphoma.
Truxima (Rituximab) Efficacy in Lymphoma
Truxima, a biosimilar to the original rituximab, is another monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of lymphoma. Rituximab targets the CD20 antigen on B cells, which is commonly expressed in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and some types of Hodgkin lymphoma. By binding to CD20, Truxima helps the immune system to destroy these malignant B cells. It is used for various subtypes of NHL, including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, often in combination with chemotherapy.
The efficacy of rituximab, and by extension Truxima, has been well established through numerous clinical trials and extensive clinical experience. It has been shown to improve survival rates when used as a first-line treatment and also has a role in maintenance therapy for certain types of NHL. Truxima provides a more cost-effective alternative to the original rituximab while maintaining similar efficacy and safety profiles, making it a valuable option in the management of lymphoma.
Regulatory Agency Approvals
Keytruda
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European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
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Health Canada
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Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
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Medsafe (NZ)
Truxima
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European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
-
Health Canada
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Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
-
Medsafe (NZ)
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