Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Retsevmo (selpercatinib)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Retsevmo (selpercatinib)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor, specifically targeting the PD-1 pathway, and is commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer, by enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells. Retsevmo (selpercatinib), on the other hand, is a selective RET kinase inhibitor used for cancers that are RET-driven, such as certain thyroid cancers and non-small cell lung cancer with RET gene alterations. The choice between Keytruda and Retsevmo would depend on the specific genetic makeup of the cancer, as Retsevmo is chosen for RET-positive cancers, while Keytruda is a broader option for cancers with PD-L1 expression or a high mutational burden, among other FDA-approved indications.
Difference between Keytruda and Retsevmo
| Metric | Keytruda (pembrolizumab) | Retsevmo (selpercatinib) |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Pembrolizumab | Selpercatinib |
| Indications | Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and others | RET-altered thyroid cancers and non-small cell lung cancer |
| Mechanism of action | Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody | Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting RET fusions and mutations |
| Brand names | Keytruda | Retsevmo |
| Administrative route | Injection (IV) | Oral |
| Side effects | Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, rash, fever, cough, dyspnea, constipation, pain in extremity, and headache | Increased ALT/AST, increased blood glucose, decreased leukocytes, decreased albumin, decreased calcium, dry mouth, diarrhea, increased creatinine, hypertension, fatigue, edema, rash, and pyrexia |
| Contraindications | Patients with severe hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients | Patients with severe hypersensitivity to selpercatinib or any of its excipients |
| Drug class | Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody | Kinase inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Merck & Co. | Eli Lilly and Company |
Efficacy
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) in Lung Cancer Treatment
Keytruda, also known by its generic name pembrolizumab, is a highly effective immunotherapy drug used in the treatment of certain types of lung cancer. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by targeting the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) pathway, which is a mechanism that tumors use to evade the immune system. By blocking this pathway, Keytruda enables the immune system to better recognize and destroy cancer cells.
In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Keytruda has shown significant efficacy, particularly in patients whose tumors express PD-L1, a protein that indicates the tumor's use of the PD-1 pathway. Studies have demonstrated that Keytruda improves overall survival and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone in these patients. It is approved for use as a first-line treatment in metastatic NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression and as a combination therapy with chemotherapy irrespective of PD-L1 status.
Retsevmo (Selpercatinib) in Lung Cancer Treatment
Retsevmo, with the generic name selpercatinib, is a newer targeted therapy approved for the treatment of lung cancer. It is specifically designed for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that harbors RET (rearranged during transfection) gene alterations. These alterations are present in a small percentage of NSCLC patients and drive tumor growth. Selpercatinib is a RET inhibitor that blocks the activity of the RET protein, thereby inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Clinical trials have shown that Retsevmo is highly effective in patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC, leading to substantial response rates and durable responses. The drug has been granted accelerated approval based on these results, providing a new treatment option for patients with this specific genetic profile. Ongoing studies continue to evaluate the long-term benefits and potential for Retsevmo to become a standard treatment for RET-altered lung cancers.
Regulatory Agency Approvals
Keytruda
-
European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
-
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
-
Health Canada
-
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
-
Medsafe (NZ)
Retsevmo
-
European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
-
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Access Keytruda or Retsevmo today
If Keytruda or Retsevmo are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.
How it works
Make an enquiry
Choose the medicine you want to buy, answer a couple of questions, and upload your prescription to speed things up. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Make an enquiry
Choose the medicine you want to buy, answer a couple of questions, and upload your prescription to speed things up. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Breeze through the paperwork
We'll guide you through the required documents for importing unapproved medicine, ensuring you have all the necessary information.
Get a personalized quote
We’ll prepare a quote for you, including medicine costs and any shipping, administrative, or import fees that may apply.
Receive your medicine
Accept the quote and we’ll handle the rest - sourcing and safely delivering your medicine.
Some text on this page has been automatically generated. Speak to your physician before you start a new treatment or medication.
Let's talk
If you have any questions, call us or send us a message through WhatsApp or email:
Contact us