Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Gavreto (pralsetinib)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Gavreto (pralsetinib)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which helps the immune system to detect and fight cancer cells, and is used for various types of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. Gavreto (pralsetinib), on the other hand, is a selective RET kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of certain types of thyroid cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that are RET fusion-positive. The choice between Keytruda and Gavreto would largely depend on the specific type of cancer a patient has and its molecular profile, as Gavreto is targeted for cancers with RET alterations, while Keytruda is used for a broader range of cancers where the tumor expresses PD-L1 or has a high mutational burden.
Difference between Keytruda and Gavreto
| Metric | Keytruda (pembrolizumab) | Gavreto (pralsetinib) |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Pembrolizumab | Pralsetinib |
| Indications | Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and others | Advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), advanced or metastatic RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and other types of thyroid cancers |
| Mechanism of action | Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody | RET kinase inhibitor |
| Brand names | Keytruda | Gavreto |
| Administrative route | Injection (intravenous) | Oral |
| Side effects | Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, itching, diarrhea, nausea, rash, fever, cough, dyspnea, constipation, pain, and abdominal pain | Fatigue, constipation, musculoskeletal pain, hypertension, and decreased levels of white blood cells and hemoglobin |
| Contraindications | Severe hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients | Severe hypersensitivity to pralsetinib or any of its excipients |
| Drug class | Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody | Tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Merck & Co. | Blueprint Medicines Corporation in collaboration with Genentech (Roche) |
Efficacy
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Efficacy in Lung Cancer
Keytruda, known generically as pembrolizumab, is a highly effective immunotherapy drug used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including lung cancer. Specifically, it has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the most common type of lung cancer. Pembrolizumab works by targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, 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 clinical trials, Keytruda has demonstrated improved overall survival rates in patients with metastatic NSCLC compared to chemotherapy alone. It has been particularly effective in patients whose tumors express PD-L1 with a proportion score of 1% or more. For these patients, Keytruda has become a first-line treatment option. The drug is also approved for use in combination with other therapies, which can further enhance its efficacy.
Gavreto (Pralsetinib) Efficacy in Lung Cancer
Gavreto, or pralsetinib, is a targeted therapy approved for the treatment of a specific subset of NSCLC patients whose tumors have an alteration in the RET gene, known as RET fusion-positive NSCLC. Pralsetinib is a selective RET kinase inhibitor that blocks the activity of RET fusion proteins, leading to the death of cancer cells. This targeted approach ensures that the drug specifically attacks cancer cells with minimal impact on normal cells, which can reduce side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Clinical studies have shown that Gavreto is effective in shrinking tumors in a significant percentage of patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC. The response to the drug is often rapid and durable, with many patients experiencing a significant reduction in tumor size. Gavreto has been granted accelerated approval by regulatory agencies based on these promising results, providing a new hope for patients with this particular genetic alteration in their tumors. As with all cancer treatments, ongoing studies continue to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Gavreto in lung cancer patients.
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)
Gavreto
-
European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
-
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
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