Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd)

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and is primarily used to treat various types of cancer by enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells. Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd) is a biosimilar to the original bevacizumab (Avastin) and works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby preventing the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors. The choice between Keytruda and Vegzelma would depend on the type and stage of cancer, the specific molecular characteristics of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and previous treatments, as each medication has different indications and mechanisms of action.

Difference between Keytruda and Vegzelma

Metric	Keytruda (pembrolizumab)	Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd)
Generic name	Pembrolizumab	Bevacizumab-adcd
Indications	Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and others	Metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and others
Mechanism of action	PD-1 receptor blocker that enables the immune system to attack cancer cells	Monoclonal antibody that inhibits angiogenesis by targeting VEGF-A
Brand names	Keytruda	Vegzelma
Administrative route	Intravenous infusion	Intravenous infusion
Side effects	Fatigue, cough, nausea, itching, skin rash, decreased appetite, constipation, joint pain, and diarrhea	Hypertension, proteinuria, fatigue, hemorrhage, taste alteration, dry skin, lacrimation disorder, and others
Contraindications	Patients with severe hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients	Patients with severe hypersensitivity to bevacizumab, bevacizumab-adcd, or to any of its excipients
Drug class	Monoclonal antibody, Immune checkpoint inhibitor	Monoclonal antibody, Angiogenesis inhibitor
Manufacturer	Merck & Co.	Celltrion Healthcare

Efficacy

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Efficacy in Lung Cancer

Keytruda, generically known as pembrolizumab, is a highly effective immunotherapy drug used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including lung cancer. For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Keytruda has shown significant efficacy, particularly in patients whose tumors express PD-L1 with a proportion score of 1% or more. In clinical trials, Keytruda has been shown to improve overall survival and progression-free survival in comparison to traditional chemotherapy. Its use has been transformative, especially in advanced stages of lung cancer, offering hope for extended survival and improved quality of life for certain patient populations.

For small cell lung cancer (SCLC), Keytruda has also demonstrated efficacy, although this type of lung cancer is less common and generally considered more aggressive. The use of pembrolizumab in SCLC is typically considered after other treatments have failed. In these cases, Keytruda can be an important part of the treatment regimen, contributing to the management of the disease and potentially improving survival outcomes.

Vegzelma (Bevacizumab-adcd) Efficacy in Lung Cancer

Vegzelma, known as bevacizumab-adcd, is a biosimilar to the original bevacizumab product and is used in the treatment of several cancers, including NSCLC. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors. In NSCLC, Vegzelma has been shown to be effective when used in combination with chemotherapy. Clinical studies have indicated that adding bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy can extend the time without disease progression and, in some cases, may also improve overall survival rates for patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

It is important to note that the efficacy of Vegzelma, like its reference product bevacizumab, varies depending on the specific characteristics of the lung cancer and the patient. The use of Vegzelma is typically restricted to certain subsets of NSCLC patients, and it is not indicated for use in cases of SCLC. As with all cancer treatments, the decision to use Vegzelma is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's overall health, the type and stage of lung cancer, and previous treatment responses.

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)

Vegzelma

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

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