Pembrolizumab is a drug that belongs to the family of so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors. It is indicated for various tumors and, from 2021, also for kidney cancer as adjuvant therapy, i.e.
after surgery to remove the tumor. A new trial has now shown that the treatment reduces the risk of death by 38% compared to placebo. “Now we can tell our patients that pembrolzumab after surgery not only delays relapses but helps them live longer, said study lead author Toni Choueiri, director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at Dana-Farber, in a statement. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The drug is available in the U.S. and Europe through the manufacturer’s website, as well as through a number of independent distributors. For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.