Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Xeloda ()
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Xeloda ()
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy drug that works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, thereby boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells, and is often used in various types of cancers, including melanoma, lung, and head and neck cancers. Xeloda (capecitabine) is an oral chemotherapy medication that is converted into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body, targeting cancer cells to inhibit their growth and is commonly used for breast and colorectal cancers. When deciding between Keytruda and Xeloda, it is essential to consider the type of cancer, the specific genetic markers of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and the treatment goal, as these factors can significantly influence the effectiveness and suitability of each medication.
Difference between Keytruda and Xeloda
| Metric | Keytruda (pembrolizumab) | Xeloda () |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Pembrolizumab | Capecitabine |
| Indications | Various types of cancer including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and stomach cancer | Colorectal cancer, metastatic breast cancer |
| Mechanism of action | Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody | Prodrug that is enzymatically converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the body, which is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent |
| Brand names | Keytruda | Xeloda |
| Administrative route | Injection (IV) | Oral |
| Side effects | Fatigue, cough, nausea, itching, skin rash, decreased appetite, constipation, joint pain, diarrhea | Diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness |
| Contraindications | Severe hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients | Hypersensitivity to capecitabine or fluorouracil, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency |
| Drug class | Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody | Antimetabolite, fluoropyrimidine |
| Manufacturer | Merck & Co. | Roche |
Efficacy
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Efficacy in Breast Cancer
Keytruda, also known by its generic name pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of breast cancer. Specifically, pembrolizumab is used in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) whose tumors express PD-L1, as determined by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival (PFS); continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
In clinical trials, pembrolizumab has demonstrated a significant improvement in PFS when compared with chemotherapy alone in patients with PD-L1-positive TNBC. The KEYNOTE-355 trial, which is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, showed that pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy improved PFS in this patient population. The study also indicated a trend toward improved overall survival, although these results were not statistically significant at the time of the interim analysis.
Xeloda (Capecitabine) Efficacy in Breast Cancer
Xeloda, with the generic name capecitabine, is an oral chemotherapy medication that is metabolized in the body to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a substance that inhibits cancer cell growth. Xeloda is used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, particularly when other chemotherapy treatments have not been successful. It can be used alone or in combination with other drugs such as docetaxel, after the failure of anthracycline-based treatment. In patients with metastatic breast cancer, Xeloda has been shown to be effective in shrinking tumors and slowing the progression of the disease.
The efficacy of Xeloda in metastatic breast cancer was demonstrated in several phase III clinical trials. These studies have shown that capecitabine is effective in prolonging the time to disease progression and in some cases, improving overall survival rates when compared to standard chemotherapy regimens. Xeloda's effectiveness as a single agent, as well as in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, has made it a valuable option for patients with advanced breast cancer, particularly for those who prefer oral administration over intravenous treatment.
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)
Xeloda
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European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
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