Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Truqap (capivasertib)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Truqap (capivasertib)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which cancer cells often exploit to evade detection by the immune system, making it particularly effective for various types of cancers, including melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Truqap (capivasertib), on the other hand, is a targeted therapy that inhibits the AKT pathway, which is involved in cell growth and survival, and its use is being investigated in clinical trials for certain types of breast cancer and other solid tumors. When deciding between Keytruda and Truqap, it is essential to consider the specific type of cancer, its molecular characteristics, the patient's overall health, and the treatment's approval status, as these factors will influence the effectiveness and suitability of each medication for an individual's condition.
Difference between Keytruda and Truqap
| Metric | Keytruda (pembrolizumab) | Truqap (capivasertib) |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | Pembrolizumab | Capivasertib |
| Indications | Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial carcinoma, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, and tumors with high microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiency | Currently being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer |
| Mechanism of action | Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody, which helps to restore the body's immune system in detecting and fighting tumor cells | AKT kinase inhibitor, which targets the PI3K/AKT pathway involved in tumor cell proliferation and survival |
| Brand names | Keytruda | Truqap (developmental code name AZD5363) |
| Administrative route | Injection (intravenous infusion) | Oral (tablets) |
| Side effects | Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, rash, pyrexia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, pain in extremity, and headache | Currently being evaluated in clinical trials; side effects may include hyperglycemia, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea |
| Contraindications | Known hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients | Not yet fully established as the drug is still in clinical trials |
| Drug class | Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody | AKT inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Merck & Co., Inc. | AstraZeneca |
Efficacy
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Efficacy in Breast Cancer
Keytruda, also known by its generic name pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that has been used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer. It is primarily known for its role in targeting and blocking the PD-1 pathway, a protein on immune cells that, when activated, can prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. In the context of breast cancer, pembrolizumab has been studied for its efficacy in combination with chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive and difficult-to-treat subtype.
In clinical trials, pembrolizumab has shown promise in improving progression-free survival rates in patients with advanced TNBC when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. The FDA has granted accelerated approval for pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1, as determined by an FDA-approved test. This approval is contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
Truqap (Capivasertib) Efficacy in Breast Cancer
Truqap, with the active ingredient capivasertib, is an investigational small molecule that inhibits the activity of AKT, a protein that plays a role in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Capivasertib has been evaluated for its potential in treating various cancers, including breast cancer. Specifically, it has been studied in patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer, particularly in those with PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN-altered tumors, which are known to be associated with resistance to endocrine therapy.
Early clinical trials have suggested that capivasertib, when used in combination with fulvestrant, an estrogen receptor antagonist, may improve progression-free survival in patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer who have PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alterations. These findings indicate that capivasertib could potentially serve as a valuable addition to the treatment regimen for patients with this subtype of breast cancer, especially for those who have developed resistance to standard endocrine therapies. However, as of the latest available data, further research and confirmatory clinical trials are needed to fully establish the efficacy and safety profile of capivasertib for this indication.
Regulatory Agency Approvals
Keytruda
-
European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
-
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)
Truqap
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
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