Toxicities of Pembrolizumab in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Pembrolizumab is a humanized anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody that has been approved for immunotherapy of malignant melanoma, classical hodgkin lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, etc. However, the toxicity of pembrolizumab has been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. The main side effects of pembrolizumab are related to the activation of various immune cells in the body. The triggered immune system may attack healthy organs, such as the livers, lungs and kidneys. The resulting toxic reactions can cause varying degrees of damage to the patient's body and need to be taken seriously. In response to the toxic side effects of pembrolizumab, discontinuation of the drug is often taken in conjunction with symptomatic treatment, and the herb is a potentially effective drug in many related diseases. In general, the side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors are relatively minor and serious toxicities are rare, but some of the serious toxicities are fatal. Therefore, early detection and treatment of adverse reactions are of great interest, and mechanisms as well as treatments of toxicity of pembrolizumab requires further studies.