What type of treatment is KEYTRUDA classified as?

KEYTRUDA is classified as an immunotherapy. This classification is essential because it highlights the treatment's mechanism of action, which is fundamentally different from traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Specifically, KEYTRUDA is a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, which means it blocks a protein on immune cells that would otherwise prevent them from attacking cancer. This action allows the immune system to effectively target and eliminate cancer cells.

The focus of immunotherapy, including KEYTRUDA, is to leverage the body’s own defenses, making it a stand-out therapy particularly for certain types of cancers, where it can lead to durable responses in some patients. Understanding KEYTRUDA’s role in the classification of cancer treatments underscores the evolving landscape of oncology, where immune-based strategies have begun to complement and sometimes replace more traditional methods.