Anti-PD-1 has been granted FDA Approval to treat advanced melanoma. The FDA approval came after the positive results of an advanced Melanoma Cancer study. The study consisted of a total of 411 patients with different stages of the disease. The results have been pretty amazing so far.
Anti-PD-1 Cancer Treatment response.
Results showed a 40% response rate for patients that did not have a history of taking another immuno-therapy drug called Yervoy. Those who did take Yervoy showed a response rate of 28%. This obviously shows that patients with a less history of immuno-therapy drugs did much better in the study.
Keytruda (Anti-PD-1) has positive overall Survival.
Even though overall survival has not been reached, an incredible 71% of patients are alive at the one year mark. Progression-free survival was 23 weeks for the Yervoy group and 24 weeks for the Non-Yervoy group. Again study shows a small advantage to the Non-Yervoy group.
Anti-PD-1 worked at all doses.
Pembrolizumab or also called Anti-PD-1 for short was given in 3 different ways to Melanoma patients. 10mg/kg every 3 weeks, 2mg/kg every 3 weeks, and 10mg/kg every 2 weeks. All 3 of these dosing schedules had an anti-cancer effect. This shows Anti-PD-1 is a very potent Cancer treatment.
Anti-PD-1 has very few side effects.
Only 12% of patients experienced side effects and only 4% had to discontinue treatment due to the side effects. Overall that is a very acceptable and safe side effect range for any Cancer treatment. This drug basically creates a new standard with its high response rates and very low side effects.
If you would like to know more about Anti-PD-1 visit Anti-PD-1 Breakthrough and What is Anti-PD-1?