Drug Database
PE

pembrolizumab

✓ Approved

Dako · CD274 · Companion diagnostic

What is pembrolizumab?

pembrolizumab is a companion diagnostic developed by Dako. It is approved for therapeutic indications via others.

Drug Profile

CompanyDako
Drug ClassCompanion diagnostic
Molecular TargetCD274
RouteOthers
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Dako

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

pembrolizumab acts on 1 molecular target:

CD274CD274 molecule (B7H1, B7-H)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

pembrolizumab is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)Uterine cancer✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedBMC cancer2026-11-11

Real-world effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Wasti Saad Arsalan SA, Gill Saima S, Jamshed Alina A, Noor Meeram M et al.

Early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (esTNBC) is an aggressive malignancy for which neoadjuvant chemotherapy remains the standard approach. Randomized trials have demonstrated improved pathologic complete response with the addition of pembrolizumab. However, trial populations may not fully reflect routine clinical practice. Evidence describing the real-world effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab in early-stage TNBC has not been systematically synthesized. This systematic review and meta-analysis therefore evaluated real-world outcomes associated with pembrolizumab-based neoadjuvant regimens. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched to August 14, 2025 (updated: February 7, 2026). We included prospective and retrospective cohort studies comparing neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy to chemotherapy alone in patients with esTNBC. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Five observational studies (N = 1,501, mean ages 49.5 to 57.8 years) were included. Pooled analysis suggested that compared to chemotherapy alone, neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy could be associated with a higher likelihood of achieving pathologic complete response (RR:1.52, 95% CI 1.29-1.80). Pembrolizumab use may also reduce the likelihood of undergoing axillary lymph node dissections (RR:0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.86). No clear differences were observed for time to first adjuvant therapy or postoperative complications. The most frequently reported immune-related adverse events with pembrolizumab included thyroid dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency. Evidence certainty was rated very low for all outcomes. Very-low certainty evidence appears to suggest that in routine clinical practice, the addition of pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esTNBC could increase the probability of achieving pathologic complete response and may be associated with a reduced likelihood of axillary lymph node dissection, with no clear increase in perioperative complications. However, confidence in these effect estimates is limited mainly due to inherent limitations in observational studies. These findings, although consistent with randomized trial evidence, should not be interpreted as definitive. This review highlights the need for ongoing safety surveillance and well-designed comparative studies to strengthen the evidence base for real-world use of pembrolizumab in this setting. Not Applicable. Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/N7YJK).

PMID 43009856
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PubMedFrontiers in psychiatry2026-11-11

Case Report: Hyperactive delirium with psychotic symptoms associated with severe hypothyroidism during pembrolizumab therapy. Complete remission after levothyroxine and no recurrence after pembrolizumab rechallenge.

Vieira Fregolente Eduardo E, Bühler Sabine S, Lahr Jacob J

Thyroid dysfunction is a common adverse event during pembrolizumab therapy, but severe hypothyroidism accompanied by acute neuropsychiatric symptoms is rare. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman with metastatic colorectal cancer who developed agitation, hallucinations, and confusion three months after initiation of Pembrolizumab. Evaluation revealed profound hypothyroidism (TSH 37.9 mU/L, free T3 <0.60 pmol/L and free T4 <0.5 pmol/L) and moderate hyponatremia without acute findings on neuroimaging. Levothyroxine therapy led to complete remission of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and pembrolizumab was safely restarted with close monitoring and no recurrence. This case underscores the importance of assessing thyroid function in acute psychiatric presentations during immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and supports cautious rechallenge after stabilization. Severe hypothyroidism was considered a major contributor, although a multifactorial delirium, including the contribution of hyponatremia and the absence of CSF/EEG evaluation, cannot be excluded.

PMID 43011298
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PubMedAnimal welfare (South Mimms, England)2026-11-11

Erratum: PsittaWel: A welfare assessment tool for companion parrots - ERRATUM.

Piseddu Andrea A, van Zeeland Yvonne Y, Hemsworth Lauren L, Rault Jean-Loup JL

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1017/awf.2026.10089.].

PMID 43011697
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PubMedCureus2026-11-11

Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Persistent Bilateral Pulmonary Consolidations and Cavitation: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Hassan Nasiba N

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) is an uncommon histological subtype of lung adenocarcinoma that can mimic pneumonia or other inflammatory lung diseases due to its distinct radiological features. Although multifocal consolidations, nodules, and masses are frequently observed, cavitation is relatively uncommon. These atypical radiological findings can complicate diagnosis and delay treatment. We present a case of a lifelong never-smoker in her late 60s who presented with chest pain and productive cough, a history of two recently treated chest infections, and significant weight loss. Laboratory evaluation showed elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) with normal procalcitonin and white blood cell count. Chest imaging revealed widespread bilateral consolidations, nodules, cavitation, and traction fibrosis, a pattern considered atypical for conventional lung malignancy and initially more suggestive of granulomatous disease or atypical infection. Extensive infectious, fungal, and autoimmune screening, along with serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level, did not identify an alternative cause. Bronchial wash and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were non-diagnostic. Persistent symptoms and radiological abnormalities despite initial work-up ultimately led to CT-guided tissue biopsy of the lung, which confirmed the diagnosis of IMA. Further immunohistochemistry supported a primary pulmonary origin. Comprehensive molecular profiling did not reveal any clinically actionable driver alteration; therefore, she was commenced on first-line chemo-immunotherapy with carboplatin, pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab. She remains clinically stable and is tolerating treatment without dose-limiting toxicity; objective radiological response has not yet been assessed. This case highlights that persistent bilateral consolidations, nodules, cavitation, and fibrotic changes may occasionally represent an unusual presentation of lung malignancy, including IMA, even when infection or granulomatous disease is initially considered. Persistent radiological abnormalities despite negative microbiological and bronchoscopic investigations should prompt reconsideration of the differential diagnosis, even in lifelong never-smokers, with early tissue biopsy playing a pivotal role in establishing the diagnosis.

PMID 43011554
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PubMedAmerican journal of health promotion : AJHP2026-11-11

Rethinking Peer Review in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Tiered Model for Health Promotion Journals.

Patterson Megan S MS, Maddock Jay E JE

The number of papers published in health promotion journals has grown substantially for two decades, and mainstream use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has accelerated that growth. Yet peer review remains fundamentally unchanged. Review still depends on volunteer time, and many journals prohibit reviewers from using AI to protect confidential, unpublished work. The result is an asymmetry: authors write faster with AI, while reviewers face mounting demand without the same tools. Funding agencies have begun responding; the NIH, for example, now caps annual application submissions per principal investigator. Journals cannot impose comparable limits because submissions are scattered across thousands of independent outlets, and requiring authors to complete reviews in proportion to their publications would be nearly impossible to enforce. We propose a solution that concentrates limited reviewer capacity on the most complex and consequential research. Cross-sectional and other descriptive studies would be evaluated by a purpose-built AI reviewer, trained to assess methodological rigor in such studies and designed not to retain or learn from unpublished manuscripts. Accepted papers would appear in a companion journal or section of the parent title. Traditional peer review would then be reserved for longitudinal, experimental, and other higher-impact research. Beyond easing reviewer burden, this model creates a transparent signal of rigor that could help tenure and promotion committees reward quality over publication quantity.

PMID 43010839
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PubMedFrontiers in psychology2026-11-11

Healthcare professionals' perspectives on diagnostic delay in rare cancers and options for patient support: a qualitative interview study.

Krause Femke F, Hoveling Liza A LA, Wilbrink Rosalie R, Abbel Denise D et al.

Delayed diagnosis in rare cancers can lead to disease progression, limited treatment options, and psychological distress, resulting in poorer quality of life and disability. We explored healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of diagnostic delay in rare cancers and options for patient support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 HCPs involved in rare cancer care. Interview topics covered diagnostic challenges, causes of delays, consequences for patients, and support options. Data were analyzed thematically. Three main themes emerged: (1) Time, intuition, and a safety-net fill the gap when signs are present, but not obvious. HCPs balance clinical intuition with safety-netting to avoid mis-, under-, or overdiagnosis when symptoms are vague, (2) Balancing speed and care in a fast-paced, complex diagnostic phase. Once cancer is suspected, the trajectory accelerates, yet systemic delays persist, and (3) Striving for precision: the paradox of reaching a diagnosis. While HCPs pursue diagnostic clarity, uncertainty often causes patients more distress than the diagnosis. HCPs manage the diagnostic trajectory of rare cancers through clinical judgment, safety-netting, and clear communication. As systemic delays and patient distress remain, early psychosocial support may help. Future research should define diagnostic delay, assess its impact, and identify support options.

PMID 43011747
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