Overview
Keytruda Qlex is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of certain types of kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It is approved in combination with axitinib or with lenvatinib as a first-line treatment for adults with advanced RCC. It is also approved as adjuvant (postsurgery) treatment for adults with RCC who are at intermediate-high or high risk of cancer returning after nephrectomy (surgical removal of the kidney), or after nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions.

Keytruda Qlex is also known by its drug name, pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph.

Keytruda Qlex is a type of immunotherapy. It works by blocking the PD-1 protein on immune cells, which helps the immune system recognize and attack kidney cancer cells. Berahyaluronidase alfa helps the medication absorb more efficiently when injected under the skin.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Keytruda Qlex is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the abdomen or thigh by a healthcare provider. It is typically administered once every three or six weeks, depending on the dosing schedule. For advanced disease, Keytruda Qlex may be given in combination with axitinib or lenvatinib. For adjuvant treatment after surgery, Keytruda Qlex is given as a single agent. It should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Keytruda Qlex include fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles, bones, or joints), rash, diarrhea, decreased appetite, cough, shortness of breath, constipation, abdominal pain, fever, itching, and hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels).

When used in combination with axitinib, side effects may also include diarrhea, fatigue, high blood pressure, liver damage, hypothyroidism, decreased appetite, hand-foot syndrome (skin reaction on palms and soles), nausea, mouth sores, voice changes, rash, cough, and constipation.

When used in combination with lenvatinib, side effects may also include hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, musculoskeletal problems, decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, urinary tract infections, protein in the urine, constipation, headache, bleeding events, hand-foot syndrome, voice changes, rash, liver toxicity, and acute kidney injury.

Rare but serious side effects may include immune-mediated reactions such as pneumonitis (lung inflammation), colitis (intestinal inflammation), hepatitis (liver inflammation), endocrinopathies (hormone gland problems), nephritis (kidney inflammation), severe skin reactions, and rejection of transplanted organs. Severe allergic reactions and complications following stem cell transplant may also occur. The drug may cause harm to an unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Keytruda Qlex (Pembrolizumab and Berahyaluronidase Alfa-Pmph) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use — Merck Sharp & Dohme