Comparing Opdivo and Keytruda: An Overview of Their Differences
In the realm of cancer treatment, two prominent PD-1 inhibitors, Opdivo (Nivolumab) and Keytruda (Pembrolizumab), have gained significant attention for their ability to treat a wide variety of cancers. However, it's essential to understand their approved uses and the differences between these two groundbreaking drugs.
Opdivo (Nivolumab)
Approved for the treatment of ten types of cancer, Opdivo is a PD-1 blocking antibody that finds its primary application in the immunotherapeutic combat against cancer. Among the cancers it treats are melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), malignant pleural mesothelioma, advanced renal cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck, urothelial carcinoma, microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction cancer, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Outside of cancer treatment, there are no widely recognized or approved uses for Opdivo.
Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
Keytruda, another PD-1 inhibitor, is used to treat various cancers, including melanoma, NSCLC, head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, urothelial carcinoma, MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors, and certain types of cervical, endometrial, and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Like Opdivo, Keytruda is not approved for use beyond cancer treatment.
Common Approved Uses
Both Opdivo and Keytruda share several approved uses, such as treating melanoma, NSCLC, classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, and MSI-H/dMMR tumors.
Key Differences
While both drugs share many similarities, there are some notable differences. Opdivo is specifically approved for malignant pleural mesothelioma and esophageal adenocarcinoma, which are not listed among Keytruda's approvals. Conversely, Keytruda has a broader range of approvals, including certain types of cervical, endometrial, and Merkel cell carcinoma not listed for Opdivo.
Beyond their approved uses, Opdivo and Keytruda share many similarities and differences in their side effects. Both drugs can cause decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and skin rash. However, Opdivo may cause weakness and upper respiratory infections, while Keytruda may cause hypothyroidism. Both drugs can also lead to serious side effects such as inflammation affecting various organs, liver damage or hepatitis, kidney problems, hormone disorders, colitis, pneumonitis, and severe allergic reactions.
In terms of administration, both Opdivo and Keytruda are given as liquid solutions administered intravenously (IV) and typically last for about 30 minutes. The frequency of infusions varies, with Opdivo infusions given every 2, 3, or 4 weeks, and Keytruda infusions given every 3 or 6 weeks.
It's important to note that both Opdivo and Keytruda are brand-name biologic drugs prescribed for several types of cancer. They may also be used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat the conditions they are approved for.
In conclusion, while Opdivo and Keytruda have diverse approved uses in cancer treatment, they are not approved for non-cancerous conditions. It's crucial to discuss any potential treatments with a healthcare professional to fully understand the risks and benefits.
- Opdivo (Nivolumab), a PD-1 blocking antibody, is approved for treating ten types of cancer such as melanoma, NSCLC, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
- Keytruda (Pembrolizumab), another PD-1 inhibitor, is used to treat various cancers including melanoma, NSCLC, and certain types of cervical, endometrial, and Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Both Opdivo and Keytruda are not approved for use beyond treating cancer-related medical conditions.
- While these drugs share some similarities in their approved uses and side effects, they differ in their approvals for cancers like malignant pleural mesothelioma and certain types of Merkel cell carcinoma. It's essential to discuss treatment options with a healthcare professional for a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits.
