Pembrolizumab in Oncology — Uses, Indications and Side Effects of Immunotherapy in the Fight Against Cancer

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy-group medication used in the treatment of several types of cancer.

It works by blocking the PD-1 receptor and helps the immune system recognize and fight tumor cells.

The medication is used in specific cases for the treatment of several types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer and several other tumors.

In cases where its use is appropriate according to medical indications, pembrolizumab has shown effectiveness in treating several types of cancer, although the response to therapy varies from patient to patient.

Its use depends on the diagnosis, the stage of the disease, but also on the characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s condition.

In Kosovo, Pembrolizumab has been used and continues to be used at the Oncology Clinic of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo.

The 2024 work report of SHSKUK ranks Pembrolizumab among the immunotherapeutic products secured for the Oncology Clinic, alongside Nivolumab.

Documents from the Ministry of Health also include pembrolizumab among the therapies designated for several oncological indications.

In the stock list for the Oncology Clinic, published on the website of the Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosovo on February 3, the stock level for this therapy was 66 units.

Meanwhile, in the stock published in the first week of this month, the stock level for this therapy was 41 units, while the SHSKUK stock is currently not updated.

Pembrolizumab is not used for all cancer patients. The decision to treat with this medication is made by specialist physicians, based on the type of tumor, the stage of the disease, tests and the biological characteristics of the tumor.

Like any immunotherapeutic treatment, Pembrolizumab can also be accompanied by side effects.

Since it works by activating the immune system, in some cases it can cause inflammatory reactions affecting various organs. For this reason, patients receiving this therapy are monitored by medical teams.

Pembrolizumab is part of modern immunotherapy approaches in oncology, while its use is determined individually for each patient and according to established medical indications. /Telegrafi/

The amount of Pembrolizumab in SHSKUK’s stock in the first week of September