A new weapon to fight cancer has arrived on the market

Cancer treatment has undergone rapid changes in the past few years. While previously the mainstays of treatment were surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, a new technology—immunotherapy—has now offered a ray of hope. Keytruda is a popular drug in this category, considered a major scientific achievement. However, while this drug is proving helpful in extending life or controlling cancer for many patients, its high price and the risk of counterfeit drugs also make it a serious concern.

What is this drug and how does it work?

The real name of this drug is pembrolizumab. It is a type of immunotherapy drug, meaning it helps fight cancer by strengthening the body's own immune system. Our bodies contain cells called T-cells, which play a crucial role in fighting any disease. But cancer cells use a kind of "brake system" to hide themselves, preventing T-cells from recognizing them. Keytruda works by removing this brake. It binds to a receptor called PD-1 on T-cells, preventing cancer cells from hiding. The body's immune system then recognizes and destroys them.

Which cancers is it used for?

This drug was first approved in the US in 2014 to treat skin cancer (melanoma). Subsequently, it has been used for several other cancers, such as:

Lung cancer

Cervical cancer

Kidney cancer

Some aggressive breast cancers

Today, it is among the world's best-selling cancer drugs, with sales of approximately $29.5 billion in 2024.

How is immunotherapy different?

Traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, directly kill cancer cells, but sometimes they also affect healthy cells. This can cause patients to suffer from numerous side effects. In contrast, immunotherapy initiates a natural fight within the body. It targets the cancer and causes minimal damage to the rest of the body. In some cases, even in late-stage cancer, tumors have been completely eliminated or the patient's lifespan significantly extended.

Other Immunotherapy Options

Besides Keytruda, there are several other immunotherapy options:

CAR-T therapy: In this, the patient's T-cells are extracted, modified in a lab, and then reintroduced into the body so they can recognize cancer cells.

mRNA vaccines: These are currently under development and could be used to prevent cancer recurrence.

How is this drug available?

Many patients receive this drug through the company's "Patient Access Program" instead of purchasing it directly. Under this program:

The patient must initially purchase a few doses.

After this, the company provides some doses free.

However, there are certain conditions for this, such as the patient's income and insurance limits. Some patients are able to afford it through health insurance or government schemes like the CGHS.

Why is this drug so expensive?

Drugs like Keytruda are made using monoclonal antibody technology, which is much more complex than standard drugs. However, the primary reason for its high price is the patent. As long as the company holds the patent, it can sell the drug at its fixed price. The patent is expected to expire in 2028. After this, cheaper alternatives (generic drugs) could enter the market, reducing the price by 60-70%.

The Growing Threat of Counterfeit Drugs

A serious issue has emerged regarding Keytruda: the counterfeit drug market. Investigations have revealed that counterfeit drugs are being sold in packaging similar to the original. Some irregularities have also been found at the hospital level, and in some cases, insider involvement has been revealed. The biggest problem is that it is very difficult to distinguish between fake and genuine drugs.

How can patients identify genuine drugs?

Patients should take some precautions:

Always get your medication from the hospital pharmacy.

Prefer medication purchased from an authorized distributor.

It is safer to get your medication through the company's official program.

This significantly reduces the risk of receiving counterfeit drugs.

Conclusion:

Drugs like Keytruda are showing a new direction in cancer treatment. This drug has brought hope to many patients and is providing good results even in severe cases. However, its high cost, limited access, and the risk of counterfeit drugs make it a complex issue. In the future, when cheaper alternatives become available, more people may benefit from it.