Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Darvias (darinaparsin) ()

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) vs Darvias (darinaparsin) ()

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by blocking the PD-1 pathway, which helps the immune system to detect and fight cancer cells, and is commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer. Darinaparsin (Darvias), on the other hand, is a novel organic arsenic compound with potential antineoplastic activity, and its use is more experimental, often considered for patients with specific types of hematologic cancers and solid tumors who may not have responded to other treatments. When deciding between Keytruda and Darinaparsin, it is crucial to consider the specific type of cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the treatment's approval status, as Keytruda has a broader range of approved indications, while Darinaparsin's use may be more limited and focused on clinical trials or compassionate use scenarios.

Difference between Keytruda and Darvias (darinaparsin)

Metric Keytruda (pembrolizumab) Darvias (darinaparsin)
Generic name pembrolizumab darinaparsin
Indications Various types of cancers including melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and others Currently in clinical trials for lymphoma and solid tumors
Mechanism of action Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody Organic arsenic compound with mitochondrial toxicity
Brand names Keytruda Darvias is under investigation, no brand name established
Administrative route Injection (intravenous) Injection (intravenous)
Side effects Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, rash, fever, cough, dyspnea, constipation, pain, and abdominal pain As of the knowledge cutoff, specific side effects are not well established due to ongoing clinical trials
Contraindications Individuals with hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients Not well established due to ongoing clinical trials and lack of FDA approval
Drug class Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody Organic arsenic compound
Manufacturer Merck & Co. ZIOPHARM Oncology

Efficacy

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Efficacy in Lymphoma

Keytruda, also known by its generic name pembrolizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that has shown efficacy in treating various types of cancer, including lymphoma. It is particularly effective in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, especially after other treatments have failed. Pembrolizumab works by targeting the PD-1 receptor on T cells, which plays a critical role in the body's immune response to cancer. By blocking this receptor, Keytruda helps the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Keytruda can induce a significant response in patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The drug has been granted approval for this indication by various regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The response rates in clinical studies have been encouraging, with many patients experiencing partial or complete remission of their lymphoma.

Darzalex (Daratumumab) Efficacy in Lymphoma

Darzalex, with the generic name daratumumab, is primarily known for its application in treating multiple myeloma. However, its efficacy in lymphoma, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), is an area of ongoing research. Daratumumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD38 molecule, which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells and some lymphoma cells. By binding to CD38, Darzalex can induce cell death and enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer.

While daratumumab has shown promise in early-phase clinical trials for certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is not yet widely recognized as a standard treatment for lymphoma. The research is ongoing to determine the full potential and efficacy of Darzalex in treating various forms of lymphoma. As with any new treatment, the benefits of daratumumab must be weighed against potential side effects and evaluated in the context of each patient's individual condition.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Keytruda
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Health Canada
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
  • Medsafe (NZ)
Darvias (darinaparsin)
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

Access Keytruda or Darvias (darinaparsin) today

If Keytruda or Darvias (darinaparsin) are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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