Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Regimen Library
SAR Advanced - pembrolizumab Q3W [weight-based dosing]
Treatment Overview
Continue for 2 years or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 21 days
Cycle details
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 21 days
| Medication | Dose | Route | Days | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pembrolizumab * | 2 mg/kg | intravenous | 1 | 30 minutes |
Full details
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 21 days
Day: 1
| Medication | Dose | Route | Max duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pembrolizumab * | 2 mg/kg | intravenous | 30 minutes |
Instructions:
Administer via a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein binding 0.2 to 5 micron in-line or add-on filter. |
Supportive Care Factors
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Emetogenicity: | Minimal |
| Hypersensitivity / Infusion related reaction risk: | Low - routine premedication not recommended |
References
Burgess MA, Bolejack V, Van Tine BA, et al. Multicenter phase II study of pembrolizumab (P) in advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and bone sarcomas (BS): Final results of SARC028 and biomarker analyses. J Clin Oncol 2017;35 (Supplement; Abstract 11008).
Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Keytruda New Zealand Data Sheet 4 October 2022. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/k/Keytruda.pdf (Accessed 18 November 2022).
* The medicines, doses, combinations, and schedule in this treatment regimen have been carefully reviewed against international best practice guidelines by specialists in medical oncology around New Zealand and this advice has been accepted for publication by Te Aho o Te Kahu (the Cancer Control Agency). Sometimes medicines that are used in routine clinical practice have not been through a formal review process by the NZ Medicines Regulator Medsafe and are therefore considered unapproved or off-label. These medicines are legally able to be prescribed through sections 25 and 29 of the Medicines Act and by obtaining informed consent from patients. All treatment regimens listed on this website have been through robust peer review and are considered an accepted standard of care, whether prescribed through sections 25 or 29 or carrying formal Medsafe Approval.
s29: This symbol indicates that some formulations of the associated medicine are legally only able to be prescribed under section 29 of the Medicines Act. You can see which formulations are section 29 by hovering over the s29 symbol. You can access full medication details from the New Zealand Formulary by clicking on the medication name. Each clinician retains full responsibility for ensuring they have complied with all relevant obligations and requirements of section 29 including obtaining informed patient consent prior to prescribing the applicable medicine.