What is the difference between Opdivo and Keytruda?
Opdivo (nivolumab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) are two immunotherapy drugs for various cancers. Both are monoclonal antibodies, known as PD1 inhibitors, first approved in 2014. Opdivo is from Bristol Myers Squibb, and Keytruda is from Merck & Co.
The main differences lie in dosing, combination therapies, and approved cancer types.
Opdivo Vs Keytruda Dosing Frequency
Opdivo: Given via 30-60 min IV infusion every 2-4 or 6 weeks.
Keytruda: Given via 30 min IV infusion every 3-6 weeks.
Opdivo Vs Keytruda Combination Therapy
Opdivo is used with drugs like:
- Ipilimumab (Yervoy)
- Carbozantinib (Cabometyx)
- Cisplatin (Platinol)
- Gemcitabine (Infugem).
Keytruda is used with drugs like:
- Pemetrexed (Alimta) and platinum chemotherapy
- Carboplatin (Paraplatin) and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane)
- Platinum and flurouracil
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin) plus fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy
- Axitinib (Inlyta)
- Lenvatinib (Lenvima)
- Chemotherapy.
Both drugs are also used alongside fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy for treating certain gastric cancers.
Related questions
- How long does Opdivo prolong life and what’s its success rate?
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Opdivo Vs Keytruda Approved Uses
Keytruda is approved for additional cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer (as a first-line treatment), cervical cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, endometrial carcinoma, biliary tract cancer, tumor mutational burden-high cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.
Opdivo was the first for adjuvant treatment of high-risk urothelial carcinoma, and is also used for pleural mesothelioma (cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall), and colorectal cancer.
Both are used for various other cancers, including:
- skin cancers
- lung cancer
- kidney cancer
- classical Hodgkin lymphoma
- cancer of the stomach and esophagus
- squamous cell cancer
- bladder cancer
- liver cancer.
*There are slight differences in approval specifics between Opdivo and Keytruda, such as if they are approved first-line or just for advanced (metastatic) cancer.
References
- Opdivo Product Label. Updated 03/2024 https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/208464s016s017lbl.pdf
- Keytruda Product Label. Updated 10/2023. https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf
Read next
How effective are Opdivo and Yervoy when taken together?
Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) are two anticancer medications. While they are both effective treatment options for many different types of cancer, research shows they work better when taken together for some types of cancer. The effectiveness of taking Opdivo and Yervoy depends on the individual person and what type of cancer they are treating. Continue reading
Pembrolizumab vs. nivolumab: How do they compare?
Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are both prescription medications used to treat various types of cancers, including solid tumors and blood cancers. They may be used alone or in combination with other medicines for cancers that are more advanced, have spread in the body, or are no longer responding to previous treatments. Continue reading
How long does Opdivo stay in your system?
Opdivo stays in your system for a very long time, up to 3 to 4 months (100 to 125 days). This is based on the half-life of Opdivo, which is 25 days. The half-life is the time it takes for half of a drug to be removed from the body, and experts have agreed it takes 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to be completely removed from the body. This calculates out to 100 to 125 days for Opdivo. This means that side effects can still occur because of Opdivo a few months after you stop taking the drug. Continue reading
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