Information for the public
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is available on the NHS as a possible treatment for untreated metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer in adults if:
- their tumour expresses PD‑L1 (with at least a 50% tumour proportion score) and has no epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- or anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive mutations and
- pembrolizumab is stopped at 2 years of continuous treatment or earlier if the disease has progressed.
Is this treatment right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other treatments?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
- What happens if the treatment does not work?
- What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?
Information and support
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- British Lung Foundation, 0300 003 0555
- Cancer Research UK, 0808 800 4040
- Macmillan, 0808 808 0000
- Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, 0333 323 7200
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-3014-2
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