Key takeaways
- Most people take Keytruda for about 2 years, but this can change depending on how well it works and the side effects experienced.
- After stopping, it usually takes about 4 months for Keytruda to leave the body, and side effects may continue during this time.
- Keytruda doesn’t cure cancer, but its benefits can last even after treatment ends, helping to keep cancer from getting worse.
Most people receive Keytruda infusions for up to 2 years. Sometimes, treatment lasts longer if it’s working well and side effects are minimal.
But if Keytruda stops working or causes unmanageable side effects, your doctor may stop your treatment sooner. They might also switch you to a different treatment. They can discuss other treatment options with you. (To learn more about Keytruda’s side effects, see this article.)
If your doctor thinks your cancer isn’t likely to be well managed with Keytruda or other cancer treatments, they may recommend
If you and your doctor determine that you’ll stop your Keytruda treatment, it will likely take about 4 months for the drug to be completely leave your body.
During this time, you may still experience side effects from Keytruda. If you have side effects that are bothersome or do not go away over time, talk with your doctor about ways to manage them.
Keytruda does not cure cancer. It’s meant to keep cancer from spreading or getting worse. Life expectancy after stopping Keytruda infusions may vary, but the drug’s benefits may continue even after treatment ends.
For example, a 2023 study involving people receiving immunotherapy drugs for colorectal cancer included some people receiving pembrolizumab (the active ingredient in Keytruda). The study had the following results:
- In 98% of people, cancer did not worsen within 1 year after stopping immunotherapy treatment.
- In 91% of people, cancer did not worsen within 2 years after stopping immunotherapy treatment.
- In 84% of people, cancer did not worsen within 3 years after stopping immunotherapy treatment.
This study included people who received immunotherapy for colorectal cancer only, and some people received drugs other than pembrolizumab (Keytruda).
Keytruda is used to treat many types of cancer, so your results from the drug may vary depending on the condition it’s treating and other factors. If you have questions about what to expect after stopping Keytruda treatment, talk with your doctor.
Your Keytruda treatment may last for around 2 years, but some factors may mean that you’ll receive the drug for a longer or shorter time. If you have questions about what to expect from your Keytruda treatment, talk with your doctor.