Keytruda Skin Cancer Symptoms – What Patients in the USA Should Know

What Is Keytruda?

Discover how Keytruda is used to treat advanced skin cancer in the U.S. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and how this immunotherapy compares to other top treatments.

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an FDA-approved immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system detect and destroy cancer cells. It belongs to a class called PD-1 inhibitors and is commonly prescribed to treat several cancers, including:



  • Advanced melanoma (skin cancer)




  • Merkel cell carcinoma




  • Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)



It is often used when skin cancer has spread or become unresectable (not removable by surgery).


Common Skin Cancer Symptoms to Watch For

Early detection is key, and symptoms can vary depending on the type of skin cancer. Here are common signs:

1. Melanoma Symptoms



  • A changing mole or skin lesion




  • Asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation




  • Diameter larger than a pencil eraser




  • Evolving appearance or bleeding



2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)



  • Rough, scaly patches or open sores




  • Raised growths with a central depression




  • May crust or bleedeasily



3. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)



  • Pearly or waxy bumps




  • Flat, flesh-colored or brown lesions




  • Sores that don’t heal



4. Merkel Cell Carcinoma



  • Fast-growing, painless nodules




  • Typically appears on sun-exposed skin




  • Often mistaken for cysts or benign bumps



If any skin change is persistent or suspicious, a dermatologist should evaluate it right away.


How Keytruda Works for Skin Cancer

Keytruda blocks PD-1, a protein that stops immune cells from attacking cancer. By inhibiting this checkpoint, Keytruda:



  • Restores T-cell activity




  • Enhances immune response against cancer cells




  • May shrink tumors or stop progression



It’s typically administered as an intravenous infusion every 3 to 6 weeks.


Key Benefits of Keytruda



  • Prolongs survival in advanced melanoma patients




  • May delay recurrence after surgery in resected melanoma




  • Treats skin cancers resistant to surgery or radiation




  • Generally fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy




Potential Side Effects

While many patients tolerate Keytruda well, side effects can include:



  • Fatigue




  • Rash




  • Diarrhea




  • Cough or shortness of breath




  • Immune-related reactions (thyroid, liver, lung inflammation)



Always report symptoms early to your oncology team for monitoring and management.

live.srchoffer.com doesn’t just want you to impulse-buy. We want you to be in the know about the nitty-gritty, the stuff between the lines.

©2025 www.live.srchoffer.com