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Pembrolizumab monotherapy
Source: Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 7, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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Evidence (pembrolizumab monotherapy):
Pembrolizumab monotherapy (given every 3 weeks for up to 6 months) was evaluated in a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study of 17 patients. Eight patients had classic KS and nine patients had endemic KS.[26][Level of evidence C3]
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Pembrolizumab monotherapy (given every 3 weeks for up to 6 months) was evaluated in a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study of 17 patients. Eight patients had classic KS and nine patients had endemic KS.[26][Level of evidence C3]
At a median follow-up of 20.4 months, with 88% of patients completing 6 months of treatment, the best overall response rate was 71% (12% with CR, 59% with PR). An additional 29% of patients had stable disease based on AIDS Clinical Trials Group response evaluation.
Pembrolizumab monotherapy (given every 3 weeks for up to 6 months) was evaluated in a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study of 17 patients. Eight patients had classic KS and nine patients had endemic KS.[26][Level of evidence C3]
The median time to response was 5 months (interquartile range, 3.4–12), the estimated median duration of response was 23 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.2–not reached [NR]), and the median time to progression (TTP) was 24 months (95% CI, 15–NR).
Pembrolizumab monotherapy (given every 3 weeks for up to 6 months) was evaluated in a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study of 17 patients. Eight patients had classic KS and nine patients had endemic KS.[26][Level of evidence C3]
Sixty-four percent (7 of 11) of pretreated patients and 83% (5 of 6) of chemotherapy-naïve patients had a CR or PR.
Pembrolizumab monotherapy (given every 3 weeks for up to 6 months) was evaluated in a multicenter, single-arm, phase II study of 17 patients. Eight patients had classic KS and nine patients had endemic KS.[26][Level of evidence C3]
Pembrolizumab was generally well tolerated. Two patients (12%) had grade 3 events: acute cardiac decompensation and granulomatous reaction in the lung. Two patients discontinued treatment due to grade 2 pancreatitis and grade 3 acute cardiac decompensation, respectively.
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice