What should you know about KEYNOTE and triple-negative breast cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer lacks three commonly used receptors: oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2. Because hormone-blocking medicines and HER2-directed medicines do not target those receptors, the team may discuss chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, or a targeted option when testing supports it.

KEYNOTE is a study-programme name, not a diagnosis and not a treatment plan by itself. Whether pembrolizumab or another approach is suitable depends on the stage, tumour features, previous treatment, overall health, and local clinical guidance. Your oncologist can explain which evidence applies to your situation.

Ask which receptor and biomarker results were found in the tumour, whether treatment is planned before or after surgery, and how response will be assessed. Discuss the intended benefits, likely side effects, infusion schedule, and what happens if treatment needs to pause. Keep a record of new symptoms between visits.

Immunotherapy can affect organs beyond the breast, including the skin, bowel, lungs, liver, thyroid, and other hormone-producing glands. Tell the team about symptoms early, even if they seem unrelated. PARP inhibitor therapy may be discussed for some people with an inherited or tumour-related BRCA change.

Contact the oncology service quickly for new breathlessness, persistent diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin, widespread rash, unusual weakness, confusion, or a marked change in urination. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or sudden chest pain.

What does KEYNOTE mean for my treatment, rather than for someone else? Which biomarkers were tested? Is immunotherapy being recommended with chemotherapy? How will side effects be managed? Does genetic or tumour testing affect other treatment choices?