What should you know about Keytruda and ovarian cancer?

Pembrolizumab helps the immune system recognise and respond to some cancer cells. It is not appropriate for every ovarian cancer diagnosis. The team considers the cancer's subtype, extent, previous treatment, general health, and tumour test results before recommending it.

Care may also include surgery, chemotherapy, or another treatment. Genomic tumour profiling can identify features that help guide treatment choices, while BRCA genetic testing may provide information about inherited risk and possible treatment options. A test result is one part of the decision and does not by itself predict how an individual will respond.

Ask which result makes pembrolizumab relevant, whether it would be given alone or with another treatment, and how response will be checked. Discuss infusion visits, previous medicines, autoimmune conditions, organ problems, pregnancy plans, and any supplements. Keep a symptom diary after treatment so changes can be reviewed promptly.

Ovarian cancer surgery may include removal of one or both ovaries or debulking of visible tumour, depending on the plan. Palliative care can be added at any stage to manage pain, nausea, fatigue, appetite, sleep, or emotional strain alongside cancer treatment.

Call the oncology team promptly for new or worsening cough, breathlessness, chest discomfort, persistent diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, yellow skin, unusual fatigue, confusion, a widespread rash, or a sudden change in urine output. Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or sudden chest pain.

Why is pembrolizumab being considered for my ovarian cancer? Which tumour tests were performed? What other treatments are planned? How will immune-related side effects be recognised and treated? Who should I contact outside clinic hours?