Cancers & treatments·Regimen libraryFirst line

Pembrolizumab + axitinib

Checked 2026-09-09

Untreated advanced clear-cell RCC, any IMDC risk

One cycle

every 21 days

21-day cycle, pembrolizumab up to 35 cycles; axitinib until progressionIntravenousOral Daily oral course

Components

Drug	Dose	Route	Days	Note
Pembrolizumab Monoclonal antibody (anti-PD-1)	200 mg	IV	D1	or 400 mg every 6 weeks
Axitinib Small-molecule kinase inhibitor (VEGFR)	5 mg twice daily (titrate to 7 then 10 mg)	Oral	D1-21

Cycles

pembrolizumab up to 35 cycles; axitinib until progression

21-day cycle

Emetogenicity

Minimal (<10%)

G-CSF

Not routine

Notes

Hepatitis on the combination can be either drug: hold both, then rechallenge axitinib first.

Used in

Renal cell carcinoma

Trials

KEYNOTE-426

Products

PembrolizumabAxitinib

Source

KEYNOTE-426, NEJM 2019

Reference doses for a typical adult from the cited protocol or label. Doses are adjusted for renal and hepatic function, age, performance status and prior toxicity, and institutional protocols vary. Verify against the current label and your local protocol before treating. Not medical advice.

Other regimens for these cancers

Everolimus

Advanced progressive NET (RADIANT-3, RADIANT-4); RCC and HR-positive breast cancer after prior therapy

every 28 days

Nivolumab + ipilimumab (RCC)

Untreated advanced clear-cell RCC, IMDC intermediate or poor risk

every 21 days × 4

Sunitinib 4/2

Advanced clear-cell RCC favourable risk or when immunotherapy is contraindicated; imatinib-resistant GIST; pancreatic NET

every 42 days

All regimens Sunitinib 4/2 →