How Jimmy Carter’s Melanoma Diagnosis Introduced Immunotherapy to Cancer Care
Source: Pharmacy Times, January 2025
The late former president played a critical role in advancing cancer care, as well as efforts to eradicate preventable diseases.
In the wake of former president Jimmy Carter’s death, his pivotal role in introducing immunotherapy as a transformative cancer treatment remains one of his most enduring legacies, offering hope to patients around the world. His remarkable recovery from advanced melanoma, attributed to pembrolizumab (Keytruda; Merck)—nicknamed the “Jimmy Carter drug”—brought global attention to this innovative therapy and catalyzed a shift in how cancer is treated.
“President Jimmy Carter’s courageous victory against cancer and his openness about embracing immunotherapy inspired hope for millions around the world,” said Alicia Zhou, PhD, chief executive officer of the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), in an article published by the CRI. “His story stands as a testament to the transformative power of scientific innovation, reminding us that breakthroughs in immunotherapy can turn even the most challenging diagnoses into stories of resilience and triumph.”