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Bittersweet Phase 3 Keytruda data hits one of two goals in extensive stage small cell lung cancer

pharmafile | January 7, 2020 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development MSD, keytruda 

MSD has lifted the curtain on new Phase 3 data on the efficacy of its blockbuster immunotherapy Keytruda, in combination with etoposide plus cisplatin or carboplatin chemotherapy, in the treatment of extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) in the first-line setting, showing that the combo met one of its primary endpoints, but not both.

The study’s two primary goals were improvements to progression-free survival and overall survival. The data revealed that the drug combo produced “statistically significant improvement” to the former, and while improvement was observed in the latter, it was not deemed to reach statistical significance.

“Results of KEYNOTE-604 demonstrated the potential of KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, to improve outcomes for patients newly diagnosed with extensive stage small cell lung cancer, a highly aggressive malignancy,” said Dr Roy Baynes, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Clinical Development, Chief Medical Officer at MSD. “We sincerely thank the patients and investigators for their participation in this study and are committed to helping patients who face difficult-to-treat types of lung cancer.”

The company also confirmed that the full rundown of the data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and will be submitted to regulatory authorities.

Matt Fellows

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