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Merck Set To Add Perioperative Head-And-Neck Cancer To Keytruda Label

 
• By Joseph Haas

With positive data versus radiation therapy in KEYNOTE-689, Merck & Co. files for approval in perioperative head and neck cancer, adding to additional claim in that cancer type.

Merck presents successful data for Keytruda in perioperative head and neck cancer (Shutterstock)

Merck & Co. presented full data from a Phase III trial testing Keytruda (pembrolizumab) as perioperative treatment in stage III or IVA resected, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) that may support an additional indication for the anti-PD-1 agent on top of its current US Food and Drug Administration approval for metastatic or unresectable, recurrent HNSCC.

Key Takeaways
  • Merck’s KEYNOTE-689 trial shows that perioperative Keytruda can reduce risk of event-free survival in stage III-IVA head and neck cancer compared to radiotherapy.

The data from the KEYNOTE-689 trial showing a 21.4-month greater duration of event-free survival (EFS) compared to standard of care...

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