According to a story from BioSpace, the Merck’s flagship cancer drug Keytruda faltered in a recent phase III clinical trial against endometrial cancer. In the trial, the drug was used alongside chemotherapy with and without concurrent radiation therapy in patients with high-risk disease that were newly diagnosed.
Put to the Test
Keytruda is classified as an anti PD-1 humanized antibody that is a top seller for the company and has earned approvals for a wide range of cancer types. In the trial, the drug failed to achieve the study’s primary endpoint of disease-free survival when compared to the placebo arm.
The drug has already been approved for certain patients living with endometrial cancer, such as in cases of inoperable, advanced endometrial carcinoma that has seen progression. In these patients, it can be used both on its own or alongside Eisai’s cancer therapy Lenvima. Merck is continuing to evaluate the drug as a monotherapy and alongside chemotherapy in specific populations of patients with this cancer.
This is the second time in the last six months that Keytruda has failed in endometrial cancer trials. In December of last year, the Keytruda plus Lenvima approach wasn’t able to improve survival in endometrial cancer that was advanced or recurrent.
About Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a cancer that affects the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus. It is often most characterized by vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause has taken place and is therefore not associated with menstruation. Certain genetic disorders can cause endometrial cancer. There are several risk factors, many of which are linked to high levels of estrogens. These include obesity, old age, late menopause, not having children, breast cancer, diabetes, and the breast cancer drug tamoxifen. Symptoms include post-menopausal bleeding, heavy bleeding before menopause, abnormal menstruation, enlarged uterus, lower abdominal pain, pelvic cramps, white or clear vaginal discharge, trouble urinating, pain while urinating, and painful sex. With treatment, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, or hormone therapy, the five-year survival rate stands at 80 percent. To learn more about endometrial cancer, click here.
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Last modified: June 20, 2024
