KEYNOTE-604 trial demonstrates mixed results for pembrolizumab in small cell lung cancer

A trial investigating the treatment of extensive stage small cell lung cancer with anti-PD-1 therapy and chemotherapy has shown mixed results.The pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. (NJ, USA) have revealed the findings of their most recent trial termed Phase III KEYNOTE-604 involving their anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda™ (pembrolizumab).   This trial involved analyzing the likelihood of progression-free survival and overall survival among patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who had been treated by pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy.  The safety of pembrolizumab in this trial was the same as in previous studies that trialed the treatment. The findings of the new trial are to be announced in an upcoming medical meeting at Merck.  “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”...