Immunotherapy Trial Triples Survival Rates for Deadly Bowel Cancer
A groundbreaking trial conducted by University College London has shown that pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, has the potential to triple survival rates for a deadly form of bowel cancer. Administered through a 30-minute injection, pembrolizumab can ‘melt away’ tumors, offering hope for improved survival rates and reduced reliance on traditional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
Keytruda Shows Promising Results in Cervical Cancer Trial
Merck’s Keytruda has shown promising results in a recent cervical cancer trial, raising hopes for a broader FDA approval in the near future. The trial, known as KEYNOTE-A18, demonstrated that Keytruda, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), significantly improved overall survival (OS) in patients with earlier-stage cervical cancer. Keytruda’s previous FDA approval, granted in October 2021, allowed its use in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer. However, this approval was subject to certain restrictions, including the requirement for tumors to express the PD-L1 biomarker at a combined positive score (CPS) of at least 1. The recent success of Keytruda in the KEYNOTE-A18 trial has reignited hopes for a broader FDA approval, potentially expanding the reach of this groundbreaking immunotherapy to benefit a larger population of cervical cancer patients.