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In squamous mNSCLC

65% 1-year OS rate with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound vs 48% with carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound

  • Median OS: 15.9 months (95% CI, 13.2–NE) with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound vs 11.3 months (95% CI, 9.5–14.8) with carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound
4.6-MONTH IMPROVEMENT
IN MEDIAN OS
  • Events observed: 31% (85/278) with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound and 43% (120/281) with carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound

NCCN RECOMMENDATION

Choose KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound first line for all appropriate patients with squamous mNSCLC, including nonexpressers.
 

OVERALL SURVIVAL IN PD-L1 SUBGROUPS (exploratory analyses)

LIMITATIONS: KEYNOTE-407 was not powered to detect differences in the treatment effect in these subgroups; therefore, results from these exploratory analyses should be interpreted with caution because of the modest patient numbers and potential imbalances in baseline characteristics within the subgroups.

NONEXPRESSERS
EXPRESSERS

KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound demonstrated superior PFS and ORR vs carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound

44% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound

  • HR=0.56; 95% CI, 0.45–0.70; P<0.0001b
  • 6.4-month median PFS (95% CI, 6.2–8.3) with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound vs 4.8 months (95% CI, 4.3–5.7) with carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound
  • Events observed: 55% (152/278) with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound and 70% (197/281) with carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound

Over half of patients responded

  • 58% ORR (95% CI, 48–68) with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound vs 35% (95% CI, 26–45) with carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound (P=0.0008e) in a primary analysisf

Durable responses demonstrated

  • 7.2-month median DOR (range: 2.4–12.4+ months) with KEYTRUDA + carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound vs 4.9 months (range: 2.0–12.4+ months) with carbo + paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-boundf
 

Phase 3 registrational trial

KEYNOTE-407 study design1: Phase 3, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in systemic therapy–naïve patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC, regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; or patients who had received more than 30 Gy of thoracic radiation within the prior 26 weeks were ineligible. Patients were randomized to receive KEYTRUDA 200 mg Q3W, carboplatin Q3W, and either paclitaxel Q3W or paclitaxel protein-bound Q1W intravenously for four 3-week cycles followed by KEYTRUDA 200 mg Q3W (n=278); or carboplatin Q3W and either paclitaxel Q3W or paclitaxel protein-bound Q1W intravenously for four 3-week cycles followed by placebo Q3W (n=281). Treatment continued until progression of disease, unacceptable toxicity, or up to 24 months. The main efficacy outcome measures were OS, PFS, and ORR. An additional efficacy outcome measure was duration of response (DOR). PFS, ORR, and DOR were assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) per RECIST v1.1 (modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ). Patients receiving carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound alone who experienced disease progression could cross over to receive KEYTRUDA as monotherapy.

 

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) recommendation4

CATEGORY 1 PREFERRED RECOMMENDATION

For patients with mNSCLC whose PD-L1 levels are <50% or are unknown: Pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is recommended (category 1 preferred) as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.

Pembrolizumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel (or albumin-bound paclitaxel) is recommended (category 1 preferred) as first-line therapy for certain patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.4

Preferred intervention = Intervention that is based on superior efficacy, safety, and evidence, and, when appropriate, affordability.

Category 1 = Based upon high-level evidence, there is uniform National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) consensus that the intervention is appropriate.4

NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use, or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.

aFrom The New England Journal of Medicine, Paz-Ares L, Luft A, Vicente D, et al; for the KEYNOTE-407 investigators, Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for squamous non–small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018;379(21):2040–2051. Copyright © 2018 Massachusetts Medical Society. Reprinted with permission from Massachusetts Medical Society.

bHR based on the stratified Cox proportional model; P value based on stratified log-rank test.

cFrom The New England Journal of Medicine, Paz-Ares L, Luft A, Vicente D, et al; for the KEYNOTE-407 investigators. Supplementary Appendix to: Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for squamous non–small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018;379(21):2040–2051. Copyright © 2018 Massachusetts Medical Society. Reprinted with permission from Massachusetts Medical Society.

dHR based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model.

eBased on stratified Miettinen-Nurminen test.

fORR primary analysis and DOR analysis were conducted with the first 204 patients enrolled.

Carbo = carboplatin; CI = confidence interval; HR = hazard ratio; mNSCLC = metastatic NSCLC; NE = not estimable; NSCLC = non–small cell lung cancer; paclitaxel protein-bound = albumin-bound paclitaxel; PD-L1 = programmed death ligand 1; PFS = progression-free survival; ORR = objective response rate; Q1W = every week; Q3W = every 3 weeks; RECIST v1.1 = Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors v1.1; TPS = tumor proportion score.


ALL INDICATIONS

  • ADVANCED MELANOMA:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
  • ADJUVANT THERAPY:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph node(s) following complete resection.
  • FIRST-LINE COMBINATION THERAPY IN NONSQUAMOUS mNSCLC:KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non‒small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.
  • FIRST-LINE COMBINATION THERAPY IN SQUAMOUS mNSCLC:KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein‑bound, is indicated for the first‑line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)NSCLC.
  • FIRST-LINE MONOTHERAPY IN NONSQUAMOUS AND SQUAMOUS ADVANCED NSCLC:KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or metastatic.
  • SECOND-LINE OR GREATER MONOTHERAPY IN NONSQUAMOUS AND SQUAMOUS mNSCLC:KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.
  • THIRD-LINE OR GREATER mSCLC:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy and at least 1 other prior line of therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
  • FIRST-LINE COMBINATION THERAPY IN METASTATIC OR UNRESECTABLE, RECURRENT HNSCC:KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
  • FIRST-LINE MONOTHERAPY IN METASTATIC OR UNRESECTABLE, RECURRENT HNSCC:KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [combined positive score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test.
  • SECOND-LINE MONOTHERAPY IN RECURRENT OR METASTATIC HNSCC:KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
  • RECURRENT OR METASTATIC HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA ON OR AFTER PLATINUM-CONTAINING CHEMOTHERAPY:KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.
  • REFRACTORY OR RELAPSED cHL:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), or who have relapsed after 3 or more prior lines of therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
  • REFRACTORY OR RELAPSED PMBCL:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.
  • FIRST-LINE MONOTHERAPY—CISPLATIN (PD-L1 EXPRESSION [COMBINED POSITIVE SCORE (CPS) ≥10]) AND PLATINUM CHEMOTHERAPY INELIGIBLE:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and whose tumors express PD-L1 [combined positive score (CPS) ≥10], as determined by an FDA-approved test, or in patients who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy regardless of PD-L1 status. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
  • SECOND-LINE MONOTHERAPY—POST–PLATINUM FAILURE:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
  • FIRST-LINE MONOTHERAPY—CISPLATIN (PD-L1 EXPRESSION [COMBINED POSITIVE SCORE (CPS) ≥10]) AND PLATINUM CHEMOTHERAPY INELIGIBLE:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and whose tumors express PD-L1 [combined positive score (CPS) ≥10], as determined by an FDA-approved test, or in patients who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy regardless of PD-L1 status. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
  • SECOND-LINE MONOTHERAPY—POST–PLATINUM FAILURE:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
  • ADVANCED MSI-H/dMMR CANCERS:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)
    • solid tumors that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options, or
    • colorectal cancer that has progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.
    This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with MSI-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.
  • ADVANCED GASTRIC OR GEJ CANCER:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after two or more prior lines of therapy including fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy and if appropriate, HER2/neu-targeted therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
  • ADVANCED ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy.
  • ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
  • HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
  • ADVANCED MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA:KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
  • ADVANCED RENAL CELL CARCINOMA:KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
EGFR = epidermal growth factor receptor; ALK = anaplastic lymphoma kinase; PD‑L1 = programmed death ligand 1; HER2/neu = human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. mNSCLC = metastatic NSCLC;
EGFR = epidermal growth factor receptor;
ALK = anaplastic lymphoma kinase;
PD-L1 = programmed death ligand 1. PD-L1 = programmed death ligand 1. PD-L1 = programmed death ligand 1;
HER2/neu = human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. PD-L1 = programmed death ligand 1;
CPS = combined positive score.
SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION for KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)
  • Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
    • KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases. Pneumonitis occurred in 3.4% (94/2799) of patients with various cancers receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.3%), 3 (0.9%), 4 (0.3%), and 5 (0.1%). Pneumonitis occurred in 8.2% (65/790) of NSCLC patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grades 3–4 in 3.2% of patients, and occurred more frequently in patients with a history of prior thoracic radiation (17%) compared to those without (7.7%). Pneumonitis occurred in 6% (18/300) of HNSCC patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grades 3–5 in 1.6% of patients, and occurred in 5.4% (15/276) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with platinum and FU as first-line therapy for advanced disease, including Grade 3–5 in 1.5% of patients.
    • Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis. Evaluate suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis.
  • Immune-Mediated Colitis
    • KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis. Colitis occurred in 1.7% (48/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.4%), 3 (1.1%), and 4 (<0.1%). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 or 3; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 colitis.
  • Immune-Mediated Hepatitis (KEYTRUDA) and Hepatotoxicity (KEYTRUDA in Combination With Axitinib)

    Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

    • KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Hepatitis occurred in 0.7% (19/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.4%), and 4 (<0.1%). Monitor patients for changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations, withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA.

    Hepatotoxicity in Combination With Axitinib

    • KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib can cause hepatic toxicity with higher than expected frequencies of Grades 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to KEYTRUDA alone. With the combination of KEYTRUDA and axitinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT (20%) and increased AST (13%) were seen. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt KEYTRUDA and axitinib, and consider administering corticosteroids as needed.
  • Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
    • KEYTRUDA can cause hypophysitis, thyroid disorders, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (17/2799) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.2%), 3 (0.3%), and 4 (<0.1%). Hypothyroidism occurred in 8.5% (237/2799) of patients, including Grade 2 (6.2%) and 3 (0.1%). The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 1185 patients with HNSCC (16%) receiving KEYTRUDA, as a single agent or in combination with platinum and FU, including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 3.4% (96/2799) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.8%) and 3 (0.1%), and thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (16/2799) of patients, including Grade 2 (0.3%). Type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis, occurred in 0.2% (6/2799) of patients.
    • Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis (including hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency), thyroid function (prior to and periodically during treatment), and hyperglycemia. For hypophysitis, administer corticosteroids and hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 and withhold or discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 hypophysitis. Administer hormone replacement for hypothyroidism and manage hyperthyroidism with thionamides and beta-blockers as appropriate. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 hyperthyroidism. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes, and withhold KEYTRUDA and administer antihyperglycemics in patients with severe hyperglycemia.
  • Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction
    • KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Nephritis occurred in 0.3% (9/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.1%), and 4 (<0.1%) nephritis. Nephritis occurred in 1.7% (7/405) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy. Monitor patients for changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 nephritis.
  • Immune-Mediated Skin Reactions
    • Immune-mediated rashes, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) (some cases with fatal outcome), exfoliative dermatitis, and bullous pemphigoid, can occur. Monitor patients for suspected severe skin reactions and based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. For signs or symptoms of SJS or TEN, withhold KEYTRUDA and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment. If SJS or TEN is confirmed, permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.
  • Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
    • Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue in patients receiving KEYTRUDA and may also occur after discontinuation of treatment. For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer corticosteroids. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Based on limited data from clinical studies in patients whose immune-related adverse reactions could not be controlled with corticosteroid use, administration of other systemic immunosuppressants can be considered. Resume KEYTRUDA when the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less following corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction.
    • The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred in less than 1% (unless otherwise indicated) of 2799 patients: arthritis (1.5%), uveitis, myositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, sarcoidosis, and encephalitis. In addition, myelitis and myocarditis were reported in other clinical trials, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and postmarketing use.
    • Treatment with KEYTRUDA may increase the risk of rejection in solid organ transplant recipients. Consider the benefit of treatment vs the risk of possible organ rejection in these patients.
  • Infusion-Related Reactions
    • KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, including hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, which have been reported in 0.2% (6/2799) of patients. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. For Grade 3 or 4 reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA.
  • Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)
    • Immune-mediated complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT after treatment with KEYTRUDA. Of 23 patients with cHL who proceeded to allogeneic HSCT after KEYTRUDA, 6 (26%) developed graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (1 fatal case) and 2 (9%) developed severe hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced-intensity conditioning (1 fatal case). Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD after allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor–blocking antibody before transplantation. Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, Grade 3 to 4 acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions.
    • In patients with a history of allogeneic HSCT, acute GVHD (including fatal GVHD) has been reported after treatment with KEYTRUDA. Patients who experienced GVHD after their transplant procedure may be at increased risk for GVHD after KEYTRUDA. Consider the benefit of KEYTRUDA vs the risk of GVHD in these patients.
  • Increased Mortality in Patients With Multiple Myeloma
    • In trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of KEYTRUDA to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of these patients with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in this combination is not recommended outside of controlled trials.
  • Embryofetal Toxicity
    • Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise women of this potential risk. In females of reproductive potential, verify pregnancy status prior to initiating KEYTRUDA and advise them to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
  • Adverse Reactions
    • In KEYNOTE-006, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 9% of 555 patients with advanced melanoma; adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation in more than one patient were colitis (1.4%), autoimmune hepatitis (0.7%), allergic reaction (0.4%), polyneuropathy (0.4%), and cardiac failure (0.4%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA were fatigue (28%), diarrhea (26%), rash (24%), and nausea (21%).
    • In KEYNOTE-054, KEYTRUDA was permanently discontinued due to adverse reactions in 14% of 509 patients; the most common (≥1%) were pneumonitis (1.4%), colitis (1.2%), and diarrhea (1%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 25% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. The most common adverse reaction (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA was diarrhea (28%).
    • In KEYNOTE-189, when KEYTRUDA was administered with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy in metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 20% of 405 patients. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were pneumonitis (3%) and acute kidney injury (2%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) with KEYTRUDA were nausea (56%), fatigue (56%), constipation (35%), diarrhea (31%), decreased appetite (28%), rash (25%), vomiting (24%), cough (21%), dyspnea (21%), and pyrexia (20%).
    • In KEYNOTE-407, when KEYTRUDA was administered with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein‑bound in metastatic squamous NSCLC, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 15% of 101 patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection. Adverse reactions observed in KEYNOTE-407 were similar to those observed in KEYNOTE-189 with the exception that increased incidences of alopecia (47% vs 36%) and peripheral neuropathy (31% vs 25%) were observed in the KEYTRUDA and chemotherapy arm compared to the placebo and chemotherapy arm in KEYNOTE-407.
    • In KEYNOTE-042, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 19% of 636 patients with advanced NSCLC; the most common were pneumonitis (3%), death due to unknown cause (1.6%), and pneumonia (1.4%). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia (7%), pneumonitis (3.9%), pulmonary embolism (2.4%), and pleural effusion (2.2%). The most common adverse reaction (≥20%) was fatigue (25%).
    • In KEYNOTE-010, KEYTRUDA monotherapy was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 682 patients with metastatic NSCLC; the most common was pneumonitis (1.8%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were decreased appetite (25%), fatigue (25%), dyspnea (23%), and nausea (20%).
    • Adverse reactions occurring in patients with SCLC were similar to those occurring in patients with other solid tumors who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent.
    • In KEYNOTE-048, KEYTRUDA monotherapy was discontinued due to adverse events in 12% of 300 patients with HNSCC; the most common adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation were sepsis (1.7%) and pneumonia (1.3%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (33%), constipation (20%), and rash (20%).
    • In KEYNOTE-048, when KEYTRUDA was administered in combination with platinum (cisplatin or carboplatin) and FU chemotherapy, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 16% of 276 patients with HNSCC. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were pneumonia (2.5%), pneumonitis (1.8%), and septic shock (1.4%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were nausea (51%), fatigue (49%), constipation (37%), vomiting (32%), mucosal inflammation (31%), diarrhea (29%), decreased appetite (29%), stomatitis (26%), and cough (22%).
    • In KEYNOTE-012, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 17% of 192 patients with HNSCC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state, vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue, decreased appetite, and dyspnea. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HNSCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy, with the exception of increased incidences of facial edema and new or worsening hypothyroidism.
    • In KEYNOTE-087, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 5% of 210 patients with cHL. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 16% of patients; those ≥1% included pneumonia, pneumonitis, pyrexia, dyspnea, GVHD, and herpes zoster. Two patients died from causes other than disease progression; 1 from GVHD after subsequent allogeneic HSCT and 1 from septic shock. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (26%), pyrexia (24%), cough (24%), musculoskeletal pain (21%), diarrhea (20%), and rash (20%).
    • In KEYNOTE-170, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 53 patients with PMBCL. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients and included arrhythmia (4%), cardiac tamponade (2%), myocardial infarction (2%), pericardial effusion (2%), and pericarditis (2%). Six (11%) patients died within 30 days of start of treatment. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were musculoskeletal pain (30%), upper respiratory tract infection and pyrexia (28% each), cough (26%), fatigue (23%), and dyspnea (21%).
    • In KEYNOTE-052, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 11% of 370 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients; those ≥2% were urinary tract infection, hematuria, acute kidney injury, pneumonia, and urosepsis. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (24%), decreased appetite (22%), constipation (21%), rash (21%), and diarrhea (20%).
    • In KEYNOTE-045, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 266 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.9%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of KEYTRUDA-treated patients; those ≥2% were urinary tract infection, pneumonia, anemia, and pneumonitis. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients who received KEYTRUDA were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), pruritus (23%), decreased appetite (21%), nausea (21%), and rash (20%).
    • Adverse reactions occurring in patients with gastric cancer were similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy.
    • Adverse reactions occurring in patients with esophageal cancer were similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy.
    • In KEYNOTE-158, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of 98 patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA; the most frequent included anemia (7%), fistula, hemorrhage, and infections [except urinary tract infections] (4.1% each). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue (43%), musculoskeletal pain (27%), diarrhea (23%), pain and abdominal pain (22% each), and decreased appetite (21%).
    • Adverse reactions occurring in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were generally similar to those in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy, with the exception of increased incidences of ascites (8% Grades 3–4) and immune-mediated hepatitis (2.9%). Laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3–4) that occurred at a higher incidence were elevated AST (20%), ALT (9%), and hyperbilirubinemia (10%).
    • Among the 50 patients with MCC enrolled in study KEYNOTE-017, adverse reactions occurring in patients with MCC were generally similar to those occurring in patients with melanoma or NSCLC who received KEYTRUDA as a monotherapy. Laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3–4) that occurred at a higher incidence were elevated AST (11%) and hyperglycemia (19%).
    • In KEYNOTE-426, when KEYTRUDA was administered in combination with axitinib, fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.3% of 429 patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 40% of patients, the most frequent (≥1%) were hepatotoxicity (7%), diarrhea (4.2%), acute kidney injury (2.3%), dehydration (1%), and pneumonitis (1%). Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 31% of patients; KEYTRUDA only (13%), axitinib only (13%), and the combination (8%); the most common were hepatotoxicity (13%), diarrhea/colitis (1.9%), acute kidney injury (1.6%), and cerebrovascular accident (1.2%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhea (56%), fatigue/asthenia (52%), hypertension (48%), hepatotoxicity (39%), hypothyroidism (35%), decreased appetite (30%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (28%), nausea (28%), stomatitis/mucosal inflammation (27%), dysphonia (25%), rash (25%), cough (21%), and constipation (21%).
  • Lactation
    • Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 4 months after the final dose.
  • Pediatric Use
    • There is limited experience in pediatric patients. In a trial, 40 pediatric patients (16 children aged 2 years to younger than 12 years and 24 adolescents aged 12 years to 18 years) with various cancers, including unapproved usages, were administered KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks. Patients received KEYTRUDA for a median of 3 doses (range 1–17 doses), with 34 patients (85%) receiving 2 doses or more. The safety profile in these pediatric patients was similar to that seen in adults; adverse reactions that occurred at a higher rate (≥15% difference) in these patients when compared to adults under 65 years of age were fatigue (45%), vomiting (38%), abdominal pain (28%), increased transaminases (28%), and hyponatremia (18%).
ALT = alanine aminotransferase; AST = aspartate aminotransferase; cHL = classical Hodgkin lymphoma; FU = fluorouracil; HNSCC = head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; MCC = Merkel cell carcinoma; NSCLC = non–small cell lung cancer; PD-1 = programmed death receptor-1; PD-L1 = programmed death ligand 1; PMBCL = primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma; SCLC = small cell lung cancer. Before prescribing KEYTRUDA, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information. The Medication Guide also is available.

References:
  1. Paz-Ares L, Luft A, Vicente D, et al; for the KEYNOTE-407 investigators. Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for squamous non–small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018;379(21):2040–2051.
  2. Paz-Ares L, Luft A, Vicente D, et al; for the KEYNOTE-407 investigators. Supplementary Appendix to: Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for squamous non–small-cell lung cancer. (N Engl J Med. 2018;379(21):2040–2051.) doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1810865.
  3. Data available on request from Merck, Professional Services-DAP, WP1-27, PO Box 4, West Point, PA 19486-0004. Please specify information package NSCLC KN-407 Efficacy DAP ONCO-1271439-0000.
  4. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer V.7.2019. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved. Accessed September 11, 2019. To view the most recent and complete version of the guidelines, go online to NCCN.org.

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