Pembrolizumab versus methotrexate, docetaxel, or cetuximab for recurrent or metastatic head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (KEYNOTE-040): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study -

Pembrolizumab versus methotrexate, docetaxel, or cetuximab for recurrent or metastatic head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (KEYNOTE-040): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 study
Information type: Randomised controlled trials
Source: The Lancet
Specialities: Cancers
Summary
RCT (n= 495) reported increased overall survival with pembrolizumab than standard treatment (8.4 vs 6.9 months; HR 0.80; p=0·0161). Furthermore, fewer patients treated with pembrolizumab had grade 3 or worse treatment-related adverse events (13 vs 36%).
UKMi comment
A related commentary suggests that this trial, alongside the Checkmate 141 trial, support the superiority of PD-1-directed antibody therapy over standard of care in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma at a particularly vulnerable timepoint (ie, 3–6 months after cisplatin failure).
Related links: Comment