Discontinued two Phase III Keytruda trials: MSD

Merck & Co (MSD) has discontinued two Phase III Keytruda (pembrolizumab) trials. The KEYNOTE-867 trial, testing Keytruda with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for unresected stage I or II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), was stopped due to failure to meet primary endpoints of event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). The trial also showed higher adverse events with Keytruda.

The KEYNOTE-630 trial, evaluating Keytruda for locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), was terminated for ‘futility’ as it did not achieve statistical significance in recurrence-free survival (RFS). MSD has informed investigators and participants and is continuing data analysis. Full results will be shared with the scientific community and regulatory agencies. MSD also recently ended the Phase III KeyVibe-008 trial, which did not meet its primary endpoint. Prelude Therapeutics is partnering with MSD to evaluate PRT3789 with Keytruda for SMARCA4-mutated cancers.