On September 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) with chemotherapy as a standard treatment for certain cases of mesothelioma. This news came a week earlier than projected after the FDA’s May 29 announcement that it had prioritized its review of Keytruda for mesothelioma patients who cannot have surgery.
Keytruda is an immunotherapy drug that works by blocking PD-1, a protein that immune T cells use to determine which cells are good and bad. This helps them kill cancer cells that try to hide from the immune system.
“We’re pleased to offer a new first-line treatment option for adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma,” said Dr. Gregory Lubiniecki, vice president of oncology clinical research for Merck Research Laboratories. “This milestone underscores our commitment to advancing research for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors.”
With Keytruda’s approval by the FDA, mesothelioma patients will now have access to another treatment method that could help them live longer.
Download our Free Immunotherapy Guide to learn more about the benefits of Keytruda and other immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma.
About KEYNOTE-483: Keytruda Mesothelioma Clinical Trial
The FDA approved Keytruda based on the results of a recent clinical trial known as IND.227/KEYNOTE-483.
In the KEYNOTE-483 trial, 440 patients with advanced, inoperable pleural mesothelioma received either Keytruda and chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone.
Those who were given Keytruda with chemotherapy had significantly improved survival compared to those who received only chemotherapy.
When treated with Keytruda and chemotherapy, patients had a:
- 3-year survival rate of 25%, while the 3-year survival rate with chemotherapy alone was 17%
- 21% reduced risk of death
- Response rate of 62%, compared to just 38% of the control group
In addition, patients who received Keytruda and chemotherapy had a slightly longer life expectancy and experienced fewer immunotherapy side effects than those who received chemotherapy alone.
“Immunotherapy has shown promise in supporting mesothelioma patients by boosting the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. It’s like giving your body an extra set of tools to combat the disease more effectively.”
Use our Free Doctor Match to find mesothelioma specialists who can help you access Keytruda and other immunotherapies.
What Does the FDA’s Approval of Keytruda Mean for Mesothelioma Patients?
The FDA’s approval of Keytruda for mesothelioma is a significant development in cases where surgery isn’t possible.
This is very encouraging, as Keytruda may give pleural mesothelioma patients with inoperable cancer another potentially more effective treatment option.
“Malignant pleural mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in advanced stages when curative surgery is not an option and progresses quickly,” explained Dr. Lubiniecki. “Given the aggressive nature of pleural mesothelioma, Keytruda could provide a much-needed lifeline and set a new standard of care for those affected by this rare cancer.”
Find Keytruda Mesothelioma Treatment Now
Mesothelioma Hope’s team of Patient Advocates is dedicated to helping patients get the medical and financial support they need after a diagnosis.
We can help you pursue Keytruda or other immunotherapies and treatments that could improve your survival.
“Answering patient questions, explaining options, and sometimes just listening to a patient and their loved one is the number one reason why I’m here.”
Call us now at (866) 608-8933 or download our Free Immunotherapy Guide to get started.
