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Post-RT Pembrolizumab Beneficial in NSCLC Subgroup

Publish date:: August 6, 2019

Key clinical point: Pembrolizumab following radiotherapy was not associated with improved responses in patients with recurrent metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Positive results, however, were mainly influenced by the PD-L1–negative subgroup, which had significantly improved progression-free and overall survival.

Major finding: Among patients who received pembrolizumab post-radiotherapy versus pembrolizumab alone, the ORR at 12 weeks was 36% and 18%, respectively (P = .07).

Study details: A phase 2 study of 76 patients with advanced NSCLC.

Disclosures: The study was funded by Merck Sharp & Dohme. The authors reported financial affiliations with AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Roche, Takeda, and several others.

Citation:

Theelen WSME et al. JAMA Oncol. 2019 Jul 11. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.1478.

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