Keytruda for anal cancer – pro
Metastatic anal cancer is not well studied in regard to chemo options for metastatic disease. NCCN recommends a range of options for metastatic anal cancer. In the phase Ib KEYNOTE-028 study, 25 pretreated patients received pembrolizumab. Responses to the anti–PD-1 agent were observed in 20% of patients (all partial), while 44% achieved stable disease. Median response duration has not been reached. Median progression-free survival was 3.0 months. At 6 months, 31.6% were free of progression, and at 12 months, almost 20% still had not shown disease progression.
NCCN recommends it for “subsequent” treatment, after first line for metastatic disease fails.
Ott PA, Piha-Paul SA, Munster P, et al: Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) for PD-L1-positive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anal canal: Preliminary safety and efficacy results from KEYNOTE-028. 2015 European Cancer Congress. Abstract 500. Presented September 27, 2015.
NCCN.ORG, Anal Cancer ANAL-B, 2 2018