Merck’s top-selling Keytruda has proven effective in yet another phase 3 trial, this time with esophageal cancer.
Keytruda, a monoclonal antibody, has been approved to treat several kinds of cancers including lung and advanced melanoma. In this recent study, the blockbuster immuno-oncology treatment proved more effective than chemotherapy at improving the survival rate for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal or esophagogastric junction carcinoma.
According to the company, Keytruda has now shown a survival benefit for six types of tumors.
“We are encouraged by these results of Keytruda as monotherapy in previously-treated patients, and look forward to continuing our research efforts in this significant area of unmet need with our ongoing phase 3 trial,” Dr. Roy Baynes, senior vice president and head of global clinical development, chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories, said in a statement.
[javascriptSnippet]