MSD Immuno-Oncology ASCO News: Pembrolizumab – Current data on combination studies in advanced melanoma

19.07.2016 10:30

MSD recently announced the results of three separate studies comparing the anti-PD-1 (programmed cell death 1 protein) inhibitor pembrolizumab ("KEYTRUDA") in combination with other therapeutic regimens - talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC), dabrafenib plus trametinib or low-dose ipilimumab – studied in patients with advanced melanoma. These data were presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago.

“In order to continue to expand our leading position in the treatment of advanced melanoma, we are investigating pembrolizumab in combination with various preparations that have different mechanisms of action. The aim is to improve effectiveness while maintaining tolerability,” explained Dr. Roger Dansey, Senior Vice President and Therapeutic Area Head of Oncology Late-Stage Development, Merck Research Laboratories of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, USA, known in Germany as MSD Sharp and Dohme GmbH. “These promising preliminary data demonstrate the potential of pembrolizumab as an important component in combination therapy for melanoma.”

According to the company, these three studies were designed to answer specific questions about the use of pembrolizumab in combination with various therapeutic approaches. The safety profile of the combination regimens was considered manageable in all three studies.

“Anti-PD-1 therapies, such as pembrolizumab, have demonstrated utility as monotherapy in the treatment of advanced melanoma. “It is therefore important to understand their potential in combination with other effective therapeutics, including immunotherapies and targeted therapies,” said Dr. Georgina Long, Professor of Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Melanoma Research at the Melanoma Institute Australia and the University of Sydney.

“The doctors concentrate on different therapeutic approaches for different types of patients. Through the promising data presented at this year's ASCO, we aim to better understand the role of monotherapy. For patients with advanced melanoma who may not benefit as much from monotherapy, we are developing strategies for combination therapy,” Long continued.