Merck Sharp and Dohme’s Keytruda shows effectiveness in treating melanoma

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced that its cancer drug Keytruda has demonstrated its effectiveness in the treatment of high-risk melanoma in a new study.

Data from the phase III EORTC1325/KEYNOTE-054 trial has showed the benefits the anti-PD-1 therapy can offer as a monotherapy for surgically resected high-risk melanoma, with the drug meeting the primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival.

An interim analysis and review by an independent data monitoring committee indicated that post-resection adjuvant therapy with Keytruda resulted in significantly longer recurrence-free survival than placebo, while its safety profile was consistent with previous studies.

This study was conducted in partnership with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), with results from the trial to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and submitted to regulatory authorities.

Dr Roger Dansey, senior vice-president and therapeutic area head for oncology late-stage development at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "This has been a great collaboration between Merck and the EORTC and the findings from this interim analysis show the potential for Keytruda to significantly prolong the time before the disease recurs in patients with high-risk melanoma."

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