(Reuters) – Merck said on Thursday its therapy being tested in certain patients with a type of cancer in the uterus lining failed a late-stage trial.
The drugmaker was evaluating its Keytruda therapy, combined with chemotherapy, in about 1,095 patients with high-risk endometrial cancer after surgery.
The trial failed to achieve its primary goal of disease-free survival. This measures the time a cancer patient survives without symptoms.
The study’s other main goal of overall survival was not formally tested since the trial failed in showing significant disease-free survival.
Endometrial cancer begins in the inner lining of the uterus, or endometrium, and is the most common type of the disease affecting the organ.
Merck’s Keytruda, a PD-1 inhibitor, enhances the immune system’s tumor-fighting capabilities. It belongs to this class of medications.
Keytruda holds approval in the US for two endometrial cancer indications, including a combination therapy with Eisai’s Lenvima. This approval reflects its versatile treatment options.
Endometrial cancer leads to more than 13,000 deaths in a year in the U.S., according to government data.
Moving forward, Merck will likely reassess its strategies for developing treatments for endometrial cancer. The company may explore alternative therapeutic approaches or collaborations to advance research in this area. Despite this setback, Merck remains dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with endometrial cancer.
Nevertheless, it also presents an opportunity for collaboration and renewed efforts in the fight against endometrial cancer.
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