Improved Survival Outcomes with Keytruda-Chemo in Early Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Sunday, 15 September 2024, 11:25

ESMO 2024 highlights the effectiveness of Keytruda plus chemotherapy for early triple-negative breast cancer. Patients experienced improved survival outcomes post-treatment. The combination therapy significantly reduces the risk of death compared to placebo.
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Improved Survival Outcomes with Keytruda-Chemo in Early Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Key Findings from ESMO 2024 on Keytruda and Chemotherapy

Patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer demonstrated improved survival outcomes after treatment with perioperative Keytruda (pembrolizumab) combined with chemotherapy, followed by Keytruda after surgery, according to a presentation at the 2024 ESMO Congress.

  • Risk Reduction: The Keytruda-chemotherapy regimen reduced the risk of death by 34% compared to placebo.
  • Study Details: This data is drawn from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-522 study.

Methodology of the KEYNOTE-522 Study

In the study, patients were randomly assigned to receive either Keytruda with chemotherapy or placebo with chemotherapy as pre-operative treatment. Post-surgery, patients continued their respective treatments:

  1. Keytruda plus chemotherapy
  2. Placebo plus chemotherapy

The trial evaluated dual primary endpoints: pathological complete response (pCR) rate and event-free survival (EFS) rate.

Results and Efficacy

At a median follow-up of 75.1 months:

  • Five-year overall survival (OS) rate noted at 86.6% for the Keytruda group versus 81.7% for the placebo group.
  • Improved EFS: The Keytruda group showed significant advancements in EFS rates, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Notably, patients who achieved pCR experienced even better OS rates. The FDA approved Keytruda plus chemotherapy as a viable neoadjuvant treatment based on the preliminary findings of KEYNOTE-522.

Relevance of Ongoing Research

These findings underscore the importance of innovative approaches in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, offering oncologists improved options for patient care.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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