Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 14.09.2017
Pembrolizumab Reduces Death Rate in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ezra Cohen, MD
Associate Director, Moores Cancer Center
Professor of Medicine
Moores Cancer Center
UC San Diego Health - La Jolla
Moores Cancer Center
La Jolla, CA 92093
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: We have known for a couple of years that anti-PD1 therapy, and specifically pembrolizumab, is active in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The KN40 trial now tested pembrolizuamb against standard of care in patients whose cancers progressed on platinum containing regimens.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: The main findings really supported what we know about pembrolizumab in this disease - it is active and effective with a favorable side effect profile. Pembrolizumab reduced the risk of death by 19% and was associated with a 14% response rate. The effect was even greater in tumors that expressed PDL1 and, in the highest expressing group, the benefit in reduction of risk of death was 46% with a 27% response rate.
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