These Highlights Do Not Include All The Information Needed To Use Keytruda Safely And Effectively. See Full Prescribing Information For Keytruda.

These Highlights Do Not Include All The Information Needed To Use Keytruda Safely And Effectively. See Full Prescribing Information For Keytruda.
SPL v222
SPL
SPL Set ID 9333c79b-d487-4538-a9f0-71b91a02b287
Route
INTRAVENOUS
Published
Effective Date 2026-02-10
Document Type 34391-3 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL

Drug Facts

Composition & Product

Active Ingredients
Pembrolizumab (50 mg)
Inactive Ingredients
Histidine Sucrose Polysorbate 80 Sodium Hydroxide Hydrochloric Acid Water

Identifiers & Packaging

Marketing Status
BLA Completed Since 2015-01-15 Until 2015-12-21

Description

Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 02/2026 Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) 02/2026

Indications and Usage

KEYTRUDA is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)-blocking antibody indicated: Melanoma for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. ( 1.1 ) for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection. ( 1.1 ) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. ( 1.2 ) in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC. ( 1.2 ) as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is: Stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or metastatic. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. ( 1.2 ) as a single agent, for adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC. ( 1.2 ) Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic MPM. ( 1.3 ) Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC) for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent. ( 1.4 ) in combination with platinum and FU for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC. ( 1.4 ) as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.4 , 2.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. ( 1.4 ) Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. ( 1.5 ) for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy. ( 1.5 ) Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory PMBCL, or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. ( 1.6 ) Limitations of Use : KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy. Urothelial Cancer in combination with enfortumab vedotin, for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. ( 1.7 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who: are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. ( 1.7 ) in combination with enfortumab vedotin, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment of adult patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. ( 1.7 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. ( 1.7 ) Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. ( 1.8 , 2.1 ) Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer (CRC) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.9 , 2.1 ) Gastric Cancer in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.10 ) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.10 ) Esophageal Cancer for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either: in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for patients whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1), or as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.11 , 2.1 ) Cervical Cancer in combination with chemoradiotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer involving the lower third of the vagina, with or without extension to pelvic sidewall, or hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney, or spread to adjacent pelvic organs (FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA). ( 1.12 ) in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.12 , 2.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.12 , 2.1 ) Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) for the treatment of patients with HCC secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen. ( 1.13 ) Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer. ( 1.14 ) Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. ( 1.15 ) Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in combination with axitinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. ( 1.16 ) in combination with lenvatinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. ( 1.16 ) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. ( 1.16 ) Endometrial Carcinoma in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. ( 1.17 ) in combination with lenvatinib, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not MSI-H as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. ( 1.17 , 2.1 ) as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. ( 1.17 , 2.1 ) Tumor Mutational Burden-High (TMB-H) Cancer for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. 1 ( 1.18 , 2.1 ) Limitations of Use : The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation. ( 1.19 ) Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage TNBC in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. ( 1.20 ) in combination with chemotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.20 , 2.1 ) Ovarian Cancer in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens. ( 1.21 , 2.1 ) 1 This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

Dosage and Administration

Melanoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) NSCLC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) MPM: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) HNSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) cHL or PMBCL: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) Urothelial Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) MSI-H or dMMR Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) MSI-H or dMMR CRC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Gastric Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Esophageal Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Cervical Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) HCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) BTC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) MCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) RCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks as a single agent in the adjuvant setting, or in the advanced setting with either: axitinib 5 mg orally twice daily or lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily. ( 2.2 ) Endometrial Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel regardless of MMR or MSI status, or in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily for pMMR or not MSI-H tumors, or as a single agent for MSI-H or dMMR tumors. ( 2.2 ) TMB-H Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) cSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) TNBC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Ovarian cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Administer KEYTRUDA as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes after dilution. ( 2.4 ) See Full Prescribing Information for dosage modifications for adverse reactions and preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.3 , 2.4 )

Warnings and Precautions

Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions ( 5.1 ) Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated pneumonitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, and solid organ transplant rejection. Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. Withhold or permanently discontinue based on severity and type of reaction. Infusion-related reactions: Interrupt, slow the rate of infusion, or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA based on the severity of reaction. ( 5.2 ) Complications of allogeneic HSCT: Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic HSCT before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. ( 5.3 ) Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. ( 5.4 ) Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective method of contraception. ( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

Contraindications

None.

Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling. Severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

Storage and Handling

KEYTRUDA injection (clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution): Carton containing one 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vial (NDC 0006-3026-02) Carton containing two 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vials (NDC 0006-3026-04)

How Supplied

KEYTRUDA injection (clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution): Carton containing one 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vial (NDC 0006-3026-02) Carton containing two 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vials (NDC 0006-3026-04)


Medication Information

Warnings and Precautions

Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions ( 5.1 ) Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated pneumonitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, and solid organ transplant rejection. Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. Withhold or permanently discontinue based on severity and type of reaction. Infusion-related reactions: Interrupt, slow the rate of infusion, or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA based on the severity of reaction. ( 5.2 ) Complications of allogeneic HSCT: Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic HSCT before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. ( 5.3 ) Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. ( 5.4 ) Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective method of contraception. ( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

Indications and Usage

KEYTRUDA is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)-blocking antibody indicated: Melanoma for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. ( 1.1 ) for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection. ( 1.1 ) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. ( 1.2 ) in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC. ( 1.2 ) as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is: Stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or metastatic. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. ( 1.2 , 2.1 ) for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. ( 1.2 ) as a single agent, for adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC. ( 1.2 ) Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic MPM. ( 1.3 ) Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC) for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent. ( 1.4 ) in combination with platinum and FU for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC. ( 1.4 ) as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.4 , 2.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. ( 1.4 ) Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. ( 1.5 ) for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy. ( 1.5 ) Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory PMBCL, or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. ( 1.6 ) Limitations of Use : KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy. Urothelial Cancer in combination with enfortumab vedotin, for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. ( 1.7 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who: are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. ( 1.7 ) in combination with enfortumab vedotin, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment of adult patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. ( 1.7 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. ( 1.7 ) Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. ( 1.8 , 2.1 ) Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer (CRC) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.9 , 2.1 ) Gastric Cancer in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.10 ) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.10 ) Esophageal Cancer for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either: in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for patients whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1), or as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.11 , 2.1 ) Cervical Cancer in combination with chemoradiotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer involving the lower third of the vagina, with or without extension to pelvic sidewall, or hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney, or spread to adjacent pelvic organs (FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA). ( 1.12 ) in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.12 , 2.1 ) as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.12 , 2.1 ) Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) for the treatment of patients with HCC secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen. ( 1.13 ) Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer. ( 1.14 ) Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. ( 1.15 ) Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) in combination with axitinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. ( 1.16 ) in combination with lenvatinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. ( 1.16 ) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. ( 1.16 ) Endometrial Carcinoma in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. ( 1.17 ) in combination with lenvatinib, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not MSI-H as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. ( 1.17 , 2.1 ) as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. ( 1.17 , 2.1 ) Tumor Mutational Burden-High (TMB-H) Cancer for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. 1 ( 1.18 , 2.1 ) Limitations of Use : The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation. ( 1.19 ) Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage TNBC in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. ( 1.20 ) in combination with chemotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. ( 1.20 , 2.1 ) Ovarian Cancer in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens. ( 1.21 , 2.1 ) 1 This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

Dosage and Administration

Melanoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) NSCLC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) MPM: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) HNSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) cHL or PMBCL: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) Urothelial Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) MSI-H or dMMR Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) MSI-H or dMMR CRC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Gastric Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Esophageal Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Cervical Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) HCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) BTC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) MCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) RCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks as a single agent in the adjuvant setting, or in the advanced setting with either: axitinib 5 mg orally twice daily or lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily. ( 2.2 ) Endometrial Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel regardless of MMR or MSI status, or in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily for pMMR or not MSI-H tumors, or as a single agent for MSI-H or dMMR tumors. ( 2.2 ) TMB-H Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. ( 2.2 ) cSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) TNBC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Ovarian cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Administer KEYTRUDA as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes after dilution. ( 2.4 ) See Full Prescribing Information for dosage modifications for adverse reactions and preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.3 , 2.4 )

Contraindications

None.

Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling. Severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].

Storage and Handling

KEYTRUDA injection (clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution): Carton containing one 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vial (NDC 0006-3026-02) Carton containing two 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vials (NDC 0006-3026-04)

How Supplied

KEYTRUDA injection (clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution): Carton containing one 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vial (NDC 0006-3026-02) Carton containing two 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vials (NDC 0006-3026-04)

Description

Indications and Usage ( 1 ) 02/2026 Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) 02/2026

Section 42229-5

Preparation for Intravenous Infusion

  • Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration. The solution is clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow. Discard the vial if visible particles are observed.
  • Dilute KEYTRUDA injection (solution) prior to intravenous administration.
  • Withdraw the required volume from the vial(s) of KEYTRUDA and transfer into an intravenous (IV) bag containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. Mix diluted solution by gentle inversion. Do not shake. The final concentration of the diluted solution should be between 1 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL.
  • Discard any unused portion left in the vial.
Section 42231-1
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised: February 2026
MEDICATION GUIDE

KEYTRUDA® (key-true-duh)

(pembrolizumab)

injection
What is the most important information I should know about KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA is a medicine that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. KEYTRUDA can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. You can have more than one of these problems at the same time. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended.
Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worsening signs or symptoms, including:
Lung problems
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
Intestinal problems
  • diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual
  • stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus
  • severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness
Liver problems
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • severe nausea or vomiting
  • pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
  • dark urine (tea colored)
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Hormone gland problems
  • headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches
  • eye sensitivity to light
  • eye problems
  • rapid heartbeat
  • increased sweating
  • extreme tiredness
  • weight gain or weight loss
  • feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual
  • urinating more often than usual
  • hair loss
  • feeling cold
  • constipation
  • your voice gets deeper
  • dizziness or fainting
  • changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness
Kidney problems
  • decrease in your amount of urine
  • blood in your urine
  • swelling of your ankles
  • loss of appetite
Skin problems
  • rash
  • itching
  • skin blistering or peeling
  • painful sores or ulcers in your mouth or in your nose, throat, or genital area
  • fever or flu-like symptoms
  • swollen lymph nodes
Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with KEYTRUDA. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include:
  • chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles
  • confusion, sleepiness, memory problems, changes in mood or behavior, stiff neck, balance problems, tingling or numbness of the arms or legs
  • double vision, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, changes in eyesight
  • persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps
  • low red blood cells, bruising
Infusion reactions that can sometimes be severe or life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include:
  • chills or shaking
  • itching or rash
  • flushing
  • shortness of breath or wheezing
  • dizziness
  • feeling like passing out
  • fever
  • back pain
Rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue. Your healthcare provider should tell you what signs and symptoms you should report and monitor you depending on the type of organ or tissue transplant that you have had.
Complications, including graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), in people who have received a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be serious and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with KEYTRUDA. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications.

Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious.

Your healthcare provider will check you for these problems during treatment with KEYTRUDA. Your healthcare provider may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare provider may also need to delay or completely stop treatment with KEYTRUDA if you have severe side effects.

What is KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA is a prescription medicine used to treat:
  • a kind of skin cancer called melanoma. KEYTRUDA may be used:
    • when your melanoma has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced melanoma), or
    • in adults and children 12 years of age and older with Stage IIB, Stage IIC, or Stage III melanoma, to help prevent melanoma from coming back after it and lymph nodes that contain cancer have been removed by surgery.
  • a kind of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines pemetrexed and a platinum as your first treatment when your lung cancer:
      • has spread (advanced NSCLC), and
      • is a type called “nonsquamous”, and
      • your tumor does not have an abnormal “EGFR” or “ALK” gene.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound as your first treatment when your lung cancer:
      • has spread (advanced NSCLC), and
      • is a type called “squamous”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone as your first treatment when your lung cancer:
      • has not spread outside your chest (Stage III) and you cannot have surgery or chemotherapy with radiation or
      • your NSCLC has spread to other areas of your body (advanced NSCLC), and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • does not have an abnormal “EGFR” or “ALK” gene.
    • KEYTRUDA may also be used alone when:
      • you have received chemotherapy that contains platinum to treat your advanced NSCLC, and it did not work or it is no longer working, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • if your tumor has an abnormal “EGFR” or “ALK” gene, you have also received an EGFR or ALK inhibitor medicine and it did not work or is no longer working.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in combination with chemotherapy that contains platinum and another chemotherapy medicine:
      • before surgery when you have early-stage NSCLC which can be removed by surgery, and
      • then continued alone after surgery to help prevent your lung cancer from coming back.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone as a treatment in adults for your lung cancer:
      • to help prevent your lung cancer from coming back after your tumor(s) has been removed by surgery and you have received platinum-based chemotherapy, and
      • you have Stage IB and your tumor(s) is 4 cm or greater in size, Stage II, or Stage IIIA NSCLC.
  • a kind of cancer in adults called malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in combination with the chemotherapy medicines pemetrexed and a platinum as your first treatment when your cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced MPM).
  • a kind of cancer called head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone in adults with HNSCC before surgery:
      • when your cancer can be removed by surgery, has spread to nearby tissues, and your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • then continued in combination with radiation with or without cisplatin after surgery, and
      • then continued alone to help prevent your head and neck cancer from coming back.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines fluorouracil and a platinum as your first treatment when your head and neck cancer has spread or returned and cannot be removed by surgery.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone as your first treatment when your head and neck cancer:
      • has spread or returned and cannot be removed by surgery, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your head and neck cancer:
      • has spread or returned, and
      • you have received chemotherapy that contains platinum and it did not work or is no longer working.
  • a kind of cancer called classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL):
    • in adults when:
      • your cHL has returned or
      • you have tried a treatment and it did not work, or
    • in children when:
      • you have tried a treatment and it did not work or
      • your cHL has returned after you received 2 or more types of treatment.
  • a kind of cancer called primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) in adults and children when:
    • you have tried a treatment and it did not work or
    • your PMBCL has returned after you received 2 or more types of treatment.
  • a kind of bladder and urinary tract cancer called urothelial cancer.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the medicine enfortumab vedotin in adults when your bladder or urinary tract cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your bladder or urinary tract cancer:
      • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer), and
      • you are not able to receive chemotherapy that contains platinum (medicines called either cisplatin or carboplatin), or
      • you have received chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the medicine enfortumab vedotin in adults before and after the surgical removal of your bladder when:
      • your bladder cancer has spread into the muscle layer of the bladder (muscle invasive bladder cancer [MIBC]) but not to other parts of the body, and
      • you are not able to receive chemotherapy that contains cisplatin.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your cancer has not spread to nearby tissue in the bladder, but is at high-risk for spreading (high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer [NMIBC]) when:
      • your tumor is a type called “carcinoma in situ” (CIS), and
      • you have tried treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and it did not work, and
      • you are not able to or have decided not to have surgery to remove your bladder.
  • a kind of cancer that is shown by a laboratory test to be a microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or a mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumor. KEYTRUDA may be used in adults and children to treat:
    • cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced cancer), and
    • has progressed following treatment, and you have no satisfactory treatment options.
  • a kind of cancer called colon or rectal cancer. KEYTRUDA may be used when your cancer:
    • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced colon or rectal cancer), and
    • has been shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR).
  • a kind of stomach cancer called gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults in combination with the medicine trastuzumab along with fluoropyrimidine and platinum chemotherapy as your first treatment when your stomach cancer:
      • is HER2-positive, and your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced gastric cancer).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults in combination with fluoropyrimidine and platinum chemotherapy as your first treatment when your stomach cancer:
      • is HER2-negative, and your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced gastric cancer).
  • a kind of cancer called esophageal or certain gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinomas that cannot be cured by surgery or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy medicines when your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when:
      • you have received one or more types of treatment, and it did not work or it is no longer working, and
      • your tumor is a type called “squamous”, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
  • a kind of cancer called cervical cancer.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy and radiation therapy when your cervical cancer has spread nearby to the lower part of your vagina or to pelvic organs or has affected your kidneys (Stage III to IVA FIGO 2014 classification).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines, with or without the medicine bevacizumab, when:
      • your cervical cancer does not go away (persistent), has returned, or has spread (advanced cervical cancer), and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your cervical cancer:
      • has returned, or has spread (advanced cervical cancer), and
      • you have received chemotherapy, and it did not work or is no longer working, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
  • a kind of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). KEYTRUDA may be used when:
    • you have HCC after having hepatitis B, and
    • you have received anti-cancer treatment that did not contain a “PD-1” or “PD-L1” blocking medicine.
  • a kind of bile duct or gallbladder cancer called biliary tract cancer (BTC). KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines gemcitabine and cisplatin when your biliary tract cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery.
  • a kind of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in adults and children. KEYTRUDA may be used to treat your skin cancer when it has spread or returned.
  • a kind of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults with the medicine axitinib as your first treatment when your kidney cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced RCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults with the medicine lenvatinib as your first treatment when your kidney cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced RCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone if you are at intermediate-high or high risk of your kidney cancer (RCC) coming back after surgery to:
      • remove all or part of your kidney, or
      • remove all or part of your kidney and also surgery to remove cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic lesions).
  • a kind of uterine cancer called advanced endometrial carcinoma.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines carboplatin and paclitaxel, and then KEYTRUDA may be used alone, in adults:
      • when your cancer has spread (advanced), or
      • if your cancer has returned.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the medicine lenvatinib in adults:
      • when a laboratory test shows that your tumor is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), and
      • you have received anti-cancer treatment, and it is no longer working, and
      • your cancer cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone in adults:
      • if your cancer is shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR), and
      • you have received anti-cancer treatment and it is no longer working, and
      • your cancer cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
  • a kind of cancer that is shown by a test to be tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H). KEYTRUDA may be used in adults and children to treat:
    • solid tumors that have spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced cancer), and
    • you have received anti-cancer treatment, and it did not work or is no longer working, and
    • you have no satisfactory treatment options.
    It is not known if KEYTRUDA is safe and effective in children with TMB-H cancers of the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system cancers).
  • a kind of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). KEYTRUDA may be used when your skin cancer:
    • has returned or spread, and
    • cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
  • a kind of cancer called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines as treatment before surgery and then continued alone after surgery when you:
      • have early-stage breast cancer, and
      • are at high risk of your breast cancer coming back.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines when your breast cancer:
      • has returned and cannot be removed by surgery or has spread, and
      • tests positive for “PD-L1”.
  • a kind of cancer called ovarian cancer.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults with the chemotherapy medicine paclitaxel, with or without the medicine bevacizumab, when your ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer:
      • is resistant to chemotherapy that contains platinum, and
      • tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • you have received 1or 2 types of treatment.
Before receiving KEYTRUDA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
  • have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
  • have received an organ or tissue transplant, including corneal transplant
  • have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic)
  • have received radiation treatment to your chest area
  • have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. KEYTRUDA can harm your unborn baby.

    Females who are able to become pregnant:
    • Your healthcare provider will give you a pregnancy test before you start treatment with KEYTRUDA.
    • You should use an effective method of birth control during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you may be pregnant or if you become pregnant during treatment with KEYTRUDA.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KEYTRUDA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after your last dose of KEYTRUDA.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How will I receive KEYTRUDA?
  • Your healthcare provider will give you KEYTRUDA into your vein through an intravenous (IV) line over 30 minutes.
  • In adults, KEYTRUDA is usually given every 3 weeks or 6 weeks depending on the dose of KEYTRUDA that you are receiving.
  • In children, KEYTRUDA is usually given every 3 weeks.
  • Your healthcare provider will decide how many treatments you need.
  • Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check you for side effects.
  • If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
What are the possible side effects of KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA can cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about KEYTRUDA?”
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when used alone include: feeling tired, pain, including pain in muscles, rash, diarrhea, fever, cough, decreased appetite, itching, shortness of breath, constipation, bones or joints and stomach-area (abdominal) pain, nausea, and low levels of thyroid hormone.
Side effects of KEYTRUDA when used alone that are more common in children than in adults include: fever, vomiting, headache, stomach area (abdominal) pain, and low levels of white blood cells.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with certain chemotherapy or chemotherapy with radiation therapy medicines include: feeling tired or weak, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, trouble breathing, fever, hair loss, inflammation of the nerves that may cause pain, weakness, and paralysis in the arms and legs, swelling of the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, intestines, or vagina, mouth sores, headache, weight loss, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, joint and muscle pain, trouble sleeping, blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, urinary tract infection, low levels of thyroid hormone, skin irritation in the radiation area, trouble swallowing and dry mouth.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with chemotherapy and bevacizumab include: tingling or numbness of the arms or legs, hair loss, low red blood cell count, feeling tired or weak, nausea, low white blood cell count, diarrhea, high blood pressure, decreased platelet count, constipation, joint aches, vomiting, urinary tract infection, rash, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, fever, mouth sores and nosebleed.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with axitinib include: diarrhea, feeling tired or weak, high blood pressure, liver problems, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, nausea, mouth sores or swelling of the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, intestines, or vagina, hoarseness, rash, cough, and constipation.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with lenvatinib include: low levels of thyroid hormone, high blood pressure, feeling tired, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, mouth sores, weight loss, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, urinary tract infection, protein in your urine, constipation, headache, bleeding, blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, hoarseness, rash, liver problems, and kidney problems.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with enfortumab vedotin include: rash, tingling or numbness of the arms or legs, feeling tired, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, weight loss, decreased appetite, dry eye, nausea, constipation, changes in sense of taste, and urinary tract infection.
These are not all the possible side effects of KEYTRUDA.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of KEYTRUDA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about KEYTRUDA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in KEYTRUDA?
Active ingredient: pembrolizumab
Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and Water for Injection.
Manufactured for: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Rahway, NJ 07065, USA



Manufactured by: MSD International Business GmbH

6005 Luzern, Switzerland
U.S. License No. 2405

For patent information: www.msd.com/research/patent

Copyright © 2014-2026 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates.

All rights reserved.

usmg-mk3475-iv-2602r073



For more information, go to www.keytruda.com .

Section 43683-2
Indications and Usage (1) 02/2026
Dosage and Administration (2) 02/2026
Section 44425-7

Store vials under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

1.1 Melanoma

KEYTRUDA® is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.

11 Description

Pembrolizumab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD 1)-blocking antibody. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG4 kappa antibody with an approximate molecular weight of 149 kDa. Pembrolizumab is produced in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for intravenous use. Each vial contains 100 mg of pembrolizumab in 4 mL of solution. Each 1 mL of solution contains 25 mg of pembrolizumab and is formulated in: L-histidine (1.55 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), sucrose (70 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA as a single agent have been established in pediatric patients with melanoma, cHL, PMBCL, MCC, MSI-H or dMMR cancer, and TMB-H cancer. Use of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients for these indications is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.5, 14.6, 14.8, 14.15, 14.18)].

In KEYNOTE-051, 173 pediatric patients (65 pediatric patients aged 6 months to younger than 12 years and 108 pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years) with advanced melanoma, lymphoma, or PD-L1 positive or MSI-H solid tumors received KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The median duration of exposure was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 25 months). Adverse reactions that occurred at a ≥10% higher rate in pediatric patients when compared to adults included pyrexia (33%), vomiting (29%), headache (25%), abdominal pain (23%), decreased lymphocyte count (13%), and decreased white blood cell count (11%). Laboratory abnormalities that occurred at a ≥10% higher rate in pediatric patients when compared to adults were leukopenia (30%), neutropenia (28%), thrombocytopenia (22%), and Grade 3 anemia (17%).

The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients have not been established in the other approved indications [see Indications and Usage (1)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of 3781 patients with melanoma, NSCLC, HNSCC, or urothelial carcinoma who were treated with KEYTRUDA in clinical studies, 48% were 65 years and over and 17% were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of 389 adult patients with cHL who were treated with KEYTRUDA in clinical studies, 46 (12%) were 65 years and over. Patients aged 65 years and over had a higher incidence of serious adverse reactions (50%) than patients aged younger than 65 years (24%). Clinical studies of KEYTRUDA in cHL did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether effectiveness differs from that in younger patients.

Of 506 adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC following complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy who were treated with KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-091, 242 (48%) were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of 596 adult patients with TNBC who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin in KEYNOTE-355, 137 (23%) were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of 406 adult patients with endometrial carcinoma who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib in KEYNOTE-775, 201 (50%) were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of the 564 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin, 44% (n=247) were 65-74 years and 26% (n=144) were 75 years or older. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between patients 65 years of age or older and younger patients. Patients 75 years of age or older treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin experienced a higher incidence of fatal adverse reactions than younger patients. The incidence of fatal adverse reactions was 4% in patients younger than 75 and 7% in patients 75 years or older.

Of the 167 patients with MIBC treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin, 37% (n=61) were 65-74 years and 46% (n=77) were 75 years or older. Patients 75 years of age or older treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin experienced a higher incidence of fatal adverse reactions than younger patients. The incidence of fatal adverse reactions was 4% in patients younger than 75 and 12% in patients 75 years or older.

Of the 432 patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib in the KEYNOTE-426 trial, 40% were 65 years or older. No overall difference in safety or efficacy was reported between patients who were ≥65 years of age and younger.

Of 294 adult patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with CRT in KEYNOTE-A18, 42 (14%) were 65 years and over. No overall difference in safety was observed between patients ≥65 years of age and younger patients.

Of 643 adult patients with ovarian cancer who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab in KEYNOTE-B96, 236 (37%) were 65 years and over and 58 (9%) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients ≥65 years of age and younger patients.

1.10 Gastric Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

1.21 Ovarian Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens.

12.6 Immunogenicity

The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described in this section with the incidence of ADA in other studies, including those of KEYTRUDA or of other pembrolizumab products.

Trough levels of pembrolizumab interfere with the electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assay results; therefore, a subset analysis was performed in the KEYTRUDA-treated patients with a pembrolizumab concentration below the drug tolerance level of the ADA assay.

In clinical studies in patients treated with KEYTRUDA at a dosage of 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks, 200 mg every 3 weeks, or 10 mg/kg every 2 or 3 weeks, 27 (2.1%) of 1,289 evaluable patients tested positive for treatment-emergent anti-pembrolizumab antibodies of whom 6 (0.5%) patients had neutralizing antibodies against pembrolizumab. There were no identified clinically significant effects of ADA on pembrolizumab pharmacokinetics or on the risk of infusion reactions. Because of the low occurrence of ADA, the effect of these ADA on the effectiveness of KEYTRUDA is unknown.

4 Contraindications

None.

6 Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling.

1.12 Cervical Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer involving the lower third of the vagina, with or without extension to pelvic sidewall, or hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney, or spread to adjacent pelvic organs (FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA).

KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.10 Gastric Cancer

First-line Treatment of Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Positive Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with trastuzumab plus fluoropyrimidine and platinum chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-811 (NCT03615326), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 698 patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who had not previously received systemic therapy for metastatic disease. PD-L1 status was determined using the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay. Patients with an autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1 or CPS <1), chemotherapy regimen (5-FU plus cisplatin [FP] or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin [CAPOX]), and geographic region (Europe/Israel/North America/Australia, Asia, or Rest of the World). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg, trastuzumab 8 mg/kg on first infusion and 6 mg/kg in subsequent cycles, followed by investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 for up to 6 cycles and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 up to 6-8 cycles and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX). KEYTRUDA was administered prior to trastuzumab and chemotherapy on Day 1 of each cycle.
  • Placebo, trastuzumab 8 mg/kg on first infusion and 6 mg/kg in subsequent cycles, followed by investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 for up to 6 cycles and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 up to 6-8 cycles and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX).

All study medications, except oral capecitabine, were administered as an intravenous infusion every 3-week cycle. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. The major outcome measures assessed were PFS by BICR using RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and OS.

Additional outcome measures included ORR and DoR, based on BICR using RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among the 698 patients, randomized, 594 (85%) had tumors that expressed PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1. PD-L1 status was determined using the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay. The population characteristics of these 594 patients were: median age of 63 years (range: 19 to 85), 43% age 65 or older; 80% male; 63% White, 33% Asian, and 0.7% Black; 42% ECOG PS of 0 and 58% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-eight percent of patients had metastatic disease (Stage IV) and 2% had locally advanced unresectable disease. Ninety-five percent (n=562) had tumors that were not MSI-H, 1% (n=8) had tumors that were MSI-H, and in 4% (n=24) the status was not known. Eighty-five percent of patients received CAPOX.

A statistically significant improvement in OS and PFS was demonstrated in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy compared with placebo in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy; however, an exploratory analysis of OS in the PD-L1 CPS <1 population showed a HR of 1.10 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.68), indicating that the improvement in the ITT population was primarily attributed to the results observed in the subgroup of patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1.

Efficacy results at the final analysis for the subgroup of patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1 are summarized in Table 89 and Figure 23.

Table 89: Efficacy Results for KEYNOTE-811 with PD-L1 Expression CPS ≥1
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

Trastuzumab

Fluoropyrimidine and Platinum Chemotherapy

n=298
Placebo



Trastuzumab

Fluoropyrimidine and

Platinum Chemotherapy

n=296
+ Denotes ongoing response
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 226 (76%) 244 (82%)
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimation
(95% CI)
20.1 (17.9, 22.9) 15.7 (13.5, 18.5)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the unstratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.79 (0.66, 0.95)
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 221 (74%) 226 (76%)
  Median in months
(95% CI)
10.9 (8.5, 12.5) 7.3 (6.8, 8.4)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.72 (0.60, 0.87)
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
73% (68, 78) 58% (53, 64)
    Complete response rate 17% 10%
    Partial response rate 56% 48%
Duration of Response n=218 n=173
  Median in months
(95% CI)
11.3 (9.9, 13.7) 9.6 (7.1, 11.2)
  Range in months 1.1+, 60.8+ 1.4+, 60.5+
Figure 23: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival by Treatment Arm in KEYNOTE-811 (CPS ≥1)

First-line Treatment of Locally Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Negative Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-859 (NCT03675737), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 1579 patients with HER2-negative advanced gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma who had not previously received systemic therapy for metastatic disease. Patients with an autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1 or CPS <1), chemotherapy regimen (FP or CAPOX), and geographic region (Europe/Israel/North America/Australia, Asia, or Rest of the World). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms; treatment was administered prior to chemotherapy on Day 1 of each cycle:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg, investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX).
  • Placebo, investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX).

All study medications, except oral capecitabine, were administered as an intravenous infusion every 3-week cycle. Platinum agents could be administered for 6 or more cycles following local guidelines. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. The major efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional secondary efficacy outcome measures included PFS, ORR, and DoR as assessed by BICR using RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among 1,579 patients, 1,235 (78%) had tumors expressing PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1. The population characteristics in patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 expressing tumors were: median age of 62 years (range: 24 to 86), 40% age 65 or older; 70% male and 30% female; 55% White, 33% Asian, 4.6% Multiple, 4.3% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 1.3% Black, and 0.2% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; 76% Not Hispanic or Latino and 21% Hispanic or Latino; 37% ECOG PS of 0 and 63% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-six percent of patients had metastatic disease (Stage IV) and 3% had locally advanced unresectable disease. Five percent (n=66) had tumors that were MSI-H. Eighty-six percent of patients received CAPOX.

A statistically significant improvement in OS, PFS, and ORR was demonstrated in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy compared with placebo in combination with chemotherapy at the time of a pre-specified interim analysis of OS; however, an exploratory analysis of OS in the PD-L1 CPS <1 population showed a HR of 0.92 (95% CI 0.73, 1.17) indicating that the improvement in the ITT population was primarily attributed to the results observed in the subgroup of patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1. Efficacy results for patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 CPS ≥1 and CPS ≥10 are summarized in Table 90 and Figures 24 and 25.

Table 90: Efficacy Results
Based on a pre-specified interim analysis
for KEYNOTE-859
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3

weeks

and

FP or CAPOX

n=618
Placebo





and

FP or CAPOX

n=617
KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3

weeks

and

FP or CAPOX

n=279
Placebo





and

FP or CAPOX

n=272
CPS ≥1 CPS ≥10
+ Denotes ongoing response
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 464 (75) 526 (85) 188 (67) 226 (83)
  Median in months (95% CI) 13.0 (11.6, 14.2) 11.4 (10.5, 12.0) 15.7 (13.8, 19.3) 11.8 (10.3, 12.7)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.74 (0.65, 0.84) 0.65 (0.53, 0.79)
  p-Value (stratified log-rank)
One-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test
<0.0001 <0.0001
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 443 (72%) 483 (78%) 190 (68) 210 (77)
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.9 (6.0, 7.2) 5.6 (5.4, 5.7) 8.1 (6.8, 8.5) 5.6 (5.4, 6.7)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.72 (0.63, 0.82) 0.62 (0.51, 0.76)
  p-Value (stratified log-rank)
<0.0001 <0.0001
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
52% (48, 56) 43% (39, 47) 61% (55, 66) 43% (37, 49)
    Complete response rate 10% 6% 13% 5%
    Partial response rate 42% 37% 48% 38%
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on stratified Miettinen & Nurminen method
0.0004 <0.0001
Duration of Response n=322 n=263 n=169 n=117
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates
(95% CI)
8.3 (7.0, 10.9) 5.6 (5.4, 6.9) 10.9 (8.0, 13.8) 5.8 (5.3, 7.0)
  Range in months 1.2+, 41.5+ 1.3+, 34.2+ 1.2+, 41.5+ 1.4+, 31.2+
Figure 24: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-859 (CPS≥1)

Figure 25: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-859 (CPS≥10)

An exploratory analysis of OS in the 74 patients with MSI-H tumors irrespective of PD-L1 status showed a HR of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.66).

14.21 Ovarian Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, was evaluated in KEYNOTE-B96 (NCT05116189), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 643 patients with platinum-resistant, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma who received one or two prior lines of systemic therapy for ovarian carcinoma. Patients must have received at least one line of platinum-based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer with radiographic evidence of disease progression within 6 months after the last dose. Prior therapy with an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor, PARP inhibitor, or bevacizumab was permitted. Patients were enrolled regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by investigator decision to use bevacizumab, geographic region (U.S. or European Union or Rest of World), and PD-L1 status according to the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay (CPS <1 or CPS 1 to <10 or CPS ≥10). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the two treatment groups:

  • KEYTRUDA 400 mg every 6 weeks plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 with or without bevacizumab 10 mg/kg
  • Placebo every 6 weeks plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 with or without bevacizumab 10 mg/kg

All study medications were administered as an intravenous infusion. KEYTRUDA 400 mg or placebo were administered on Day 1 of each 6-week treatment cycle and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 was administered on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 3-week treatment cycle. The option to use bevacizumab was by investigator choice prior to randomization. Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg was administered on Day 1 of a 2-week treatment cycle. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Administration of KEYTRUDA was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first year, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measure was PFS as assessed by investigator according to RECIST v1.1. An additional efficacy outcome measure was OS.

Among the 643 patients randomized, 466 patients (72%) had tumors expressing PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1. The population characteristics of these 466 patients were: median age of 62 years (range: 37 to 85), 38% age 65 or older; 67% White, 20% Asian, 8% Missing, 3% Multiple, 2% Black, 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; 13% Hispanic or Latino; 55% and 44% ECOG performance status of 0 or 1, respectively; 73% received bevacizumab as study treatment; 36% of patients had received one prior line and 64% had received two prior lines of therapy; prior systemic therapy included: 46% with bevacizumab; 39% with a PARP inhibitor, or 3% with an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor. The platinum-free interval following the most recent line of therapy was <3 months in 47% of patients, and 3 to 6 months in 53% of patients.

The study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in PFS and OS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab compared to placebo in combination with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab in patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 CPS ≥1. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 111 and Figures 47 and 48.

Table 111: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-B96 (CPS ≥1)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

400 mg every 6 weeks

plus paclitaxel with or without

bevacizumab



n=234
Placebo



plus paclitaxel with or without

bevacizumab



n=232
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 162 (69) 180 (78)
  Median in months (95% CI) 8.3 (7.0, 9.4) 7.2 (6.2, 8.1)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.72 (0.58, 0.89)
  p-Value 0.0014
Based on stratified log-rank test (p-Value [one-sided] is compared to an alpha boundary of 0.0116)
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 157 (67) 175 (75)
  Median in months (95% CI) 18.2 (15.3, 21.0) 14.0 (12.5, 16.1)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.76 (0.61, 0.94)
  p-Value 0.0053
Based on stratified log-rank test (p-Value [one sided] is compared to an alpha boundary of 0.0083)
Figure 47: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-B96 (CPS ≥1)

Figure 48: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-B96 (CPS ≥1)

1.7 Urothelial Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma:

  • who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
  • who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

There are no clinically significant exposure-response relationships for efficacy or safety at pembrolizumab dosages of 200 mg or 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks and 400 mg every 6 weeks regardless of cancer type based on observed data in adult patients with melanoma, cHL, and PMBCL.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of pembrolizumab was characterized using a population PK analysis with concentration data collected from 2993 patients with various cancers who received pembrolizumab doses of 1 to 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks, 2 to 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks, or 200 mg every 3 weeks.

Steady-state concentrations of pembrolizumab were reached by 16 weeks of repeated dosing with an every 3-week regimen and the systemic accumulation was 2.1-fold. The peak concentration (Cmax), trough concentration (Cmin), and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve at steady state (AUCss) of pembrolizumab increased dose proportionally in the dose range of 2 to 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

14.12 Cervical Cancer

FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with CRT (cisplatin and external beam radiation therapy [EBRT] followed by brachytherapy [BT]) was investigated in KEYNOTE-A18 (NCT04221945), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 1060 patients with cervical cancer who had not previously received any definitive surgery, radiation, or systemic therapy for cervical cancer. There were 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease (tumor involves the lower third of the vagina or the pelvic sidewall, or there is hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney or spread to adjacent pelvic organs, all without spread to distant organs), and 459 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage IB2-IIB disease (clinical lesion >4 cm confined to the cervix, or clinical lesion of any size with extension beyond the uterus, but which has not extended to the pelvic wall or lower third of the vagina) with positive nodes. Two patients had FIGO 2014 Stage IVB disease. Randomization was stratified by planned type of EBRT (Intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT] or volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT] vs. non-IMRT and non-VMAT), stage at screening of cervical cancer (FIGO 2014 Stage IB2-IIB vs. FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA), and planned total radiotherapy dose (EBRT + brachytherapy dose of <70 Gy vs. ≥70 Gy as per equivalent dose [EQD2]).

Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of two treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (5 cycles) concurrent with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV weekly (5 cycles, an optional sixth infusion could be administered per local practice), and radiotherapy (EBRT followed by BT), followed by KEYTRUDA 400 mg IV every 6 weeks (15 cycles)
  • Placebo IV every 3 weeks (5 cycles) concurrent with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV weekly (5 cycles, an optional sixth infusion could be administered per local practice), and radiotherapy (EBRT followed by BT), followed by placebo IV every 6 weeks (15 cycles)

Treatment continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by investigator or unacceptable toxicity.

Assessment of tumor status was performed every 12 weeks from completion of CRT for the first two years, followed by every 24 weeks in year 3, and then annually. The major efficacy outcome measures were PFS as assessed by investigator according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, or histopathologic confirmation, and OS.

Among the 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease, the baseline characteristics were: median age of 52 years (range: 22 to 87), 17% age 65 or older; 36% White, 34% Asian, 2% Black; 38% Hispanic or Latino; 68% ECOG PS 0 and 32% ECOG PS 1; 93% with CPS ≥1; 71% had positive pelvic and/or positive para-aortic lymph node(s) and 29% had neither positive pelvic nor para-aortic lymph node(s); 83% had squamous cell carcinoma and 17% had non-squamous histology. Regarding radiation, 86% of patients received IMRT or VMAT EBRT, and the median EQD2 dose was 87 Gy (range: 7 to 114).

The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS and OS in the ITT population. Exploratory analyses of PFS and OS by the stratification factor of FIGO 2014 stage showed that the improvement in the ITT population was primarily attributed to the results seen in the patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease. Table 93 and Figures 29 and 30 summarize the results in exploratory subgroup analyses of 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease.

Table 93: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-A18 (Patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks and

400 mg every 6 weeks

with CRT

n=295
Placebo





with CRT

n=304
CRT = Chemoradiotherapy

NR = not reached
OS
Results at the time of pre-specified final analysis for OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 61 (21) 90 (30)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the unstratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.65 (0.47, 0.90)
PFS by Investigator
Results at the time of first pre-specified interim analysis for PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 61 (21) 94 (31)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (NR, NR) NR (18.8, NR)
  12-month PFS rate (95% CI) 81% (75, 85) 70% (64, 76)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.59 (0.43, 0.81)
Figure 29: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-A18 (Patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer)

Figure 30: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-A18 (Patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer)

Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Cervical Cancer for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and carboplatin, with or without bevacizumab, was investigated in KEYNOTE-826 (NCT03635567), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 617 patients with persistent, recurrent, or first-line metastatic cervical cancer who had not been treated with chemotherapy except when used concurrently as a radio-sensitizing agent. Patients were enrolled regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression status. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by metastatic status at initial diagnosis, investigator decision to use bevacizumab, and PD-L1 status (CPS <1 vs. CPS 1 to <10 vs. CPS ≥10). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the two treatment groups:

  • Treatment Group 1: KEYTRUDA 200 mg plus chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab
  • Treatment Group 2: Placebo plus chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab

The investigator selected one of the following four treatment regimens prior to randomization:

  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + cisplatin 50 mg/m2
  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + cisplatin 50 mg/m2 + bevacizumab 15 mg/kg
  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min
  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min + bevacizumab 15 mg/kg

All study medications were administered as an intravenous infusion. All study treatments were administered on Day 1 of each 3-week treatment cycle. Cisplatin could be administered on Day 2 of each 3-week treatment cycle. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Administration of KEYTRUDA was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first year, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by investigator according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR, according to RECIST v1.1, as assessed by investigator.

Of the 617 enrolled patients, 548 patients (89%) had tumors expressing PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1. Among these 548 enrolled patients with tumors expressing PD-L1, 273 patients were randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, and 275 patients were randomized to placebo in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. Sixty-three percent of the 548 patients received bevacizumab as part of study treatment. The baseline characteristics of the 548 patients were: median age of 51 years (range: 22 to 82), 16% age 65 or older; 59% White, 18% Asian, 6% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1% Black; 37% Hispanic or Latino; 56% ECOG performance status 0 and 43% ECOG performance status 1. Seventy-five percent had squamous cell carcinoma, 21% adenocarcinoma, and 5% adenosquamous histology, and 32% of patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. At study entry, 21% of patients had metastatic disease only and 79% had persistent or recurrent disease with or without distant metastases, of whom 39% had received prior chemoradiation only and 17% had received prior chemoradiation plus surgery.

A statistically significant improvement in OS and PFS was demonstrated in patients randomized to receive KEYTRUDA compared with patients randomized to receive placebo. An updated OS analysis was conducted at the time of final analysis when 354 deaths in the CPS ≥1 population were observed. Table 94 and Figure 31 summarize the key efficacy measures for KEYNOTE-826 for patients with tumors expressing PD-L1 (CPS ≥1).

Table 94: Efficacy Results in Patients with Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (CPS ≥1) in KEYNOTE-826
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

and chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and carboplatin)
with or without bevacizumab

n=273
Placebo



and chemotherapy
with or without bevacizumab

n=275

+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 118 (43.2) 154 (56.0)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (19.8, NR) 16.3 (14.5, 19.4)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.64 (0.50, 0.81)
  p-Value
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0055 for this interim analysis (with 72% of the planned number of events for final analysis)
0.0001
Updated OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 153 (56.0%) 201 (73.1%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 28.6 (22.1, 38.0) 16.5 (14.5, 20.0)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.60 (0.49, 0.74)
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 157 (57.5) 198 (72.0)
  Median in months (95% CI) 10.4 (9.7, 12.3) 8.2 (6.3, 8.5)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.62 (0.50, 0.77)
  p-Value
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0014 for this interim analysis (with 82% of the planned number of events for final analysis)
< 0.0001
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
68% (62, 74) 50% (44, 56)
    Complete response rate 23% 13%
    Partial response rate 45% 37%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) 18.0 (1.3+, 24.2+) 10.4 (1.5+, 22.0+)
Figure 31: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-826 (CPS ≥1)
Treatment arms include KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, versus placebo plus chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab.
,
Based on the protocol-specified final OS analysis

Previously Treated Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in 98 patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer enrolled in a single cohort (Cohort E) in KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067), a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trial. The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression. Patients with initial radiographic disease progression could receive additional doses of treatment during confirmation of progression unless disease progression was symptomatic, was rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, or occurred with a decline in performance status. Patients without disease progression could be treated for up to 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 12 months, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, as assessed by BICR, and DoR.

Among the 98 patients in Cohort E, 77 (79%) had tumors that expressed PD-L1 with a CPS ≥ 1 and received at least one line of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. PD-L1 status was determined using the IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay. The baseline characteristics of these 77 patients were: median age of 45 years (range: 27 to 75); 81% White, 14% Asian, and 3% Black; 32% ECOG PS of 0 and 68% ECOG PS of 1; 92% had squamous cell carcinoma, 6% adenocarcinoma, and 1% adenosquamous histology; 95% had M1 disease and 5% had recurrent disease; and 35% had one and 65% had two or more prior lines of therapy in the recurrent or metastatic setting.

No responses were observed in patients whose tumors did not have PD-L1 expression (CPS <1). Efficacy results are summarized in Table 95 for patients with PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1).

Table 95: Efficacy Results in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (CPS ≥1) in KEYNOTE-158
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=77
Median follow-up time of 11.7 months (range 0.6 to 22.7 months)
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 14.3% (7.4, 24.1)
    Complete response rate 2.6%
    Partial response rate 11.7%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) NR (4.1, 18.6+)
Based on patients (n=11) with a response by independent review
  % with duration ≥6 months 91%
2.1 Patient Selection

Information on FDA-authorized tests for patient selection is available at:

http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics .

Patient Selection for Single-Agent Treatment

Select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression in:

For the MSI-H/dMMR indications, select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent based on MSI-H/dMMR status in tumor specimens [see Clinical Studies (14.8, 14.9)].

For the TMB-H indication, select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent based on TMB-H status in tumor specimens [see Clinical Studies (14.18)].

Because subclonal dMMR mutations and microsatellite instability may arise in high-grade gliomas during temozolomide therapy, it is recommended to test for TMB-H, MSI-H, and dMMR in the primary tumor specimens obtained prior to initiation of temozolomide chemotherapy in patients with high-grade gliomas.

Additional Patient Selection Information for MSI-H or dMMR in Patients with non-CRC Solid Tumors

Due to discordance between local tests and FDA-authorized tests, confirmation of MSI-H or dMMR status is recommended by an FDA-authorized test in patients with MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors, if feasible. If unable to perform confirmatory MSI-H/dMMR testing, the presence of TMB ≥10 mut/Mb, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, may be used to select patients for treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.8)].

Patient Selection for Combination Therapy

For use of KEYTRUDA as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, then in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment, select patients based on presence of positive PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1) in resectable locally advanced HNSCC [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1) in locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, and esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinoma [see Clinical Studies (14.10), (14.11)].

  • An FDA-authorized test for the detection of PD-L1 for the selection of patients with PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) expression in esophageal carcinoma in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy is not available.

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression in persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.12)].

For the pMMR/not MSI-H advanced endometrial carcinoma indication, select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib based on MMR or MSI status in tumor specimens [see Clinical Studies (14.17)].

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression in locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC [see Clinical Studies (14.20)].

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1) in platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma [see Clinical Studies (14.21)].

1.11 Esophageal Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:

  • in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for patients with tumors that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], or
  • as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
2.2 Recommended Dosage

Administer KEYTRUDA as a 30-minute intravenous infusion. The recommended dosages of KEYTRUDA are presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Recommended Dosage
Indication Recommended Dosage of

KEYTRUDA
Duration/Timing of Treatment
  Monotherapy
  Adult patients with unresectable or

  metastatic melanoma
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until disease progression or

  unacceptable toxicity
  Adjuvant treatment of adult patients

  with melanoma, NSCLC, or RCC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until disease recurrence, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 12 months
  Adult patients with NSCLC, HNSCC,

  cHL, PMBCL, locally advanced or

  metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma, MSI-H

  or dMMR Cancer, MSI-H or dMMR

  CRC, MSI-H or dMMR Endometrial

  Carcinoma, Esophageal Cancer,

  Cervical Cancer, HCC, MCC, TMB-H

  Cancer, or cSCC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with high-risk BCG-

  unresponsive NMIBC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until persistent or recurrent high-risk

  NMIBC, disease progression,

  unacceptable toxicity, or up to

  24 months
  Pediatric patients with cHL, PMBCL,

  MSI-H or dMMR Cancer, MCC, or TMB-

  H Cancer
2 mg/kg every 3 weeks (up to a

maximum of 200 mg)
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Pediatric patients (12 years and older)

  for adjuvant treatment of melanoma

2 mg/kg every 3 weeks (up to a

maximum of 200 mg)
  Until disease recurrence, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 12 months
  Combination Therapy
Refer to the Prescribing Information for the agents administered in combination with KEYTRUDA for recommended dosing information, as appropriate.
  Adult patients with resectable NSCLC 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to chemotherapy when given on the same day.
  Neoadjuvant treatment in combination with

  chemotherapy for 12 weeks or until

  disease progression that precludes

  definitive surgery or unacceptable toxicity,

  followed by adjuvant treatment with

  KEYTRUDA as a single agent after

  surgery for 39 weeks or until disease

  recurrence or unacceptable toxicity
  Adult patients with NSCLC, MPM,

  HNSCC, HER2-negative Gastric

  Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, or BTC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

chemotherapy when given on

the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with locally advanced or

  metastatic urothelial cancer
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA after

enfortumab vedotin when given

on the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with MIBC 200 mg every 3 weeks

(neoadjuvant)



200mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

(adjuvant)



Administer KEYTRUDA after

enfortumab vedotin when given

on the same day.
  Neoadjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks for 3 doses in combination with enfortumab vedotin or until disease progression that precludes curative-intent cystectomy or unacceptable toxicity.
  Adjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks for 14 doses or 400 mg every 6 weeks for 7 doses in combination with enfortumab vedotin or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity
  Adult patients with locally advanced

  HNSCC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

cisplatin when given on the

same day.
  Neoadjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA for 6 weeks or until disease progression that precludes definitive surgery or unacceptable toxicity.
  Adjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA in combination with RT with or without cisplatin.
  • Continue KEYTRUDA as a single agent.
  • Continue KEYTRUDA until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity or up to one year
  Adult patients with HER2-positive

  Gastric Cancer
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

trastuzumab and chemotherapy

when given on the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with Cervical Cancer 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

chemoradiotherapy or prior to

chemotherapy with or without

bevacizumab when given on the

same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, up to

  24 months
  Adult patients with RCC 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA in

combination with axitinib 5 mg

orally twice daily
When axitinib is used in combination with KEYTRUDA, dose escalation of axitinib above the initial 5 mg dose may be considered at intervals of six weeks or longer.


or

Administer KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, up to

  24 months
  Adult patients with Endometrial

  Carcinoma
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

carboplatin and paclitaxel when

given on the same day.

or

Administer KEYTRUDA in

combination with lenvatinib

20 mg orally once daily.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, up to

  24 months
  Adult patients with high-risk early-stage

  TNBC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to chemotherapy when given on the same day.
  Neoadjuvant treatment in combination with chemotherapy for 24 weeks (8 doses of 200 mg every 3 weeks or 4 doses of 400 mg every 6 weeks) or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, followed by adjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent for up to 27 weeks (9 doses of 200 mg every 3 weeks or 5 doses of 400 mg every 6 weeks) or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity
Patients who experience disease progression or unacceptable toxicity related to KEYTRUDA with neoadjuvant treatment in combination with chemotherapy should not receive adjuvant single agent KEYTRUDA.
  Adult patients with locally recurrent

  unresectable or metastatic TNBC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

chemotherapy when given on

the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with Ovarian Cancer 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab when given on the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
2.3 Dose Modifications

No dose reduction for KEYTRUDA is recommended. In general, withhold KEYTRUDA for severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated adverse reactions. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Life-threatening (Grade 4) immune-mediated adverse reactions, recurrent severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated reactions that require systemic immunosuppressive treatment, or an inability to reduce corticosteroid dose to 10 mg or less of prednisone or equivalent per day within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.

Dosage modifications for KEYTRUDA for adverse reactions that require management different from these general guidelines are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reaction Severity
Based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0
Dosage Modification
ALT = alanine aminotransferase, AST = aspartate aminotransferase, DRESS = Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, SJS = Stevens Johnson Syndrome, TEN = toxic epidermal necrolysis, ULN = upper limit normal
Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Pneumonitis Grade 2 Withhold
Resume in patients with complete or partial resolution (Grades 0 to 1) after corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone to 10 mg per day or less (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.
Grade 3 or 4 Permanently discontinue
Colitis Grade 2 or 3 Withhold
Grade 4 Permanently discontinue




Hepatitis with no tumor involvement

of the liver
AST or ALT increases to more than 3

and up to 8 times ULN

or

Total bilirubin increases to more than

1.5 and up to 3 times ULN
Withhold
For liver enzyme elevations in

patients treated with combination

therapy with axitinib, see Table 3.
AST or ALT increases to more than

8 times ULN

or

Total bilirubin increases to more than

3 times ULN
Permanently discontinue
Hepatitis with tumor involvement of

the liver
If AST and ALT are less than or equal to ULN at baseline, withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA based on recommendations for hepatitis with no liver involvement.
Baseline AST or ALT is more than 1

and up to 3 times ULN and increases to

more than 5 and up to 10 times ULN

or

Baseline AST or ALT is more than 3

and up to 5 times ULN and increases to

more than 8 and up to 10 times ULN
Withhold
ALT or AST increases to more than

10 times ULN

or

Total bilirubin increases to more than

3 times ULN
Permanently discontinue
Endocrinopathies Grade 3 or 4 Withhold until clinically stable or permanently

discontinue depending on severity
Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction Grade 2 or 3 increased blood creatinine Withhold
Grade 4 increased blood creatinine Permanently discontinue
Exfoliative Dermatologic Conditions Suspected SJS, TEN, or DRESS Withhold
Confirmed SJS, TEN, or DRESS Permanently discontinue
Myocarditis Grade 2, 3, or 4 Permanently discontinue
Neurological Toxicities Grade 2 Withhold
Grade 3 or 4 Permanently discontinue
Hematologic toxicity in patients with

cHL or PMBCL
Grade 4 Withhold until resolution to Grades 0 or 1
Other Adverse Reactions
Infusion-related reactions

[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Grade 1 or 2 Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion
Grade 3 or 4 Permanently discontinue

The following table represents dosage modifications that are different from those described above for KEYTRUDA or in the Full Prescribing Information for the drug administered in combination.

Table 3: Recommended Specific Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions for KEYTRUDA in Combination with Axitinib
Treatment Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification
ALT = alanine aminotransferase, AST = aspartate aminotransferase, ULN = upper limit normal
KEYTRUDA in

combination with

axitinib
Liver enzyme elevations
Consider corticosteroid therapy
ALT or AST increases to at least 3 times but less than 10 times ULN without concurrent total bilirubin at least 2 times ULN Withhold both KEYTRUDA

and axitinib until resolution to

Grades 0 or 1
Based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0. Consider rechallenge with a single drug or sequential rechallenge with both drugs after recovery. If rechallenging with axitinib, consider dose reduction as per the axitinib Prescribing Information.
ALT or AST increases to more than 3 times ULN with concurrent total bilirubin at least 2 times ULN

or ALT or AST ≥10 times ULN
Permanently discontinue both

KEYTRUDA and axitinib

Recommended Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions for KEYTRUDA in Combination with Lenvatinib

When administering KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib, modify the dosage of one or both drugs. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA as shown in Table 2. Refer to lenvatinib prescribing information for additional dose modification information.

1 Indications and Usage

KEYTRUDA is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)-blocking antibody indicated:

Melanoma

  • for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. (1.1)
  • for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection. (1.1)

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. (1.2)
  • in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC. (1.2)
  • as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
    • Stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
    • metastatic. (1.2, 2.1)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. (1.2, 2.1)
  • for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. (1.2)
  • as a single agent, for adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC. (1.2)

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)

  • in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic MPM. (1.3)

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC)

  • for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent. (1.4)
  • in combination with platinum and FU for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC. (1.4)
  • as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.4, 2.1)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. (1.4)

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)

  • for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. (1.5)
  • for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy. (1.5)

Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL)

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory PMBCL, or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. (1.6)
  • Limitations of Use: KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.

Urothelial Cancer

  • in combination with enfortumab vedotin, for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. (1.7)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who:
    • are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
    • who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. (1.7)
  • in combination with enfortumab vedotin, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment of adult patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. (1.7)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. (1.7)

Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. (1.8, 2.1)

Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

  • for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.9, 2.1)

Gastric Cancer

  • in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.10)
  • in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.10)

Esophageal Cancer

  • for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
    • in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for patients whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1), or
    • as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.11, 2.1)

Cervical Cancer

  • in combination with chemoradiotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer involving the lower third of the vagina, with or without extension to pelvic sidewall, or hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney, or spread to adjacent pelvic organs (FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA). (1.12)
  • in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.12, 2.1)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.12, 2.1)

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

  • for the treatment of patients with HCC secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen. (1.13)

Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC)

  • in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer. (1.14)

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. (1.15)

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

  • in combination with axitinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. (1.16)
  • in combination with lenvatinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. (1.16)
  • for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. (1.16)

Endometrial Carcinoma

  • in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. (1.17)
  • in combination with lenvatinib, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not MSI-H as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. (1.17, 2.1)
  • as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. (1.17, 2.1)

Tumor Mutational Burden-High (TMB-H) Cancer

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.1 (1.18, 2.1)
  • Limitations of Use: The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC)

  • for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation. (1.19)

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

  • for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage TNBC in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. (1.20)
  • in combination with chemotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.20, 2.1)

Ovarian Cancer

  • in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens. (1.21, 2.1)

1 This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Binding of the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, to the PD-1 receptor found on T cells, inhibits T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Upregulation of PD-1 ligands occurs in some tumors and signaling through this pathway can contribute to inhibition of active T-cell immune surveillance of tumors. Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth.

In syngeneic mouse tumor models, combination treatment of a PD-1 blocking antibody and kinase inhibitor lenvatinib decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and reduced tumor growth compared to either treatment alone.

1.14 Biliary Tract Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC).

1.16 Renal Cell Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

KEYTRUDA, in combination with lenvatinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC.

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions [see Clinical Studies (14.16)].

5.5 Embryo Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal models link the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway with maintenance of pregnancy through induction of maternal immune tolerance to fetal tissue. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

1.15 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

1.17 Endometrial Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with lenvatinib, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not MSI-H as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.14 Biliary Tract Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-966 (NCT04003636), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 1069 patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic BTC, who had not received prior systemic therapy in the advanced disease setting. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by region (Asia vs. non-Asia), locally advanced versus metastatic, and site of origin (gallbladder, intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma).

Patients were randomized (1:1) to KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1 plus gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on Day 1 and Day 8 every 3 weeks, or placebo on Day 1 plus gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on Day 1 and Day 8 every 3 weeks. Study medications were administered via intravenous infusion. Treatment continued until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. For pembrolizumab, treatment continued for a maximum of 35 cycles, or approximately 24 months. For gemcitabine, treatment could be continued beyond 8 cycles while for cisplatin, treatment could be administered for a maximum of 8 cycles.

Administration of KEYTRUDA with chemotherapy was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered by the investigator to be deriving clinical benefit. Assessment of tumor status was performed at baseline and then every 6 weeks through 54 weeks, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter.

Study population characteristics were median age of 64 years (range: 23 to 85), 47% age 65 or older; 52% male; 49% White, 46% Asian, 1.3% Black or African American; 10% Hispanic or Latino; 46% ECOG PS of 0 and 54% ECOG PS of 1; 31% of patients had a history of hepatitis B infection, and 3% had a history of hepatitis C infection.

The major efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were PFS, ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Table 97 and Figure 33 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-966.

Table 97: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-966
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

with

gemcitabine/cisplatin

n=533
Placebo with

gemcitabine/cisplatin





n=536
NS = not significant
OS
Results at the pre-specified final OS analysis
  Number of patients with event (%) 414 (78%) 443 (83%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 12.7 (11.5, 13.6) 10.9 (9.9, 11.6)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.83 (0.72, 0.95)
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on a stratified log-rank test
0.0034
PFS
Results at pre-specified final analysis of PFS and ORR
  Number (%) of patients with event 361 (68%) 391 (73%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.5 (5.7, 6.9) 5.6 (5.1, 6.6)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.86 (0.75, 1.00)
  p-Value
NS
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
29% (25, 33) 29% (25, 33)
    Number (%) of complete responses 11 (2.1%) 7 (1.3%)
    Number (%) of partial responses 142 (27%) 146 (27%)
    p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on the stratified Miettinen and Nurminen analysis
NS
Duration of Response
n=156 n=152
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimate
(95% CI)
8.3 (6.9, 10.2) 6.8 (5.7, 7.1)
Figure 33: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-966

14.16 Renal Cell Carcinoma

First-line treatment with axitinib

KEYNOTE-426

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-426 (NCT02853331), a randomized, multicenter, open-label trial conducted in 861 patients who had not received systemic therapy for advanced RCC. Patients were enrolled regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status. Patients with active autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression within the last 2 years were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk categories (favorable versus intermediate versus poor) and geographic region (North America versus Western Europe versus "Rest of the World").

Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks up to 24 months in combination with axitinib 5 mg orally, twice daily. Patients who tolerated axitinib 5 mg twice daily for 2 consecutive cycles (6 weeks) could increase to 7 mg and then subsequently to 10 mg twice daily. Axitinib could be interrupted or reduced to 3 mg twice daily and subsequently to 2 mg twice daily to manage toxicity.
  • Sunitinib 50 mg orally, once daily for 4 weeks and then off treatment for 2 weeks.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA and axitinib continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease or unacceptable toxicity. Administration of KEYTRUDA and axitinib was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed at baseline, after randomization at Week 12, then every 6 weeks thereafter until Week 54, and then every 12 weeks thereafter.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 62 years (range: 26 to 90), 38% age 65 or older; 73% male; 79% White and 16% Asian; 20% and 80% of patients had a baseline KPS of 70 to 80 and 90 to 100, respectively; and patient distribution by IMDC risk categories was 31% favorable, 56% intermediate, and 13% poor.

The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. Additional efficacy outcome measures included ORR, as assessed by BICR. A statistically significant improvement in OS was demonstrated at the first pre-specified interim analysis in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib compared with sunitinib. The trial also demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS and ORR. An updated OS analysis was conducted when 418 deaths were observed based on the planned number of deaths for the pre-specified final analysis. Table 99 and Figure 34 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-426.

Table 99: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-426
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks and Axitinib
Sunitinib
n=432 n=429
NR = not reached
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 59 (14%) 97 (23%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (NR, NR) NR (NR, NR)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.53 (0.38, 0.74)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
<0.0001
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0001 for this interim analysis (with 39% of the planned number of events for final analysis).
Updated OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 193 (45%) 225 (52%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 45.7 (43.6, NR) 40.1 (34.3, 44.2)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.73 (0.60, 0.88)
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 183 (42%) 213 (50%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 15.1 (12.6, 17.7) 11.0 (8.7, 12.5)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.69 (0.56, 0.84)
  p-Value
0.0001
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0013 for this interim analysis (with 81% of the planned number of events for final analysis).
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
59% (54, 64) 36% (31, 40)
    Complete response rate 6% 2%
    Partial response rate 53% 34%
  p-Value
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by IMDC risk group and geographic region
<0.0001
Figure 34: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Updated Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-426

In an exploratory analysis, the updated analysis of OS in patients with IMDC favorable, intermediate, intermediate/poor, and poor risk demonstrated a HR of 1.17 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.80), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.86), 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.80), and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.32, 0.81), respectively.

First-line treatment with lenvatinib

KEYNOTE-581

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-581 (NCT02811861), a multicenter, open-label, randomized trial conducted in 1069 patients with advanced RCC in the first-line setting. Patients were enrolled regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by geographic region (North America versus Western Europe versus "Rest of the World") and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic groups (favorable versus intermediate versus poor risk).

Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks up to 24 months in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily.
  • Lenvatinib 18 mg orally once daily in combination with everolimus 5 mg orally once daily.
  • Sunitinib 50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks then off treatment for 2 weeks.

Treatment continued until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Administration of KEYTRUDA with lenvatinib was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered by the investigator to be deriving clinical benefit. KEYTRUDA was continued for a maximum of 24 months; however, treatment with lenvatinib could be continued beyond 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed at baseline and then every 8 weeks.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 62 years (range: 29 to 88 years), 42% age 65 or older; 75% male; 74% White, 21% Asian, 1% Black, and 2% other races; 18% and 82% of patients had a baseline KPS of 70 to 80 and 90 to 100, respectively; patient distribution by MSKCC risk categories was 27% favorable, 64% intermediate, and 9% poor. Common sites of metastases in patients were lung (68%), lymph node (45%), and bone (25%).

The major efficacy outcome measures were PFS, as assessed by independent radiologic review (IRC) according to RECIST v1.1, and OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures included confirmed ORR as assessed by IRC. KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS, OS, and ORR compared with sunitinib. An updated OS analysis was conducted when 304 deaths were observed based on the planned number of deaths for the pre-specified final analysis. Table 100 and Figures 35 and 36 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-581.

Table 100: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-581
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

and Lenvatinib
Sunitinib
n=355 n=357
Tumor assessments were based on RECIST 1.1; only confirmed responses are included for ORR.

Data cutoff date = 28 Aug 2020, Updated OS cutoff date = 31 July 2022

CI = confidence interval; NR= Not reached
Progression-Free Survival (PFS)
  Number of events, n (%) 160 (45%) 205 (57%)
  Progressive disease 145 (41%) 196 (55%)
  Death 15 (4%) 9 (3%)
  Median PFS in months (95% CI) 23.9 (20.8, 27.7) 9.2 (6.0, 11.0)
  Hazard ratio
Hazard ratio is based on a Cox Proportional Hazards Model. Stratified by geographic region and MSKCC prognostic groups.
(95% CI)
0.39 (0.32, 0.49)
  p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test.
<0.0001
Overall Survival (OS)
  Number of deaths, n (%) 80 (23%) 101 (28%)
  Median OS in months (95% CI) NR (33.6, NR) NR (NR, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.66 (0.49, 0.88)
  p-Value
0.0049
Updated OS
  Number of deaths, n (%) 149 (42%) 159 (45%)
  Median OS in months (95% CI) 53.7 (48.7, NR) 54.3 (40.9, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.79 (0.63, 0.99)
Objective Response Rate (Confirmed)
  ORR, n (%) 252 (71%) 129 (36%)
  (95% CI) (66, 76) (31, 41)
    Complete response rate 16% 4%
    Partial response rate 55% 32%
    p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based upon CMH test.
<0.0001
Figure 35: Kaplan-Meier Curve for PFS in KEYNOTE-581

Figure 36: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Updated Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-581

KEYNOTE-B61

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-B61 (NCT04704219), a multicenter, single-arm trial that enrolled 160 patients with advanced or metastatic non-clear cell RCC in the first-line setting. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

Patients received KEYTRUDA 400 mg every 6 weeks in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily. KEYTRUDA was continued for a maximum of 24 months; however, lenvatinib could be continued beyond 24 months. Treatment continued until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Administration of KEYTRUDA with lenvatinib was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was considered by the investigator to be deriving clinical benefit.

Among the 158 treated patients, the baseline characteristics were: median age of 60 years (range: 24 to 87 years); 71% male; 86% White, 8% Asian, and 3% Black; <1% Hispanic or Latino; 22% and 78% of patients had a baseline KPS of 70 to 80 and 90 to 100, respectively; histologic subtypes were 59% papillary, 18% chromophobe, 4% translocation, <1% medullary, 13% unclassified, and 6% other; patient distribution by IMDC risk categories was 35% favorable, 54% intermediate, and 10% poor. Common sites of metastases in patients were lymph node (65%), lung (35%), bone (30%), and liver (21%).

The major efficacy outcome measure was ORR as assessed by BICR using RECIST 1.1. Additional efficacy outcome measures included DOR as assessed by BICR using RECIST 1.1. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 101.

Table 101: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-B61
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

400 mg every 6 weeks

and Lenvatinib

n=158
CI = confidence interval

+ Denotes ongoing response
Objective Response Rate (Confirmed)
  ORR (95% CI) 51% (43, 59)
    Complete response 8%
    Partial response 42%
Duration of Response
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates
  Median in months (range) 19.5 (1.5+, 23.5+)

Adjuvant Treatment of RCC (KEYNOTE‑564)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated as adjuvant therapy for RCC in KEYNOTE-564 (NCT03142334), a multicenter, randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 994 patients with intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence of RCC, or M1 no evidence of disease (NED). The intermediate-high risk category included: pT2 with Grade 4 or sarcomatoid features; pT3, any Grade without nodal involvement (N0) or distant metastases (M0). The high risk category included: pT4, any Grade N0 and M0; any pT, any Grade with nodal involvement and M0. The M1 NED category included patients with metastatic disease who had undergone complete resection of primary and metastatic lesions. Patients must have undergone a partial nephroprotective or radical complete nephrectomy (and complete resection of solid, isolated, soft tissue metastatic lesion(s) in M1 NED participants) with negative surgical margins ≥4 weeks prior to the time of screening. Patients were excluded from the trial if they had received prior systemic therapy for advanced RCC. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were also ineligible. Patients were randomized to KEYTRUDA 200 mg administered intravenously every 3 weeks or placebo for up to 1 year until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity. Randomization was stratified by metastasis status (M0, M1 NED); M0 group was further stratified by ECOG PS (0,1) and geographic region (US, non-US).

The study population characteristics were: median age of 60 years (range: 25 to 84), 33% age 65 or older; 71% male; 75% White, 14% Asian, 9% Unknown, 1% Black or African American, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1% Multiracial; 13% Hispanic or Latino, 78% Not Hispanic or Latino, 8% Unknown; and 85% ECOG PS of 0 and 15% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-four percent of patients enrolled had N0 disease; 11% had sarcomatoid features; 86% were intermediate-high risk; 8% were high risk; and 6% were M1 NED. Ninety-two percent of patients had a radical nephrectomy, and 8% had a partial nephrectomy.

The major efficacy outcome measure was investigator-assessed disease-free survival (DFS), defined as time to recurrence, metastasis, or death. An additional outcome measure was OS. Statistically significant improvements in DFS and OS were demonstrated at pre-specified interim analyses in patients randomized to the KEYTRUDA arm compared with placebo. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 102 and Figures 37 and 38.

Table 102: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-564
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=496
Placebo



n=498
NR = not reached
DFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 109 (22%) 151 (30%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR NR
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.68 (0.53, 0.87)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
0.0010
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with a boundary of 0.0114.
  24-month DFS rate (95% CI) 77% (73, 81) 68% (64, 72)
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 55 (11%) 86 (17%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (NR, NR) NR (NR, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.62 (0.44, 0.87)
  p-Value
0.0024
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with a boundary of 0.0072.
  48-month OS rate (95% CI) 91% (88, 93) 86% (83, 89)
Figure 37: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Disease-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-564

Figure 38: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-564

5 Warnings and Precautions
  • Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions (5.1)
    • Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated pneumonitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, and solid organ transplant rejection.
    • Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment.
    • Withhold or permanently discontinue based on severity and type of reaction.
  • Infusion-related reactions: Interrupt, slow the rate of infusion, or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA based on the severity of reaction. (5.2)
  • Complications of allogeneic HSCT: Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic HSCT before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. (5.3)
  • Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. (5.4)
  • Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective method of contraception. (5.5, 8.1, 8.3)
14.15 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-017 (NCT02267603) and KEYNOTE-913 (NCT03783078), two multicenter, non-randomized, open-label trials that enrolled 105 patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic MCC who had not received prior systemic therapy for their advanced disease. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

Patients received KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg (KEYNOTE-017) or 200 mg (KEYNOTE-913) every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression that was symptomatic, rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, occurred with a decline in performance status, or was confirmed at least 4 weeks later with repeat imaging. Patients without disease progression were treated for up to 24 months.

The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR per RECIST v1.1.

Among the 105 patients enrolled, the median age was 73 years (range: 38 to 91), 79% were age 65 or older; 62% were male; 80% were White, race in 19% was unknown or missing, and 1% were Asian; 53% had ECOG PS of 0, and 47% had ECOG PS of 1. Thirteen percent had stage IIIB disease and 84% had stage IV. Seventy-six percent of patients had prior surgery and 51% had prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy results are summarized in Table 98.

Table 98: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-017 and KEYNOTE-913
Endpoint KEYNOTE-017

KEYTRUDA

2 mg/kg every

3 weeks

n=50
KEYNOTE-913

KEYTRUDA

200 mg or 2 mg/kg every

3 weeks

n=55
+ Denotes ongoing response
NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 56% (41, 70) 49% (35, 63)
    Complete responses, n (%) 12 (24%) 9 (16%)
    Partial responses, n (%) 16 (32%) 18 (33%)
Duration of Response n=28 n=27
  Median DoR in months (range) NR (5.9, 34.5+) NR (4.8, 25.4+)
  Patients with duration ≥6 months, n (%) 27 (96%) 25 (93%)
  Patients with duration ≥12 months, n (%) 15 (54%) 19 (70%)
14.17 Endometrial Carcinoma

In Combination with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for the Treatment of Primary Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin was investigated in KEYNOTE-868/NRG-GY018 (NCT03914612), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 810 patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. The study design included two separate cohorts based on MMR status; 222 (27%) patients were in dMMR cohort, 588 (73%) patients were in pMMR cohort. The trial enrolled measurable Stage III, measurable Stage IVA, Stage IVB or recurrent endometrial cancer (with or without measurable disease). Patients who had not received prior systemic therapy or had received prior chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting were eligible. Patients who had received prior adjuvant chemotherapy were only eligible if their chemotherapy-free interval was at least 12 months. Patients with endometrial sarcoma, including carcinosarcoma, or patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified according to MMR status, ECOG PS (0 or 1 vs. 2), and prior adjuvant chemotherapy.

Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min for 6 cycles, followed by KEYTRUDA 400 mg every 6 weeks for up to 14 cycles.
  • Placebo every 3 weeks, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min for 6 cycles, followed by placebo every 6 weeks for up to 14 cycles.

All study medications were administered as an intravenous infusion on Day 1 of each treatment cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 20 cycles (up to approximately 24 months). Patients with measurable disease who had RECIST-defined stable disease or partial response at the completion of cycle 6 were permitted to continue receiving paclitaxel and carboplatin with KEYTRUDA or placebo for up to 10 cycles as determined by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 9 months and then every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measure was PFS as assessed by the investigator according to RECIST 1.1. An additional efficacy outcome measure was OS.

The dMMR population characteristics were: median age of 66 years (range: 37 to 86), 55% age 65 or older; 79% White, 9% Black, and 3% Asian; 5% Hispanic or Latino; 64% ECOG PS of 0, 33% ECOG PS of 1, and 3% ECOG PS of 2; 61% had recurrent disease and 39% had primary or persistent disease; 5% received prior adjuvant chemotherapy and 43% received prior radiotherapy. The histologic subtypes were endometrioid carcinoma (81%), adenocarcinoma NOS (11%), serous carcinoma (2%), and other (6%).

The pMMR population characteristics were: median age of 66 years (range: 29 to 94), 54% age 65 or older; 72% White, 16% Black, and 5% Asian; 6% Hispanic or Latino; 67% ECOG PS of 0, 30% ECOG PS of 1, and 3% ECOG PS of 2; 56% had recurrent disease and 44% had primary or persistent disease; 26% received prior adjuvant chemotherapy and 41% received prior radiotherapy. The histologic subtypes were endometrioid carcinoma (52%), serous carcinoma (26%), adenocarcinoma NOS (10%), clear cell carcinoma (7%), and other (5%).

The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin compared to placebo in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in both the dMMR and pMMR populations. Table 103 and Figures 39 and 40 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-868 by MMR status. At the time of the PFS analysis, OS data were not mature with 12% deaths in the dMMR population and 17% deaths in the pMMR population.

Table 103: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-868
Endpoint dMMR Population pMMR Population
KEYTRUDA

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=110
Placebo

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=112
KEYTRUDA

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=294
Placebo

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=294
NR = not reached
PFS
Based on interim PFS analysis; the information fractions for interim analyses were 49% for dMMR and 55% for pMMR.
  Number (%) of patients with event 26 (24%) 57 (51%) 91 (31%) 124 (42%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (30.7, NR) 6.5 (6.4, 8.7) 11.1 (8.7, 13.5) 8.5 (7.2, 8.8)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.30 (0.19, 0.48) 0.60 (0.46, 0.78)
  p-Value
Based on the stratified log-rank test
<0.0001 <0.0001
Figure 39: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-868 (dMMR Population)

Figure 40: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-868 (pMMR Population)

Lack of Effectiveness for Adjuvant Treatment of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, with or without radiation, was investigated in KEYNOTE‑B21 (NCT04634877), a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 1,095 patients with newly diagnosed, high‑risk endometrial cancer with no evidence of disease on imaging following curative intent surgery. High-risk disease was defined as any of the following (staging per FIGO 2009): Stage I/II with myometrial invasion and either non-endometrioid histology or aberrant p53 expression or p53 mutation, or Stage III/IVA. The trial did not meet the prespecified primary endpoint for investigator-assessed DFS, with a HR of 1.02 (95% CI: 0.79, 1.32).

In Combination with Lenvatinib for the Treatment of Advanced Endometrial Carcinoma That Is pMMR or Not MSI-H

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-775 (NCT03517449), a multicenter, open-label, randomized, active-controlled trial that enrolled 827 patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma who had been previously treated with at least one prior platinum-based chemotherapy regimen in any setting, including in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Patients with endometrial sarcoma, including carcinosarcoma, or patients who had active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Patients with endometrial carcinoma that were pMMR (using the VENTANA MMR RxDx Panel test) or not MSI-H were stratified by ECOG performance status, geographic region, and history of pelvic radiation. Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily.
  • Investigator’s choice, consisting of either doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks or paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 given weekly, 3 weeks on/1 week off.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as verified by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, a maximum of 24 months. Treatment was permitted beyond RECIST v1.1-defined disease progression if the treating investigator considered the patient to be deriving clinical benefit, and the treatment was tolerated. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 8 weeks. The major efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. Additional efficacy outcome measures included ORR and DoR, as assessed by BICR.

Among the 697 pMMR patients, 346 patients were randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib, and 351 patients were randomized to investigator’s choice of doxorubicin (n=254) or paclitaxel (n=97). The pMMR population characteristics were: median age of 65 years (range: 30 to 86), 52% age 65 or older; 62% White, 22% Asian, and 3% Black; 60% ECOG PS of 0 and 40% ECOG PS of 1. The histologic subtypes were endometrioid carcinoma (55%), serous (30%), clear cell carcinoma (7%), mixed (4%), and other (3%). All 697 of these patients received prior systemic therapy for endometrial carcinoma: 67% had one, 30% had two, and 3% had three or more prior systemic therapies. Thirty-seven percent of patients received only prior neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.

Efficacy results for the pMMR or not MSI-H patients are summarized in Table 104 and Figures 41 and 42.

Table 104: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-775
Endometrial Carcinoma (pMMR or not MSI-H)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

and Lenvatinib

n=346
Doxorubicin or Paclitaxel



n=351
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 165 (48%) 203 (58%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 17.4 (14.2, 19.9) 12.0 (10.8, 13.3)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox regression model
(95% CI)
0.68 (0.56, 0.84)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
0.0001
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 247 (71%) 238 (68%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.6 (5.6, 7.4) 3.8 (3.6, 5.0)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.60 (0.50, 0.72)
  p-Value
<0.0001
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
30% (26, 36) 15% (12, 19)
    Complete response rate 5% 3%
    Partial response rate 25% 13%
  p-Value
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by ECOG performance status, geographic region, and history of pelvic radiation
<0.0001
Duration of Response n=105 n=53
  Median in months (range) 9.2 (1.6+, 23.7+) 5.7 (0.0+, 24.2+)
Figure 41: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-775 (pMMR or Not MSI-H)

Figure 42: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-775 (pMMR or Not MSI-H)

As a Single Agent for the Treatment of Advanced MSI-H or dMMR Endometrial Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067), a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trial. The trial enrolled 90 patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR endometrial carcinoma in Cohorts D and K. MSI or MMR tumor status was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression. Patients treated with KEYTRUDA without disease progression could be treated for up to 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 12 months, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among the 90 patients evaluated, the baseline characteristics were: median age of 64 years (range: 42 to 86); 83% White, 8% Asian, and 3% Black; 12% Hispanic or Latino; 39% ECOG PS of 0 and 61% ECOG PS of 1; 96% had M1 disease and 4% had M0 disease at study entry; and 51% had one and 48% had two or more prior lines of therapy. Nine patients received only adjuvant therapy and one patient received only neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy before participating in the study.

Efficacy results are summarized in Table 105.

Table 105: Efficacy Results in Patients with Advanced MSI-H or dMMR Endometrial Carcinoma in KEYNOTE-158
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

n=90
Median follow-up time of 16.0 months (range 0.5 to 62.1 months)
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 46% (35, 56)
    Complete response rate 12%
    Partial response rate 33%
Duration of Response n=41
  Median in months (range) NR (2.9, 55.7+)
  % with duration ≥12 months 68%
  % with duration ≥24 months 44%
2 Dosage and Administration
  • Melanoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • NSCLC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • MPM: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • HNSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • cHL or PMBCL: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • Urothelial Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • MSI-H or dMMR Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • MSI-H or dMMR CRC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Gastric Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Esophageal Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Cervical Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • HCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • BTC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • MCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • RCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks as a single agent in the adjuvant setting, or in the advanced setting with either:
    • axitinib 5 mg orally twice daily or
    • lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily. (2.2)
  • Endometrial Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks
    • in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel regardless of MMR or MSI status, or
    • in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily for pMMR or not MSI-H tumors, or
    • as a single agent for MSI-H or dMMR tumors. (2.2)
  • TMB-H Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • cSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • TNBC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Ovarian cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Administer KEYTRUDA as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes after dilution. (2.4)
  • See Full Prescribing Information for dosage modifications for adverse reactions and preparation and administration instructions. (2.3, 2.4)
3 Dosage Forms and Strengths
  • Injection: 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution in a single-dose vial
6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of KEYTRUDA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Gastrointestinal: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Hepatobiliary: sclerosing cholangitis

1.13 Hepatocellular Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen.

8 Use in Specific Populations

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (8.2)

1.2 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:

  • Stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
  • metastatic.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.

1.5 Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.

14.13 Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Previously Treated HCC

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-394 (NCT03062358), a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted in Asia in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage B or C HCC, who were previously treated with sorafenib or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and who were not amenable to or were refractory to local-regional therapy. Patients were also required to have Child-Pugh A liver function.

Patients with hepatitis B had treated controlled disease (HBV viral load <2000 IU/mL or <104 copies/mL). Patients with an autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy, main branch portal venous invasion, clinically apparent ascites, or esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding within the last 6 months were also ineligible.

Randomization was stratified by prior treatment: sorafenib vs. oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, macrovascular invasion, and etiology (active HBV vs. others (active HCV, non-infected)). Patients were randomized (2:1) to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks or placebo.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 6 weeks. The main efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were PFS, ORR, and DoR, as assessed by BICR using RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

The study enrolled 453 patients, and 360 (79%) had active hepatitis B. The population characteristics in patients with active hepatitis B were: median age of 52 years (range: 23 to 82), 16% age 65 or older; 86% male; 100% Asian; 42% ECOG PS of 0 and 58% ECOG PS of 1; 90% received prior sorafenib and 10% received prior oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Patient characteristics also included extrahepatic disease (77%), macrovascular invasion (10%), BCLC stage C (93%) and B (7%), and baseline AFP ≥200 ng/mL (57%).

KEYNOTE-394 demonstrated improved OS in patients with HCC secondary to hepatitis B randomized to KEYTRUDA compared with placebo. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 96 and Figure 32.

Table 96: Efficacy Results in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in KEYNOTE-394
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks



n=236
Placebo





n=124
+ Denotes ongoing response
OS
Results at the pre-specified final OS analysis
  Number (%) of patients with events 172 (73) 105 (85)
  Median in months (95% CI) 13.9 (12.5, 17.9) 13.0 (10.1, 15.6)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.78 (0.61, 0.99)
PFS
Results at pre-specified interim OS analysis
  Number (%) of patients with events 189 (80) 108 (87)
  Median in months (95% CI) 2 (1.4, 2.7) 2.3 (1.4, 2.8)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.78 (0.61, 1.00)
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
11% (7, 16) 1.6% (0.2, 5.7)
    Number (%) of complete responses 2 (0.9%) 1 (0.8%)
    Number (%) of partial responses 24 (10%) 1 (0.8%)
Duration of Response
n=28 n=2
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimate
(range)
23.9 (2.6+, 44.4+) 5.6 (3.0+, 5.6)
Figure 32: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-394

5.2 Infusion Related Reactions

KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, including hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, which have been reported in 0.2% of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. For severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The data described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to KEYTRUDA as a single agent in 2799 patients in three randomized, open-label, active-controlled trials (KEYNOTE-002, KEYNOTE-006, and KEYNOTE-010), which enrolled 912 patients with melanoma and 682 patients with NSCLC, and one single-arm trial (KEYNOTE-001), which enrolled 655 patients with melanoma and 550 patients with NSCLC. In addition to the 2799 patients, certain subsections in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS describe adverse reactions observed with exposure to KEYTRUDA as a single agent in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-091), which enrolled 580 patients with resected NSCLC, a non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trial (KEYNOTE-012), a non-randomized, open-label, single-cohort trial (KEYNOTE-055), and two randomized, open-label, active-controlled trials (KEYNOTE-040 and KEYNOTE-048 single agent arms), which enrolled 909 patients with HNSCC; in two non-randomized, open-label trials (KEYNOTE-013 and KEYNOTE-087) and one randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-204), which enrolled 389 patients with cHL; in a randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-048 combination arm), which enrolled 276 patients with HNSCC; in combination with axitinib in a randomized, active-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-426), which enrolled 429 patients with RCC; and in post-marketing use. Across all trials, KEYTRUDA was administered at doses of 2 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks, 10 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, or 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks. Among the 2799 patients, 41% were exposed for 6 months or more and 21% were exposed for 12 months or more.

14.5 Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

KEYNOTE-204

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-204 (NCT02684292), a randomized, open-label, active controlled trial conducted in 304 patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. The trial enrolled adults with relapsed or refractory disease after at least one multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks or
  • Brentuximab vedotin (BV) 1.8 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks

Treatment was continued until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Disease assessment was performed every 12 weeks. Randomization was stratified by prior autologous HSCT (yes vs. no) and disease status after frontline therapy (primary refractory vs. relapse <12 months after completion vs. relapse ≥12 months after completion). The main efficacy measure was PFS as assessed by BICR using 2007 revised International Working Group criteria.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 35 years (range: 18 to 84); 57% male; 77% White, 9% Asian, 3.9% Black. The median number of prior therapies was 2 (range: 1 to 10) in the KEYTRUDA arm and 3 (range: 1 to 11) in the BV arm, with 18% in both arms having 1 prior line. Forty-two percent of patients were refractory to the last prior therapy, 29% had primary refractory disease, 37% had prior autologous HSCT, 5% had received prior BV, and 39% had prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy is summarized in Table 77 and Figure 16.

Table 77: Efficacy Results in Patients with cHL in KEYNOTE-204
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=151
Brentuximab Vedotin

1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks

n=153
+ Denotes a censored value.
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 81 (54%) 88 (58%)
  Median in months (95% CI)
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates.
13.2 (10.9, 19.4) 8.3 (5.7, 8.8)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model.
(95% CI)
0.65 (0.48, 0.88)
  p-Value
Based on a stratified log-rank test. One-sided p-Value, with a prespecified boundary of 0.0043.
0.0027
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Difference in ORR is not statistically significant.
(95% CI)
66% (57, 73) 54% (46, 62)
    Complete response 25% 24%
    Partial response 41% 30%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range)
20.7 (0.0+, 33.2+) 13.8 (0.0+, 33.9+)
Figure 16: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-204

KEYNOTE-087

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-087 (NCT02453594), a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label trial in 210 patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. Patients with active, non-infectious pneumonitis, an allogeneic HSCT within the past 5 years (or >5 years but with symptoms of GVHD), active autoimmune disease, a medical condition that required immunosuppression, or an active infection requiring systemic therapy were ineligible for the trial. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression, or for up to 24 months in patients who did not progress. Disease assessment was performed every 12 weeks. The major efficacy outcome measures (ORR, Complete Response Rate, and DoR) were assessed by BICR according to the 2007 revised International Working Group (IWG) criteria.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 35 years (range: 18 to 76), 9% age 65 or older; 54% male; 88% White; and 49% ECOG PS of 0 and 51% ECOG PS of 1. The median number of prior lines of therapy administered for the treatment of cHL was 4 (range: 1 to 12). Fifty-eight percent were refractory to the last prior therapy, including 35% with primary refractory disease and 14% whose disease was chemo-refractory to all prior regimens. Sixty-one percent of patients had undergone prior autologous HSCT, 83% had received prior brentuximab vedotin and 36% of patients had prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy results for KEYNOTE-087 are summarized in Table 78.

Table 78: Efficacy Results in Patients with cHL in KEYNOTE-087
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=210
Median follow-up time of 9.4 months
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 69% (62, 75)
    Complete response rate 22%
    Partial response rate 47%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) 11.1 (0.0+, 11.1)
Based on patients (n=145) with a response by independent review
17 Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

1.20 Triple Negative Breast Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

1.3 Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

14.20 Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment of High-Risk Early-Stage TNBC

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and continued adjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent was investigated in KEYNOTE-522 (NCT03036488), a randomized (2:1), multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 1174 patients with newly diagnosed previously untreated high-risk early-stage TNBC (tumor size >1 cm but ≤2 cm in diameter with nodal involvement or tumor size >2 cm in diameter regardless of nodal involvement). Patients were enrolled regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression. Patients with active autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within two years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by nodal status (positive vs. negative), tumor size (T1/T2 vs. T3/T4), and choice of carboplatin (dosed every 3 weeks vs. weekly).

Patients were randomized (2:1) to one of the following two treatment arms; all study medications were administered intravenously:

  • Arm 1:
    • Four cycles of preoperative KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Carboplatin
        • AUC 5 mg/mL/min every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -or-
        • AUC 1.5 mg/mL/min every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -and-
      • Paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen
    • Followed by four additional cycles of preoperative KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 -or- epirubicin 90 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen -and-
      • Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen
    • Following surgery, nine cycles of KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks were administered.
  • Arm 2:
    • Four cycles of preoperative placebo every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Carboplatin
        • AUC 5 mg/mL/min every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -or-
        • AUC 1.5 mg/mL/min every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -and-
      • Paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen
    • Followed by four cycles of preoperative placebo every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 -or- epirubicin 90 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen -and-
      • Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen
    • Following surgery, nine cycles of placebo every 3 weeks were administered.

The trial was not designed to isolate the effect of KEYTRUDA in each phase (neoadjuvant or adjuvant) of treatment.

The main efficacy outcomes were pCR rate and EFS. pCR was defined as absence of invasive cancer in the breast and lymph nodes (ypT0/Tis ypN0) and was assessed by the blinded local pathologist at the time of definitive surgery. EFS was defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of any of the following events: progression of disease that precludes definitive surgery, local or distant recurrence, second primary malignancy, or death due to any cause. An additional efficacy outcome was overall survival (OS).

The study population characteristics were: median age of 49 years (range: 22 to 80), 11% age 65 or older; 99.9% female; 64% White, 20% Asian, 4.5% Black, and 1.8% American Indian or Alaska Native; 87% ECOG PS of 0 and 13% ECOG PS of 1; 56% were pre-menopausal status and 44% were post-menopausal status; 7% were primary Tumor 1 (T1), 68% T2, 19% T3, and 7% T4; 49% were nodal involvement 0 (N0), 40% N1, 11% N2, and 0.2% N3; 75% of patients were overall Stage II and 25% were Stage III.

Statistically significant improvements in pCR, EFS, and OS were demonstrated at pre-specified interim analyses for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent compared with patients randomized to placebo in combination with chemotherapy followed by placebo alone.

Table 109 and Figures 43 and 44 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-522.

Table 109: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-522
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

with chemotherapy/KEYTRUDA

n=784
Placebo

with chemotherapy/Placebo



n=390
pCR (ypT0/Tis ypN0)
Based on the entire intention-to-treat population n=1174 patients
  Number of patients with pCR 494 217
  pCR rate (%), (95% CI) 63.0 (59.5, 66.4) 55.6 (50.6, 60.6)
  Treatment difference (%) estimate (95% CI)
Based on a pre-specified pCR interim analysis in n=602 patients, the pCR rate difference was statistically significant (p=0.00055 compared to a significance level of 0.003).
,
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by nodal status, tumor size, and choice of carboplatin
7.5 (1.6, 13.4)
EFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 123 (16%) 93 (24%)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI)
Based on stratified Cox regression model
0.63 (0.48, 0.82)
  p-Value
Based on a pre-specified EFS interim analysis (compared to a significance level of 0.0052)
,
Based on log-rank test stratified by nodal status, tumor size, and choice of carboplatin
0.00031
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 115 (15%) 85 (22%)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI)
0.66 (0.50, 0.87)
  p-Value
,
Based on a pre-specified OS interim analysis (compared to a significance level of 0.0050)
0.00150
Figure 43: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Event-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-522

Figure 44: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-522

Locally Recurrent Unresectable or Metastatic TNBC for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 10)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin was investigated in KEYNOTE-355 (NCT02819518), a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 847 patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC, regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression, who had not been previously treated with chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. Patients with active autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by chemotherapy treatment (paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound vs. gemcitabine and carboplatin), tumor PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1 vs. CPS <1) according to the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay, and prior treatment with the same class of chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting (yes vs. no).

Patients were randomized (2:1) to one of the following treatment arms; all study medications were administered via intravenous infusion:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1 every 3 weeks in combination with paclitaxel protein-bound 100 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days, paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days, or gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 2 mg/mL/min on Days 1 and 8 every 21 days.
  • Placebo on Day 1 every 3 weeks in combination with paclitaxel protein-bound 100 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days, paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days, or gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 2 mg/mL/min on Days 1 and 8 every 21 days.

Assessment of tumor status was performed at Weeks 8, 16, and 24, then every 9 weeks for the first year, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, tested in the subgroup of patients with CPS ≥10. Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR.

The study population characteristics for patients were: median age of 53 years (range: 22 to 85), 21% age 65 or older; 100% female; 68% White, 21% Asian, and 4% Black; 60% ECOG PS of 0 and 40% ECOG PS of 1; and 68% were post-menopausal status. Seventy-five percent of patients had tumor PD-L1 expression CPS ≥1 and 38% had tumor PD-L1 expression CPS ≥10.

Table 110 and Figures 45 and 46 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-355.

Table 110: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-355 (CPS ≥10)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

with chemotherapy

n=220
Placebo

every 3 weeks

with chemotherapy

n=103
OS
Based on the pre-specified final analysis
  Number of patients with event (%) 155 (70%) 84 (82%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 23 (19.0, 26.3) 16.1 (12.6, 18.8)
  Hazard ratio
Based on stratified Cox regression model
(95% CI)
0.73 (0.55, 0.95)
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.0113)
0.0093
PFS
Based on a pre-specified interim analysis
  Number of patients with event

  (%)
136 (62%) 79 (77%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 9.7 (7.6, 11.3) 5.6 (5.3, 7.5)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.65 (0.49, 0.86)
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.00411)
0.0012
Objective Response Rate (Confirmed)
  ORR (95% CI) 53% (46, 59) 41% (31, 51)
    Complete response rate 17% 14%
    Partial response rate 35% 27%
Duration of Response
n=116 n=42
  Median in months (95% CI) 12.8 (9.9, 25.9) 7.3 (5.5, 15.4)
Figure 45: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-355 (CPS ≥10)

Figure 46: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-355 (CPS ≥10)

14.3 Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

First-line treatment of unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-483 (NCT02784171), a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial that enrolled 440 patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic MPM and no prior systemic therapy for advanced/metastatic disease. Patients were enrolled regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 3 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by histological subtype (epithelioid vs. non-epithelioid). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms; all study medications were administered via intravenous infusion:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6 mg/mL/min on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, followed by KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks. KEYTRUDA was administered prior to chemotherapy on Day 1.
  • Pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6 mg/mL/min on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until disease progression as determined by the investigator according to modified RECIST 1.1 for mesothelioma (mRECIST), unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 6 weeks for 18 weeks, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were PFS, ORR, and DoR, as assessed by BICR according to mRECIST.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 70 years (77% age 65 or older); 76% male; 79% White, 21% race not reported or unknown; 2% Hispanic or Latino; and 53% ECOG performance status of 1. Seventy-eight percent had epithelioid and 22% had non-epithelioid histology; 60% had tumors with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 and 30% had tumors with PD-L1 CPS <1.

The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS, PFS, and ORR in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy compared with patients randomized to chemotherapy alone. Table 73 and Figure 12 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-483.

Table 73: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-483
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

Pemetrexed

Platinum Chemotherapy
Pemetrexed

Platinum Chemotherapy
(n=222) (n=218)
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 167 (75%) 175 (80%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 17.3 (14.4, 21.3) 16.1 (13.1, 18.2)
  Hazard ratio
Based on stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.79 (0.64, 0.98)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
0.0162
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 190 (86%) 166 (76%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 7.1 (6.9, 8.1) 7.1 (6.8, 7.7)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.80 (0.65, 0.99)
  p-Value
0.0194
Objective Response Rate
  ORR % (95% CI) 52% (45.5, 59.0) 29% (23.0, 35.4)
    Complete responses 1 (0.5%) 0 (0%)
    Partial responses 115 (52%) 63 (29%)
  p-Value
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by histological subtype at randomization (epithelioid vs. non-epithelioid)
<0.00001
Duration of Response
Based on patients with a best overall response as confirmed complete or partial response; n=116 for patients in the KEYTRUDA combination arm; n=63 for patients in the chemotherapy arm
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.9 (5.8, 8.3) 6.8 (5.5, 8.5)
Figure 12: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-483

In a pre-specified exploratory analysis based on histology, in the subgroup of patients with epithelioid histology (n=345), the hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.70, 1.13), with median OS of 19.8 months in KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy and 18.2 months in chemotherapy alone. In the subgroup of patients with non-epithelioid histology (n=95), the HR for OS was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.89), with median OS of 12.3 months in KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy and 8.2 months in chemotherapy alone.

16 How Supplied/storage and Handling

KEYTRUDA injection (clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution):

Carton containing one 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vial (NDC 0006-3026-02)

Carton containing two 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vials (NDC 0006-3026-04)

1.19 Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.

1.4 Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.

14.19 Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC enrolled in KEYNOTE-629 (NCT03284424), a multicenter, multi-cohort, non-randomized, open-label trial. The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression.

Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until documented disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Patients with initial radiographic disease progression could receive additional doses of KEYTRUDA during confirmation of progression unless disease progression was symptomatic, rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, or occurred with a decline in performance status.

Assessment of tumor status was performed every 6 weeks during the first year, and every 9 weeks during the second year. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among the 105 patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC treated, the study population characteristics were: median age of 72 years (range: 29 to 95), 71% age 65 or older; 76% male; 70% White, 25% race unknown; 34% ECOG PS of 0 and 66% ECOG PS of 1. Forty-five percent of patients had locally recurrent only cSCC, 24% had metastatic only cSCC, and 31% had both locally recurrent and metastatic cSCC. Eighty-seven percent received one or more prior lines of therapy; 73% received prior radiation therapy.

Among the 54 patients with locally advanced cSCC treated, the study population characteristics were: median age of 76 years (range: 35 to 95), 80% age 65 or older; 72% male; 83% White, 13% race unknown; 41% ECOG PS of 0 and 59% ECOG PS of 1. Twenty-two percent received one or more prior lines of therapy; 63% received prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy results are summarized in Table 108.

Table 108: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-629
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

Recurrent or Metastatic cSCC

n=105
KEYTRUDA

Locally Advanced cSCC

n=54
+ Denotes ongoing response
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 35% (26, 45) 52% (38, 66)
    Complete response rate 12% 22%
    Partial response rate 23% 30%
Duration of Response
Median follow-up time: recurrent or metastatic cSCC: 23.8 months; locally advanced cSCC: 48.0 months
n=37 n=28
    Median in months (range) NR (2.7, 64.2+) 47.2 (1.0+, 49.9+)
    % with duration ≥6 months 76% 89%
    % with duration ≥12 months 68% 75%
1.18 Tumor Mutational Burden High Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response [see Clinical Studies (14.18)]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

Limitations of Use: The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.

14.18 Tumor Mutational Burden High Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in a prospectively-planned retrospective analysis of 10 cohorts (A through J) of patients with various previously treated unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H) who were enrolled in a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label trial, KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067). The trial excluded patients who previously received an anti-PD-1 or other immune-modulating monoclonal antibody, or who had an autoimmune disease, or a medical condition that required immunosuppression. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 12 months and every 12 weeks thereafter.

The statistical analysis plan pre-specified ≥10 and ≥13 mutations per megabase using the FoundationOne CDx assay as cutpoints to assess TMB. Testing of TMB was blinded with respect to clinical outcomes. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR in patients who received at least one dose of KEYTRUDA as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

In KEYNOTE-158, 1050 patients were included in the efficacy analysis population. TMB was analyzed in the subset of 790 patients with sufficient tissue for testing based on protocol-specified testing requirements. Of the 790 patients, 102 (13%) had tumors identified as TMB-H, defined as TMB ≥10 mutations per megabase. Among the 102 patients with TMB-H advanced solid tumors, the study population characteristics were: median age of 61 years (range: 27 to 80), 34% age 65 or older; 34% male; 81% White; and 41% ECOG PS of 0 and 58% ECOG PS of 1. Fifty-six percent of patients had at least two prior lines of therapy.

Efficacy results are summarized in Tables 106 and 107.

Table 106: Efficacy Results for Patients with TMB-H Cancer in KEYNOTE-158


  Endpoint
KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks
TMB ≥10 mut/Mb

n=102
Median follow-up time of 11.1 months
TMB ≥13 mut/Mb

n=70
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 29% (21, 39) 37% (26, 50)
    Complete response rate 4% 3%
    Partial response rate 25% 34%
Duration of Response n=30 n=26
  Median in months (range)
From product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data
NR (2.2+, 34.8+) NR (2.2+, 34.8+)
  % with duration ≥12 months 57% 58%
  % with duration ≥24 months 50% 50%
Table 107: Response by Tumor Type (TMB ≥10 mut/Mb)
Objective Response Rate Duration of Response range
N n (%) 95% CI (months)
CR = complete response

PR = partial response

SD = stable disease

PD = progressive disease
Overall
No TMB-H patients were identified in the cholangiocarcinoma cohort
102 30 (29%) (21%, 39%) (2.2+, 34.8+)
  Small cell lung cancer 34 10 (29%) (15%, 47%) (4.1, 32.5+)
  Cervical cancer 16 5 (31%) (11%, 59%) (3.7+, 34.8+)
  Endometrial cancer 15 7 (47%) (21%, 73%) (8.4+, 33.9+)
  Anal cancer 14 1 (7%) (0.2%, 34%) 18.8+
  Vulvar cancer 12 2 (17%) (2%, 48%) (8.8, 11.0)
  Neuroendocrine cancer 5 2 (40%) (5%, 85%) (2.2+, 32.6+)
  Salivary cancer 3 PR, SD, PD 31.3+
  Thyroid cancer 2 CR, CR (8.2, 33.2+)
  Mesothelioma cancer 1 PD

In an exploratory analysis in 32 patients enrolled in KEYNOTE-158 whose cancer had TMB ≥10 mut/Mb and <13 mut/Mb, the ORR was 13% (95% CI: 4%, 29%), including two complete responses and two partial responses.

13.2 Animal Toxicology And/or Pharmacology

In animal models, inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling increased the severity of some infections and enhanced inflammatory responses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected PD-1 knockout mice exhibit markedly decreased survival compared with wild-type controls, which correlated with increased bacterial proliferation and inflammatory responses in these animals. PD-1 blockade using a primate anti-PD-1 antibody was also shown to exacerbate M. tuberculosis infection in rhesus macaques. PD-1 and PD-L1 knockout mice and mice receiving PD-L1-blocking antibody have also shown decreased survival following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Administration of pembrolizumab in chimpanzees with naturally occurring chronic hepatitis B infection resulted in two out of four animals with significantly increased levels of serum ALT, AST, and GGT, which persisted for at least 1 month after discontinuation of pembrolizumab.

Principal Display Panel 50 Mg Vial Carton

NDC 0006-3029-02

Keytruda ®

(pembrolizumab)

for Injection

50 mg /vial

For Intravenous Infusion Only

Dispense the enclosed Medication Guide to each patient.

Sterile lyophilized powder must be reconstituted with Sterile Water for

Injection, USP. Reconstituted solution requires further dilution prior

to administration.

Rx only

Single-dose vial. Discard unused portion.

1.6 Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Lymphoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy.

Limitations of Use: KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.

14.6 Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Lymphoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-170 (NCT02576990), a multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial in 53 patients with relapsed or refractory PMBCL. Patients were not eligible if they had active non-infectious pneumonitis, allogeneic HSCT within the past 5 years (or >5 years but with symptoms of GVHD), active autoimmune disease, a medical condition that required immunosuppression, or an active infection requiring systemic therapy. Patients were treated with KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression, or for up to 24 months for patients who did not progress. Disease assessments were performed every 12 weeks and assessed by BICR according to the 2007 revised IWG criteria. The efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 33 years (range: 20 to 61 years); 43% male; 92% White; and 43% ECOG PS of 0 and 57% ECOG PS of 1. The median number of prior lines of therapy administered for the treatment of PMBCL was 3 (range 2 to 8). Thirty-six percent had primary refractory disease, 49% had relapsed disease refractory to the last prior therapy, and 15% had untreated relapse. Twenty-six percent of patients had undergone prior autologous HSCT, and 32% of patients had prior radiation therapy. All patients had received rituximab as part of a prior line of therapy.

For the 24 responders, the median time to first objective response (complete or partial response) was 2.8 months (range 2.1 to 8.5 months). Efficacy results for KEYNOTE-170 are summarized in Table 79.

Table 79: Efficacy Results in Patients with PMBCL in KEYNOTE-170
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=53
Median follow-up time of 9.7 months
NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 45% (32, 60)
    Complete response rate 11%
    Partial response rate 34%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) NR (1.1+, 19.2+)
Based on patients (n=24) with a response by independent review
Principal Display Panel 100 Mg/4 Ml Vial Carton

NDC 0006-3026-02

Keytruda®

(pembrolizumab)

Injection

100 mg /4 mL

(25 mg/mL)

For Intravenous Infusion Only

Dispense the enclosed Medication Guide to each patient.

Requires dilution prior to administration.

Rx only

Single-dose vial. Discard unused portion.

5.1 Severe and Fatal Immune Mediated Adverse Reactions

KEYTRUDA is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1) or the PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue and can affect more than one body system simultaneously. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, immune-mediated adverse reactions can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies.

Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. For patients with TNBC treated with KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant setting, monitor blood cortisol at baseline, prior to surgery, and as clinically indicated. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. In general, if KEYTRUDA requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.

Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.4% (94/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including fatal (0.1%), Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (1.3%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 67% (63/94) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 1.3% (36) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.9% (26) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence of pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 59% of the 94 patients.

In clinical studies enrolling 389 adult patients with cHL who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent, pneumonitis occurred in 31 (8%) patients, including Grades 3-4 pneumonitis in 2.3% of patients. Patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median duration of 10 days (range: 2 days to 53 months). Pneumonitis rates were similar in patients with and without prior thoracic radiation. Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 21 (5.4%) patients. Of the patients who developed pneumonitis, 42% interrupted KEYTRUDA, 68% discontinued KEYTRUDA, and 77% had resolution.

In a clinical study enrolling 580 adult patients with resected NSCLC (KEYNOTE-091) who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent for adjuvant treatment, pneumonitis occurred in 41 (7%) patients, including fatal (0.2%), Grade 4 (0.3%), and Grade 3 (1%) adverse reactions. Patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median duration of 10 days (range: 1 day to 2.3 months). Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 26 (4.5%) of patients. Of the patients who developed pneumonitis, 54% interrupted KEYTRUDA, 63% discontinued KEYTRUDA, and 71% had resolution.

Immune-Mediated Colitis

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.7% (48/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (1.1%), and Grade 2 (0.4%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 69% (33/48) of patients with colitis. Additional immunosuppressant therapy was required in 4.2% of patients. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (15) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (13) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence of colitis. Colitis resolved in 85% of the 48 patients.

Hepatotoxicity and Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

KEYTRUDA as a Single Agent

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 0.7% (19/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.4%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 68% (13/19) of patients with hepatitis. Eleven percent of these patients required additional immunosuppressant therapy. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.2% (6) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (9) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of hepatitis. Hepatitis resolved in 79% of the 19 patients.

KEYTRUDA with Axitinib

KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib can cause hepatic toxicity with higher than expected frequencies of Grades 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to KEYTRUDA alone. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt KEYTRUDA and axitinib, and consider administering corticosteroids as needed [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

With the combination of KEYTRUDA and axitinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT (20%) and increased AST (13%) were seen. Fifty-nine percent of the patients with increased ALT received systemic corticosteroids. In patients with ALT ≥3 times ULN (Grades 2-4, n=116), ALT resolved to Grades 0-1 in 94%. Among the 92 patients who were rechallenged with either KEYTRUDA (n=3) or axitinib (n=34) administered as a single agent or with both (n=55), recurrence of ALT ≥3 times ULN was observed in 1 patient receiving KEYTRUDA, 16 patients receiving axitinib, and 24 patients receiving both KEYTRUDA and axitinib. All patients with a recurrence of ALT ≥3 ULN subsequently recovered from the event.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Adrenal Insufficiency

KEYTRUDA can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.8% (22/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.3%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 77% (17/22) of patients with adrenal insufficiency; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (8) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.

Hypophysitis

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (17/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.2%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 94% (16/17) of patients with hypophysitis; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (4) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.

Thyroid Disorders

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (16/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%). No patients discontinued KEYTRUDA due to thyroiditis. KEYTRUDA was withheld in <0.1% (1) of patients.

Hyperthyroidism occurred in 3.4% (96/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.8%). Hyperthyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (2) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.

The incidence of new or worsening hyperthyroidism was higher in 580 patients with resected NSCLC, occurring in 11% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent as adjuvant treatment (KEYNOTE-091), including Grade 3 (0.2%) hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (237/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (6.2%). Hypothyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (14) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. The majority of patients with hypothyroidism required long-term thyroid hormone replacement.

The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 1185 patients with HNSCC, occurring in 16% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent or in combination with platinum and FU, including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 389 patients with cHL (17%) receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grade 1 (6.2%) and Grade 2 (10.8%) hypothyroidism.

The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 580 patients with resected NSCLC, occurring in 22% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent as adjuvant treatment (KEYNOTE-091), including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.2% (6/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Type 1 diabetes mellitus led to permanent discontinuation in <0.1% (1) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. All patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus required long-term insulin therapy.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.3% (9/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.1%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 89% (8/9) of patients with nephritis. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (3) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (3) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of nephritis. Nephritis resolved in 56% of the 9 patients.

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome, DRESS, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 1.4% (38/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (1%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 40% (15/38) of patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (2) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.6% (16) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 6% had recurrence of immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 79% of the 38 patients.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received KEYTRUDA or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.

Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis

Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy

Ocular: Uveitis, iritis and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis (1.5%), polymyalgia rheumatica

Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism

Hematologic/Immune: Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No studies have been performed to test the potential of pembrolizumab for carcinogenicity or genotoxicity.

Fertility studies have not been conducted with pembrolizumab. In 1-month and 6-month repeat-dose toxicology studies in monkeys, there were no notable effects in the male and female reproductive organs; however, most animals in these studies were not sexually mature.

1.8 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.8 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in 504 patients with MSI-H or dMMR cancers enrolled in three multicenter, non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trials: KEYNOTE-164 (NCT02460198), KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067), and KEYNOTE-051 (NCT02332668). All trials excluded patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression. Regardless of histology, MSI or MMR tumor status was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR; local or central) or immunohistochemistry (IHC; local or central), respectively.

  • KEYNOTE-164 enrolled 124 patients with advanced MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) that progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine and either oxaliplatin or irinotecan +/- anti-VEGF/EGFR mAb-based therapy.
  • KEYNOTE-158 enrolled 373 patients with advanced MSI-H or dMMR non-colorectal cancers (non-CRC) who had disease progression following prior therapy. Patients were either prospectively enrolled with MSI-H/dMMR tumors (Cohort K) or retrospectively identified in one of 10 solid tumor cohorts (Cohorts A-J).
  • KEYNOTE-051 enrolled 7 pediatric patients with MSI-H or dMMR cancers.

Adult patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks (pediatric patients received 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks) until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or a maximum of 24 months. In KEYNOTE-164 and KEYNOTE-158, assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks through the first year, then every 12 weeks thereafter. In KEYNOTE-051, assessment of tumor status was performed every 8 weeks for 24 weeks, and then every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1 (modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ in KEYNOTE-158) and as assessed by the investigator according to RECIST v1.1 in KEYNOTE-051.

In KEYNOTE-164 and KEYNOTE-158, the study population characteristics were median age of 60 years, 36% age 65 or older; 44% male; 78% White, 14% Asian, 4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 3% Black; and 45% ECOG PS of 0 and 55% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-two percent of patients had metastatic disease and 4% had locally advanced, unresectable disease. Thirty-seven percent of patients received one prior line of therapy and 61% received two or more prior lines of therapy.

In KEYNOTE-051, the study population characteristics were median age of 11 years (range: 3 to 16); 71% female; 86% White and 14% Asian; and 57% had a Lansky/Karnofsky Score of 100. Seventy-one percent of patients had Stage IV and 14% had Stage III disease. Fifty-seven percent of patients received one prior line of therapy and 29% received two prior lines of therapy.

Discordant results were observed between local MSI-H or dMMR tests and central testing among patients enrolled in Cohort K of KEYNOTE-158. Among 104 tumor samples that were MSI-H or dMMR by local testing and also tested using the FoundationOne®CDx (F1CDx) test, 59 (56.7%) were MSI-H and 45 (43.3%) were not MSI-H. Among 169 tumor samples that were MSI-H or dMMR by local testing and also tested using the VENTANA MMR RxDx Panel, 105 (62.1%) were dMMR and 64 (37.9%) were pMMR.

Efficacy results are summarized in Tables 86 and 87.

Table 86: Efficacy Results for Patients with MSI-H/dMMR Cancer
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

n=504
Median follow-up time of 20.1 months (range 0.1 to 71.4 months)
+ Denotes ongoing response
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI)
Of the 7 pediatric patients from KEYNOTE-051, 1 patient had a radiographic complete response after initial growth of their tumor but is not reflected in the results.
33.3% (29.2, 37.6)
    Complete response rate 10.3%
    Partial response rate 23.0%
Duration of Response n=168
    Median in months (range) 63.2 (1.9+, 63.9+)
    % with duration ≥12 months 77%
    % with duration ≥36 months 39%
Table 87: Response by Tumor Type
Objective Response Rate Duration of

Response range
N n (%) 95% CI (months)
+ Denotes ongoing response
CRC 124 42 (34%) (26%, 43%) (4.4, 58.5+)
Non-CRC
Results include patients in Cohort K of KEYNOTE-158 that were later determined to be pMMR or not MSI-H by central testing
380 126 (33%) (28%, 38%) (1.9+, 63.9+)
  Endometrial cancer 94 47 (50%) (40%, 61%) (2.9, 63.2)
  Gastric or GE junction cancer 51 20 (39%) (26%, 54%) (1.9+, 63.0+)
  Small intestinal cancer 27 16 (59%) (39%, 78%) (3.7+, 57.3+)
  Brain cancer 27
Includes 6 pediatric patients with brain cancer
1 (4%)
In addition to the 1 adult responder, 1 pediatric patient had a radiographic complete response after initial growth of their tumor.
(0%, 19%) 18.9
  Ovarian cancer 25 8 (32%) (15%, 54%) (4.2, 56.6+)
  Biliary cancer 22 9 (41%) (21%, 64%) (6.2, 49.0+)
  Pancreatic cancer 22 4 (18%) (5%, 40%) (8.1, 24.3+)
  Sarcoma 14 3 (21%) (5%, 51%) (35.4+, 57.2+)
  Breast cancer 13 1 (8%) (0%,36%) 24.3+
  Other
Includes tumor type (n): anal (3), HNSCC (1), nasopharyngeal (1), retroperitoneal (1), testicular (1), vaginal (1), vulvar (1), appendiceal adenocarcinoma, NOS (1), hepatocellular carcinoma (1), and carcinoma of unknown origin (1). Includes 1 pediatric patient with abdominal adenocarcinoma.
13 4 (31%) (9%, 61%) (6.2+, 32.3+)
  Cervical cancer 11 1 (9%) (0%, 41%) 63.9+
  Neuroendocrine cancer 11 1 (9%) (0%, 41%) 13.3
  Prostate cancer 8 1 (13%) (0%, 53%) 24.5+
  Adrenocortical cancer 7 1 (14%) (0%, 58%) 4.2
  Mesothelioma 7 0 (0%) (0%, 41%)
  Thyroid cancer 7 1 (14%) (0%, 58%) 8.2
  Small cell lung cancer 6 2 (33%) (4%, 78%) (20.0, 47.5)
  Bladder cancer 6 3 (50%) (12%, 88%) (35.6+, 57.5+)
  Salivary cancer 5 2 (40%) (5%, 85%) (42.6+, 57.8+)
  Renal cell cancer 4 1 (25%) (0%, 81%) 22.0

Exploratory analysis by TMB

In an exploratory analysis performed in 138 patients (Cohort K of KEYNOTE-158) who were tested retrospectively for tumor mutation burden (TMB) using an FDA-authorized test, 45 (33%) had tumors with TMB score of <10 mut/Mb; ORR in these 45 patients was 6.7% (95% CI: 1.4, 18.3). Among the 45 patients with TMB score of <10 mut/Mb, 39 of the patients were pMMR/not MSI-H when tested using an FDA-authorized test.

1.9 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.9 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-177 (NCT02563002), a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial that enrolled 307 patients with previously untreated unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR CRC. MSI or MMR tumor status was determined locally using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks or investigator’s choice of the following chemotherapy regimens given intravenously every 2 weeks:

  • mFOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and FU) or mFOLFOX6 in combination with either bevacizumab or cetuximab: Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 (or levoleucovorin 200 mg/m2), and FU 400 mg/m2 bolus on Day 1, then FU 2400 mg/m2 over 46-48 hours. Bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on Day 1 or cetuximab 400 mg/m2 on first infusion, then 250 mg/m2 weekly.
  • FOLFIRI (irinotecan, leucovorin, and FU) or FOLFIRI in combination with either bevacizumab or cetuximab: Irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 (or levoleucovorin 200 mg/m2), and FU 400 mg/m2 bolus on Day 1, then FU 2400 mg/m2 over 46-48 hours. Bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on Day 1 or cetuximab 400 mg/m2 on first infusion, then 250 mg/m2 weekly.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA or chemotherapy continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by the investigator or unacceptable toxicity. Patients treated with KEYTRUDA without disease progression could be treated for up to 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks. Patients randomized to chemotherapy were offered KEYTRUDA at the time of disease progression. The main efficacy outcome measures were PFS (as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ) and OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR.

A total of 307 patients were enrolled and randomized to KEYTRUDA (n=153) or chemotherapy (n=154). The baseline characteristics of these 307 patients were: median age of 63 years (range: 24 to 93), 47% age 65 or older; 50% male; 75% White and 16% Asian; 52% had an ECOG PS of 0 and 48% had an ECOG PS of 1; and 27% received prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among 154 patients randomized to receive chemotherapy,143 received chemotherapy per the protocol. Of the 143 patients, 56% received mFOLFOX6, 44% received FOLFIRI, 70% received bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI, and 11% received cetuximab plus mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI.

The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in PFS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA compared with chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference between KEYTRUDA and chemotherapy in the final OS analysis. Sixty percent of the patients who had been randomized to receive chemotherapy had crossed over to receive subsequent anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies including KEYTRUDA. The median follow-up time at the final analysis was 38.1 months (range: 0.2 to 58.7 months). Table 88 and Figure 22 summarize the key efficacy measures for KEYNOTE-177.

Table 88: Efficacy Results in Patients with MSI-H or dMMR CRC in KEYNOTE-177
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=153
Chemotherapy

 

n=154
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 82 (54%) 113 (73%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 16.5 (5.4, 32.4) 8.2 (6.1, 10.2)
  Hazard ratio
Based on Cox regression model
(95% CI)
0.60 (0.45, 0.80)
  p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based on log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.0234)
0.0004
OS
Final OS analysis
  Number (%) of patients with event 62 (41%) 78 (51%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (49.2, NR) 36.7 (27.6, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.74 (0.53, 1.03)
  p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based on log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.0492)
0.0718
Objective Response Rate
Based on confirmed response by BICR review
  ORR (95% CI) 44% (35.8, 52.0) 33% (25.8, 41.1)
    Complete response rate 11% 4%
    Partial response rate 33% 29%
Duration of Response
,
Based on n=67 patients with a response in the KEYTRUDA arm and n=51 patients with a response in the chemotherapy arm
  Median in months (range) NR (2.3+, 41.4+) 10.6 (2.8, 37.5+)
  % with duration ≥12 months
Based on observed duration of response
75% 37%
  % with duration ≥24 months
43% 18%
Figure 22: Kaplan-Meier Curve for PFS in KEYNOTE-177

5.4 Increased Mortality in Patients With Multiple Myeloma When Keytruda Is Added to A Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone

In two randomized trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of KEYTRUDA to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone, a use for which no PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody is indicated, resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled trials.


Structured Label Content

Section 42229-5 (42229-5)

Preparation for Intravenous Infusion

  • Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration. The solution is clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow. Discard the vial if visible particles are observed.
  • Dilute KEYTRUDA injection (solution) prior to intravenous administration.
  • Withdraw the required volume from the vial(s) of KEYTRUDA and transfer into an intravenous (IV) bag containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. Mix diluted solution by gentle inversion. Do not shake. The final concentration of the diluted solution should be between 1 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL.
  • Discard any unused portion left in the vial.
Section 42231-1 (42231-1)
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised: February 2026
MEDICATION GUIDE

KEYTRUDA® (key-true-duh)

(pembrolizumab)

injection
What is the most important information I should know about KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA is a medicine that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. KEYTRUDA can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. You can have more than one of these problems at the same time. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended.
Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worsening signs or symptoms, including:
Lung problems
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain
Intestinal problems
  • diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual
  • stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus
  • severe stomach-area (abdomen) pain or tenderness
Liver problems
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • severe nausea or vomiting
  • pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen)
  • dark urine (tea colored)
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Hormone gland problems
  • headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches
  • eye sensitivity to light
  • eye problems
  • rapid heartbeat
  • increased sweating
  • extreme tiredness
  • weight gain or weight loss
  • feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual
  • urinating more often than usual
  • hair loss
  • feeling cold
  • constipation
  • your voice gets deeper
  • dizziness or fainting
  • changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness
Kidney problems
  • decrease in your amount of urine
  • blood in your urine
  • swelling of your ankles
  • loss of appetite
Skin problems
  • rash
  • itching
  • skin blistering or peeling
  • painful sores or ulcers in your mouth or in your nose, throat, or genital area
  • fever or flu-like symptoms
  • swollen lymph nodes
Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with KEYTRUDA. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include:
  • chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles
  • confusion, sleepiness, memory problems, changes in mood or behavior, stiff neck, balance problems, tingling or numbness of the arms or legs
  • double vision, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, changes in eyesight
  • persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps
  • low red blood cells, bruising
Infusion reactions that can sometimes be severe or life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of infusion reactions may include:
  • chills or shaking
  • itching or rash
  • flushing
  • shortness of breath or wheezing
  • dizziness
  • feeling like passing out
  • fever
  • back pain
Rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue. Your healthcare provider should tell you what signs and symptoms you should report and monitor you depending on the type of organ or tissue transplant that you have had.
Complications, including graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), in people who have received a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be serious and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with KEYTRUDA. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications.

Getting medical treatment right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious.

Your healthcare provider will check you for these problems during treatment with KEYTRUDA. Your healthcare provider may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare provider may also need to delay or completely stop treatment with KEYTRUDA if you have severe side effects.

What is KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA is a prescription medicine used to treat:
  • a kind of skin cancer called melanoma. KEYTRUDA may be used:
    • when your melanoma has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced melanoma), or
    • in adults and children 12 years of age and older with Stage IIB, Stage IIC, or Stage III melanoma, to help prevent melanoma from coming back after it and lymph nodes that contain cancer have been removed by surgery.
  • a kind of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines pemetrexed and a platinum as your first treatment when your lung cancer:
      • has spread (advanced NSCLC), and
      • is a type called “nonsquamous”, and
      • your tumor does not have an abnormal “EGFR” or “ALK” gene.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound as your first treatment when your lung cancer:
      • has spread (advanced NSCLC), and
      • is a type called “squamous”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone as your first treatment when your lung cancer:
      • has not spread outside your chest (Stage III) and you cannot have surgery or chemotherapy with radiation or
      • your NSCLC has spread to other areas of your body (advanced NSCLC), and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • does not have an abnormal “EGFR” or “ALK” gene.
    • KEYTRUDA may also be used alone when:
      • you have received chemotherapy that contains platinum to treat your advanced NSCLC, and it did not work or it is no longer working, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • if your tumor has an abnormal “EGFR” or “ALK” gene, you have also received an EGFR or ALK inhibitor medicine and it did not work or is no longer working.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in combination with chemotherapy that contains platinum and another chemotherapy medicine:
      • before surgery when you have early-stage NSCLC which can be removed by surgery, and
      • then continued alone after surgery to help prevent your lung cancer from coming back.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone as a treatment in adults for your lung cancer:
      • to help prevent your lung cancer from coming back after your tumor(s) has been removed by surgery and you have received platinum-based chemotherapy, and
      • you have Stage IB and your tumor(s) is 4 cm or greater in size, Stage II, or Stage IIIA NSCLC.
  • a kind of cancer in adults called malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in combination with the chemotherapy medicines pemetrexed and a platinum as your first treatment when your cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced MPM).
  • a kind of cancer called head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone in adults with HNSCC before surgery:
      • when your cancer can be removed by surgery, has spread to nearby tissues, and your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • then continued in combination with radiation with or without cisplatin after surgery, and
      • then continued alone to help prevent your head and neck cancer from coming back.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines fluorouracil and a platinum as your first treatment when your head and neck cancer has spread or returned and cannot be removed by surgery.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone as your first treatment when your head and neck cancer:
      • has spread or returned and cannot be removed by surgery, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your head and neck cancer:
      • has spread or returned, and
      • you have received chemotherapy that contains platinum and it did not work or is no longer working.
  • a kind of cancer called classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL):
    • in adults when:
      • your cHL has returned or
      • you have tried a treatment and it did not work, or
    • in children when:
      • you have tried a treatment and it did not work or
      • your cHL has returned after you received 2 or more types of treatment.
  • a kind of cancer called primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) in adults and children when:
    • you have tried a treatment and it did not work or
    • your PMBCL has returned after you received 2 or more types of treatment.
  • a kind of bladder and urinary tract cancer called urothelial cancer.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the medicine enfortumab vedotin in adults when your bladder or urinary tract cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your bladder or urinary tract cancer:
      • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer), and
      • you are not able to receive chemotherapy that contains platinum (medicines called either cisplatin or carboplatin), or
      • you have received chemotherapy that contains platinum, and it did not work or is no longer working.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the medicine enfortumab vedotin in adults before and after the surgical removal of your bladder when:
      • your bladder cancer has spread into the muscle layer of the bladder (muscle invasive bladder cancer [MIBC]) but not to other parts of the body, and
      • you are not able to receive chemotherapy that contains cisplatin.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your cancer has not spread to nearby tissue in the bladder, but is at high-risk for spreading (high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer [NMIBC]) when:
      • your tumor is a type called “carcinoma in situ” (CIS), and
      • you have tried treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and it did not work, and
      • you are not able to or have decided not to have surgery to remove your bladder.
  • a kind of cancer that is shown by a laboratory test to be a microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or a mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumor. KEYTRUDA may be used in adults and children to treat:
    • cancer that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced cancer), and
    • has progressed following treatment, and you have no satisfactory treatment options.
  • a kind of cancer called colon or rectal cancer. KEYTRUDA may be used when your cancer:
    • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced colon or rectal cancer), and
    • has been shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR).
  • a kind of stomach cancer called gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults in combination with the medicine trastuzumab along with fluoropyrimidine and platinum chemotherapy as your first treatment when your stomach cancer:
      • is HER2-positive, and your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced gastric cancer).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults in combination with fluoropyrimidine and platinum chemotherapy as your first treatment when your stomach cancer:
      • is HER2-negative, and your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced gastric cancer).
  • a kind of cancer called esophageal or certain gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinomas that cannot be cured by surgery or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy medicines when your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when:
      • you have received one or more types of treatment, and it did not work or it is no longer working, and
      • your tumor is a type called “squamous”, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
  • a kind of cancer called cervical cancer.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy and radiation therapy when your cervical cancer has spread nearby to the lower part of your vagina or to pelvic organs or has affected your kidneys (Stage III to IVA FIGO 2014 classification).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines, with or without the medicine bevacizumab, when:
      • your cervical cancer does not go away (persistent), has returned, or has spread (advanced cervical cancer), and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone when your cervical cancer:
      • has returned, or has spread (advanced cervical cancer), and
      • you have received chemotherapy, and it did not work or is no longer working, and
      • your tumor tests positive for “PD-L1”.
  • a kind of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). KEYTRUDA may be used when:
    • you have HCC after having hepatitis B, and
    • you have received anti-cancer treatment that did not contain a “PD-1” or “PD-L1” blocking medicine.
  • a kind of bile duct or gallbladder cancer called biliary tract cancer (BTC). KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines gemcitabine and cisplatin when your biliary tract cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery.
  • a kind of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in adults and children. KEYTRUDA may be used to treat your skin cancer when it has spread or returned.
  • a kind of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults with the medicine axitinib as your first treatment when your kidney cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced RCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults with the medicine lenvatinib as your first treatment when your kidney cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced RCC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone if you are at intermediate-high or high risk of your kidney cancer (RCC) coming back after surgery to:
      • remove all or part of your kidney, or
      • remove all or part of your kidney and also surgery to remove cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic lesions).
  • a kind of uterine cancer called advanced endometrial carcinoma.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the chemotherapy medicines carboplatin and paclitaxel, and then KEYTRUDA may be used alone, in adults:
      • when your cancer has spread (advanced), or
      • if your cancer has returned.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with the medicine lenvatinib in adults:
      • when a laboratory test shows that your tumor is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), and
      • you have received anti-cancer treatment, and it is no longer working, and
      • your cancer cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used alone in adults:
      • if your cancer is shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR), and
      • you have received anti-cancer treatment and it is no longer working, and
      • your cancer cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
  • a kind of cancer that is shown by a test to be tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H). KEYTRUDA may be used in adults and children to treat:
    • solid tumors that have spread or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced cancer), and
    • you have received anti-cancer treatment, and it did not work or is no longer working, and
    • you have no satisfactory treatment options.
    It is not known if KEYTRUDA is safe and effective in children with TMB-H cancers of the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system cancers).
  • a kind of skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). KEYTRUDA may be used when your skin cancer:
    • has returned or spread, and
    • cannot be cured by surgery or radiation.
  • a kind of cancer called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines as treatment before surgery and then continued alone after surgery when you:
      • have early-stage breast cancer, and
      • are at high risk of your breast cancer coming back.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used with chemotherapy medicines when your breast cancer:
      • has returned and cannot be removed by surgery or has spread, and
      • tests positive for “PD-L1”.
  • a kind of cancer called ovarian cancer.
    • KEYTRUDA may be used in adults with the chemotherapy medicine paclitaxel, with or without the medicine bevacizumab, when your ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer:
      • is resistant to chemotherapy that contains platinum, and
      • tests positive for “PD-L1”, and
      • you have received 1or 2 types of treatment.
Before receiving KEYTRUDA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
  • have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
  • have received an organ or tissue transplant, including corneal transplant
  • have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic)
  • have received radiation treatment to your chest area
  • have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. KEYTRUDA can harm your unborn baby.

    Females who are able to become pregnant:
    • Your healthcare provider will give you a pregnancy test before you start treatment with KEYTRUDA.
    • You should use an effective method of birth control during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you may be pregnant or if you become pregnant during treatment with KEYTRUDA.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if KEYTRUDA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after your last dose of KEYTRUDA.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How will I receive KEYTRUDA?
  • Your healthcare provider will give you KEYTRUDA into your vein through an intravenous (IV) line over 30 minutes.
  • In adults, KEYTRUDA is usually given every 3 weeks or 6 weeks depending on the dose of KEYTRUDA that you are receiving.
  • In children, KEYTRUDA is usually given every 3 weeks.
  • Your healthcare provider will decide how many treatments you need.
  • Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check you for side effects.
  • If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
What are the possible side effects of KEYTRUDA?
KEYTRUDA can cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about KEYTRUDA?”
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when used alone include: feeling tired, pain, including pain in muscles, rash, diarrhea, fever, cough, decreased appetite, itching, shortness of breath, constipation, bones or joints and stomach-area (abdominal) pain, nausea, and low levels of thyroid hormone.
Side effects of KEYTRUDA when used alone that are more common in children than in adults include: fever, vomiting, headache, stomach area (abdominal) pain, and low levels of white blood cells.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with certain chemotherapy or chemotherapy with radiation therapy medicines include: feeling tired or weak, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, cough, trouble breathing, fever, hair loss, inflammation of the nerves that may cause pain, weakness, and paralysis in the arms and legs, swelling of the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, intestines, or vagina, mouth sores, headache, weight loss, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, joint and muscle pain, trouble sleeping, blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, urinary tract infection, low levels of thyroid hormone, skin irritation in the radiation area, trouble swallowing and dry mouth.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with chemotherapy and bevacizumab include: tingling or numbness of the arms or legs, hair loss, low red blood cell count, feeling tired or weak, nausea, low white blood cell count, diarrhea, high blood pressure, decreased platelet count, constipation, joint aches, vomiting, urinary tract infection, rash, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, fever, mouth sores and nosebleed.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with axitinib include: diarrhea, feeling tired or weak, high blood pressure, liver problems, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, nausea, mouth sores or swelling of the lining of the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, intestines, or vagina, hoarseness, rash, cough, and constipation.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with lenvatinib include: low levels of thyroid hormone, high blood pressure, feeling tired, diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, mouth sores, weight loss, stomach-area (abdominal) pain, urinary tract infection, protein in your urine, constipation, headache, bleeding, blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, hoarseness, rash, liver problems, and kidney problems.
Common side effects of KEYTRUDA when given with enfortumab vedotin include: rash, tingling or numbness of the arms or legs, feeling tired, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, weight loss, decreased appetite, dry eye, nausea, constipation, changes in sense of taste, and urinary tract infection.
These are not all the possible side effects of KEYTRUDA.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of KEYTRUDA
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about KEYTRUDA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in KEYTRUDA?
Active ingredient: pembrolizumab
Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sucrose, and Water for Injection.
Manufactured for: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Rahway, NJ 07065, USA



Manufactured by: MSD International Business GmbH

6005 Luzern, Switzerland
U.S. License No. 2405

For patent information: www.msd.com/research/patent

Copyright © 2014-2026 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates.

All rights reserved.

usmg-mk3475-iv-2602r073



For more information, go to www.keytruda.com .

Section 43683-2 (43683-2)
Indications and Usage (1) 02/2026
Dosage and Administration (2) 02/2026
Section 44425-7 (44425-7)

Store vials under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

1.1 Melanoma

KEYTRUDA® is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection.

11 Description (11 DESCRIPTION)

Pembrolizumab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD 1)-blocking antibody. Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal IgG4 kappa antibody with an approximate molecular weight of 149 kDa. Pembrolizumab is produced in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for intravenous use. Each vial contains 100 mg of pembrolizumab in 4 mL of solution. Each 1 mL of solution contains 25 mg of pembrolizumab and is formulated in: L-histidine (1.55 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), sucrose (70 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA as a single agent have been established in pediatric patients with melanoma, cHL, PMBCL, MCC, MSI-H or dMMR cancer, and TMB-H cancer. Use of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients for these indications is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.5, 14.6, 14.8, 14.15, 14.18)].

In KEYNOTE-051, 173 pediatric patients (65 pediatric patients aged 6 months to younger than 12 years and 108 pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years) with advanced melanoma, lymphoma, or PD-L1 positive or MSI-H solid tumors received KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks. The median duration of exposure was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 25 months). Adverse reactions that occurred at a ≥10% higher rate in pediatric patients when compared to adults included pyrexia (33%), vomiting (29%), headache (25%), abdominal pain (23%), decreased lymphocyte count (13%), and decreased white blood cell count (11%). Laboratory abnormalities that occurred at a ≥10% higher rate in pediatric patients when compared to adults were leukopenia (30%), neutropenia (28%), thrombocytopenia (22%), and Grade 3 anemia (17%).

The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients have not been established in the other approved indications [see Indications and Usage (1)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of 3781 patients with melanoma, NSCLC, HNSCC, or urothelial carcinoma who were treated with KEYTRUDA in clinical studies, 48% were 65 years and over and 17% were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of 389 adult patients with cHL who were treated with KEYTRUDA in clinical studies, 46 (12%) were 65 years and over. Patients aged 65 years and over had a higher incidence of serious adverse reactions (50%) than patients aged younger than 65 years (24%). Clinical studies of KEYTRUDA in cHL did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether effectiveness differs from that in younger patients.

Of 506 adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC following complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy who were treated with KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-091, 242 (48%) were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of 596 adult patients with TNBC who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin in KEYNOTE-355, 137 (23%) were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of 406 adult patients with endometrial carcinoma who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib in KEYNOTE-775, 201 (50%) were 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients and younger patients.

Of the 564 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin, 44% (n=247) were 65-74 years and 26% (n=144) were 75 years or older. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between patients 65 years of age or older and younger patients. Patients 75 years of age or older treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin experienced a higher incidence of fatal adverse reactions than younger patients. The incidence of fatal adverse reactions was 4% in patients younger than 75 and 7% in patients 75 years or older.

Of the 167 patients with MIBC treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin, 37% (n=61) were 65-74 years and 46% (n=77) were 75 years or older. Patients 75 years of age or older treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin experienced a higher incidence of fatal adverse reactions than younger patients. The incidence of fatal adverse reactions was 4% in patients younger than 75 and 12% in patients 75 years or older.

Of the 432 patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib in the KEYNOTE-426 trial, 40% were 65 years or older. No overall difference in safety or efficacy was reported between patients who were ≥65 years of age and younger.

Of 294 adult patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with CRT in KEYNOTE-A18, 42 (14%) were 65 years and over. No overall difference in safety was observed between patients ≥65 years of age and younger patients.

Of 643 adult patients with ovarian cancer who were treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab in KEYNOTE-B96, 236 (37%) were 65 years and over and 58 (9%) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients ≥65 years of age and younger patients.

1.10 Gastric Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

1.21 Ovarian Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens.

12.6 Immunogenicity

The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described in this section with the incidence of ADA in other studies, including those of KEYTRUDA or of other pembrolizumab products.

Trough levels of pembrolizumab interfere with the electrochemiluminescent (ECL) assay results; therefore, a subset analysis was performed in the KEYTRUDA-treated patients with a pembrolizumab concentration below the drug tolerance level of the ADA assay.

In clinical studies in patients treated with KEYTRUDA at a dosage of 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks, 200 mg every 3 weeks, or 10 mg/kg every 2 or 3 weeks, 27 (2.1%) of 1,289 evaluable patients tested positive for treatment-emergent anti-pembrolizumab antibodies of whom 6 (0.5%) patients had neutralizing antibodies against pembrolizumab. There were no identified clinically significant effects of ADA on pembrolizumab pharmacokinetics or on the risk of infusion reactions. Because of the low occurrence of ADA, the effect of these ADA on the effectiveness of KEYTRUDA is unknown.

4 Contraindications (4 CONTRAINDICATIONS)

None.

6 Adverse Reactions (6 ADVERSE REACTIONS)

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling.

1.12 Cervical Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer involving the lower third of the vagina, with or without extension to pelvic sidewall, or hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney, or spread to adjacent pelvic organs (FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA).

KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.10 Gastric Cancer

First-line Treatment of Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Positive Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with trastuzumab plus fluoropyrimidine and platinum chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-811 (NCT03615326), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 698 patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who had not previously received systemic therapy for metastatic disease. PD-L1 status was determined using the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay. Patients with an autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1 or CPS <1), chemotherapy regimen (5-FU plus cisplatin [FP] or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin [CAPOX]), and geographic region (Europe/Israel/North America/Australia, Asia, or Rest of the World). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg, trastuzumab 8 mg/kg on first infusion and 6 mg/kg in subsequent cycles, followed by investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 for up to 6 cycles and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 up to 6-8 cycles and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX). KEYTRUDA was administered prior to trastuzumab and chemotherapy on Day 1 of each cycle.
  • Placebo, trastuzumab 8 mg/kg on first infusion and 6 mg/kg in subsequent cycles, followed by investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 for up to 6 cycles and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 up to 6-8 cycles and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX).

All study medications, except oral capecitabine, were administered as an intravenous infusion every 3-week cycle. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. The major outcome measures assessed were PFS by BICR using RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and OS.

Additional outcome measures included ORR and DoR, based on BICR using RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among the 698 patients, randomized, 594 (85%) had tumors that expressed PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1. PD-L1 status was determined using the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay. The population characteristics of these 594 patients were: median age of 63 years (range: 19 to 85), 43% age 65 or older; 80% male; 63% White, 33% Asian, and 0.7% Black; 42% ECOG PS of 0 and 58% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-eight percent of patients had metastatic disease (Stage IV) and 2% had locally advanced unresectable disease. Ninety-five percent (n=562) had tumors that were not MSI-H, 1% (n=8) had tumors that were MSI-H, and in 4% (n=24) the status was not known. Eighty-five percent of patients received CAPOX.

A statistically significant improvement in OS and PFS was demonstrated in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy compared with placebo in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy; however, an exploratory analysis of OS in the PD-L1 CPS <1 population showed a HR of 1.10 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.68), indicating that the improvement in the ITT population was primarily attributed to the results observed in the subgroup of patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1.

Efficacy results at the final analysis for the subgroup of patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1 are summarized in Table 89 and Figure 23.

Table 89: Efficacy Results for KEYNOTE-811 with PD-L1 Expression CPS ≥1
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

Trastuzumab

Fluoropyrimidine and Platinum Chemotherapy

n=298
Placebo



Trastuzumab

Fluoropyrimidine and

Platinum Chemotherapy

n=296
+ Denotes ongoing response
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 226 (76%) 244 (82%)
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimation
(95% CI)
20.1 (17.9, 22.9) 15.7 (13.5, 18.5)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the unstratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.79 (0.66, 0.95)
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 221 (74%) 226 (76%)
  Median in months
(95% CI)
10.9 (8.5, 12.5) 7.3 (6.8, 8.4)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.72 (0.60, 0.87)
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
73% (68, 78) 58% (53, 64)
    Complete response rate 17% 10%
    Partial response rate 56% 48%
Duration of Response n=218 n=173
  Median in months
(95% CI)
11.3 (9.9, 13.7) 9.6 (7.1, 11.2)
  Range in months 1.1+, 60.8+ 1.4+, 60.5+
Figure 23: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival by Treatment Arm in KEYNOTE-811 (CPS ≥1)

First-line Treatment of Locally Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Negative Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-859 (NCT03675737), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 1579 patients with HER2-negative advanced gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma who had not previously received systemic therapy for metastatic disease. Patients with an autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1 or CPS <1), chemotherapy regimen (FP or CAPOX), and geographic region (Europe/Israel/North America/Australia, Asia, or Rest of the World). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms; treatment was administered prior to chemotherapy on Day 1 of each cycle:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg, investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX).
  • Placebo, investigator’s choice of combination chemotherapy of cisplatin 80 mg/m2 and 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day for 5 days (FP) or oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid for 14 days (CAPOX).

All study medications, except oral capecitabine, were administered as an intravenous infusion every 3-week cycle. Platinum agents could be administered for 6 or more cycles following local guidelines. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. The major efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional secondary efficacy outcome measures included PFS, ORR, and DoR as assessed by BICR using RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among 1,579 patients, 1,235 (78%) had tumors expressing PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1. The population characteristics in patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1 expressing tumors were: median age of 62 years (range: 24 to 86), 40% age 65 or older; 70% male and 30% female; 55% White, 33% Asian, 4.6% Multiple, 4.3% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 1.3% Black, and 0.2% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; 76% Not Hispanic or Latino and 21% Hispanic or Latino; 37% ECOG PS of 0 and 63% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-six percent of patients had metastatic disease (Stage IV) and 3% had locally advanced unresectable disease. Five percent (n=66) had tumors that were MSI-H. Eighty-six percent of patients received CAPOX.

A statistically significant improvement in OS, PFS, and ORR was demonstrated in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy compared with placebo in combination with chemotherapy at the time of a pre-specified interim analysis of OS; however, an exploratory analysis of OS in the PD-L1 CPS <1 population showed a HR of 0.92 (95% CI 0.73, 1.17) indicating that the improvement in the ITT population was primarily attributed to the results observed in the subgroup of patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1. Efficacy results for patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 CPS ≥1 and CPS ≥10 are summarized in Table 90 and Figures 24 and 25.

Table 90: Efficacy Results
Based on a pre-specified interim analysis
for KEYNOTE-859
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3

weeks

and

FP or CAPOX

n=618
Placebo





and

FP or CAPOX

n=617
KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3

weeks

and

FP or CAPOX

n=279
Placebo





and

FP or CAPOX

n=272
CPS ≥1 CPS ≥10
+ Denotes ongoing response
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 464 (75) 526 (85) 188 (67) 226 (83)
  Median in months (95% CI) 13.0 (11.6, 14.2) 11.4 (10.5, 12.0) 15.7 (13.8, 19.3) 11.8 (10.3, 12.7)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.74 (0.65, 0.84) 0.65 (0.53, 0.79)
  p-Value (stratified log-rank)
One-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test
<0.0001 <0.0001
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 443 (72%) 483 (78%) 190 (68) 210 (77)
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.9 (6.0, 7.2) 5.6 (5.4, 5.7) 8.1 (6.8, 8.5) 5.6 (5.4, 6.7)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.72 (0.63, 0.82) 0.62 (0.51, 0.76)
  p-Value (stratified log-rank)
<0.0001 <0.0001
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
52% (48, 56) 43% (39, 47) 61% (55, 66) 43% (37, 49)
    Complete response rate 10% 6% 13% 5%
    Partial response rate 42% 37% 48% 38%
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on stratified Miettinen & Nurminen method
0.0004 <0.0001
Duration of Response n=322 n=263 n=169 n=117
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates
(95% CI)
8.3 (7.0, 10.9) 5.6 (5.4, 6.9) 10.9 (8.0, 13.8) 5.8 (5.3, 7.0)
  Range in months 1.2+, 41.5+ 1.3+, 34.2+ 1.2+, 41.5+ 1.4+, 31.2+
Figure 24: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-859 (CPS≥1)

Figure 25: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-859 (CPS≥10)

An exploratory analysis of OS in the 74 patients with MSI-H tumors irrespective of PD-L1 status showed a HR of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.66).

14.21 Ovarian Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, was evaluated in KEYNOTE-B96 (NCT05116189), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 643 patients with platinum-resistant, epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma who received one or two prior lines of systemic therapy for ovarian carcinoma. Patients must have received at least one line of platinum-based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer with radiographic evidence of disease progression within 6 months after the last dose. Prior therapy with an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor, PARP inhibitor, or bevacizumab was permitted. Patients were enrolled regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by investigator decision to use bevacizumab, geographic region (U.S. or European Union or Rest of World), and PD-L1 status according to the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay (CPS <1 or CPS 1 to <10 or CPS ≥10). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the two treatment groups:

  • KEYTRUDA 400 mg every 6 weeks plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 with or without bevacizumab 10 mg/kg
  • Placebo every 6 weeks plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 with or without bevacizumab 10 mg/kg

All study medications were administered as an intravenous infusion. KEYTRUDA 400 mg or placebo were administered on Day 1 of each 6-week treatment cycle and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 was administered on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 3-week treatment cycle. The option to use bevacizumab was by investigator choice prior to randomization. Bevacizumab 10 mg/kg was administered on Day 1 of a 2-week treatment cycle. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Administration of KEYTRUDA was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first year, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measure was PFS as assessed by investigator according to RECIST v1.1. An additional efficacy outcome measure was OS.

Among the 643 patients randomized, 466 patients (72%) had tumors expressing PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1. The population characteristics of these 466 patients were: median age of 62 years (range: 37 to 85), 38% age 65 or older; 67% White, 20% Asian, 8% Missing, 3% Multiple, 2% Black, 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; 13% Hispanic or Latino; 55% and 44% ECOG performance status of 0 or 1, respectively; 73% received bevacizumab as study treatment; 36% of patients had received one prior line and 64% had received two prior lines of therapy; prior systemic therapy included: 46% with bevacizumab; 39% with a PARP inhibitor, or 3% with an anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor. The platinum-free interval following the most recent line of therapy was <3 months in 47% of patients, and 3 to 6 months in 53% of patients.

The study demonstrated statistically significant improvement in PFS and OS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab compared to placebo in combination with paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab in patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 CPS ≥1. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 111 and Figures 47 and 48.

Table 111: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-B96 (CPS ≥1)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

400 mg every 6 weeks

plus paclitaxel with or without

bevacizumab



n=234
Placebo



plus paclitaxel with or without

bevacizumab



n=232
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 162 (69) 180 (78)
  Median in months (95% CI) 8.3 (7.0, 9.4) 7.2 (6.2, 8.1)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.72 (0.58, 0.89)
  p-Value 0.0014
Based on stratified log-rank test (p-Value [one-sided] is compared to an alpha boundary of 0.0116)
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 157 (67) 175 (75)
  Median in months (95% CI) 18.2 (15.3, 21.0) 14.0 (12.5, 16.1)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.76 (0.61, 0.94)
  p-Value 0.0053
Based on stratified log-rank test (p-Value [one sided] is compared to an alpha boundary of 0.0083)
Figure 47: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-B96 (CPS ≥1)

Figure 48: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-B96 (CPS ≥1)

1.7 Urothelial Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma:

  • who are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
  • who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

There are no clinically significant exposure-response relationships for efficacy or safety at pembrolizumab dosages of 200 mg or 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks and 400 mg every 6 weeks regardless of cancer type based on observed data in adult patients with melanoma, cHL, and PMBCL.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of pembrolizumab was characterized using a population PK analysis with concentration data collected from 2993 patients with various cancers who received pembrolizumab doses of 1 to 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks, 2 to 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks, or 200 mg every 3 weeks.

Steady-state concentrations of pembrolizumab were reached by 16 weeks of repeated dosing with an every 3-week regimen and the systemic accumulation was 2.1-fold. The peak concentration (Cmax), trough concentration (Cmin), and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve at steady state (AUCss) of pembrolizumab increased dose proportionally in the dose range of 2 to 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks.

14.12 Cervical Cancer

FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with CRT (cisplatin and external beam radiation therapy [EBRT] followed by brachytherapy [BT]) was investigated in KEYNOTE-A18 (NCT04221945), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 1060 patients with cervical cancer who had not previously received any definitive surgery, radiation, or systemic therapy for cervical cancer. There were 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease (tumor involves the lower third of the vagina or the pelvic sidewall, or there is hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney or spread to adjacent pelvic organs, all without spread to distant organs), and 459 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage IB2-IIB disease (clinical lesion >4 cm confined to the cervix, or clinical lesion of any size with extension beyond the uterus, but which has not extended to the pelvic wall or lower third of the vagina) with positive nodes. Two patients had FIGO 2014 Stage IVB disease. Randomization was stratified by planned type of EBRT (Intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT] or volumetric modulated arc therapy [VMAT] vs. non-IMRT and non-VMAT), stage at screening of cervical cancer (FIGO 2014 Stage IB2-IIB vs. FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA), and planned total radiotherapy dose (EBRT + brachytherapy dose of <70 Gy vs. ≥70 Gy as per equivalent dose [EQD2]).

Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of two treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (5 cycles) concurrent with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV weekly (5 cycles, an optional sixth infusion could be administered per local practice), and radiotherapy (EBRT followed by BT), followed by KEYTRUDA 400 mg IV every 6 weeks (15 cycles)
  • Placebo IV every 3 weeks (5 cycles) concurrent with cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV weekly (5 cycles, an optional sixth infusion could be administered per local practice), and radiotherapy (EBRT followed by BT), followed by placebo IV every 6 weeks (15 cycles)

Treatment continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by investigator or unacceptable toxicity.

Assessment of tumor status was performed every 12 weeks from completion of CRT for the first two years, followed by every 24 weeks in year 3, and then annually. The major efficacy outcome measures were PFS as assessed by investigator according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, or histopathologic confirmation, and OS.

Among the 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease, the baseline characteristics were: median age of 52 years (range: 22 to 87), 17% age 65 or older; 36% White, 34% Asian, 2% Black; 38% Hispanic or Latino; 68% ECOG PS 0 and 32% ECOG PS 1; 93% with CPS ≥1; 71% had positive pelvic and/or positive para-aortic lymph node(s) and 29% had neither positive pelvic nor para-aortic lymph node(s); 83% had squamous cell carcinoma and 17% had non-squamous histology. Regarding radiation, 86% of patients received IMRT or VMAT EBRT, and the median EQD2 dose was 87 Gy (range: 7 to 114).

The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS and OS in the ITT population. Exploratory analyses of PFS and OS by the stratification factor of FIGO 2014 stage showed that the improvement in the ITT population was primarily attributed to the results seen in the patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease. Table 93 and Figures 29 and 30 summarize the results in exploratory subgroup analyses of 599 patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease.

Table 93: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-A18 (Patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks and

400 mg every 6 weeks

with CRT

n=295
Placebo





with CRT

n=304
CRT = Chemoradiotherapy

NR = not reached
OS
Results at the time of pre-specified final analysis for OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 61 (21) 90 (30)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the unstratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.65 (0.47, 0.90)
PFS by Investigator
Results at the time of first pre-specified interim analysis for PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 61 (21) 94 (31)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (NR, NR) NR (18.8, NR)
  12-month PFS rate (95% CI) 81% (75, 85) 70% (64, 76)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.59 (0.43, 0.81)
Figure 29: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-A18 (Patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer)

Figure 30: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-A18 (Patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA Cervical Cancer)

Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Cervical Cancer for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and carboplatin, with or without bevacizumab, was investigated in KEYNOTE-826 (NCT03635567), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 617 patients with persistent, recurrent, or first-line metastatic cervical cancer who had not been treated with chemotherapy except when used concurrently as a radio-sensitizing agent. Patients were enrolled regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression status. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by metastatic status at initial diagnosis, investigator decision to use bevacizumab, and PD-L1 status (CPS <1 vs. CPS 1 to <10 vs. CPS ≥10). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the two treatment groups:

  • Treatment Group 1: KEYTRUDA 200 mg plus chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab
  • Treatment Group 2: Placebo plus chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab

The investigator selected one of the following four treatment regimens prior to randomization:

  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + cisplatin 50 mg/m2
  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + cisplatin 50 mg/m2 + bevacizumab 15 mg/kg
  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min
  • Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 + carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min + bevacizumab 15 mg/kg

All study medications were administered as an intravenous infusion. All study treatments were administered on Day 1 of each 3-week treatment cycle. Cisplatin could be administered on Day 2 of each 3-week treatment cycle. Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Administration of KEYTRUDA was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first year, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by investigator according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR, according to RECIST v1.1, as assessed by investigator.

Of the 617 enrolled patients, 548 patients (89%) had tumors expressing PD-L1 with a CPS ≥1. Among these 548 enrolled patients with tumors expressing PD-L1, 273 patients were randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, and 275 patients were randomized to placebo in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. Sixty-three percent of the 548 patients received bevacizumab as part of study treatment. The baseline characteristics of the 548 patients were: median age of 51 years (range: 22 to 82), 16% age 65 or older; 59% White, 18% Asian, 6% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 1% Black; 37% Hispanic or Latino; 56% ECOG performance status 0 and 43% ECOG performance status 1. Seventy-five percent had squamous cell carcinoma, 21% adenocarcinoma, and 5% adenosquamous histology, and 32% of patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. At study entry, 21% of patients had metastatic disease only and 79% had persistent or recurrent disease with or without distant metastases, of whom 39% had received prior chemoradiation only and 17% had received prior chemoradiation plus surgery.

A statistically significant improvement in OS and PFS was demonstrated in patients randomized to receive KEYTRUDA compared with patients randomized to receive placebo. An updated OS analysis was conducted at the time of final analysis when 354 deaths in the CPS ≥1 population were observed. Table 94 and Figure 31 summarize the key efficacy measures for KEYNOTE-826 for patients with tumors expressing PD-L1 (CPS ≥1).

Table 94: Efficacy Results in Patients with Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (CPS ≥1) in KEYNOTE-826
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

and chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and carboplatin)
with or without bevacizumab

n=273
Placebo



and chemotherapy
with or without bevacizumab

n=275

+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 118 (43.2) 154 (56.0)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (19.8, NR) 16.3 (14.5, 19.4)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.64 (0.50, 0.81)
  p-Value
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0055 for this interim analysis (with 72% of the planned number of events for final analysis)
0.0001
Updated OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 153 (56.0%) 201 (73.1%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 28.6 (22.1, 38.0) 16.5 (14.5, 20.0)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.60 (0.49, 0.74)
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 157 (57.5) 198 (72.0)
  Median in months (95% CI) 10.4 (9.7, 12.3) 8.2 (6.3, 8.5)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.62 (0.50, 0.77)
  p-Value
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0014 for this interim analysis (with 82% of the planned number of events for final analysis)
< 0.0001
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
68% (62, 74) 50% (44, 56)
    Complete response rate 23% 13%
    Partial response rate 45% 37%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) 18.0 (1.3+, 24.2+) 10.4 (1.5+, 22.0+)
Figure 31: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-826 (CPS ≥1)
Treatment arms include KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, versus placebo plus chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab.
,
Based on the protocol-specified final OS analysis

Previously Treated Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 1)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in 98 patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer enrolled in a single cohort (Cohort E) in KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067), a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trial. The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression. Patients with initial radiographic disease progression could receive additional doses of treatment during confirmation of progression unless disease progression was symptomatic, was rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, or occurred with a decline in performance status. Patients without disease progression could be treated for up to 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 12 months, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, as assessed by BICR, and DoR.

Among the 98 patients in Cohort E, 77 (79%) had tumors that expressed PD-L1 with a CPS ≥ 1 and received at least one line of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. PD-L1 status was determined using the IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay. The baseline characteristics of these 77 patients were: median age of 45 years (range: 27 to 75); 81% White, 14% Asian, and 3% Black; 32% ECOG PS of 0 and 68% ECOG PS of 1; 92% had squamous cell carcinoma, 6% adenocarcinoma, and 1% adenosquamous histology; 95% had M1 disease and 5% had recurrent disease; and 35% had one and 65% had two or more prior lines of therapy in the recurrent or metastatic setting.

No responses were observed in patients whose tumors did not have PD-L1 expression (CPS <1). Efficacy results are summarized in Table 95 for patients with PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1).

Table 95: Efficacy Results in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer (CPS ≥1) in KEYNOTE-158
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=77
Median follow-up time of 11.7 months (range 0.6 to 22.7 months)
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 14.3% (7.4, 24.1)
    Complete response rate 2.6%
    Partial response rate 11.7%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) NR (4.1, 18.6+)
Based on patients (n=11) with a response by independent review
  % with duration ≥6 months 91%
2.1 Patient Selection

Information on FDA-authorized tests for patient selection is available at:

http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics .

Patient Selection for Single-Agent Treatment

Select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression in:

For the MSI-H/dMMR indications, select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent based on MSI-H/dMMR status in tumor specimens [see Clinical Studies (14.8, 14.9)].

For the TMB-H indication, select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent based on TMB-H status in tumor specimens [see Clinical Studies (14.18)].

Because subclonal dMMR mutations and microsatellite instability may arise in high-grade gliomas during temozolomide therapy, it is recommended to test for TMB-H, MSI-H, and dMMR in the primary tumor specimens obtained prior to initiation of temozolomide chemotherapy in patients with high-grade gliomas.

Additional Patient Selection Information for MSI-H or dMMR in Patients with non-CRC Solid Tumors

Due to discordance between local tests and FDA-authorized tests, confirmation of MSI-H or dMMR status is recommended by an FDA-authorized test in patients with MSI-H or dMMR solid tumors, if feasible. If unable to perform confirmatory MSI-H/dMMR testing, the presence of TMB ≥10 mut/Mb, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, may be used to select patients for treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.8)].

Patient Selection for Combination Therapy

For use of KEYTRUDA as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, then in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment, select patients based on presence of positive PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1) in resectable locally advanced HNSCC [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1) in locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, and esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinoma [see Clinical Studies (14.10), (14.11)].

  • An FDA-authorized test for the detection of PD-L1 for the selection of patients with PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) expression in esophageal carcinoma in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy is not available.

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression in persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.12)].

For the pMMR/not MSI-H advanced endometrial carcinoma indication, select patients for treatment with KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib based on MMR or MSI status in tumor specimens [see Clinical Studies (14.17)].

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression in locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC [see Clinical Studies (14.20)].

For use of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, select patients based on the presence of positive PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1) in platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma [see Clinical Studies (14.21)].

1.11 Esophageal Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:

  • in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for patients with tumors that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥ 1) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], or
  • as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
2.2 Recommended Dosage

Administer KEYTRUDA as a 30-minute intravenous infusion. The recommended dosages of KEYTRUDA are presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Recommended Dosage
Indication Recommended Dosage of

KEYTRUDA
Duration/Timing of Treatment
  Monotherapy
  Adult patients with unresectable or

  metastatic melanoma
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until disease progression or

  unacceptable toxicity
  Adjuvant treatment of adult patients

  with melanoma, NSCLC, or RCC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until disease recurrence, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 12 months
  Adult patients with NSCLC, HNSCC,

  cHL, PMBCL, locally advanced or

  metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma, MSI-H

  or dMMR Cancer, MSI-H or dMMR

  CRC, MSI-H or dMMR Endometrial

  Carcinoma, Esophageal Cancer,

  Cervical Cancer, HCC, MCC, TMB-H

  Cancer, or cSCC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with high-risk BCG-

  unresponsive NMIBC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks
  Until persistent or recurrent high-risk

  NMIBC, disease progression,

  unacceptable toxicity, or up to

  24 months
  Pediatric patients with cHL, PMBCL,

  MSI-H or dMMR Cancer, MCC, or TMB-

  H Cancer
2 mg/kg every 3 weeks (up to a

maximum of 200 mg)
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Pediatric patients (12 years and older)

  for adjuvant treatment of melanoma

2 mg/kg every 3 weeks (up to a

maximum of 200 mg)
  Until disease recurrence, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 12 months
  Combination Therapy
Refer to the Prescribing Information for the agents administered in combination with KEYTRUDA for recommended dosing information, as appropriate.
  Adult patients with resectable NSCLC 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to chemotherapy when given on the same day.
  Neoadjuvant treatment in combination with

  chemotherapy for 12 weeks or until

  disease progression that precludes

  definitive surgery or unacceptable toxicity,

  followed by adjuvant treatment with

  KEYTRUDA as a single agent after

  surgery for 39 weeks or until disease

  recurrence or unacceptable toxicity
  Adult patients with NSCLC, MPM,

  HNSCC, HER2-negative Gastric

  Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, or BTC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

chemotherapy when given on

the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with locally advanced or

  metastatic urothelial cancer
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA after

enfortumab vedotin when given

on the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with MIBC 200 mg every 3 weeks

(neoadjuvant)



200mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

(adjuvant)



Administer KEYTRUDA after

enfortumab vedotin when given

on the same day.
  Neoadjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks for 3 doses in combination with enfortumab vedotin or until disease progression that precludes curative-intent cystectomy or unacceptable toxicity.
  Adjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks for 14 doses or 400 mg every 6 weeks for 7 doses in combination with enfortumab vedotin or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity
  Adult patients with locally advanced

  HNSCC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

cisplatin when given on the

same day.
  Neoadjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA for 6 weeks or until disease progression that precludes definitive surgery or unacceptable toxicity.
  Adjuvant:

  • Administer KEYTRUDA in combination with RT with or without cisplatin.
  • Continue KEYTRUDA as a single agent.
  • Continue KEYTRUDA until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity or up to one year
  Adult patients with HER2-positive

  Gastric Cancer
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

trastuzumab and chemotherapy

when given on the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with Cervical Cancer 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

chemoradiotherapy or prior to

chemotherapy with or without

bevacizumab when given on the

same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, up to

  24 months
  Adult patients with RCC 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA in

combination with axitinib 5 mg

orally twice daily
When axitinib is used in combination with KEYTRUDA, dose escalation of axitinib above the initial 5 mg dose may be considered at intervals of six weeks or longer.


or

Administer KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, up to

  24 months
  Adult patients with Endometrial

  Carcinoma
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

carboplatin and paclitaxel when

given on the same day.

or

Administer KEYTRUDA in

combination with lenvatinib

20 mg orally once daily.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, up to

  24 months
  Adult patients with high-risk early-stage

  TNBC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to chemotherapy when given on the same day.
  Neoadjuvant treatment in combination with chemotherapy for 24 weeks (8 doses of 200 mg every 3 weeks or 4 doses of 400 mg every 6 weeks) or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, followed by adjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent for up to 27 weeks (9 doses of 200 mg every 3 weeks or 5 doses of 400 mg every 6 weeks) or until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity
Patients who experience disease progression or unacceptable toxicity related to KEYTRUDA with neoadjuvant treatment in combination with chemotherapy should not receive adjuvant single agent KEYTRUDA.
  Adult patients with locally recurrent

  unresectable or metastatic TNBC
200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to

chemotherapy when given on

the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
  Adult patients with Ovarian Cancer 200 mg every 3 weeks

or

400 mg every 6 weeks

Administer KEYTRUDA prior to paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab when given on the same day.
  Until disease progression, unacceptable

  toxicity, or up to 24 months
2.3 Dose Modifications

No dose reduction for KEYTRUDA is recommended. In general, withhold KEYTRUDA for severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated adverse reactions. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Life-threatening (Grade 4) immune-mediated adverse reactions, recurrent severe (Grade 3) immune-mediated reactions that require systemic immunosuppressive treatment, or an inability to reduce corticosteroid dose to 10 mg or less of prednisone or equivalent per day within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.

Dosage modifications for KEYTRUDA for adverse reactions that require management different from these general guidelines are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reaction Severity
Based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0
Dosage Modification
ALT = alanine aminotransferase, AST = aspartate aminotransferase, DRESS = Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, SJS = Stevens Johnson Syndrome, TEN = toxic epidermal necrolysis, ULN = upper limit normal
Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Pneumonitis Grade 2 Withhold
Resume in patients with complete or partial resolution (Grades 0 to 1) after corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue if no complete or partial resolution within 12 weeks of initiating steroids or inability to reduce prednisone to 10 mg per day or less (or equivalent) within 12 weeks of initiating steroids.
Grade 3 or 4 Permanently discontinue
Colitis Grade 2 or 3 Withhold
Grade 4 Permanently discontinue




Hepatitis with no tumor involvement

of the liver
AST or ALT increases to more than 3

and up to 8 times ULN

or

Total bilirubin increases to more than

1.5 and up to 3 times ULN
Withhold
For liver enzyme elevations in

patients treated with combination

therapy with axitinib, see Table 3.
AST or ALT increases to more than

8 times ULN

or

Total bilirubin increases to more than

3 times ULN
Permanently discontinue
Hepatitis with tumor involvement of

the liver
If AST and ALT are less than or equal to ULN at baseline, withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA based on recommendations for hepatitis with no liver involvement.
Baseline AST or ALT is more than 1

and up to 3 times ULN and increases to

more than 5 and up to 10 times ULN

or

Baseline AST or ALT is more than 3

and up to 5 times ULN and increases to

more than 8 and up to 10 times ULN
Withhold
ALT or AST increases to more than

10 times ULN

or

Total bilirubin increases to more than

3 times ULN
Permanently discontinue
Endocrinopathies Grade 3 or 4 Withhold until clinically stable or permanently

discontinue depending on severity
Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction Grade 2 or 3 increased blood creatinine Withhold
Grade 4 increased blood creatinine Permanently discontinue
Exfoliative Dermatologic Conditions Suspected SJS, TEN, or DRESS Withhold
Confirmed SJS, TEN, or DRESS Permanently discontinue
Myocarditis Grade 2, 3, or 4 Permanently discontinue
Neurological Toxicities Grade 2 Withhold
Grade 3 or 4 Permanently discontinue
Hematologic toxicity in patients with

cHL or PMBCL
Grade 4 Withhold until resolution to Grades 0 or 1
Other Adverse Reactions
Infusion-related reactions

[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Grade 1 or 2 Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion
Grade 3 or 4 Permanently discontinue

The following table represents dosage modifications that are different from those described above for KEYTRUDA or in the Full Prescribing Information for the drug administered in combination.

Table 3: Recommended Specific Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions for KEYTRUDA in Combination with Axitinib
Treatment Adverse Reaction Severity Dosage Modification
ALT = alanine aminotransferase, AST = aspartate aminotransferase, ULN = upper limit normal
KEYTRUDA in

combination with

axitinib
Liver enzyme elevations
Consider corticosteroid therapy
ALT or AST increases to at least 3 times but less than 10 times ULN without concurrent total bilirubin at least 2 times ULN Withhold both KEYTRUDA

and axitinib until resolution to

Grades 0 or 1
Based on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0. Consider rechallenge with a single drug or sequential rechallenge with both drugs after recovery. If rechallenging with axitinib, consider dose reduction as per the axitinib Prescribing Information.
ALT or AST increases to more than 3 times ULN with concurrent total bilirubin at least 2 times ULN

or ALT or AST ≥10 times ULN
Permanently discontinue both

KEYTRUDA and axitinib

Recommended Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions for KEYTRUDA in Combination with Lenvatinib

When administering KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib, modify the dosage of one or both drugs. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA as shown in Table 2. Refer to lenvatinib prescribing information for additional dose modification information.

1 Indications and Usage (1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE)

KEYTRUDA is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)-blocking antibody indicated:

Melanoma

  • for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. (1.1)
  • for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection. (1.1)

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. (1.2)
  • in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC. (1.2)
  • as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:
    • Stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
    • metastatic. (1.2, 2.1)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. (1.2, 2.1)
  • for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. (1.2)
  • as a single agent, for adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC. (1.2)

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)

  • in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, as first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic MPM. (1.3)

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC)

  • for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test, as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent. (1.4)
  • in combination with platinum and FU for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC. (1.4)
  • as a single agent for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.4, 2.1)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. (1.4)

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)

  • for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. (1.5)
  • for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy. (1.5)

Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma (PMBCL)

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory PMBCL, or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. (1.6)
  • Limitations of Use: KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.

Urothelial Cancer

  • in combination with enfortumab vedotin, for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. (1.7)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who:
    • are not eligible for any platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
    • who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. (1.7)
  • in combination with enfortumab vedotin, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment of adult patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. (1.7)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. (1.7)

Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. (1.8, 2.1)

Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

  • for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.9, 2.1)

Gastric Cancer

  • in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.10)
  • in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.10)

Esophageal Cancer

  • for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either:
    • in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for patients whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1), or
    • as a single agent after one or more prior lines of systemic therapy for patients with tumors of squamous cell histology that express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.11, 2.1)

Cervical Cancer

  • in combination with chemoradiotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer involving the lower third of the vagina, with or without extension to pelvic sidewall, or hydronephrosis/non-functioning kidney, or spread to adjacent pelvic organs (FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA). (1.12)
  • in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.12, 2.1)
  • as a single agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.12, 2.1)

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

  • for the treatment of patients with HCC secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen. (1.13)

Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC)

  • in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer. (1.14)

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. (1.15)

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

  • in combination with axitinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. (1.16)
  • in combination with lenvatinib, for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. (1.16)
  • for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. (1.16)

Endometrial Carcinoma

  • in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. (1.17)
  • in combination with lenvatinib, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not MSI-H as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. (1.17, 2.1)
  • as a single agent, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. (1.17, 2.1)

Tumor Mutational Burden-High (TMB-H) Cancer

  • for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.1 (1.18, 2.1)
  • Limitations of Use: The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.

Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC)

  • for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation. (1.19)

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

  • for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage TNBC in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. (1.20)
  • in combination with chemotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test. (1.20, 2.1)

Ovarian Cancer

  • in combination with paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab, for the treatment of adult patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, and who have received one or two prior systemic treatment regimens. (1.21, 2.1)

1 This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Binding of the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, to the PD-1 receptor found on T cells, inhibits T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Upregulation of PD-1 ligands occurs in some tumors and signaling through this pathway can contribute to inhibition of active T-cell immune surveillance of tumors. Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth.

In syngeneic mouse tumor models, combination treatment of a PD-1 blocking antibody and kinase inhibitor lenvatinib decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and reduced tumor growth compared to either treatment alone.

1.14 Biliary Tract Cancer

KEYTRUDA, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC).

1.16 Renal Cell Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

KEYTRUDA, in combination with lenvatinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC.

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions [see Clinical Studies (14.16)].

5.5 Embryo Fetal Toxicity (5.5 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity)

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Animal models link the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway with maintenance of pregnancy through induction of maternal immune tolerance to fetal tissue. Advise women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

1.15 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

1.17 Endometrial Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with lenvatinib, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) or not MSI-H as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.14 Biliary Tract Cancer

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-966 (NCT04003636), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 1069 patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic BTC, who had not received prior systemic therapy in the advanced disease setting. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by region (Asia vs. non-Asia), locally advanced versus metastatic, and site of origin (gallbladder, intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma).

Patients were randomized (1:1) to KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1 plus gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on Day 1 and Day 8 every 3 weeks, or placebo on Day 1 plus gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on Day 1 and Day 8 every 3 weeks. Study medications were administered via intravenous infusion. Treatment continued until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. For pembrolizumab, treatment continued for a maximum of 35 cycles, or approximately 24 months. For gemcitabine, treatment could be continued beyond 8 cycles while for cisplatin, treatment could be administered for a maximum of 8 cycles.

Administration of KEYTRUDA with chemotherapy was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered by the investigator to be deriving clinical benefit. Assessment of tumor status was performed at baseline and then every 6 weeks through 54 weeks, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter.

Study population characteristics were median age of 64 years (range: 23 to 85), 47% age 65 or older; 52% male; 49% White, 46% Asian, 1.3% Black or African American; 10% Hispanic or Latino; 46% ECOG PS of 0 and 54% ECOG PS of 1; 31% of patients had a history of hepatitis B infection, and 3% had a history of hepatitis C infection.

The major efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were PFS, ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Table 97 and Figure 33 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-966.

Table 97: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-966
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

with

gemcitabine/cisplatin

n=533
Placebo with

gemcitabine/cisplatin





n=536
NS = not significant
OS
Results at the pre-specified final OS analysis
  Number of patients with event (%) 414 (78%) 443 (83%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 12.7 (11.5, 13.6) 10.9 (9.9, 11.6)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.83 (0.72, 0.95)
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on a stratified log-rank test
0.0034
PFS
Results at pre-specified final analysis of PFS and ORR
  Number (%) of patients with event 361 (68%) 391 (73%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.5 (5.7, 6.9) 5.6 (5.1, 6.6)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.86 (0.75, 1.00)
  p-Value
NS
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
29% (25, 33) 29% (25, 33)
    Number (%) of complete responses 11 (2.1%) 7 (1.3%)
    Number (%) of partial responses 142 (27%) 146 (27%)
    p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on the stratified Miettinen and Nurminen analysis
NS
Duration of Response
n=156 n=152
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimate
(95% CI)
8.3 (6.9, 10.2) 6.8 (5.7, 7.1)
Figure 33: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-966

14.16 Renal Cell Carcinoma

First-line treatment with axitinib

KEYNOTE-426

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-426 (NCT02853331), a randomized, multicenter, open-label trial conducted in 861 patients who had not received systemic therapy for advanced RCC. Patients were enrolled regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status. Patients with active autoimmune disease requiring systemic immunosuppression within the last 2 years were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk categories (favorable versus intermediate versus poor) and geographic region (North America versus Western Europe versus "Rest of the World").

Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks up to 24 months in combination with axitinib 5 mg orally, twice daily. Patients who tolerated axitinib 5 mg twice daily for 2 consecutive cycles (6 weeks) could increase to 7 mg and then subsequently to 10 mg twice daily. Axitinib could be interrupted or reduced to 3 mg twice daily and subsequently to 2 mg twice daily to manage toxicity.
  • Sunitinib 50 mg orally, once daily for 4 weeks and then off treatment for 2 weeks.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA and axitinib continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease or unacceptable toxicity. Administration of KEYTRUDA and axitinib was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered to be deriving clinical benefit by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed at baseline, after randomization at Week 12, then every 6 weeks thereafter until Week 54, and then every 12 weeks thereafter.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 62 years (range: 26 to 90), 38% age 65 or older; 73% male; 79% White and 16% Asian; 20% and 80% of patients had a baseline KPS of 70 to 80 and 90 to 100, respectively; and patient distribution by IMDC risk categories was 31% favorable, 56% intermediate, and 13% poor.

The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. Additional efficacy outcome measures included ORR, as assessed by BICR. A statistically significant improvement in OS was demonstrated at the first pre-specified interim analysis in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib compared with sunitinib. The trial also demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS and ORR. An updated OS analysis was conducted when 418 deaths were observed based on the planned number of deaths for the pre-specified final analysis. Table 99 and Figure 34 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-426.

Table 99: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-426
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks and Axitinib
Sunitinib
n=432 n=429
NR = not reached
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 59 (14%) 97 (23%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (NR, NR) NR (NR, NR)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.53 (0.38, 0.74)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
<0.0001
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0001 for this interim analysis (with 39% of the planned number of events for final analysis).
Updated OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 193 (45%) 225 (52%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 45.7 (43.6, NR) 40.1 (34.3, 44.2)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.73 (0.60, 0.88)
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 183 (42%) 213 (50%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 15.1 (12.6, 17.7) 11.0 (8.7, 12.5)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.69 (0.56, 0.84)
  p-Value
0.0001
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with the allocated alpha of 0.0013 for this interim analysis (with 81% of the planned number of events for final analysis).
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
59% (54, 64) 36% (31, 40)
    Complete response rate 6% 2%
    Partial response rate 53% 34%
  p-Value
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by IMDC risk group and geographic region
<0.0001
Figure 34: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Updated Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-426

In an exploratory analysis, the updated analysis of OS in patients with IMDC favorable, intermediate, intermediate/poor, and poor risk demonstrated a HR of 1.17 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.80), 0.67 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.86), 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.80), and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.32, 0.81), respectively.

First-line treatment with lenvatinib

KEYNOTE-581

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-581 (NCT02811861), a multicenter, open-label, randomized trial conducted in 1069 patients with advanced RCC in the first-line setting. Patients were enrolled regardless of PD-L1 tumor expression status. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by geographic region (North America versus Western Europe versus "Rest of the World") and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) prognostic groups (favorable versus intermediate versus poor risk).

Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks up to 24 months in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily.
  • Lenvatinib 18 mg orally once daily in combination with everolimus 5 mg orally once daily.
  • Sunitinib 50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks then off treatment for 2 weeks.

Treatment continued until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Administration of KEYTRUDA with lenvatinib was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was clinically stable and considered by the investigator to be deriving clinical benefit. KEYTRUDA was continued for a maximum of 24 months; however, treatment with lenvatinib could be continued beyond 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed at baseline and then every 8 weeks.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 62 years (range: 29 to 88 years), 42% age 65 or older; 75% male; 74% White, 21% Asian, 1% Black, and 2% other races; 18% and 82% of patients had a baseline KPS of 70 to 80 and 90 to 100, respectively; patient distribution by MSKCC risk categories was 27% favorable, 64% intermediate, and 9% poor. Common sites of metastases in patients were lung (68%), lymph node (45%), and bone (25%).

The major efficacy outcome measures were PFS, as assessed by independent radiologic review (IRC) according to RECIST v1.1, and OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures included confirmed ORR as assessed by IRC. KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS, OS, and ORR compared with sunitinib. An updated OS analysis was conducted when 304 deaths were observed based on the planned number of deaths for the pre-specified final analysis. Table 100 and Figures 35 and 36 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-581.

Table 100: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-581
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

and Lenvatinib
Sunitinib
n=355 n=357
Tumor assessments were based on RECIST 1.1; only confirmed responses are included for ORR.

Data cutoff date = 28 Aug 2020, Updated OS cutoff date = 31 July 2022

CI = confidence interval; NR= Not reached
Progression-Free Survival (PFS)
  Number of events, n (%) 160 (45%) 205 (57%)
  Progressive disease 145 (41%) 196 (55%)
  Death 15 (4%) 9 (3%)
  Median PFS in months (95% CI) 23.9 (20.8, 27.7) 9.2 (6.0, 11.0)
  Hazard ratio
Hazard ratio is based on a Cox Proportional Hazards Model. Stratified by geographic region and MSKCC prognostic groups.
(95% CI)
0.39 (0.32, 0.49)
  p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test.
<0.0001
Overall Survival (OS)
  Number of deaths, n (%) 80 (23%) 101 (28%)
  Median OS in months (95% CI) NR (33.6, NR) NR (NR, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.66 (0.49, 0.88)
  p-Value
0.0049
Updated OS
  Number of deaths, n (%) 149 (42%) 159 (45%)
  Median OS in months (95% CI) 53.7 (48.7, NR) 54.3 (40.9, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.79 (0.63, 0.99)
Objective Response Rate (Confirmed)
  ORR, n (%) 252 (71%) 129 (36%)
  (95% CI) (66, 76) (31, 41)
    Complete response rate 16% 4%
    Partial response rate 55% 32%
    p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based upon CMH test.
<0.0001
Figure 35: Kaplan-Meier Curve for PFS in KEYNOTE-581

Figure 36: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Updated Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-581

KEYNOTE-B61

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-B61 (NCT04704219), a multicenter, single-arm trial that enrolled 160 patients with advanced or metastatic non-clear cell RCC in the first-line setting. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

Patients received KEYTRUDA 400 mg every 6 weeks in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily. KEYTRUDA was continued for a maximum of 24 months; however, lenvatinib could be continued beyond 24 months. Treatment continued until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Administration of KEYTRUDA with lenvatinib was permitted beyond RECIST-defined disease progression if the patient was considered by the investigator to be deriving clinical benefit.

Among the 158 treated patients, the baseline characteristics were: median age of 60 years (range: 24 to 87 years); 71% male; 86% White, 8% Asian, and 3% Black; <1% Hispanic or Latino; 22% and 78% of patients had a baseline KPS of 70 to 80 and 90 to 100, respectively; histologic subtypes were 59% papillary, 18% chromophobe, 4% translocation, <1% medullary, 13% unclassified, and 6% other; patient distribution by IMDC risk categories was 35% favorable, 54% intermediate, and 10% poor. Common sites of metastases in patients were lymph node (65%), lung (35%), bone (30%), and liver (21%).

The major efficacy outcome measure was ORR as assessed by BICR using RECIST 1.1. Additional efficacy outcome measures included DOR as assessed by BICR using RECIST 1.1. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 101.

Table 101: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-B61
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

400 mg every 6 weeks

and Lenvatinib

n=158
CI = confidence interval

+ Denotes ongoing response
Objective Response Rate (Confirmed)
  ORR (95% CI) 51% (43, 59)
    Complete response 8%
    Partial response 42%
Duration of Response
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates
  Median in months (range) 19.5 (1.5+, 23.5+)

Adjuvant Treatment of RCC (KEYNOTE‑564)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated as adjuvant therapy for RCC in KEYNOTE-564 (NCT03142334), a multicenter, randomized (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 994 patients with intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence of RCC, or M1 no evidence of disease (NED). The intermediate-high risk category included: pT2 with Grade 4 or sarcomatoid features; pT3, any Grade without nodal involvement (N0) or distant metastases (M0). The high risk category included: pT4, any Grade N0 and M0; any pT, any Grade with nodal involvement and M0. The M1 NED category included patients with metastatic disease who had undergone complete resection of primary and metastatic lesions. Patients must have undergone a partial nephroprotective or radical complete nephrectomy (and complete resection of solid, isolated, soft tissue metastatic lesion(s) in M1 NED participants) with negative surgical margins ≥4 weeks prior to the time of screening. Patients were excluded from the trial if they had received prior systemic therapy for advanced RCC. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were also ineligible. Patients were randomized to KEYTRUDA 200 mg administered intravenously every 3 weeks or placebo for up to 1 year until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity. Randomization was stratified by metastasis status (M0, M1 NED); M0 group was further stratified by ECOG PS (0,1) and geographic region (US, non-US).

The study population characteristics were: median age of 60 years (range: 25 to 84), 33% age 65 or older; 71% male; 75% White, 14% Asian, 9% Unknown, 1% Black or African American, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1% Multiracial; 13% Hispanic or Latino, 78% Not Hispanic or Latino, 8% Unknown; and 85% ECOG PS of 0 and 15% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-four percent of patients enrolled had N0 disease; 11% had sarcomatoid features; 86% were intermediate-high risk; 8% were high risk; and 6% were M1 NED. Ninety-two percent of patients had a radical nephrectomy, and 8% had a partial nephrectomy.

The major efficacy outcome measure was investigator-assessed disease-free survival (DFS), defined as time to recurrence, metastasis, or death. An additional outcome measure was OS. Statistically significant improvements in DFS and OS were demonstrated at pre-specified interim analyses in patients randomized to the KEYTRUDA arm compared with placebo. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 102 and Figures 37 and 38.

Table 102: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-564
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=496
Placebo



n=498
NR = not reached
DFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 109 (22%) 151 (30%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR NR
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.68 (0.53, 0.87)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
0.0010
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with a boundary of 0.0114.
  24-month DFS rate (95% CI) 77% (73, 81) 68% (64, 72)
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 55 (11%) 86 (17%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (NR, NR) NR (NR, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.62 (0.44, 0.87)
  p-Value
0.0024
p-Value (one-sided) is compared with a boundary of 0.0072.
  48-month OS rate (95% CI) 91% (88, 93) 86% (83, 89)
Figure 37: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Disease-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-564

Figure 38: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-564

5 Warnings and Precautions (5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS)
  • Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions (5.1)
    • Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated pneumonitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated nephritis with renal dysfunction, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, and solid organ transplant rejection.
    • Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment.
    • Withhold or permanently discontinue based on severity and type of reaction.
  • Infusion-related reactions: Interrupt, slow the rate of infusion, or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA based on the severity of reaction. (5.2)
  • Complications of allogeneic HSCT: Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic HSCT before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. (5.3)
  • Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. (5.4)
  • Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective method of contraception. (5.5, 8.1, 8.3)
14.15 Merkel Cell Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-017 (NCT02267603) and KEYNOTE-913 (NCT03783078), two multicenter, non-randomized, open-label trials that enrolled 105 patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic MCC who had not received prior systemic therapy for their advanced disease. Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

Patients received KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg (KEYNOTE-017) or 200 mg (KEYNOTE-913) every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression that was symptomatic, rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, occurred with a decline in performance status, or was confirmed at least 4 weeks later with repeat imaging. Patients without disease progression were treated for up to 24 months.

The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR per RECIST v1.1.

Among the 105 patients enrolled, the median age was 73 years (range: 38 to 91), 79% were age 65 or older; 62% were male; 80% were White, race in 19% was unknown or missing, and 1% were Asian; 53% had ECOG PS of 0, and 47% had ECOG PS of 1. Thirteen percent had stage IIIB disease and 84% had stage IV. Seventy-six percent of patients had prior surgery and 51% had prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy results are summarized in Table 98.

Table 98: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-017 and KEYNOTE-913
Endpoint KEYNOTE-017

KEYTRUDA

2 mg/kg every

3 weeks

n=50
KEYNOTE-913

KEYTRUDA

200 mg or 2 mg/kg every

3 weeks

n=55
+ Denotes ongoing response
NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 56% (41, 70) 49% (35, 63)
    Complete responses, n (%) 12 (24%) 9 (16%)
    Partial responses, n (%) 16 (32%) 18 (33%)
Duration of Response n=28 n=27
  Median DoR in months (range) NR (5.9, 34.5+) NR (4.8, 25.4+)
  Patients with duration ≥6 months, n (%) 27 (96%) 25 (93%)
  Patients with duration ≥12 months, n (%) 15 (54%) 19 (70%)
14.17 Endometrial Carcinoma

In Combination with Paclitaxel and Carboplatin for the Treatment of Primary Advanced or Recurrent Endometrial Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin was investigated in KEYNOTE-868/NRG-GY018 (NCT03914612), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 810 patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. The study design included two separate cohorts based on MMR status; 222 (27%) patients were in dMMR cohort, 588 (73%) patients were in pMMR cohort. The trial enrolled measurable Stage III, measurable Stage IVA, Stage IVB or recurrent endometrial cancer (with or without measurable disease). Patients who had not received prior systemic therapy or had received prior chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting were eligible. Patients who had received prior adjuvant chemotherapy were only eligible if their chemotherapy-free interval was at least 12 months. Patients with endometrial sarcoma, including carcinosarcoma, or patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified according to MMR status, ECOG PS (0 or 1 vs. 2), and prior adjuvant chemotherapy.

Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min for 6 cycles, followed by KEYTRUDA 400 mg every 6 weeks for up to 14 cycles.
  • Placebo every 3 weeks, paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 5 mg/mL/min for 6 cycles, followed by placebo every 6 weeks for up to 14 cycles.

All study medications were administered as an intravenous infusion on Day 1 of each treatment cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 20 cycles (up to approximately 24 months). Patients with measurable disease who had RECIST-defined stable disease or partial response at the completion of cycle 6 were permitted to continue receiving paclitaxel and carboplatin with KEYTRUDA or placebo for up to 10 cycles as determined by the investigator. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 9 months and then every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measure was PFS as assessed by the investigator according to RECIST 1.1. An additional efficacy outcome measure was OS.

The dMMR population characteristics were: median age of 66 years (range: 37 to 86), 55% age 65 or older; 79% White, 9% Black, and 3% Asian; 5% Hispanic or Latino; 64% ECOG PS of 0, 33% ECOG PS of 1, and 3% ECOG PS of 2; 61% had recurrent disease and 39% had primary or persistent disease; 5% received prior adjuvant chemotherapy and 43% received prior radiotherapy. The histologic subtypes were endometrioid carcinoma (81%), adenocarcinoma NOS (11%), serous carcinoma (2%), and other (6%).

The pMMR population characteristics were: median age of 66 years (range: 29 to 94), 54% age 65 or older; 72% White, 16% Black, and 5% Asian; 6% Hispanic or Latino; 67% ECOG PS of 0, 30% ECOG PS of 1, and 3% ECOG PS of 2; 56% had recurrent disease and 44% had primary or persistent disease; 26% received prior adjuvant chemotherapy and 41% received prior radiotherapy. The histologic subtypes were endometrioid carcinoma (52%), serous carcinoma (26%), adenocarcinoma NOS (10%), clear cell carcinoma (7%), and other (5%).

The trial demonstrated statistically significant improvements in PFS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin compared to placebo in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin in both the dMMR and pMMR populations. Table 103 and Figures 39 and 40 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-868 by MMR status. At the time of the PFS analysis, OS data were not mature with 12% deaths in the dMMR population and 17% deaths in the pMMR population.

Table 103: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-868
Endpoint dMMR Population pMMR Population
KEYTRUDA

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=110
Placebo

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=112
KEYTRUDA

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=294
Placebo

with paclitaxel and

carboplatin

n=294
NR = not reached
PFS
Based on interim PFS analysis; the information fractions for interim analyses were 49% for dMMR and 55% for pMMR.
  Number (%) of patients with event 26 (24%) 57 (51%) 91 (31%) 124 (42%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (30.7, NR) 6.5 (6.4, 8.7) 11.1 (8.7, 13.5) 8.5 (7.2, 8.8)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.30 (0.19, 0.48) 0.60 (0.46, 0.78)
  p-Value
Based on the stratified log-rank test
<0.0001 <0.0001
Figure 39: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-868 (dMMR Population)

Figure 40: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-868 (pMMR Population)

Lack of Effectiveness for Adjuvant Treatment of Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, with or without radiation, was investigated in KEYNOTE‑B21 (NCT04634877), a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 1,095 patients with newly diagnosed, high‑risk endometrial cancer with no evidence of disease on imaging following curative intent surgery. High-risk disease was defined as any of the following (staging per FIGO 2009): Stage I/II with myometrial invasion and either non-endometrioid histology or aberrant p53 expression or p53 mutation, or Stage III/IVA. The trial did not meet the prespecified primary endpoint for investigator-assessed DFS, with a HR of 1.02 (95% CI: 0.79, 1.32).

In Combination with Lenvatinib for the Treatment of Advanced Endometrial Carcinoma That Is pMMR or Not MSI-H

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-775 (NCT03517449), a multicenter, open-label, randomized, active-controlled trial that enrolled 827 patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma who had been previously treated with at least one prior platinum-based chemotherapy regimen in any setting, including in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Patients with endometrial sarcoma, including carcinosarcoma, or patients who had active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Patients with endometrial carcinoma that were pMMR (using the VENTANA MMR RxDx Panel test) or not MSI-H were stratified by ECOG performance status, geographic region, and history of pelvic radiation. Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily.
  • Investigator’s choice, consisting of either doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks or paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 given weekly, 3 weeks on/1 week off.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as verified by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or for KEYTRUDA, a maximum of 24 months. Treatment was permitted beyond RECIST v1.1-defined disease progression if the treating investigator considered the patient to be deriving clinical benefit, and the treatment was tolerated. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 8 weeks. The major efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. Additional efficacy outcome measures included ORR and DoR, as assessed by BICR.

Among the 697 pMMR patients, 346 patients were randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib, and 351 patients were randomized to investigator’s choice of doxorubicin (n=254) or paclitaxel (n=97). The pMMR population characteristics were: median age of 65 years (range: 30 to 86), 52% age 65 or older; 62% White, 22% Asian, and 3% Black; 60% ECOG PS of 0 and 40% ECOG PS of 1. The histologic subtypes were endometrioid carcinoma (55%), serous (30%), clear cell carcinoma (7%), mixed (4%), and other (3%). All 697 of these patients received prior systemic therapy for endometrial carcinoma: 67% had one, 30% had two, and 3% had three or more prior systemic therapies. Thirty-seven percent of patients received only prior neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.

Efficacy results for the pMMR or not MSI-H patients are summarized in Table 104 and Figures 41 and 42.

Table 104: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-775
Endometrial Carcinoma (pMMR or not MSI-H)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

and Lenvatinib

n=346
Doxorubicin or Paclitaxel



n=351
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 165 (48%) 203 (58%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 17.4 (14.2, 19.9) 12.0 (10.8, 13.3)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox regression model
(95% CI)
0.68 (0.56, 0.84)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
0.0001
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 247 (71%) 238 (68%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.6 (5.6, 7.4) 3.8 (3.6, 5.0)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.60 (0.50, 0.72)
  p-Value
<0.0001
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Response: Best objective response as confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
30% (26, 36) 15% (12, 19)
    Complete response rate 5% 3%
    Partial response rate 25% 13%
  p-Value
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by ECOG performance status, geographic region, and history of pelvic radiation
<0.0001
Duration of Response n=105 n=53
  Median in months (range) 9.2 (1.6+, 23.7+) 5.7 (0.0+, 24.2+)
Figure 41: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-775 (pMMR or Not MSI-H)

Figure 42: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-775 (pMMR or Not MSI-H)

As a Single Agent for the Treatment of Advanced MSI-H or dMMR Endometrial Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067), a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trial. The trial enrolled 90 patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR endometrial carcinoma in Cohorts D and K. MSI or MMR tumor status was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression. Patients treated with KEYTRUDA without disease progression could be treated for up to 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 12 months, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among the 90 patients evaluated, the baseline characteristics were: median age of 64 years (range: 42 to 86); 83% White, 8% Asian, and 3% Black; 12% Hispanic or Latino; 39% ECOG PS of 0 and 61% ECOG PS of 1; 96% had M1 disease and 4% had M0 disease at study entry; and 51% had one and 48% had two or more prior lines of therapy. Nine patients received only adjuvant therapy and one patient received only neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy before participating in the study.

Efficacy results are summarized in Table 105.

Table 105: Efficacy Results in Patients with Advanced MSI-H or dMMR Endometrial Carcinoma in KEYNOTE-158
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

n=90
Median follow-up time of 16.0 months (range 0.5 to 62.1 months)
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 46% (35, 56)
    Complete response rate 12%
    Partial response rate 33%
Duration of Response n=41
  Median in months (range) NR (2.9, 55.7+)
  % with duration ≥12 months 68%
  % with duration ≥24 months 44%
2 Dosage and Administration (2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION)
  • Melanoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • NSCLC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • MPM: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • HNSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • cHL or PMBCL: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • Urothelial Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • MSI-H or dMMR Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • MSI-H or dMMR CRC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Gastric Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Esophageal Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Cervical Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • HCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • BTC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • MCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • RCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks as a single agent in the adjuvant setting, or in the advanced setting with either:
    • axitinib 5 mg orally twice daily or
    • lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily. (2.2)
  • Endometrial Carcinoma: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks
    • in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel regardless of MMR or MSI status, or
    • in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily for pMMR or not MSI-H tumors, or
    • as a single agent for MSI-H or dMMR tumors. (2.2)
  • TMB-H Cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks for adults; 2 mg/kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks for pediatrics. (2.2)
  • cSCC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • TNBC: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Ovarian cancer: 200 mg every 3 weeks or 400 mg every 6 weeks. (2.2)
  • Administer KEYTRUDA as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes after dilution. (2.4)
  • See Full Prescribing Information for dosage modifications for adverse reactions and preparation and administration instructions. (2.3, 2.4)
3 Dosage Forms and Strengths (3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS)
  • Injection: 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL) clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution in a single-dose vial
6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of KEYTRUDA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Gastrointestinal: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Hepatobiliary: sclerosing cholangitis

1.13 Hepatocellular Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen.

8 Use in Specific Populations (8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS)

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (8.2)

1.2 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (1.2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer)

KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is:

  • Stage III where patients are not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation, or
  • metastatic.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC.

1.5 Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL).

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy.

14.13 Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Previously Treated HCC

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-394 (NCT03062358), a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted in Asia in patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage B or C HCC, who were previously treated with sorafenib or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and who were not amenable to or were refractory to local-regional therapy. Patients were also required to have Child-Pugh A liver function.

Patients with hepatitis B had treated controlled disease (HBV viral load <2000 IU/mL or <104 copies/mL). Patients with an autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy, main branch portal venous invasion, clinically apparent ascites, or esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding within the last 6 months were also ineligible.

Randomization was stratified by prior treatment: sorafenib vs. oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, macrovascular invasion, and etiology (active HBV vs. others (active HCV, non-infected)). Patients were randomized (2:1) to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks or placebo.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by BICR, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 6 weeks. The main efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were PFS, ORR, and DoR, as assessed by BICR using RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

The study enrolled 453 patients, and 360 (79%) had active hepatitis B. The population characteristics in patients with active hepatitis B were: median age of 52 years (range: 23 to 82), 16% age 65 or older; 86% male; 100% Asian; 42% ECOG PS of 0 and 58% ECOG PS of 1; 90% received prior sorafenib and 10% received prior oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Patient characteristics also included extrahepatic disease (77%), macrovascular invasion (10%), BCLC stage C (93%) and B (7%), and baseline AFP ≥200 ng/mL (57%).

KEYNOTE-394 demonstrated improved OS in patients with HCC secondary to hepatitis B randomized to KEYTRUDA compared with placebo. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 96 and Figure 32.

Table 96: Efficacy Results in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in KEYNOTE-394
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks



n=236
Placebo





n=124
+ Denotes ongoing response
OS
Results at the pre-specified final OS analysis
  Number (%) of patients with events 172 (73) 105 (85)
  Median in months (95% CI) 13.9 (12.5, 17.9) 13.0 (10.1, 15.6)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.78 (0.61, 0.99)
PFS
Results at pre-specified interim OS analysis
  Number (%) of patients with events 189 (80) 108 (87)
  Median in months (95% CI) 2 (1.4, 2.7) 2.3 (1.4, 2.8)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.78 (0.61, 1.00)
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Confirmed complete response or partial response
(95% CI)
11% (7, 16) 1.6% (0.2, 5.7)
    Number (%) of complete responses 2 (0.9%) 1 (0.8%)
    Number (%) of partial responses 24 (10%) 1 (0.8%)
Duration of Response
n=28 n=2
  Median in months
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimate
(range)
23.9 (2.6+, 44.4+) 5.6 (3.0+, 5.6)
Figure 32: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-394

5.2 Infusion Related Reactions (5.2 Infusion-Related Reactions)

KEYTRUDA can cause severe or life-threatening infusion-related reactions, including hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, which have been reported in 0.2% of 2799 patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions including rigors, chills, wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for mild (Grade 1) or moderate (Grade 2) infusion-related reactions. For severe (Grade 3) or life-threatening (Grade 4) infusion-related reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The data described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to KEYTRUDA as a single agent in 2799 patients in three randomized, open-label, active-controlled trials (KEYNOTE-002, KEYNOTE-006, and KEYNOTE-010), which enrolled 912 patients with melanoma and 682 patients with NSCLC, and one single-arm trial (KEYNOTE-001), which enrolled 655 patients with melanoma and 550 patients with NSCLC. In addition to the 2799 patients, certain subsections in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS describe adverse reactions observed with exposure to KEYTRUDA as a single agent in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-091), which enrolled 580 patients with resected NSCLC, a non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trial (KEYNOTE-012), a non-randomized, open-label, single-cohort trial (KEYNOTE-055), and two randomized, open-label, active-controlled trials (KEYNOTE-040 and KEYNOTE-048 single agent arms), which enrolled 909 patients with HNSCC; in two non-randomized, open-label trials (KEYNOTE-013 and KEYNOTE-087) and one randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-204), which enrolled 389 patients with cHL; in a randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-048 combination arm), which enrolled 276 patients with HNSCC; in combination with axitinib in a randomized, active-controlled trial (KEYNOTE-426), which enrolled 429 patients with RCC; and in post-marketing use. Across all trials, KEYTRUDA was administered at doses of 2 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks, 10 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks, or 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks. Among the 2799 patients, 41% were exposed for 6 months or more and 21% were exposed for 12 months or more.

14.5 Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

KEYNOTE-204

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-204 (NCT02684292), a randomized, open-label, active controlled trial conducted in 304 patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. The trial enrolled adults with relapsed or refractory disease after at least one multi-agent chemotherapy regimen. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks or
  • Brentuximab vedotin (BV) 1.8 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks

Treatment was continued until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Disease assessment was performed every 12 weeks. Randomization was stratified by prior autologous HSCT (yes vs. no) and disease status after frontline therapy (primary refractory vs. relapse <12 months after completion vs. relapse ≥12 months after completion). The main efficacy measure was PFS as assessed by BICR using 2007 revised International Working Group criteria.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 35 years (range: 18 to 84); 57% male; 77% White, 9% Asian, 3.9% Black. The median number of prior therapies was 2 (range: 1 to 10) in the KEYTRUDA arm and 3 (range: 1 to 11) in the BV arm, with 18% in both arms having 1 prior line. Forty-two percent of patients were refractory to the last prior therapy, 29% had primary refractory disease, 37% had prior autologous HSCT, 5% had received prior BV, and 39% had prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy is summarized in Table 77 and Figure 16.

Table 77: Efficacy Results in Patients with cHL in KEYNOTE-204
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=151
Brentuximab Vedotin

1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks

n=153
+ Denotes a censored value.
PFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 81 (54%) 88 (58%)
  Median in months (95% CI)
Based on Kaplan-Meier estimates.
13.2 (10.9, 19.4) 8.3 (5.7, 8.8)
  Hazard ratio
Based on the stratified Cox proportional hazard model.
(95% CI)
0.65 (0.48, 0.88)
  p-Value
Based on a stratified log-rank test. One-sided p-Value, with a prespecified boundary of 0.0043.
0.0027
Objective Response Rate
  ORR
Difference in ORR is not statistically significant.
(95% CI)
66% (57, 73) 54% (46, 62)
    Complete response 25% 24%
    Partial response 41% 30%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range)
20.7 (0.0+, 33.2+) 13.8 (0.0+, 33.9+)
Figure 16: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-204

KEYNOTE-087

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-087 (NCT02453594), a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label trial in 210 patients with relapsed or refractory cHL. Patients with active, non-infectious pneumonitis, an allogeneic HSCT within the past 5 years (or >5 years but with symptoms of GVHD), active autoimmune disease, a medical condition that required immunosuppression, or an active infection requiring systemic therapy were ineligible for the trial. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression, or for up to 24 months in patients who did not progress. Disease assessment was performed every 12 weeks. The major efficacy outcome measures (ORR, Complete Response Rate, and DoR) were assessed by BICR according to the 2007 revised International Working Group (IWG) criteria.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 35 years (range: 18 to 76), 9% age 65 or older; 54% male; 88% White; and 49% ECOG PS of 0 and 51% ECOG PS of 1. The median number of prior lines of therapy administered for the treatment of cHL was 4 (range: 1 to 12). Fifty-eight percent were refractory to the last prior therapy, including 35% with primary refractory disease and 14% whose disease was chemo-refractory to all prior regimens. Sixty-one percent of patients had undergone prior autologous HSCT, 83% had received prior brentuximab vedotin and 36% of patients had prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy results for KEYNOTE-087 are summarized in Table 78.

Table 78: Efficacy Results in Patients with cHL in KEYNOTE-087
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=210
Median follow-up time of 9.4 months
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 69% (62, 75)
    Complete response rate 22%
    Partial response rate 47%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) 11.1 (0.0+, 11.1)
Based on patients (n=145) with a response by independent review
17 Patient Counseling Information (17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION)

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

1.20 Triple Negative Breast Cancer (1.20 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer)

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

1.3 Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

14.20 Triple Negative Breast Cancer (14.20 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer)

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment of High-Risk Early-Stage TNBC

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and continued adjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent was investigated in KEYNOTE-522 (NCT03036488), a randomized (2:1), multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 1174 patients with newly diagnosed previously untreated high-risk early-stage TNBC (tumor size >1 cm but ≤2 cm in diameter with nodal involvement or tumor size >2 cm in diameter regardless of nodal involvement). Patients were enrolled regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression. Patients with active autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within two years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by nodal status (positive vs. negative), tumor size (T1/T2 vs. T3/T4), and choice of carboplatin (dosed every 3 weeks vs. weekly).

Patients were randomized (2:1) to one of the following two treatment arms; all study medications were administered intravenously:

  • Arm 1:
    • Four cycles of preoperative KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Carboplatin
        • AUC 5 mg/mL/min every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -or-
        • AUC 1.5 mg/mL/min every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -and-
      • Paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen
    • Followed by four additional cycles of preoperative KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 -or- epirubicin 90 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen -and-
      • Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen
    • Following surgery, nine cycles of KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks were administered.
  • Arm 2:
    • Four cycles of preoperative placebo every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Carboplatin
        • AUC 5 mg/mL/min every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -or-
        • AUC 1.5 mg/mL/min every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen

          -and-
      • Paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 every week on Days 1, 8, and 15 of cycles 1-4 of treatment regimen
    • Followed by four cycles of preoperative placebo every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen in combination with:
      • Doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 -or- epirubicin 90 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen -and-
      • Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks on Day 1 of cycles 5-8 of treatment regimen
    • Following surgery, nine cycles of placebo every 3 weeks were administered.

The trial was not designed to isolate the effect of KEYTRUDA in each phase (neoadjuvant or adjuvant) of treatment.

The main efficacy outcomes were pCR rate and EFS. pCR was defined as absence of invasive cancer in the breast and lymph nodes (ypT0/Tis ypN0) and was assessed by the blinded local pathologist at the time of definitive surgery. EFS was defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of any of the following events: progression of disease that precludes definitive surgery, local or distant recurrence, second primary malignancy, or death due to any cause. An additional efficacy outcome was overall survival (OS).

The study population characteristics were: median age of 49 years (range: 22 to 80), 11% age 65 or older; 99.9% female; 64% White, 20% Asian, 4.5% Black, and 1.8% American Indian or Alaska Native; 87% ECOG PS of 0 and 13% ECOG PS of 1; 56% were pre-menopausal status and 44% were post-menopausal status; 7% were primary Tumor 1 (T1), 68% T2, 19% T3, and 7% T4; 49% were nodal involvement 0 (N0), 40% N1, 11% N2, and 0.2% N3; 75% of patients were overall Stage II and 25% were Stage III.

Statistically significant improvements in pCR, EFS, and OS were demonstrated at pre-specified interim analyses for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent compared with patients randomized to placebo in combination with chemotherapy followed by placebo alone.

Table 109 and Figures 43 and 44 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-522.

Table 109: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-522
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

with chemotherapy/KEYTRUDA

n=784
Placebo

with chemotherapy/Placebo



n=390
pCR (ypT0/Tis ypN0)
Based on the entire intention-to-treat population n=1174 patients
  Number of patients with pCR 494 217
  pCR rate (%), (95% CI) 63.0 (59.5, 66.4) 55.6 (50.6, 60.6)
  Treatment difference (%) estimate (95% CI)
Based on a pre-specified pCR interim analysis in n=602 patients, the pCR rate difference was statistically significant (p=0.00055 compared to a significance level of 0.003).
,
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by nodal status, tumor size, and choice of carboplatin
7.5 (1.6, 13.4)
EFS
  Number of patients with event (%) 123 (16%) 93 (24%)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI)
Based on stratified Cox regression model
0.63 (0.48, 0.82)
  p-Value
Based on a pre-specified EFS interim analysis (compared to a significance level of 0.0052)
,
Based on log-rank test stratified by nodal status, tumor size, and choice of carboplatin
0.00031
OS
  Number of patients with event (%) 115 (15%) 85 (22%)
  Hazard ratio (95% CI)
0.66 (0.50, 0.87)
  p-Value
,
Based on a pre-specified OS interim analysis (compared to a significance level of 0.0050)
0.00150
Figure 43: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Event-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-522

Figure 44: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-522

Locally Recurrent Unresectable or Metastatic TNBC for Tumors Expressing PD-L1 (CPS≥ 10)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin was investigated in KEYNOTE-355 (NCT02819518), a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 847 patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC, regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression, who had not been previously treated with chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. Patients with active autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 2 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by chemotherapy treatment (paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound vs. gemcitabine and carboplatin), tumor PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥1 vs. CPS <1) according to the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay, and prior treatment with the same class of chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting (yes vs. no).

Patients were randomized (2:1) to one of the following treatment arms; all study medications were administered via intravenous infusion:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1 every 3 weeks in combination with paclitaxel protein-bound 100 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days, paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days, or gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 2 mg/mL/min on Days 1 and 8 every 21 days.
  • Placebo on Day 1 every 3 weeks in combination with paclitaxel protein-bound 100 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days, paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days, or gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC 2 mg/mL/min on Days 1 and 8 every 21 days.

Assessment of tumor status was performed at Weeks 8, 16, and 24, then every 9 weeks for the first year, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measures were OS and PFS as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, tested in the subgroup of patients with CPS ≥10. Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR.

The study population characteristics for patients were: median age of 53 years (range: 22 to 85), 21% age 65 or older; 100% female; 68% White, 21% Asian, and 4% Black; 60% ECOG PS of 0 and 40% ECOG PS of 1; and 68% were post-menopausal status. Seventy-five percent of patients had tumor PD-L1 expression CPS ≥1 and 38% had tumor PD-L1 expression CPS ≥10.

Table 110 and Figures 45 and 46 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-355.

Table 110: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-355 (CPS ≥10)
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

with chemotherapy

n=220
Placebo

every 3 weeks

with chemotherapy

n=103
OS
Based on the pre-specified final analysis
  Number of patients with event (%) 155 (70%) 84 (82%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 23 (19.0, 26.3) 16.1 (12.6, 18.8)
  Hazard ratio
Based on stratified Cox regression model
(95% CI)
0.73 (0.55, 0.95)
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.0113)
0.0093
PFS
Based on a pre-specified interim analysis
  Number of patients with event

  (%)
136 (62%) 79 (77%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 9.7 (7.6, 11.3) 5.6 (5.3, 7.5)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.65 (0.49, 0.86)
  p-Value
One-sided p-Value based on stratified log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.00411)
0.0012
Objective Response Rate (Confirmed)
  ORR (95% CI) 53% (46, 59) 41% (31, 51)
    Complete response rate 17% 14%
    Partial response rate 35% 27%
Duration of Response
n=116 n=42
  Median in months (95% CI) 12.8 (9.9, 25.9) 7.3 (5.5, 15.4)
Figure 45: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-355 (CPS ≥10)

Figure 46: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Progression-Free Survival in KEYNOTE-355 (CPS ≥10)

14.3 Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

First-line treatment of unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-483 (NCT02784171), a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial that enrolled 440 patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic MPM and no prior systemic therapy for advanced/metastatic disease. Patients were enrolled regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression. Patients with autoimmune disease that required systemic therapy within 3 years of treatment or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Randomization was stratified by histological subtype (epithelioid vs. non-epithelioid). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of the following treatment arms; all study medications were administered via intravenous infusion:

  • KEYTRUDA 200 mg with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6 mg/mL/min on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, followed by KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks. KEYTRUDA was administered prior to chemotherapy on Day 1.
  • Pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5-6 mg/mL/min on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA continued until disease progression as determined by the investigator according to modified RECIST 1.1 for mesothelioma (mRECIST), unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 6 weeks for 18 weeks, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. The main efficacy outcome measure was OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were PFS, ORR, and DoR, as assessed by BICR according to mRECIST.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 70 years (77% age 65 or older); 76% male; 79% White, 21% race not reported or unknown; 2% Hispanic or Latino; and 53% ECOG performance status of 1. Seventy-eight percent had epithelioid and 22% had non-epithelioid histology; 60% had tumors with PD-L1 CPS ≥1 and 30% had tumors with PD-L1 CPS <1.

The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS, PFS, and ORR in patients randomized to KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy compared with patients randomized to chemotherapy alone. Table 73 and Figure 12 summarize the efficacy results for KEYNOTE-483.

Table 73: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-483
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

Pemetrexed

Platinum Chemotherapy
Pemetrexed

Platinum Chemotherapy
(n=222) (n=218)
OS
  Number (%) of patients with event 167 (75%) 175 (80%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 17.3 (14.4, 21.3) 16.1 (13.1, 18.2)
  Hazard ratio
Based on stratified Cox proportional hazard model
(95% CI)
0.79 (0.64, 0.98)
  p-Value
Based on stratified log-rank test
0.0162
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 190 (86%) 166 (76%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 7.1 (6.9, 8.1) 7.1 (6.8, 7.7)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.80 (0.65, 0.99)
  p-Value
0.0194
Objective Response Rate
  ORR % (95% CI) 52% (45.5, 59.0) 29% (23.0, 35.4)
    Complete responses 1 (0.5%) 0 (0%)
    Partial responses 115 (52%) 63 (29%)
  p-Value
Based on Miettinen and Nurminen method stratified by histological subtype at randomization (epithelioid vs. non-epithelioid)
<0.00001
Duration of Response
Based on patients with a best overall response as confirmed complete or partial response; n=116 for patients in the KEYTRUDA combination arm; n=63 for patients in the chemotherapy arm
  Median in months (95% CI) 6.9 (5.8, 8.3) 6.8 (5.5, 8.5)
Figure 12: Kaplan-Meier Curve for Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-483

In a pre-specified exploratory analysis based on histology, in the subgroup of patients with epithelioid histology (n=345), the hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.70, 1.13), with median OS of 19.8 months in KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy and 18.2 months in chemotherapy alone. In the subgroup of patients with non-epithelioid histology (n=95), the HR for OS was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.89), with median OS of 12.3 months in KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy and 8.2 months in chemotherapy alone.

16 How Supplied/storage and Handling (16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING)

KEYTRUDA injection (clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution):

Carton containing one 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vial (NDC 0006-3026-02)

Carton containing two 100 mg/4 mL (25 mg/mL), single-dose vials (NDC 0006-3026-04)

1.19 Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation.

1.4 Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], as a single agent as neoadjuvant treatment, continued as adjuvant treatment in combination with radiotherapy (RT) with or without cisplatin and then as a single agent.

KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy.

14.19 Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC enrolled in KEYNOTE-629 (NCT03284424), a multicenter, multi-cohort, non-randomized, open-label trial. The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression.

Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until documented disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 24 months. Patients with initial radiographic disease progression could receive additional doses of KEYTRUDA during confirmation of progression unless disease progression was symptomatic, rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, or occurred with a decline in performance status.

Assessment of tumor status was performed every 6 weeks during the first year, and every 9 weeks during the second year. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

Among the 105 patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC treated, the study population characteristics were: median age of 72 years (range: 29 to 95), 71% age 65 or older; 76% male; 70% White, 25% race unknown; 34% ECOG PS of 0 and 66% ECOG PS of 1. Forty-five percent of patients had locally recurrent only cSCC, 24% had metastatic only cSCC, and 31% had both locally recurrent and metastatic cSCC. Eighty-seven percent received one or more prior lines of therapy; 73% received prior radiation therapy.

Among the 54 patients with locally advanced cSCC treated, the study population characteristics were: median age of 76 years (range: 35 to 95), 80% age 65 or older; 72% male; 83% White, 13% race unknown; 41% ECOG PS of 0 and 59% ECOG PS of 1. Twenty-two percent received one or more prior lines of therapy; 63% received prior radiation therapy.

Efficacy results are summarized in Table 108.

Table 108: Efficacy Results in KEYNOTE-629
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

Recurrent or Metastatic cSCC

n=105
KEYTRUDA

Locally Advanced cSCC

n=54
+ Denotes ongoing response
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 35% (26, 45) 52% (38, 66)
    Complete response rate 12% 22%
    Partial response rate 23% 30%
Duration of Response
Median follow-up time: recurrent or metastatic cSCC: 23.8 months; locally advanced cSCC: 48.0 months
n=37 n=28
    Median in months (range) NR (2.7, 64.2+) 47.2 (1.0+, 49.9+)
    % with duration ≥6 months 76% 89%
    % with duration ≥12 months 68% 75%
1.18 Tumor Mutational Burden High Cancer (1.18 Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer)

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)], that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response [see Clinical Studies (14.18)]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

Limitations of Use: The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established.

14.18 Tumor Mutational Burden High Cancer (14.18 Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in a prospectively-planned retrospective analysis of 10 cohorts (A through J) of patients with various previously treated unresectable or metastatic solid tumors with high tumor mutation burden (TMB-H) who were enrolled in a multicenter, non-randomized, open-label trial, KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067). The trial excluded patients who previously received an anti-PD-1 or other immune-modulating monoclonal antibody, or who had an autoimmune disease, or a medical condition that required immunosuppression. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks for the first 12 months and every 12 weeks thereafter.

The statistical analysis plan pre-specified ≥10 and ≥13 mutations per megabase using the FoundationOne CDx assay as cutpoints to assess TMB. Testing of TMB was blinded with respect to clinical outcomes. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR in patients who received at least one dose of KEYTRUDA as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ.

In KEYNOTE-158, 1050 patients were included in the efficacy analysis population. TMB was analyzed in the subset of 790 patients with sufficient tissue for testing based on protocol-specified testing requirements. Of the 790 patients, 102 (13%) had tumors identified as TMB-H, defined as TMB ≥10 mutations per megabase. Among the 102 patients with TMB-H advanced solid tumors, the study population characteristics were: median age of 61 years (range: 27 to 80), 34% age 65 or older; 34% male; 81% White; and 41% ECOG PS of 0 and 58% ECOG PS of 1. Fifty-six percent of patients had at least two prior lines of therapy.

Efficacy results are summarized in Tables 106 and 107.

Table 106: Efficacy Results for Patients with TMB-H Cancer in KEYNOTE-158


  Endpoint
KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks
TMB ≥10 mut/Mb

n=102
Median follow-up time of 11.1 months
TMB ≥13 mut/Mb

n=70
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 29% (21, 39) 37% (26, 50)
    Complete response rate 4% 3%
    Partial response rate 25% 34%
Duration of Response n=30 n=26
  Median in months (range)
From product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data
NR (2.2+, 34.8+) NR (2.2+, 34.8+)
  % with duration ≥12 months 57% 58%
  % with duration ≥24 months 50% 50%
Table 107: Response by Tumor Type (TMB ≥10 mut/Mb)
Objective Response Rate Duration of Response range
N n (%) 95% CI (months)
CR = complete response

PR = partial response

SD = stable disease

PD = progressive disease
Overall
No TMB-H patients were identified in the cholangiocarcinoma cohort
102 30 (29%) (21%, 39%) (2.2+, 34.8+)
  Small cell lung cancer 34 10 (29%) (15%, 47%) (4.1, 32.5+)
  Cervical cancer 16 5 (31%) (11%, 59%) (3.7+, 34.8+)
  Endometrial cancer 15 7 (47%) (21%, 73%) (8.4+, 33.9+)
  Anal cancer 14 1 (7%) (0.2%, 34%) 18.8+
  Vulvar cancer 12 2 (17%) (2%, 48%) (8.8, 11.0)
  Neuroendocrine cancer 5 2 (40%) (5%, 85%) (2.2+, 32.6+)
  Salivary cancer 3 PR, SD, PD 31.3+
  Thyroid cancer 2 CR, CR (8.2, 33.2+)
  Mesothelioma cancer 1 PD

In an exploratory analysis in 32 patients enrolled in KEYNOTE-158 whose cancer had TMB ≥10 mut/Mb and <13 mut/Mb, the ORR was 13% (95% CI: 4%, 29%), including two complete responses and two partial responses.

13.2 Animal Toxicology And/or Pharmacology (13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology)

In animal models, inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling increased the severity of some infections and enhanced inflammatory responses. Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected PD-1 knockout mice exhibit markedly decreased survival compared with wild-type controls, which correlated with increased bacterial proliferation and inflammatory responses in these animals. PD-1 blockade using a primate anti-PD-1 antibody was also shown to exacerbate M. tuberculosis infection in rhesus macaques. PD-1 and PD-L1 knockout mice and mice receiving PD-L1-blocking antibody have also shown decreased survival following infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Administration of pembrolizumab in chimpanzees with naturally occurring chronic hepatitis B infection resulted in two out of four animals with significantly increased levels of serum ALT, AST, and GGT, which persisted for at least 1 month after discontinuation of pembrolizumab.

Principal Display Panel 50 Mg Vial Carton (PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 50 mg Vial Carton)

NDC 0006-3029-02

Keytruda ®

(pembrolizumab)

for Injection

50 mg /vial

For Intravenous Infusion Only

Dispense the enclosed Medication Guide to each patient.

Sterile lyophilized powder must be reconstituted with Sterile Water for

Injection, USP. Reconstituted solution requires further dilution prior

to administration.

Rx only

Single-dose vial. Discard unused portion.

1.6 Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Lymphoma (1.6 Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma)

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy.

Limitations of Use: KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy.

14.6 Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Lymphoma (14.6 Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-170 (NCT02576990), a multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial in 53 patients with relapsed or refractory PMBCL. Patients were not eligible if they had active non-infectious pneumonitis, allogeneic HSCT within the past 5 years (or >5 years but with symptoms of GVHD), active autoimmune disease, a medical condition that required immunosuppression, or an active infection requiring systemic therapy. Patients were treated with KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until unacceptable toxicity or documented disease progression, or for up to 24 months for patients who did not progress. Disease assessments were performed every 12 weeks and assessed by BICR according to the 2007 revised IWG criteria. The efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 33 years (range: 20 to 61 years); 43% male; 92% White; and 43% ECOG PS of 0 and 57% ECOG PS of 1. The median number of prior lines of therapy administered for the treatment of PMBCL was 3 (range 2 to 8). Thirty-six percent had primary refractory disease, 49% had relapsed disease refractory to the last prior therapy, and 15% had untreated relapse. Twenty-six percent of patients had undergone prior autologous HSCT, and 32% of patients had prior radiation therapy. All patients had received rituximab as part of a prior line of therapy.

For the 24 responders, the median time to first objective response (complete or partial response) was 2.8 months (range 2.1 to 8.5 months). Efficacy results for KEYNOTE-170 are summarized in Table 79.

Table 79: Efficacy Results in Patients with PMBCL in KEYNOTE-170
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=53
Median follow-up time of 9.7 months
NR = not reached
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI) 45% (32, 60)
    Complete response rate 11%
    Partial response rate 34%
Duration of Response
  Median in months (range) NR (1.1+, 19.2+)
Based on patients (n=24) with a response by independent review
Principal Display Panel 100 Mg/4 Ml Vial Carton (PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 100 mg/4 mL Vial Carton)

NDC 0006-3026-02

Keytruda®

(pembrolizumab)

Injection

100 mg /4 mL

(25 mg/mL)

For Intravenous Infusion Only

Dispense the enclosed Medication Guide to each patient.

Requires dilution prior to administration.

Rx only

Single-dose vial. Discard unused portion.

5.1 Severe and Fatal Immune Mediated Adverse Reactions (5.1 Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions)

KEYTRUDA is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1) or the PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue and can affect more than one body system simultaneously. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, immune-mediated adverse reactions can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies.

Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. For patients with TNBC treated with KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant setting, monitor blood cortisol at baseline, prior to surgery, and as clinically indicated. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. In general, if KEYTRUDA requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy.

Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. The incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.4% (94/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including fatal (0.1%), Grade 4 (0.3%), Grade 3 (0.9%), and Grade 2 (1.3%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 67% (63/94) of patients with pneumonitis. Pneumonitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 1.3% (36) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.9% (26) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence of pneumonitis. Pneumonitis resolved in 59% of the 94 patients.

In clinical studies enrolling 389 adult patients with cHL who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent, pneumonitis occurred in 31 (8%) patients, including Grades 3-4 pneumonitis in 2.3% of patients. Patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median duration of 10 days (range: 2 days to 53 months). Pneumonitis rates were similar in patients with and without prior thoracic radiation. Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 21 (5.4%) patients. Of the patients who developed pneumonitis, 42% interrupted KEYTRUDA, 68% discontinued KEYTRUDA, and 77% had resolution.

In a clinical study enrolling 580 adult patients with resected NSCLC (KEYNOTE-091) who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent for adjuvant treatment, pneumonitis occurred in 41 (7%) patients, including fatal (0.2%), Grade 4 (0.3%), and Grade 3 (1%) adverse reactions. Patients received high-dose corticosteroids for a median duration of 10 days (range: 1 day to 2.3 months). Pneumonitis led to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 26 (4.5%) of patients. Of the patients who developed pneumonitis, 54% interrupted KEYTRUDA, 63% discontinued KEYTRUDA, and 71% had resolution.

Immune-Mediated Colitis

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation has been reported in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies. Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 1.7% (48/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (1.1%), and Grade 2 (0.4%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 69% (33/48) of patients with colitis. Additional immunosuppressant therapy was required in 4.2% of patients. Colitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (15) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (13) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 23% had recurrence of colitis. Colitis resolved in 85% of the 48 patients.

Hepatotoxicity and Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

KEYTRUDA as a Single Agent

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 0.7% (19/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.4%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 68% (13/19) of patients with hepatitis. Eleven percent of these patients required additional immunosuppressant therapy. Hepatitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.2% (6) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (9) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of hepatitis. Hepatitis resolved in 79% of the 19 patients.

KEYTRUDA with Axitinib

KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib can cause hepatic toxicity with higher than expected frequencies of Grades 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevations compared to KEYTRUDA alone. Monitor liver enzymes before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes as compared to when the drugs are administered as single agents. For elevated liver enzymes, interrupt KEYTRUDA and axitinib, and consider administering corticosteroids as needed [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

With the combination of KEYTRUDA and axitinib, Grades 3 and 4 increased ALT (20%) and increased AST (13%) were seen. Fifty-nine percent of the patients with increased ALT received systemic corticosteroids. In patients with ALT ≥3 times ULN (Grades 2-4, n=116), ALT resolved to Grades 0-1 in 94%. Among the 92 patients who were rechallenged with either KEYTRUDA (n=3) or axitinib (n=34) administered as a single agent or with both (n=55), recurrence of ALT ≥3 times ULN was observed in 1 patient receiving KEYTRUDA, 16 patients receiving axitinib, and 24 patients receiving both KEYTRUDA and axitinib. All patients with a recurrence of ALT ≥3 ULN subsequently recovered from the event.

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Adrenal Insufficiency

KEYTRUDA can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Adrenal insufficiency occurred in 0.8% (22/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.3%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 77% (17/22) of patients with adrenal insufficiency; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (8) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.

Hypophysitis

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field defects. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (17/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.3%), and Grade 2 (0.2%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 94% (16/17) of patients with hypophysitis; of these, the majority remained on systemic corticosteroids. Hypophysitis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (4) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.

Thyroid Disorders

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or institute medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Thyroiditis occurred in 0.6% (16/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 2 (0.3%). No patients discontinued KEYTRUDA due to thyroiditis. KEYTRUDA was withheld in <0.1% (1) of patients.

Hyperthyroidism occurred in 3.4% (96/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (0.8%). Hyperthyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (2) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.3% (7) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement.

The incidence of new or worsening hyperthyroidism was higher in 580 patients with resected NSCLC, occurring in 11% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent as adjuvant treatment (KEYNOTE-091), including Grade 3 (0.2%) hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurred in 8% (237/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (0.1%) and Grade 2 (6.2%). Hypothyroidism led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.5% (14) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. The majority of patients with hypothyroidism required long-term thyroid hormone replacement.

The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 1185 patients with HNSCC, occurring in 16% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent or in combination with platinum and FU, including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism. The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 389 patients with cHL (17%) receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent, including Grade 1 (6.2%) and Grade 2 (10.8%) hypothyroidism.

The incidence of new or worsening hypothyroidism was higher in 580 patients with resected NSCLC, occurring in 22% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA as a single agent as adjuvant treatment (KEYNOTE-091), including Grade 3 (0.3%) hypothyroidism.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Type 1 diabetes mellitus occurred in 0.2% (6/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Type 1 diabetes mellitus led to permanent discontinuation in <0.1% (1) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in <0.1% (1) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement. All patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus required long-term insulin therapy.

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in 0.3% (9/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 4 (<0.1%), Grade 3 (0.1%), and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 89% (8/9) of patients with nephritis. Nephritis led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (3) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (3) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, none had recurrence of nephritis. Nephritis resolved in 56% of the 9 patients.

Immune-Mediated Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

KEYTRUDA can cause immune-mediated rash or dermatitis. Exfoliative dermatitis, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome, DRESS, and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has occurred with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Topical emollients and/or topical corticosteroids may be adequate to treat mild to moderate non-exfoliative rashes. Withhold or permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions occurred in 1.4% (38/2799) of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including Grade 3 (1%) and Grade 2 (0.1%) adverse reactions. Systemic corticosteroids were required in 40% (15/38) of patients with immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions led to permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in 0.1% (2) of patients and withholding of KEYTRUDA in 0.6% (16) of patients. All patients who were withheld reinitiated KEYTRUDA after symptom improvement; of these, 6% had recurrence of immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions. Immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions resolved in 79% of the 38 patients.

Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions occurred at an incidence of <1% (unless otherwise noted) in patients who received KEYTRUDA or were reported with the use of other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Severe or fatal cases have been reported for some of these adverse reactions.

Cardiac/Vascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis

Nervous System: Meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and demyelination, myasthenic syndrome/myasthenia gravis (including exacerbation), Guillain-Barré syndrome, nerve paresis, autoimmune neuropathy

Ocular: Uveitis, iritis and other ocular inflammatory toxicities can occur. Some cases can be associated with retinal detachment. Various grades of visual impairment, including blindness, can occur. If uveitis occurs in combination with other immune-mediated adverse reactions, consider a Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome, as this may require treatment with systemic steroids to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Gastrointestinal: Pancreatitis, to include increases in serum amylase and lipase levels, gastritis, duodenitis

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue: Myositis/polymyositis, rhabdomyolysis (and associated sequelae, including renal failure), arthritis (1.5%), polymyalgia rheumatica

Endocrine: Hypoparathyroidism

Hematologic/Immune: Hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), sarcoidosis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No studies have been performed to test the potential of pembrolizumab for carcinogenicity or genotoxicity.

Fertility studies have not been conducted with pembrolizumab. In 1-month and 6-month repeat-dose toxicology studies in monkeys, there were no notable effects in the male and female reproductive organs; however, most animals in these studies were not sexually mature.

1.8 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer (1.8 Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer)

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-authorized test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.8 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer (14.8 Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in 504 patients with MSI-H or dMMR cancers enrolled in three multicenter, non-randomized, open-label, multi-cohort trials: KEYNOTE-164 (NCT02460198), KEYNOTE-158 (NCT02628067), and KEYNOTE-051 (NCT02332668). All trials excluded patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression. Regardless of histology, MSI or MMR tumor status was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR; local or central) or immunohistochemistry (IHC; local or central), respectively.

  • KEYNOTE-164 enrolled 124 patients with advanced MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) that progressed following treatment with fluoropyrimidine and either oxaliplatin or irinotecan +/- anti-VEGF/EGFR mAb-based therapy.
  • KEYNOTE-158 enrolled 373 patients with advanced MSI-H or dMMR non-colorectal cancers (non-CRC) who had disease progression following prior therapy. Patients were either prospectively enrolled with MSI-H/dMMR tumors (Cohort K) or retrospectively identified in one of 10 solid tumor cohorts (Cohorts A-J).
  • KEYNOTE-051 enrolled 7 pediatric patients with MSI-H or dMMR cancers.

Adult patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks (pediatric patients received 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks) until unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, or a maximum of 24 months. In KEYNOTE-164 and KEYNOTE-158, assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks through the first year, then every 12 weeks thereafter. In KEYNOTE-051, assessment of tumor status was performed every 8 weeks for 24 weeks, and then every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1 (modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ in KEYNOTE-158) and as assessed by the investigator according to RECIST v1.1 in KEYNOTE-051.

In KEYNOTE-164 and KEYNOTE-158, the study population characteristics were median age of 60 years, 36% age 65 or older; 44% male; 78% White, 14% Asian, 4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 3% Black; and 45% ECOG PS of 0 and 55% ECOG PS of 1. Ninety-two percent of patients had metastatic disease and 4% had locally advanced, unresectable disease. Thirty-seven percent of patients received one prior line of therapy and 61% received two or more prior lines of therapy.

In KEYNOTE-051, the study population characteristics were median age of 11 years (range: 3 to 16); 71% female; 86% White and 14% Asian; and 57% had a Lansky/Karnofsky Score of 100. Seventy-one percent of patients had Stage IV and 14% had Stage III disease. Fifty-seven percent of patients received one prior line of therapy and 29% received two prior lines of therapy.

Discordant results were observed between local MSI-H or dMMR tests and central testing among patients enrolled in Cohort K of KEYNOTE-158. Among 104 tumor samples that were MSI-H or dMMR by local testing and also tested using the FoundationOne®CDx (F1CDx) test, 59 (56.7%) were MSI-H and 45 (43.3%) were not MSI-H. Among 169 tumor samples that were MSI-H or dMMR by local testing and also tested using the VENTANA MMR RxDx Panel, 105 (62.1%) were dMMR and 64 (37.9%) were pMMR.

Efficacy results are summarized in Tables 86 and 87.

Table 86: Efficacy Results for Patients with MSI-H/dMMR Cancer
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

n=504
Median follow-up time of 20.1 months (range 0.1 to 71.4 months)
+ Denotes ongoing response
Objective Response Rate
  ORR (95% CI)
Of the 7 pediatric patients from KEYNOTE-051, 1 patient had a radiographic complete response after initial growth of their tumor but is not reflected in the results.
33.3% (29.2, 37.6)
    Complete response rate 10.3%
    Partial response rate 23.0%
Duration of Response n=168
    Median in months (range) 63.2 (1.9+, 63.9+)
    % with duration ≥12 months 77%
    % with duration ≥36 months 39%
Table 87: Response by Tumor Type
Objective Response Rate Duration of

Response range
N n (%) 95% CI (months)
+ Denotes ongoing response
CRC 124 42 (34%) (26%, 43%) (4.4, 58.5+)
Non-CRC
Results include patients in Cohort K of KEYNOTE-158 that were later determined to be pMMR or not MSI-H by central testing
380 126 (33%) (28%, 38%) (1.9+, 63.9+)
  Endometrial cancer 94 47 (50%) (40%, 61%) (2.9, 63.2)
  Gastric or GE junction cancer 51 20 (39%) (26%, 54%) (1.9+, 63.0+)
  Small intestinal cancer 27 16 (59%) (39%, 78%) (3.7+, 57.3+)
  Brain cancer 27
Includes 6 pediatric patients with brain cancer
1 (4%)
In addition to the 1 adult responder, 1 pediatric patient had a radiographic complete response after initial growth of their tumor.
(0%, 19%) 18.9
  Ovarian cancer 25 8 (32%) (15%, 54%) (4.2, 56.6+)
  Biliary cancer 22 9 (41%) (21%, 64%) (6.2, 49.0+)
  Pancreatic cancer 22 4 (18%) (5%, 40%) (8.1, 24.3+)
  Sarcoma 14 3 (21%) (5%, 51%) (35.4+, 57.2+)
  Breast cancer 13 1 (8%) (0%,36%) 24.3+
  Other
Includes tumor type (n): anal (3), HNSCC (1), nasopharyngeal (1), retroperitoneal (1), testicular (1), vaginal (1), vulvar (1), appendiceal adenocarcinoma, NOS (1), hepatocellular carcinoma (1), and carcinoma of unknown origin (1). Includes 1 pediatric patient with abdominal adenocarcinoma.
13 4 (31%) (9%, 61%) (6.2+, 32.3+)
  Cervical cancer 11 1 (9%) (0%, 41%) 63.9+
  Neuroendocrine cancer 11 1 (9%) (0%, 41%) 13.3
  Prostate cancer 8 1 (13%) (0%, 53%) 24.5+
  Adrenocortical cancer 7 1 (14%) (0%, 58%) 4.2
  Mesothelioma 7 0 (0%) (0%, 41%)
  Thyroid cancer 7 1 (14%) (0%, 58%) 8.2
  Small cell lung cancer 6 2 (33%) (4%, 78%) (20.0, 47.5)
  Bladder cancer 6 3 (50%) (12%, 88%) (35.6+, 57.5+)
  Salivary cancer 5 2 (40%) (5%, 85%) (42.6+, 57.8+)
  Renal cell cancer 4 1 (25%) (0%, 81%) 22.0

Exploratory analysis by TMB

In an exploratory analysis performed in 138 patients (Cohort K of KEYNOTE-158) who were tested retrospectively for tumor mutation burden (TMB) using an FDA-authorized test, 45 (33%) had tumors with TMB score of <10 mut/Mb; ORR in these 45 patients was 6.7% (95% CI: 1.4, 18.3). Among the 45 patients with TMB score of <10 mut/Mb, 39 of the patients were pMMR/not MSI-H when tested using an FDA-authorized test.

1.9 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer (1.9 Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer)

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-authorized test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

14.9 Microsatellite Instability High Or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer (14.9 Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer)

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-177 (NCT02563002), a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled trial that enrolled 307 patients with previously untreated unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR CRC. MSI or MMR tumor status was determined locally using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks or investigator’s choice of the following chemotherapy regimens given intravenously every 2 weeks:

  • mFOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and FU) or mFOLFOX6 in combination with either bevacizumab or cetuximab: Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 (or levoleucovorin 200 mg/m2), and FU 400 mg/m2 bolus on Day 1, then FU 2400 mg/m2 over 46-48 hours. Bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on Day 1 or cetuximab 400 mg/m2 on first infusion, then 250 mg/m2 weekly.
  • FOLFIRI (irinotecan, leucovorin, and FU) or FOLFIRI in combination with either bevacizumab or cetuximab: Irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2 (or levoleucovorin 200 mg/m2), and FU 400 mg/m2 bolus on Day 1, then FU 2400 mg/m2 over 46-48 hours. Bevacizumab 5 mg/kg on Day 1 or cetuximab 400 mg/m2 on first infusion, then 250 mg/m2 weekly.

Treatment with KEYTRUDA or chemotherapy continued until RECIST v1.1-defined progression of disease as determined by the investigator or unacceptable toxicity. Patients treated with KEYTRUDA without disease progression could be treated for up to 24 months. Assessment of tumor status was performed every 9 weeks. Patients randomized to chemotherapy were offered KEYTRUDA at the time of disease progression. The main efficacy outcome measures were PFS (as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ) and OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were ORR and DoR.

A total of 307 patients were enrolled and randomized to KEYTRUDA (n=153) or chemotherapy (n=154). The baseline characteristics of these 307 patients were: median age of 63 years (range: 24 to 93), 47% age 65 or older; 50% male; 75% White and 16% Asian; 52% had an ECOG PS of 0 and 48% had an ECOG PS of 1; and 27% received prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among 154 patients randomized to receive chemotherapy,143 received chemotherapy per the protocol. Of the 143 patients, 56% received mFOLFOX6, 44% received FOLFIRI, 70% received bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI, and 11% received cetuximab plus mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI.

The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in PFS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA compared with chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference between KEYTRUDA and chemotherapy in the final OS analysis. Sixty percent of the patients who had been randomized to receive chemotherapy had crossed over to receive subsequent anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies including KEYTRUDA. The median follow-up time at the final analysis was 38.1 months (range: 0.2 to 58.7 months). Table 88 and Figure 22 summarize the key efficacy measures for KEYNOTE-177.

Table 88: Efficacy Results in Patients with MSI-H or dMMR CRC in KEYNOTE-177
Endpoint KEYTRUDA

200 mg every 3 weeks

n=153
Chemotherapy

 

n=154
+ Denotes ongoing response

NR = not reached
PFS
  Number (%) of patients with event 82 (54%) 113 (73%)
  Median in months (95% CI) 16.5 (5.4, 32.4) 8.2 (6.1, 10.2)
  Hazard ratio
Based on Cox regression model
(95% CI)
0.60 (0.45, 0.80)
  p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based on log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.0234)
0.0004
OS
Final OS analysis
  Number (%) of patients with event 62 (41%) 78 (51%)
  Median in months (95% CI) NR (49.2, NR) 36.7 (27.6, NR)
  Hazard ratio
(95% CI)
0.74 (0.53, 1.03)
  p-Value
Two-sided p-Value based on log-rank test (compared to a significance level of 0.0492)
0.0718
Objective Response Rate
Based on confirmed response by BICR review
  ORR (95% CI) 44% (35.8, 52.0) 33% (25.8, 41.1)
    Complete response rate 11% 4%
    Partial response rate 33% 29%
Duration of Response
,
Based on n=67 patients with a response in the KEYTRUDA arm and n=51 patients with a response in the chemotherapy arm
  Median in months (range) NR (2.3+, 41.4+) 10.6 (2.8, 37.5+)
  % with duration ≥12 months
Based on observed duration of response
75% 37%
  % with duration ≥24 months
43% 18%
Figure 22: Kaplan-Meier Curve for PFS in KEYNOTE-177

5.4 Increased Mortality in Patients With Multiple Myeloma When Keytruda Is Added to A Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone (5.4 Increased Mortality in Patients with Multiple Myeloma when KEYTRUDA is Added to a Thalidomide Analogue and Dexamethasone)

In two randomized trials in patients with multiple myeloma, the addition of KEYTRUDA to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone, a use for which no PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody is indicated, resulted in increased mortality. Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled trials.


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