Keytruda not recommended in head and neck cancer by NICE

15 January 2020

A document from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellent (NICE) has not recommended Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for untreated metastatic or unresectable recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in adults whose tumors express PD-L1 with a combined positive score of one or more.

The NICE’s appraisal consultation document asks that the immuno-oncology drug’s manufacturer, Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK), submits further evidence despite the KEYNOTE-048 study showing that its use with chemotherapy or on its own extended survival compared with the standard ‘extreme’ chemotherapy currently used as a first treatment option.

NICE's position linked to separation of cancer types

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