FDA Approves Keytruda for Treatment of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Strategic Insights -

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Merck & Co.'s Keytruda (pembrolizumab), an immune therapy drug, for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose tumors have progressed after other treatments. This approval marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against lung cancer, which claims the lives of 160,000 Americans every year. Keytruda works by blocking a protein called PD-L1, found in certain cancer cells, and allowing the immune system to better fight the disease.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has approved Keytruda, a Merck & Co. drug, for the treatment of advanced NSCLC in patients whose tumors have progressed after other treatments.
  • The drug works by blocking the protein PD-L1, allowing the immune system to better fight the disease.
  • Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in the US, with 160,000 Americans losing their lives to the disease every year.
  • The FDA approval offers encouragement to the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), who is dedicated to supporting initiatives and task forces dedicated to advancing similar technologies.
  • Dr. Lisa H. Butterfield, PhD, President Elect of SITC, emphasized the importance of biomarkers in patient care, allowing physicians to make more informed choices about treatment.
  • Keytruda's approval highlights scientific progress in developing new approaches to treat cancer, demonstrating the potential of immunotherapies.

Statistics:

  • 160,000 Americans lose their lives to lung cancer every year (American Cancer Society).
  • 80% of diagnosed lung cancer cases are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Keytruda is the third immunotherapy drug to receive FDA approval for lung cancer treatment.
  • Biomarkers play a critical role in patient care, allowing physicians to make informed decisions about treatment (SITC).
  • The FDA has approved 23 new cancer treatments since 2011.

Sources:

  • U.S. Food & Drug Administration
  • Merck & Co.
  • American Cancer Society (ACS)
  • Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)