Adjuvant pembrolizumab improves overall survival (reduced mortality by 38%). We need to make sure that urologists are also aware so those patients with a high risk of recurrence can get this medication.
An intriguing study from the UK, patients had 24 weeks of sunitinib or pazopanib followed by a continuation or treatment holiday. Non-inferiority could not be established, but there was seemingly no meaningful reduction in OS (28 vs. 27 months overall), with a noticeable improvement in toxicity in the treatment break group. This may be a realistic strategy for patients with a focus on QOL or cost-effectiveness.
Pembrolizumab remains the only adjuvant option for high risk RCC after curative surgery. The OS curves seem to be beginning to separate and hope to be positive with longer f/u. The ongoing Durvalumab + Tremilumumab will be an interesting adjuvant study for RCC when the results are available.
FCS Hematology Oncology Review creates a platform for our physician network to observe the most recent articles and studies available in the oncology and hematology world. By sharing these articles we are building our wealth of knowledge of new observations and treatments as they come available.
