Advice

following a full submission:

pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) is not recommended for use within NHSScotland.

Indication under review: in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as monotherapy as adjuvant treatment, for the treatment of resectable non-small cell lung carcinoma at high risk of recurrence in adults.

In a phase III, randomised, double-blind study, in patients with resectable, non-small cell lung carcinoma, the addition of neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved event-free survival and overall survival versus the addition of placebo.

The submitting company did not present a sufficiently robust economic analysis to gain acceptance by SMC.

Medicine details

Medicine name:
pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
SMC ID:
SMC2688
Indication:

In combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as monotherapy as adjuvant treatment, for the treatment of resectable non‑small cell lung carcinoma at high risk of recurrence in adults.

Pharmaceutical company
Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd
BNF chapter
Malignant disease and immunosuppression
Submission type
Full
Status
Not recommended
Date advice published
11 November 2024