Merck has announced the release of new interim data regarding Keytruda used in a combination with Eisai’s Halaven for the treatment of patients who have metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Findings from the trial were presented at the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
"Little progress has been made in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, which is an aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancer," Merck Research Laboratories Senior Vice President Dr. Roger Dansey said. "This initial evaluation of the combination of Keytruda and Halaven is encouraging and represents an important part of our multi-pronged effort to bring forward new potential approaches for patients with this type of cancer."
The interim data from the trial came from 39 patients who were evaluated. Overall, the patients showed a response rate of 33.3 percent, with one complete response.
"Patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer have a limited number of treatment options, making clinical study of new potential therapeutic approaches essential," Eisai Oncology Business Group CCO and CMO Dr. Alton Kremer said. "With this ongoing study, we hope to learn more about the potential of Halaven as part of a combination regimen with Keytruda."
