NICE has recommended KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for adults with untreated primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in England.
The decision includes patients with mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) and mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) tumours. Until now, only those with dMMR tumours had access to immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy.
Endometrial cancer is the most common type of womb cancer and the most prevalent gynaecological cancer in the UK. It ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women, with over 9,700 new cases diagnosed annually.
Patients with pMMR tumours represent around 70–75% of endometrial cancer cases. This group has previously faced limited treatment options, making NICE’s recommendation a significant development for an underserved population.
Results from the KEYNOTE-868 / GY018 trial showed that combining pembrolizumab with chemotherapy led to longer progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone.
Dr Eleanor Jones, Chair of Trustees at Peaches Womb Cancer Trust, said: “Today’s decision is very welcome news for patients living in England, following approval in Scotland. This additional treatment for primary advanced or recurrent mismatch repair proficient and deficient endometrial cancer will provide much needed options for patients currently facing the reality of limited cancer treatments.”
Dr Gemma Eminowicz, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at University College London Hospitals, said: “NICE’s decision provides a welcome option for patients in the untreated setting, particularly those with mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) tumours who until now have lacked a first-line immunotherapy option.”
Benson Fayehun, Head of Oncology at MSD UK, said: “We welcome today’s decision from NICE, which offers an alternative treatment for patients with untreated primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer with either pMMR or dMMR tumours in England and Wales.”
