Another unequivocally positive study of a PD-1-VEGF combination in kidney cancer presents oncologists with a problem they probably consider themselves fortunate to have: which regimen to choose? Following Keytruda plus Inlyta and Bavencio plus Inlyta, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Exelixis today unveiled topline data from Checkmate-9ER, a trial of Opdivo and Cabometyx; impressive hazard ratios were detailed for progression-free and overall survival. Of course, the real competition here is Keytruda, which in Keynote-426 blew previous studies out the water; until a full readout of Checkmate-9ER is available it is hard to know how effectively Bristol and Exelixis might compete. A cross-trial comparison, with the usual caveats, suggests that the game is still on. Keynote-426 generated very impressive responses at interim readout, though later cuts of the data showed a very similar reduction in the risk of death to the 9ER result. On progression-free survival it is the Opdivo combination that appears to have an edge, although again the numbers behind this result need to be known. Still, the Keytruda/Inlyta combo has been available in this setting since April 2019, and first to market might well be the most important factor for commercial success.
Battle of the hazard ratios: Merck vs Bristol in first-line kidney cancer | |||
---|---|---|---|
Checkmate-9ER | Keynote-426 | ||
@18.1 mth follow-up* | @12.8 mth follow-up** | @16.6 mth follow-up*** | |
Hazard ratio for PFS | 0.51 (p<0.0001) | 0.69 | 0.69 |
Median in months | ? | 15.1 vs 11.0 | 17.1 vs 11.1 |
Hazard ratio for OS | 0.60 (p<0.001) | 0.53 | 0.59 |
Median in months | ? | NR vs NR | NR vs NR |
Sources: *company release; **data on label; ***EMA report. |