Posted by Michael Wonder on 12 Feb 2020
NICE refuses Keytruda, Inlyta cancer combo
12 February 2020 - NICE has released a draft guidance rejecting MSD’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) when used in combo with Pfizer’s Inlyta (axitinib) to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
NICE already routinely commissions various drugs for first-line treatment of RCC, including Aveo’s Fotivda (tivozanib), Pfizer’s Sutent (sunitinib) and an Opdivo (nivolumab) Yervoy (ipilimumab) combination - the latter being through the Cancer Drugs Fund.
The organisation says that despite evidence suggesting that the Keytruda combo would be welcomed by patients, there was uncertainty around the long-term benefit. The organisation also cited inadequate clinical and cost-effectiveness as reasons for not recommending the drugs.
