15 May 2017 - Patients in the relevant subpopulation of the analysed study survived longer.

In non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has already formed metastases, the suitable treatment depends, among other factors, on the genes that are activated in the tumour cells and whether mutations have occurred that make certain treatments ineffective.

The monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has been available since July 2016 for second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC in adults whose tumours express the T-cell receptor ligand PD-L1 and who have received a prior chemotherapy regimen. Following extension of approval, the drug can also be used in first-line treatment if at least half of the tumour cells produce PD-L1 and, in addition, the tumours have no activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor or anaplastic lymphoma kinase.

The IQWiG therefore examined in an early benefit assessment whether the drug offers an added benefit also for these patients. According to the findings, there is a hint of considerable added benefit in comparison with the appropriate comparator therapy – particularly due to the prolonged overall survival.

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