7 September 2020 - Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has been accepted for the treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma where the cancer has spread or cannot be removed.

In the PACE meeting, patient groups and clinicians emphasised that head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a devastating disease with severe symptoms including pain, disfigurement and problems with breathing, speech and eating which can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Prognosis is poor, with a life expectancy of 6 – 12 months. Pembrolizumab offers the potential for improved disease control which could improve quality of life and offer the possibility of improved survival compared with existing treatment.

The Committee also accepted pembrolizumab when given together with axitinib for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma following consideration through PACE.

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