Combination of Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib Provides Promising Results in Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients

Introduction

According to a phase II study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, treatment with a combination of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib resulted in an overall response rate (ORR) of 54% and stable disease in 29% of patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer of high-grade serous or endometroid histology. The study also found that the combination was well-tolerated and manageable in terms of adverse effects (AEs).

The Study

Study Design and Patient Characteristics

The single-site, single-arm study enrolled 24 patients between May 2021 and July 2023. The median age of patients was 60 years, and half of them were below the age of 65. High-grade serous histology was reported in 79.2% of patients, and the remaining 20.8% had adenocarcinoma. Patients either had an ECOG performance status of 0 (75%) or 1 (25%).

Treatment and Endpoints

All patients received 200 mg of intravenous pembrolizumab once every 3 weeks for up to 35 cycles in combination with 20 mg of oral lenvatinib once per day. Investigator-assessed ORR served as the trial’s primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints consisted of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), quality of life, and safety and tolerability.

Results

Findings showed that patients treated with the combination achieved an ORR of 54%, which included a complete response rate of 13% and a partial response rate of 42%. Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced stable disease, and 13% had progressive disease. The median duration of response was 8 months, and 31% of responses persisted for more than 18 months. The median PFS was 5.5 months, and the median OS was 30 months.

Biomarker Analysis

Biomarker analysis, including tumor RNA sequencing, immune phenotyping, and fecal and vaginal microbiome composition, is currently in progress to define patients with a likelihood of benefit.

Discussion

The combination of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib provides a promising treatment avenue for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. The study’s findings demonstrate positive ORR and manageable adverse effects, suggesting that the combination could be a viable treatment option in the future. Biomarker analysis will provide further insight into patient selection and the potential for clinical benefit.

Conclusion

The combination of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib has shown promising results in a phase II study for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. The study’s findings provide insight into future treatment avenues and the potential for clinical benefit.

Originally Post From https://www.onclive.com/view/pembrolizumab-lenvatinib-yields-durable-responses-in-platinum-sensitive-recurrent-ovarian-cancer

Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib Deliver Long-Lasting Results for Platinum-Responsive Recurrent Cancer – OncLive