Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) has announced promising results from its phase III clinical trial of its blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda in people with certain types of bladder cancer.
The study met one of its main goals by showing that the immunotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival rates for patients with localized muscle-invasive and locally advanced urothelial carcinoma, compared to observation alone.
The trial will continue to assess the drug's impact on overall survival rates.
Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of late-stage oncology at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "Up to half of patients with bladder cancer who undergo surgery will experience recurrence within a year.
"These positive results highlight the potential of Keytruda to prevent recurrence after surgery for these patients."
The late-stage clinical evaluation was sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute and received funding from Merck.
It forms part of the drug giant's broader research programme into Keytruda's efficacy in treating various stages of bladder cancer.
Bladder cancer is a significant health concern, with an estimated 82,290 new cases expected in the US in 2023 alone.
Despite surgical interventions, up to 50% of patients see a return of the disease within a year, underlining the urgent need for effective treatments.