Dr. Zarrabi on the Real-World Data With Axitinib/Pembrolizumab Vs Ipilimumab/Nivolumab in Clear Cell RCC

Kevin Zarrabi, MD, second-year hematology/oncology fellow, Fox Chase Cancer Center, discusses an analysis of real-world outcomes with axitinib (Inlyta) plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda) vs ipilimumab (Yervoy) plus nivolumab (Opdivo) in patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 

Results demonstrated similar progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates in patients with intermediate- or poor-risk disease, regardless of which combination they received, according to Zarrabi. These data are valuable, as they provide evidence that benefit can be derived with either regimen in the real-world setting, Zarrabi explains.

Additionally, although the PFS and OS data were similar between the 2 combination regimens, the results were not consistent with what had previously been observed on the clinical trials, Zarrabi adds. Updated data from both the phase 3 KEYNOTE-426 (NCT02853331) and the phase 3 CheckMate-214 trials (NCT02231749) showed a sustained survival benefit; however, real-world data showed a survival benefit that was not as significant as what was reported in the trial population, Zarrabi concludes.