Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Treatment: Trodelvy and Keytruda's Promising Combo

The combination of Gilead Sciences' Trodelvy and Merck's Keytruda has been shown to reduce the risk of progression in an aggressive form of breast cancer by 35%, according to a significant trial presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. This breakthrough is expected to transform treatment practices.

During a median follow-up of 14 months, patients receiving the Trodelvy-Keytruda combo experienced a median progress-free survival of 11.2 months, outperforming the standard chemotherapy and Keytruda regimen, which registered 7.8 months. The study, encompassing 443 patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer, demonstrated a promising response duration of 16.5 months compared to 9.2 months for chemotherapy alone.

With around 40% of triple-negative breast cancers being PD-L1 positive, making them viable candidates for Keytruda, the findings suggest this treatment could become a frontline option. While Trodelvy's serious side effects include neutropenia and diarrhea, it offers a targeted approach that spares healthy cells, unlike traditional chemotherapy.

(With inputs from agencies.)