KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) receives its 20th New Zealand registration for advanced endometrial cancer

1 April 2022, Merck Sharp & Dohme New Zealand Limited (MSD) says that KEYTRUDA has 20 indications and is now available for use in combination with lenvatinib*, to treat eligible women with a type of advanced uterine cancer called endometrial carcinoma. 1

Mr Paul Smith, MSD New Zealand Director, says “We are delighted with this 20 th registration which means KEYTRUDA can be used in combination with lenvatinib by eligible women who have already received treatment for advanced endometrial carcinoma that is no longer working; and their cancer can’t be treated by surgery or radiation. 1

“Uterine cancer is the most common form of gynaecological cancer in New Zealand. 2 It
disproportionately affects Pasifika and Maori women, who are five times and twice as likely, respectively, to be diagnosed with this type of cancer, compared to other women.” 3

Tash Crosby, Founder and Director of gynaecological charity, Talk Peach, says, “We are very pleased with this registration. To date these patients have had access to limited treatments and we know that many in our community and their whanau will be extremely grateful that there is now an additional option.

“The most common symptoms of cancer of the uterus are abnormal bleeding, especially in post-menopausal women, or vaginal discharge. Less common symptoms include pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, pain or difficulty urinating, and pain during sex.” 4

Mr Smith adds “We look forward to working with Pharmac to ensure eligible New Zealand women are able to access KEYTRUDA plus lenvatinib for the treatment of advanced endometrial carcinoma.

“Over the past seven years, MSD has made more than 10 KEYTRUDA applications to Pharmac for public funding of certain types of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, and classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. 5 Despite this, KEYTRUDA is only publicly funded for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. 5 The situation has been unchanged since 2016.

“In Australia, KEYTRUDA is publicly funded for six types of cancer. 6 If Pharmac funded all the New Zealand KEYTRUDA applications, we estimate that well over 1000 patients could benefit each year. 6

“We are hopeful that Pharmac will receive additional budget this year, to enable more patients to receive access to the medicines that they need.”