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Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) vs Placebo for Participants With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer After Resection With or Without Standard Adjuvant Therapy (MK-3475-091/KEYNOTE-091) (PEARLS)

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ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02504372
Recruitment Status : Active, not recruiting
First Posted : July 21, 2015
Results First Posted : February 15, 2024
Last Update Posted : February 15, 2024
Sponsor:
Collaborators:
ETOP
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer - EORTC
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Study Type Interventional
Study Design Allocation: Randomized;   Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment;   Masking: Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor);   Primary Purpose: Treatment
Condition Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Interventions Biological: Pembrolizumab
Other: Placebo
Enrollment 1177
Recruitment Details  
Pre-assignment Details One participant randomized to the study in error did not provide informed consent and was not included. No data was collected on this participant.
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year. Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
Period Title: Overall Study
Started 590 587
Treated 580 581
Completed 0 0
Not Completed 590 587
Reason Not Completed
Death             136             154
Lost to Follow-up             0             2
Withdrawal of consent             25             16
Participants ongoing             429             415
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo Total
Hide Arm/Group Description Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year. Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year. Total of all reporting groups
Overall Number of Baseline Participants 590 587 1177
Hide Baseline Analysis Population Description
All randomized participants. One participant randomized to the study in error did not provide informed consent and was not included. No data was collected on this participant.
Age, Continuous  
Mean (Standard Deviation)
Unit of measure:  Years
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
64.1  (8.5) 64.5  (8.4) 64.3  (8.4)
Sex: Female, Male  
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
Female
189
  32.0%
184
  31.3%
373
  31.7%
Male
401
  68.0%
403
  68.7%
804
  68.3%
Race (NIH/OMB)  
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
American Indian or Alaska Native
1
   0.2%
0
   0.0%
1
   0.1%
Asian
107
  18.1%
107
  18.2%
214
  18.2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0
   0.0%
0
   0.0%
0
   0.0%
Black or African American
0
   0.0%
3
   0.5%
3
   0.3%
White
450
  76.3%
455
  77.5%
905
  76.9%
More than one race
10
   1.7%
3
   0.5%
13
   1.1%
Unknown or Not Reported
22
   3.7%
19
   3.2%
41
   3.5%
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected   [1] 
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 0 participants 0 participants 0 participants
0
[1]
Measure Analysis Population Description: Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.
Disease Stage at Baseline   [1] 
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
Stage IB
85
  14.4%
87
  14.8%
172
  14.6%
Stage II
330
  55.9%
338
  57.6%
668
  56.8%
Stage IIIA
175
  29.7%
160
  27.3%
335
  28.5%
Stage IV
0
   0.0%
2
   0.3%
2
   0.2%
[1]
Measure Description: Participants were classified per American Joint Committee on Cancer Manual Edition 7th (AJCC V7) based on TNM classification where T refers to size and extent of primary tumor and if it invaded nearby tissue, N refers to location of nearby lymph nodes that have cancer and M refers to distant metastasis (spread of cancer to other parts). In stages I, II and III the cancer is present. The higher the number, the larger the cancer tumor and the more it has spread into nearby tissues. In stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. Higher numbers mean the cancer is more advanced.
Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Tumor Expression Status at Baseline   [1] 
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
TPS <1%
233
  39.5%
232
  39.5%
465
  39.5%
TPS 1-49%
189
  32.0%
190
  32.4%
379
  32.2%
TPS ≥50%
168
  28.5%
165
  28.1%
333
  28.3%
[1]
Measure Description: Participants were assessed for their PD-L1 tumor expression status by immunohistochemistry assay using tumor tissue from a biopsy. Participants with a tumor proportion score (TPS) were classified as follows: <1% = PD-L1 negative, 1-49% = PD-L1 weakly positive; and ≥50% = PD-L1 strongly positive.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy at Baseline   [1] 
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
Yes
506
  85.8%
504
  85.9%
1010
  85.8%
No
84
  14.2%
83
  14.1%
167
  14.2%
[1]
Measure Description: Participants were classified per receiving of standard adjuvant chemotherapy at baseline: Yes or No.
Geographic region   [1] 
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
Western Europe
303
  51.4%
301
  51.3%
604
  51.3%
Eastern Europe
116
  19.7%
113
  19.3%
229
  19.5%
Rest of the World
65
  11.0%
68
  11.6%
133
  11.3%
Asia
106
  18.0%
105
  17.9%
211
  17.9%
[1]
Measure Description: Participants were classified based on their geographic region as those from: Western Europe, Easter Europe, Asia and Rest of the world.
Tumor Histology   [1] 
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
Squamous
192
  32.5%
224
  38.2%
416
  35.3%
Non-squamous
398
  67.5%
363
  61.8%
761
  64.7%
[1]
Measure Description: Participants were classified according to tumor histology: Squamous or Non-squamous. The tumor histology determined potential treatment regimen.
Smoking status   [1] 
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of measure:  Participants
Number Analyzed 590 participants 587 participants 1177 participants
Never smoker
87
  14.7%
66
  11.2%
153
  13.0%
Former smoker
428
  72.5%
431
  73.4%
859
  73.0%
Current smoker
75
  12.7%
90
  15.3%
165
  14.0%
[1]
Measure Description: Participants were classified per centers of disease control and prevention (CDC) as: Never smoker (smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in his/her lifetime), former smoker (smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his or her lifetime but who had quit smoking at the time of interview. and current smoker (smoked 100 cigarettes in his or her lifetime and who currently smokes cigarettes) at baseline.
1.Primary Outcome
Title Disease-Free Survival (DFS)
Hide Description DFS was defined as the time from randomization to either the date of disease recurrence or death (whatever the cause) as assessed by the investigator. Recurrence of disease was defined as local regional recurrence, a distant (metastatic) recurrence, or a second primary cancer. Occurrence of a second extra-pulmonary malignancy was considered to be an event.
Time Frame Up to approximately 84 months
Hide Outcome Measure Data
Hide Analysis Population Description
All randomized participants. One participant randomized to the study in error did not provide informed consent and was not included. No data was collected on this participant.
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description:
Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year.
Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
Overall Number of Participants Analyzed 590 587
Median (95% Confidence Interval)
Unit of Measure: Months
53.8
(46.2 to 67.0)
43.0
(35.0 to 51.6)
Hide Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Pembrolizumab, Placebo
Comments [Not Specified]
Type of Statistical Test Other
Comments [Not Specified]
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Hazard Ratio (HR)
Estimated Value 0.81
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
0.68 to 0.96
Estimation Comments HR and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were based on multivariate Cox regression model with treatment adjusted by stage, PD-L1 status, adjuvant chemotherapy, region, histology, and smoking status.
2.Primary Outcome
Title DFS in Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PDL-1) Strong Positive Participants With Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥50%
Hide Description DFS in PDL-1 strong positive participants with TPS ≥50% was defined as the time from randomization to either the date of disease recurrence or death (whatever the cause) as assessed by the investigator. Recurrence of disease was defined as local regional recurrence, a distant (metastatic) recurrence, or a second primary cancer. Occurrence of a second extra-pulmonary malignancy was considered to be an event.
Time Frame Up to approximately 84 months
Hide Outcome Measure Data
Hide Analysis Population Description
All randomized PDL-1 strong positive participants with TPS ≥50%. One participant randomized to the study in error did not provide informed consent and was not included. No data was collected on this participant.
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description:
Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year.
Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
Overall Number of Participants Analyzed 168 165
Median (95% Confidence Interval)
Unit of Measure: Months
67.0 [1] 
(47.8 to NA)
47.6 [1] 
(36.4 to NA)
[1]
NA = Upper limit DFS was not reached at the time of last disease assessment due to insufficient number of participants with events.
Hide Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Pembrolizumab, Placebo
Comments [Not Specified]
Type of Statistical Test Other
Comments [Not Specified]
Statistical Test of Hypothesis P-Value 0.13499
Comments [Not Specified]
Method Regression, Cox
Comments One-sided p-value was based on the permutation test with multivariate Cox regression model.
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Hazard Ratio (HR)
Estimated Value 0.83
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
0.59 to 1.16
Estimation Comments HR and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were based on multivariate Cox regression model with treatment adjusted by stage, PD-L1 status, adjuvant chemotherapy, region, histology, and smoking status.
3.Secondary Outcome
Title DFS in PDL-1 Strong Positive Participants With TPS ≥1%
Hide Description DFS in PDL-1 strong positive participants with TPS ≥1% was defined as the time from randomization to either the date of disease recurrence or death (whatever the cause) as assessed by the investigator. Recurrence of disease was defined as local regional recurrence, a distant (metastatic) recurrence, or a second primary cancer. Occurrence of a second extra-pulmonary malignancy was considered to be an event.
Time Frame Up to approximately 84 months
Hide Outcome Measure Data
Hide Analysis Population Description
All randomized PDL-1 strong positive participants with TPS ≥1%. One participant randomized to the study in error did not provide informed consent and was not included. No data was collected on this participant.
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description:
Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year.
Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
Overall Number of Participants Analyzed 357 355
Median (95% Confidence Interval)
Unit of Measure: Months
58.7
(46.2 to 76.7)
42.8
(35.0 to 57.8)
Hide Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Pembrolizumab, Placebo
Comments [Not Specified]
Type of Statistical Test Other
Comments [Not Specified]
Statistical Test of Hypothesis P-Value 0.01327
Comments [Not Specified]
Method Regression, Cox
Comments One-sided p-value was based on the permutation test with multivariate Cox regression model.
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Hazard Ratio (HR)
Estimated Value 0.78
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
0.62 to 0.97
Estimation Comments HR and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were based on multivariate Cox regression model with treatment adjusted by stage, PD-L1 status, adjuvant chemotherapy, region, histology, and smoking status.
4.Secondary Outcome
Title Overall Survival (OS)
Hide Description OS was defined as the time from randomization to the date of death.
Time Frame Up to approximately 132 months
Outcome Measure Data Not Reported
5.Secondary Outcome
Title OS in PDL-1 Strong Positive Participants With TPS ≥50%
Hide Description OS in PDL-1 Strong Positive Participants with TPS ≥50% was defined as the time from randomization to the date of death.
Time Frame Up to approximately 132 months
Outcome Measure Data Not Reported
6.Secondary Outcome
Title OS in PDL-1 Strong Positive Participants With TPS ≥1%
Hide Description OS in PDL-1 Strong Positive Participants with TPS ≥1% was defined as the time from randomization to the date of death.
Time Frame Up to approximately 132 months
Outcome Measure Data Not Reported
7.Secondary Outcome
Title Lung Cancer Specific Survival (LCSS)
Hide Description LCSS was defined as the time from randomization to the date of death (due to lung cancer specifically).
Time Frame Up to approximately 132 months
Outcome Measure Data Not Reported
8.Secondary Outcome
Title Number of Participants Who Experienced an Adverse Event (AE)
Hide Description An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant or clinical investigation participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which does not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with this treatment. An AE can therefore be any unfavourable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding, for example), symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of a medicinal product or protocol specified procedure, whether or not considered related to the medicinal product or protocol specified procedure. The number of participants who experienced an AE were reported.
Time Frame Up to approximately 22 months
Hide Outcome Measure Data
Hide Analysis Population Description
All randomized participants who received at least one dose of study treatment.
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description:
Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year.
Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
Overall Number of Participants Analyzed 580 581
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of Measure: Participants
556
  95.9%
529
  91.0%
9.Secondary Outcome
Title Number of Participants Who Discontinued Study Treatment Due to an AE
Hide Description An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant or clinical investigation participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which does not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with this treatment. An AE can therefore be any unfavourable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding, for example), symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of a medicinal product or protocol specified procedure, whether or not considered related to the medicinal product or protocol specified procedure. The number of participants who discontinued study treatment due to an AE were reported.
Time Frame Up to approximately 19 months
Hide Outcome Measure Data
Hide Analysis Population Description
[Not Specified]
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description:
Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year.
Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
Overall Number of Participants Analyzed 580 581
Measure Type: Count of Participants
Unit of Measure: Participants
116
  20.0%
34
   5.9%
10.Other Pre-specified Outcome
Title DFS at 68 Months
Hide Description DFS was defined as the time from randomization to either the date of disease recurrence or death (whatever the cause) as assessed by the investigator. Recurrence of disease was defined as local regional recurrence, a distant (metastatic) recurrence, or a second primary cancer. Occurrence of a second extra-pulmonary malignancy was considered to be an event.
Time Frame Up to approximately 68 months
Hide Outcome Measure Data
Hide Analysis Population Description
All randomized participants. One participant randomized to the study in error did not provide informed consent and was not included. No data was collected on this participant.
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description:
Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year.
Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
Overall Number of Participants Analyzed 590 587
Median (95% Confidence Interval)
Unit of Measure: Months
53.6 [1] 
(39.2 to NA)
42.0 [1] 
(31.3 to NA)
[1]
NA = Upper limit DFS was not reached at the time of last disease assessment due to insufficient number of participants with events.
Hide Statistical Analysis 1
Statistical Analysis Overview Comparison Group Selection Pembrolizumab, Placebo
Comments [Not Specified]
Type of Statistical Test Other
Comments [Not Specified]
Statistical Test of Hypothesis P-Value 0.00143
Comments [Not Specified]
Method Regression, Cox
Comments One-sided p-value was based on the permutation test with multivariate Cox regression model.
Method of Estimation Estimation Parameter Hazard Ratio (HR)
Estimated Value 0.76
Confidence Interval (2-Sided) 95%
0.63 to 0.91
Estimation Comments HR and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were based on multivariate Cox regression model with treatment adjusted by stage, PD-L1 status, adjuvant chemotherapy, region, histology, and smoking status.
Time Frame Up to approximately 86 months
Adverse Event Reporting Description All-cause mortality was reported on all randomized participants. Serious and non-serious adverse events were reported on all randomized participants who received at least one dose of study treatment. One participant randomized to the study in error did not provide informed consent and was not included. No data was collected on this participant.
 
Arm/Group Title Pembrolizumab Placebo
Hide Arm/Group Description Participants received pembrolizumab 200 mg, intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks, for one year. Participants received placebo, IV, every 3 weeks, for one year.
All-Cause Mortality
Pembrolizumab Placebo
Affected / at Risk (%) Affected / at Risk (%)
Total   136/590 (23.05%)      154/587 (26.24%)    
Hide Serious Adverse Events
Pembrolizumab Placebo
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total   142/580 (24.48%)      90/581 (15.49%)    
Blood and lymphatic system disorders     
Anaemia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Cardiac disorders     
Angina pectoris  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Atrial fibrillation  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Atrial tachycardia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Cardiac arrest  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Cardiac failure congestive  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Cardiogenic shock  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Coronary artery disease  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Myocardial infarction  1  2/580 (0.34%)  3 3/581 (0.52%)  3
Myocardial ischaemia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Myocarditis  1  5/580 (0.86%)  7 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Pericardial effusion  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Supraventricular tachycardia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Tachyarrhythmia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Endocrine disorders     
Adrenal insufficiency  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Glucocorticoid deficiency  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hyperthyroidism  1  2/580 (0.34%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hypophysitis  1  4/580 (0.69%)  4 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hypothyroidism  1  2/580 (0.34%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Eye disorders     
Cataract  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Gastrointestinal disorders     
Abdominal pain  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Colitis  1  4/580 (0.69%)  5 2/581 (0.34%)  4
Diarrhoea  1  7/580 (1.21%)  11 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Diverticular perforation  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Erosive oesophagitis  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Gastric ulcer haemorrhage  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Ileus paralytic  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Immune-mediated enterocolitis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Impaired gastric emptying  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Melaena  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Nausea  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Oesophagitis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Pancreatitis  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 2/581 (0.34%)  4
Vomiting  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
General disorders     
Asthenia  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Cardiac death  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Death  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Fatigue  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
General physical health deterioration  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Performance status decreased  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Pyrexia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 3/581 (0.52%)  3
Sudden death  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hepatobiliary disorders     
Autoimmune hepatitis  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Cholecystitis  1  3/580 (0.52%)  3 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Cholecystitis acute  1  2/580 (0.34%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Drug-induced liver injury  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Hepatic failure  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hepatic function abnormal  1  1/580 (0.17%)  4 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hepatitis  1  3/580 (0.52%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hepatotoxicity  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Immune-mediated hepatitis  1  3/580 (0.52%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Jaundice  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Immune system disorders     
Anaphylactic shock  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hypersensitivity  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Sarcoidosis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Infections and infestations     
Appendicitis  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Atypical pneumonia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Bronchitis  1  3/580 (0.52%)  4 1/581 (0.17%)  1
COVID-19  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
COVID-19 pneumonia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Clostridium difficile infection  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Cytomegalovirus infection  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Diverticulitis  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Erysipelas  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Gastroenteritis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways disease  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Large intestine infection  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Lower respiratory tract infection  1  3/580 (0.52%)  3 2/581 (0.34%)  2
Lower respiratory tract infection bacterial  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Penile infection  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Pneumonia  1  13/580 (2.24%)  15 9/581 (1.55%)  11
Pneumonia bacterial  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Post procedural pneumonia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Pyelonephritis  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Respiratory tract infection  1  1/580 (0.17%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Sepsis  1  3/580 (0.52%)  4 3/581 (0.52%)  3
Septic shock  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Skin infection  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Staphylococcal sepsis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Upper respiratory tract infection  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Urinary tract infection  1  3/580 (0.52%)  3 2/581 (0.34%)  2
Urosepsis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Vascular device infection  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 2/581 (0.34%)  2
Viral infection  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications     
Alcohol poisoning  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Ankle fracture  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Contusion  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Facial bones fracture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Fall  1  3/580 (0.52%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Femoral neck fracture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Femur fracture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Hand fracture  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hip fracture  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Incision site discharge  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Joint dislocation  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Lower limb fracture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Meniscus injury  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Poisoning  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Procedural pneumothorax  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Spinal fracture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 2/581 (0.34%)  2
Sternal fracture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Tendon rupture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Wound  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Wound dehiscence  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Wrist fracture  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Investigations     
Blood creatinine increased  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Troponin T increased  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Metabolism and nutrition disorders     
Decreased appetite  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Hypercalcaemia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  3
Hyperkalaemia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Hyponatraemia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Type 1 diabetes mellitus  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders     
Arthralgia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Arthritis  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Back disorder  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Pathological fracture  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Polymyalgia rheumatica  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Sarcopenia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Spinal osteoarthritis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)     
Adenocarcinoma gastric  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Adenocarcinoma pancreas  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Bladder transitional cell carcinoma  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Colon cancer  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Gastric cancer  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Haemangioma  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Lung adenocarcinoma  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Lymphoma  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Metastases to central nervous system  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 2/581 (0.34%)  2
Neuroendocrine tumour  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Oesophageal carcinoma  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Pancreatic carcinoma  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 2/581 (0.34%)  2
Prostate cancer  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Prostate cancer recurrent  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Rectal cancer  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  3
Small cell lung cancer  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Small intestine carcinoma  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Superficial spreading melanoma stage unspecified  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Tonsil cancer  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Tracheal cancer  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Ureteric cancer  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Nervous system disorders     
Ataxia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Brain stem stroke  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Cerebral infarction  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Cerebral ischaemia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Cerebrovascular accident  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Dizziness  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Dysaesthesia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Dysarthria  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Intensive care unit acquired weakness  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Ischaemic stroke  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Retrograde amnesia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Syncope  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Transient ischaemic attack  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Product Issues     
Device dislocation  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Psychiatric disorders     
Completed suicide  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Confusional state  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  3
Neurosis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Renal and urinary disorders     
Acute kidney injury  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Azotaemia  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Nephrolithiasis  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Renal failure  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Urinary retention  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders     
Bronchial haemorrhage  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Bronchiectasis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  1  5/580 (0.86%)  8 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Cough  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Dyspnoea  1  4/580 (0.69%)  4 4/581 (0.69%)  4
Immune-mediated lung disease  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Interstitial lung disease  1  3/580 (0.52%)  5 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Lung disorder  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Pleuritic pain  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Pneumonitis  1  12/580 (2.07%)  15 4/581 (0.69%)  4
Pneumothorax  1  2/580 (0.34%)  2 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Pulmonary embolism  1  3/580 (0.52%)  3 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Pulmonary fibrosis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Respiratory failure  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders     
Diabetic foot  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Pruritus  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Rash erythematous  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Rash macular  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Rash maculo-papular  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Scar pain  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Stevens-Johnson syndrome  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Urticaria  1  1/580 (0.17%)  2 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Vascular disorders     
Aortic aneurysm  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Aortic aneurysm rupture  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  2
Arterial thrombosis  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
Giant cell arteritis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Hypertensive crisis  1  1/580 (0.17%)  1 0/581 (0.00%)  0
Peripheral ischaemia  1  0/580 (0.00%)  0 1/581 (0.17%)  1
1
Term from vocabulary, MedDRA 25.1
Indicates events were collected by systematic assessment
Hide Other (Not Including Serious) Adverse Events
Frequency Threshold for Reporting Other Adverse Events 5%
Pembrolizumab Placebo
Affected / at Risk (%) # Events Affected / at Risk (%) # Events
Total   510/580 (87.93%)      458/581 (78.83%)    
Endocrine disorders     
Hyperthyroidism  1  62/580 (10.69%)  65 17/581 (2.93%)  18
Hypothyroidism  1  120/580 (20.69%)  148 27/581 (4.65%)  29
Gastrointestinal disorders     
Constipation  1  35/580 (6.03%)  38 41/581 (7.06%)  53
Diarrhoea  1  104/580 (17.93%)  179 82/581 (14.11%)  160
Nausea  1  52/580 (8.97%)  64 37/581 (6.37%)  48
General disorders     
Asthenia  1  44/580 (7.59%)  66 32/581 (5.51%)  39
Fatigue  1  96/580 (16.55%)  131 89/581 (15.32%)  118
Influenza like illness  1  34/580 (5.86%)  39 32/581 (5.51%)  36
Pyrexia  1  31/580 (5.34%)  34 32/581 (5.51%)  48
Infections and infestations     
Nasopharyngitis  1  50/580 (8.62%)  65 32/581 (5.51%)  44
Upper respiratory tract infection  1  52/580 (8.97%)  63 55/581 (9.47%)  68
Investigations     
Alanine aminotransferase increased  1  46/580 (7.93%)  75 34/581 (5.85%)  42
Aspartate aminotransferase increased  1  41/580 (7.07%)  61 31/581 (5.34%)  40
Blood creatinine increased  1  38/580 (6.55%)  60 32/581 (5.51%)  52
Weight decreased  1  39/580 (6.72%)  59 25/581 (4.30%)  36
Weight increased  1  132/580 (22.76%)  260 168/581 (28.92%)  314
Metabolism and nutrition disorders     
Decreased appetite  1  41/580 (7.07%)  49 26/581 (4.48%)  28
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders     
Arthralgia  1  107/580 (18.45%)  152 72/581 (12.39%)  99
Back pain  1  45/580 (7.76%)  51 46/581 (7.92%)  57
Myalgia  1  37/580 (6.38%)  47 15/581 (2.58%)  16
Pain in extremity  1  18/580 (3.10%)  20 31/581 (5.34%)  38
Nervous system disorders     
Headache  1  45/580 (7.76%)  67 46/581 (7.92%)  60
Paraesthesia  1  18/580 (3.10%)  19 32/581 (5.51%)  39
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders     
Cough  1  87/580 (15.00%)  101 98/581 (16.87%)  130
Dyspnoea  1  66/580 (11.38%)  87 72/581 (12.39%)  91
Pneumonitis  1  32/580 (5.52%)  52 15/581 (2.58%)  20
Productive cough  1  37/580 (6.38%)  46 15/581 (2.58%)  18
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders     
Dry skin  1  31/580 (5.34%)  34 21/581 (3.61%)  25
Pruritus  1  125/580 (21.55%)  167 74/581 (12.74%)  115
Rash  1  49/580 (8.45%)  69 29/581 (4.99%)  37
Rash maculo-papular  1  43/580 (7.41%)  62 20/581 (3.44%)  27
Vascular disorders     
Hypertension  1  67/580 (11.55%)  160 74/581 (12.74%)  184
1
Term from vocabulary, MedDRA 25.1
Indicates events were collected by systematic assessment
Certain Agreements
Principal Investigators are NOT employed by the organization sponsoring the study.
There IS an agreement between Principal Investigators and the Sponsor (or its agents) that restricts the PI's rights to discuss or publish trial results after the trial is completed.
The Sponsor must have the opportunity to review all proposed abstracts, manuscripts or presentations regarding this trial 30 days prior to submission for publication/presentation. Any information identified by the Sponsor as confidential must be deleted prior to submission; this confidentiality does not include efficacy and safety results. Sponsor review can be expedited to meet publication timelines.
Results Point of Contact
Layout table for Results Point of Contact information
Name/Title: Senior Vice President, Global Clinical Development
Organization: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Phone: 1-800-672-6372
EMail: ClinicalTrialsDisclosure@merck.com
Layout table for additonal information
Responsible Party: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02504372    
Other Study ID Numbers: 3475-091
EORTC-1416-LCG ( Other Identifier: EORTC )
163457 ( Registry Identifier: JAPIC-CTI )
MK-3475-091 ( Other Identifier: Merck )
KEYNOTE-091 ( Other Identifier: Merck )
2015-000575-27 ( EudraCT Number )
First Submitted: July 20, 2015
First Posted: July 21, 2015
Results First Submitted: January 9, 2024
Results First Posted: February 15, 2024
Last Update Posted: February 15, 2024