Prof Jens Bedke speaks to ecancer about the overall survival results from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 study of adjuvant pembrolizumab versus placebo for the treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

This trial explores the use of pembrolizumab for high-risk renal cell carcinoma post-surgery, revealing significant improvements in disease-free and overall survival rates.

Prof Bedke says that it defines risk criteria for patients and raises questions about relapse prevention and treatment timing. While surgery can cure many, some patients remain at risk.

The trial highlights the importance of molecular markers for better risk stratification.