Dr. Rini on Pembrolizumab Plus Axitinib in RCC

Brian I. Rini, MD, professor of medicine, Cleveland Clinic, discusses a phase I study of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus axitinib (Inlyta) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

The field of kidney cancer has several clinical trials combining VEGF-targeted agents and immunotherapies. While VEGF-targeted therapies are the standard of care, PD-1 inhibitors are also making headway in the landscape.

Preclinical data have been very compelling, Rini explains. A trial of 52 previously untreated patients with RCC who received the combination of pembrolizumab and axitinib demonstrated an overall response rate of 71%. This is about 30% higher than any other activity reported in the RCC field to date, he adds.