Merck's Keytruda Sets New Standard in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer with First IO Overall Survival Win

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KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) plus paclitaxel with or without bevacizumab is the first PD-1 inhibitor-based regimen to show statistically significant OS improvement in platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer, regardless of PD-L1 status (HR=0.76)12.

Final Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B96 trial results presented at ESGO 2026 Congress, building on prior PFS win reported at ESMO 202512.

FDA approved the regimen on February 10, 2026, for PD-L1+ (CPS ≥1) patients after 1-2 prior treatments34.

Median OS:
17.7 months with KEYTRUDA regimen vs. 14.0 months with paclitaxel ± bevacizumab2.

Regulators approved for PD-L1+ patients but not all-comers claims5.

Sources:

1. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/keytruda-pembrolizumab-plus-paclitaxel-with-or-without-bevacizumab-significantly-improved-key-secondary-endpoint-of-overall-survival-os-versus-paclitaxel-with-or-without-bevacizumab-in-patients-with-platinum-resistant-recurrent-ovarian-cancer

2. https://www.merck.com/news/keytruda-pembrolizumab-plus-paclitaxel-with-or-without-bevacizumab-significantly-improved-key-secondary-endpoint-of-overall-survival-os-versus-paclitaxel-with-or-without-bevacizumab-in-patie/

3. https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/fda-approves-platinum-resistant-treatment

4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-pembrolizumab-paclitaxel-platinum-resistant-epithelial-ovarian-fallopian-tube-or

5. https://www.oncologypipeline.com/apexonco/esgo-2026-regulators-dont-buy-mercks-all-comers-claim