Preparation for Intravenous Infusion

• Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration. The solution is clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow. Discard the vial if visible particles are observed.
• Dilute KEYTRUDA injection (solution) prior to intravenous administration.
• Withdraw the required volume from the vial(s) of KEYTRUDA and transfer into an intravenous (IV) bag containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. Mix diluted solution by gentle inversion. Do not shake. The final concentration of the diluted solution should be between 1 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL.
• Discard any unused portion left in the vial.

Storage of Diluted Solution

The product does not contain a preservative.

Store the diluted solution from the KEYTRUDA 100 mg/4 mL vial either:

• At room temperature for no more than 6 hours from the time of dilution. This includes room temperature storage of the diluted solution, and the duration of infusion.
• Under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for no more than 96 hours from the time of dilution. If refrigerated, allow the diluted solution to come to room temperature prior to administration. Do not shake.

Discard after 6 hours at room temperature or after 96 hours under refrigeration.

Do not freeze.

Administration

• Administer diluted solution intravenously over 30 minutes through an intravenous line containing a sterile, non-pyrogenic, low-protein binding 0.2 micron to 5 micron in-line or add-on filter.
• Do not co-administer other drugs through the same infusion line.

Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. Transplant-related complications include hyperacute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), acute GVHD, chronic GVHD, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) after reduced intensity conditioning, and steroid-requiring febrile syndrome (without an identified infectious cause). These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.

Follow patients closely for evidence of transplant-related complications and intervene promptly. Consider the benefit versus risks of treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody prior to or after an allogeneic HSCT.

Melanoma

NSCLC

HNSCC

Relapsed or Refractory cHL

KEYNOTE-204

The safety of KEYTRUDA was evaluated in KEYNOTE-204 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. Adults with relapsed or refractory cHL received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks (n=148) or brentuximab vedotin (BV) 1.8 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks (n=152). The trial required an ANC ≥1000/µL, platelet count ≥75,000/µL, hepatic transaminases ≤2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), bilirubin ≤1.5 times ULN, and ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. The trial excluded patients with active non-infectious pneumonitis, prior pneumonitis requiring steroids, active autoimmune disease, a medical condition requiring immunosuppression, or allogeneic HSCT within the past 5 years. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 10 months (range: 1 day to 2.2 years), with 68% receiving at least 6 months of treatment and 48% receiving at least 1 year of treatment.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients who received KEYTRUDA. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% included pneumonitis, pneumonia, pyrexia, myocarditis, acute kidney injury, febrile neutropenia, and sepsis. Three patients (2%) died from causes other than disease progression: two from complications after allogeneic HSCT and one from unknown cause.

Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 14% of patients; 7% of patients discontinued treatment due to pneumonitis. Dosage interruption of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 30% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruption in ≥3% of patients were upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonitis, transaminase increase, and pneumonia.

Thirty-eight percent of patients had an adverse reaction requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Table 18 summarizes adverse reactions in KEYNOTE-204.

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received KEYTRUDA included herpes virus infection (9%), pneumonia (8%), oropharyngeal pain (8%), hyperthyroidism (5%), hypersensitivity (4.1%), infusion reactions (3.4%), altered mental state (2.7%), and in 1.4% each, uveitis, myocarditis, thyroiditis, febrile neutropenia, sepsis, and tumor flare.

Table 19 summarizes laboratory abnormalities in KEYNOTE-204.

KEYNOTE-087

Among the 210 patients with cHL who received KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-087 [see Clinical Studies (14.4)], the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 8.4 months (range: 1 day to 15.2 months). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 16% of patients who received KEYTRUDA. Serious adverse reactions that occurred in ≥1% of patients included pneumonia, pneumonitis, pyrexia, dyspnea, graft versus host disease (GVHD) and herpes zoster. Two patients died from causes other than disease progression; one from GVHD after subsequent allogeneic HSCT and one from septic shock.

Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 5% of patients and dosage interruption due to an adverse reaction occurred in 26%. Fifteen percent of patients had an adverse reaction requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy. Tables 20 and 21 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in KEYNOTE-087.

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received KEYTRUDA included infusion reactions (9%), hyperthyroidism (3%), pneumonitis (3%), uveitis and myositis (1% each), and myelitis and myocarditis (0.5% each).

Hyperbilirubinemia occurred in less than 15% of patients on KEYNOTE-087 (10% all Grades, 2.4% Grade 3-4).

PMBCL

Among the 53 patients with PMBCL who received KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-170 [see Clinical Studies (14.5)], the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 3.5 months (range: 1 day to 22.8 months). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. Serious adverse reactions that occurred in >2% of patients included arrhythmia (4%), cardiac tamponade (2%), myocardial infarction (2%), pericardial effusion (2%), and pericarditis (2%). Six (11%) patients died within 30 days of start of treatment. Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 8% of patients and dosage interruption due to an adverse reaction occurred in 15%. Twenty-five percent of patients had an adverse reaction requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy. Tables 22 and 23 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in KEYNOTE-170.

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received KEYTRUDA included hypothyroidism (8%), hyperthyroidism and pericarditis (4% each), and thyroiditis, pericardial effusion, pneumonitis, arthritis and acute kidney injury (2% each).

Urothelial Carcinoma

Cisplatin-ineligible patients with urothelial carcinoma in combination with enfortumab vedotin

The safety of KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin was investigated in KEYNOTE-869 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and who are not eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies (14.6)]. A total of 121 patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1, and enfortumab vedotin 1.25 mg/kg on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.9 months (range 1 day to 29.6 months).

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 5% of patients treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin, including sepsis (1.6%), bullous dermatitis (0.8%), myasthenia gravis (0.8%), and pneumonitis (0.8%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA and enfortumab vedotin. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin were acute kidney injury (7%), urinary tract infection (7%), urosepsis (5%), hematuria (3.3%), pneumonia (3.3%), pneumonitis (3.3%), sepsis (3.3%), anemia (2.5%), diarrhea (2.5%), hypotension (2.5%), myasthenia gravis (2.5%), myositis (2.5%), and urinary retention (2.5%).

Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA occurred in 32% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were pneumonitis (5%), peripheral neuropathy (5%), rash (3.3%), and myasthenia gravis (2.5%).

Dose interruptions of KEYTRUDA occurred in 69% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) resulting in interruption of KEYTRUDA were peripheral neuropathy (22%), rash (17%), neutropenia (7%), fatigue (6%), diarrhea (5%), lipase increased (5%), acute kidney injury (3.3%), ALT increased (2.5%), and COVID-19 (2.5%).

Tables 24 and 25 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in patients on KEYTRUDA in combination with enfortumab vedotin in KEYNOTE-869.

Clinically relevant adverse reactions (<20%) include vomiting (19.8%), fever (18%), hypothyroidism (11%), pneumonitis (9%), myositis (3.3%), myasthenia gravis (2.5%), and infusion site extravasation (0.8%).

Gastric Cancer

The safety analysis of Study KEYNOTE-811 included 217 patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer who received KEYTRUDA 200 mg, trastuzumab, and CAPOX (n=189) or FP (n=28) every 3 weeks, compared to 216 patients who received placebo, trastuzumab, and CAPOX (n=187) or FP (n=29) every 3 weeks [see Clinical Studies (14.9)].

The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 5.8 months (range: 1 day to 17.7 months).

The study population characteristics were: median age of 63 years (range: 19 to 84), 43% age 65 or older; 81% male; 58% White, 35% Asian, and 0.9% Black; 44% ECOG PS of 0 and 56% ECOG PS of 1.

KEYTRUDA and placebo were discontinued due to adverse reactions in 6% of patients in each arm. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA was pneumonitis (1.4%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 58% of patients; the most common adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (≥2%) were neutropenia (18%), thrombocytopenia (12%), diarrhea (6%), anemia (3.7%), hypokalemia (3.7%), fatigue/asthenia (3.2%), decreased appetite (3.2%), increased AST (2.8%), increased blood bilirubin (2.8%), pneumonia (2.8%), increased ALT (2.3%), and vomiting (2.3%).

In the KEYTRUDA arm versus placebo, there was a difference of ≥5% incidence between patients treated with KEYTRUDA versus standard of care for diarrhea (53% vs 44%), and nausea (49% vs 44%). There were no clinically meaningful differences in incidence of Grade 3-4 toxicity between arms.

There was a difference of ≥5% incidence between patients treated with KEYTRUDA versus standard of care for increased ALT (34% vs 29%), and increased creatinine (20% vs 10%). There were no clinically meaningful differences in incidence of Grade 3-4 toxicity between arms.

Esophageal Cancer

First-line Treatment of Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Esophageal Cancer/Gastroesophageal Junction

The safety of KEYTRUDA, in combination with cisplatin and FU chemotherapy was investigated in KEYNOTE-590, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled trial for the first-line treatment in patients with metastatic or locally advanced esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma who were not candidates for surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation [see Clinical Studies (14.10)]. A total of 740 patients received either KEYTRUDA 200 mg (n=370) or placebo (n=370) every 3 weeks for up to 35 cycles, both in combination with up to 6 cycles of cisplatin and up to 35 cycles of FU.

The median duration of exposure was 5.7 months (range: 1 day to 26 months) in the KEYTRUDA combination arm and 5.1 months (range: 3 days to 27 months) in the chemotherapy arm.

KEYTRUDA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 15% of patients. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA (≥1%) were pneumonitis (1.6%), acute kidney injury (1.1%), and pneumonia (1.1%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 67% of patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (≥2%) were neutropenia (19%), fatigue/asthenia (8%), decreased white blood cell count (5%), pneumonia (5%), decreased appetite (4.3%), anemia (3.2%), increased blood creatinine (3.2%), stomatitis (3.2%), malaise (3.0%), thrombocytopenia (3%), pneumonitis (2.7%), diarrhea (2.4%), dysphagia (2.2%), and nausea (2.2%).

Tables 31 and 32 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in patients on KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-590.

Previously Treated Recurrent Locally Advanced or Metastatic Esophageal Cancer

Among the 314 patients with esophageal cancer enrolled in KEYNOTE-181 [see Clinical Studies (14.10)] treated with KEYTRUDA, the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 24.4 months). Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with esophageal cancer were similar to those occurring in 2799 patients with melanoma or NSCLC treated with KEYTRUDA as a single agent.

Cervical Cancer

Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Cervical Cancer

The safety of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or paclitaxel and carboplatin, with or without bevacizumab, was investigated in KEYNOTE-826, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled trial in patients with persistent, recurrent, or first-line metastatic cervical cancer who had not been treated with chemotherapy except when used concurrently as a radio-sensitizing agent [see Clinical Studies (14.11)]. A total of 616 patients, regardless of tumor PD-L1 expression, received KEYTRUDA 200 mg and chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (n=307) every 3 weeks or placebo and chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (n=309) every 3 weeks.

The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 9.9 months (range: 1 day to 26 months).

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.6% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab, including 3 cases of hemorrhage, 2 cases of sepsis, 2 cases due to unknown causes, and 1 case each of acute myocardial infarction, autoimmune encephalitis, cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident, femur fracture with perioperative pulmonary embolus, intestinal perforation, and pelvic infection.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. Serious adverse reactions in ≥3% of patients included febrile neutropenia (6.8%), urinary tract infection (5.2%), anemia (4.6%), acute kidney injury (3.3%), and sepsis (3.3%).

KEYTRUDA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 15% of patients. The most common adverse reaction resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA (≥1%) was colitis (1%).

Adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 66% of patients; the most common adverse reactions or laboratory abnormalities leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (≥2%) were thrombocytopenia (15%), neutropenia (14%), anemia (11%), increased ALT (6%), leukopenia (5%), fatigue/asthenia (4.2%), urinary tract infection (3.6%), increased AST (3.3%), pyrexia (3.3%), diarrhea (2.6%), acute kidney injury (2.6%), increased blood creatinine (2.6%), colitis (2.3%), decreased appetite (2%), and cough (2%).

For patients treated with KEYTRUDA, chemotherapy, and bevacizumab (n=196), the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions were peripheral neuropathy (62%), alopecia (58%), anemia (55%), fatigue/asthenia (53%), nausea (41%), neutropenia (41%), diarrhea (39%), hypertension (35%), thrombocytopenia (35%), constipation (31%), arthralgia (31%), vomiting (30%), urinary tract infection (27%), rash (26%), leukopenia (24%), hypothyroidism (22%), and decreased appetite (21%).

Table 33 and Table 34 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in patients on KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-826.

Previously Treated Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer

Among the 98 patients with cervical cancer enrolled in Cohort E of KEYNOTE-158 [see Clinical Studies (14.11)], the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 2.9 months (range: 1 day to 22.1 months). Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 8% of patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported included anemia (7%), fistula (4.1%), hemorrhage (4.1%), and infections [except UTIs] (4.1%). Tables 35 and 36 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in patients on KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-158.

Other laboratory abnormalities occurring in ≥10% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA were hypophosphatemia (19% all Grades; 6% Grades 3-4), increased INR (19% all Grades; 0% Grades 3-4), hypercalcemia (14% all Grades; 2.6% Grades 3-4), platelet count decreased (14% all Grades; 1.3% Grades 3-4), activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged (14% all Grades; 0% Grades 3-4), hypoglycemia (13% all Grades; 1.3% Grades 3-4), white blood cell decreased (13% all Grades; 2.6% Grades 3-4), and hyperkalemia (13% all Grades; 1.3% Grades 3-4).

HCC

Among the 104 patients with HCC who received KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-224 [see Clinical Studies (14.12)], the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 4.2 months (range: 1 day to 1.5 years). Adverse reactions occurring in patients with HCC were generally similar to those in 2799 patients with melanoma or NSCLC treated with KEYTRUDA as a single agent, with the exception of increased incidences of ascites (8% Grades 3-4) and immune-mediated hepatitis (2.9%). Laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3-4) that occurred at a higher incidence were elevated AST (20%), ALT (9%), and hyperbilirubinemia (10%).

MCC

Among the 50 patients with MCC enrolled in KEYNOTE-017 [see Clinical Studies (14.13)], the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.6 months (range 1 day to 23.6 months). Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with MCC were similar to those occurring in 2799 patients with melanoma or NSCLC treated with KEYTRUDA as a single agent. Laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3-4) that occurred at a higher incidence were elevated AST (11%) and hyperglycemia (19%).

RCC

In combination with axitinib in the first-line treatment of advanced RCC (KEYNOTE-426)

The safety of KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-426 [see Clinical Studies (14.14)]. Patients with medical conditions that required systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications or had a history of severe autoimmune disease other than type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, Sjogren's syndrome, and hypothyroidism stable on hormone replacement were ineligible. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks and axitinib 5 mg orally twice daily, or sunitinib 50 mg once daily for 4 weeks and then off treatment for 2 weeks. The median duration of exposure to the combination therapy of KEYTRUDA and axitinib was 10.4 months (range: 1 day to 21.2 months).

The study population characteristics were: median age of 62 years (range: 30 to 89), 40% age 65 or older; 71% male; 80% White; and 80% Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) of 90-100 and 20% KPS of 70-80.

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.3% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib. These included 3 cases of cardiac arrest, 2 cases of pulmonary embolism and 1 case each of cardiac failure, death due to unknown cause, myasthenia gravis, myocarditis, Fournier's gangrene, plasma cell myeloma, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 40% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib included hepatotoxicity (7%), diarrhea (4.2%), acute kidney injury (2.3%), dehydration (1%), and pneumonitis (1%).

Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction of either KEYTRUDA or axitinib occurred in 31% of patients; 13% KEYTRUDA only, 13% axitinib only, and 8% both drugs. The most common adverse reaction (>1%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA, axitinib, or the combination was hepatotoxicity (13%), diarrhea/colitis (1.9%), acute kidney injury (1.6%), and cerebrovascular accident (1.2%).

Dose interruptions or reductions due to an adverse reaction, excluding temporary interruptions of KEYTRUDA infusions due to infusion-related reactions, occurred in 76% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib. This includes interruption of KEYTRUDA in 50% of patients. Axitinib was interrupted in 64% of patients and dose reduced in 22% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) resulting in interruption of KEYTRUDA were hepatotoxicity (14%) and diarrhea (11%), and the most common adverse reactions (>10%) resulting in either interruption or reduction of axitinib were hepatotoxicity (21%), diarrhea (19%), and hypertension (18%).

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving KEYTRUDA and axitinib were diarrhea, fatigue/asthenia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, decreased appetite, hepatotoxicity, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, nausea, stomatitis/mucosal inflammation, dysphonia, rash, cough, and constipation.

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of patients treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with axitinib received an oral prednisone dose equivalent to ≥40 mg daily for an immune-mediated adverse reaction.

Tables 37 and 38 summarize the adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, that occurred in at least 20% of patients treated with KEYTRUDA and axitinib in KEYNOTE-426.

In combination with lenvatinib in the first-line treatment of advanced RCC (KEYNOTE-581)

The safety of KEYTRUDA was evaluated in KEYNOTE-581 [see Clinical Studies (14.14)]. Patients received KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks in combination with lenvatinib 20 mg orally once daily (n=352), or lenvatinib 18 mg orally once daily in combination with everolimus 5 mg orally once daily (n=355), or sunitinib 50 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks then off treatment for 2 weeks (n=340). The median duration of exposure to the combination therapy of KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib was 17 months (range: 0.1 to 39).

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 4.3% of patients treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib, including cardio-respiratory arrest (0.9%), sepsis (0.9%), and one case (0.3%) each of arrhythmia, autoimmune hepatitis, dyspnea, hypertensive crisis, increased blood creatinine, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myasthenic syndrome, myocarditis, nephritis, pneumonitis, ruptured aneurysm, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 51% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients were hemorrhagic events (5%), diarrhea (4%), hypertension (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), pneumonitis (3%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (2%), adrenal insufficiency (2%), dyspnea (2%), and pneumonia (2%).

Permanent discontinuation of either of KEYTRUDA, lenvatinib or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 37% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib; 29% KEYTRUDA only, 26% lenvatinib only, and 13% both. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA, lenvatinib, or the combination were pneumonitis (3%), myocardial infarction (3%), hepatotoxicity (3%), acute kidney injury (3%), rash (3%), and diarrhea (2%).

Dose interruptions of KEYTRUDA, lenvatinib, or both due to an adverse reaction occurred in 78% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib. KEYTRUDA was interrupted in 55% of patients and both drugs were interrupted in 39% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥3%) resulting in interruption of KEYTRUDA were diarrhea (10%), hepatotoxicity (8%), fatigue (7%), lipase increased (5%), amylase increased (4%), musculoskeletal pain (3%), hypertension (3%), rash (3%), acute kidney injury (3%), and decreased appetite (3%).

Fifteen percent (15%) of patients treated with KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib received an oral prednisone equivalent to ≥40 mg daily for an immune-mediated adverse reaction.

Tables 39 and 40 summarize the adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, that occurred in ≥20% of patients treated with KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib in KEYNOTE-581.

Clinically relevant adverse reactions (<20%) that occurred in patients receiving KEYTRUDA with lenvatinib were myocardial infarction (3%) and angina pectoris (1%).

Grade 3 and 4 increased ALT or AST was seen in 9% of patients. Grade ≥2 increased ALT or AST was reported in 64 (18%) patients, of whom 20 (31%) received ≥40 mg daily oral prednisone equivalent. Recurrence of Grade ≥2 increased ALT or AST was observed on rechallenge in 10 patients receiving both KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib (n=38) and was not observed on rechallenge with KEYTRUDA alone (n=3).

Adjuvant treatment of RCC

The safety of KEYTRUDA as a single agent was investigated in KEYNOTE-564, a randomized (1:1) double-blind placebo-controlled trial in which 984 patients who had undergone nephrectomy for RCC received 200 mg of KEYTRUDA by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks (n=488) or placebo (n=496) for up to one year [see Clinical Studies (14.14)]. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 11.1 months (range: 1 day to 14.3 months). Patients with active autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required immunosuppression were ineligible.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 20% of these patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Serious adverse reactions (≥1%) were acute kidney injury, adrenal insufficiency, pneumonia, colitis, and diabetic ketoacidosis (1% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 0.2% of those treated with KEYTRUDA, including one case of pneumonia.

Discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 21% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were increased ALT (1.6%), colitis (1%), and adrenal insufficiency (1%).

Dose interruptions of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 26% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were increased AST (2.3%), arthralgia (1.6%), hypothyroidism (1.6%), diarrhea (1.4%), increased ALT (1.4%), fatigue (1.4%), rash, decreased appetite, and vomiting (1% each). Tables 41 and 42 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in patients on KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-564.

Endometrial Carcinoma

In Combination with Lenvatinib for the Treatment of Advanced Endometrial Carcinoma That Is pMMR or Not MSI-H.

The safety of KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib was investigated in KEYNOTE-775, a multicenter, open-label, randomized (1:1), active-controlled trial in patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma previously treated with at least one prior platinum-based chemotherapy regimen in any setting, including in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings [see Clinical Studies (14.15)]. Patients with endometrial carcinoma that is pMMR or not MSI-H received KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks in combination with lenvatinib 20mg orally once daily (n=342) or received doxorubicin or paclitaxel (n=325).

For patients with pMMR or not MSI-H tumor status, the median duration of study treatment was 7.2 months (range 1 day to 26.8 months) and the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.8 months (range: 1 day to 25.8 months).

Fatal adverse reactions among these patients occurred in 4.7% of those treated with KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib, including 2 cases of pneumonia, and 1 case of the following: acute kidney injury, acute myocardial infarction, colitis, decreased appetite, intestinal perforation, lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, malignant gastrointestinal obstruction, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and right ventricular dysfunction.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of these patients receiving KEYTRUDA and lenvatinib. Serious adverse reactions (≥3%) were hypertension (4.4%) and urinary tract infections (3.2%).

Discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 15% of these patients. The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of KEYTRUDA (≥1%) was increased ALT (1.2%).

Dose interruptions of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 48% of these patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (≥3%) were diarrhea (8%), increased ALT (4.4%), increased AST (3.8%), and hypertension (3.5%).

Tables 43 and 44 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in patients on KEYTRUDA in combination with lenvatinib in KEYNOTE-775.

As a Single Agent for the Treatment of Advanced MSI-H or dMMR Endometrial Carcinoma

Among the 90 patients with MSI-H or dMMR endometrial carcinoma enrolled in KEYNOTE-158 [see Clinical Studies (14.15)] treated with KEYTRUDA as a single agent, the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 8.3 months (range: 1 day to 26.9 months). Adverse reactions occurring in patients with endometrial carcinoma were similar to those occurring in 2799 patients with melanoma or NSCLC treated with KEYTRUDA as a single agent.

TMB-H Cancer

The safety of KEYTRUDA was investigated in 105 patients with TMB-H cancer enrolled in KEYNOTE-158 [see Clinical Studies (14.16)]. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 4.9 months (range: 0.03 to 35.2 months). Adverse reactions occurring in patients with TMB-H cancer were similar to those occurring in patients with other solid tumors who received KEYTRUDA as a single agent.

cSCC

Among the 159 patients with advanced cSCC (recurrent or metastatic or locally advanced disease) enrolled in KEYNOTE-629 [see Clinical Studies (14.17)], the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 6.9 months (range 1 day to 28.9 months). Patients with autoimmune disease or a medical condition that required systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications were ineligible. Adverse reactions occurring in patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC or locally advanced cSCC were similar to those occurring in 2799 patients with melanoma or NSCLC treated with KEYTRUDA as a single agent. Laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3-4) that occurred at a higher incidence included lymphopenia (10%) and decreased sodium (10%).

TNBC

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment of High-Risk Early-Stage TNBC

The safety of KEYTRUDA in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by doxorubicin or epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) followed by surgery and continued adjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA as a single agent was investigated in KEYNOTE-522, a randomized (2:1), multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated, high-risk early-stage TNBC.

A total of 778 patients on the KEYTRUDA arm received at least 1 dose of KEYTRUDA in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by KEYTRUDA as adjuvant treatment after surgery, compared to 389 patients who received at least 1 dose of placebo in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by placebo as adjuvant treatment after surgery [see Clinical Studies (14.18)].

The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks was 13.3 months (range: 1 day to 21.9 months).

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 0.9% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA, including 1 each of adrenal crisis, autoimmune encephalitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, pneumonitis, pulmonary embolism, and sepsis in association with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and myocardial infarction.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients who received KEYTRUDA included febrile neutropenia (15%), pyrexia (3.7%), anemia (2.6%), and neutropenia (2.2%).

KEYTRUDA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 20% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were increased ALT (2.7%), increased AST (1.5%), and rash (1%). Adverse reactions leading to the interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 57% of patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (≥2%) were neutropenia (26%), thrombocytopenia (6%), increased ALT (6%), increased AST (3.7%), anemia (3.5%), rash (3.2%), febrile neutropenia (2.8%), leukopenia (2.8%), upper respiratory tract infection (2.6%), pyrexia (2.2%), and fatigue (2.1%).

Tables 45 and 46 summarize the adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities, respectively, in patients treated with KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-522.

Locally Recurrent Unresectable or Metastatic TNBC

The safety of KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin was investigated in KEYNOTE-355, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled trial in patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC who had not been previously treated with chemotherapy in the metastatic setting [see Clinical Studies (14.18)]. A total of 596 patients (including 34 patients from a safety run-in) received KEYTRUDA 200 mg every 3 weeks in combination with paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin.

The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA was 5.7 months (range: 1 day to 33.0 months).

Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 2.5% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy, including cardio-respiratory arrest (0.7%) and septic shock (0.3%).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with paclitaxel, paclitaxel protein-bound, or gemcitabine and carboplatin. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients were pneumonia (2.9%), anemia (2.2%), and thrombocytopenia (2%).

KEYTRUDA was discontinued for adverse reactions in 11% of patients. The most common adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA (≥1%) were increased ALT (2.2%), increased AST (1.5%), and pneumonitis (1.2%). Adverse reactions leading to the interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 50% of patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to interruption of KEYTRUDA (≥2%) were neutropenia (22%), thrombocytopenia (14%), anemia (7%), increased ALT (6%), leukopenia (5%), increased AST (5%), decreased white blood cell count (3.9%), and diarrhea (2%).

Tables 47 and 48 summarize the adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities in patients on KEYTRUDA in KEYNOTE-355.

Risk Summary

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available human data informing the risk of embryo-fetal toxicity. In animal models, the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway is important in the maintenance of pregnancy through induction of maternal immune tolerance to fetal tissue (see Data). Human IgG4 (immunoglobulins) are known to cross the placenta; therefore, pembrolizumab has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of pembrolizumab in either animal or human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed child to KEYTRUDA are unknown. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the last dose.

Pregnancy Testing

Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating KEYTRUDA [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Contraception

KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the last dose.

Distribution

The geometric mean value (CV%) for volume of distribution at steady state is 6.0 L (20%).

Elimination

Pembrolizumab clearance (CV%) is approximately 23% lower [geometric mean, 195 mL/day (40%)] at steady state than that after the first dose [252 mL/day (37%)]; this decrease in clearance with time is not considered clinically important. The terminal half-life (t1/2) is 22 days (32%).

Specific Populations

The following factors had no clinically important effect on the CL of pembrolizumab: age (range: 15 to 94 years), sex, race (89% White), renal impairment (eGFR ≥ 15 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ upper limit of normal (ULN) and AST > ULN or total bilirubin between 1 and 1.5 times ULN and any AST), or tumor burden. The impact of moderate or severe hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of pembrolizumab is unknown.

Ipilimumab-Naive Melanoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-006 (NCT01866319), a randomized (1:1:1), open-label, multicenter, active-controlled trial in 834 patients. Patients were randomized to receive KEYTRUDA at a dose of 10 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks or 10 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity or to ipilimumab 3 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses unless discontinued earlier for disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients with disease progression could receive additional doses of treatment unless disease progression was symptomatic, was rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, occurred with a decline in performance status, or was confirmed at 4 to 6 weeks with repeat imaging. Randomization was stratified by line of therapy (0 vs. 1), ECOG PS (0 vs. 1), and PD-L1 expression (≥1% of tumor cells [positive] vs. <1% of tumor cells [negative]) according to an investigational use only (IUO) assay. Key eligibility criteria were unresectable or metastatic melanoma; no prior ipilimumab; and no more than one prior systemic treatment for metastatic melanoma. Patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive melanoma were not required to have received prior BRAF inhibitor therapy. Patients with autoimmune disease; a medical condition that required immunosuppression; previous severe hypersensitivity to other monoclonal antibodies; and HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection, were ineligible. Assessment of tumor status was performed at 12 weeks, then every 6 weeks through Week 48, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS; as assessed by blinded independent central review [BICR] using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ]). Additional efficacy outcome measures were objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR).

The study population characteristics were: median age of 62 years (range: 18 to 89); 60% male; 98% White; 66% had no prior systemic therapy for metastatic disease; 69% ECOG PS of 0; 80% had PD-L1 positive melanoma, 18% had PD-L1 negative melanoma, and 2% had unknown PD-L1 status using the IUO assay; 65% had M1c stage disease; 68% with normal LDH; 36% with reported BRAF mutation-positive melanoma; and 9% with a history of brain metastases. Among patients with BRAF mutation-positive melanoma, 139 (46%) were previously treated with a BRAF inhibitor.

The study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in OS and PFS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA as compared to ipilimumab. Among the 91 patients randomized to KEYTRUDA 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks with an objective response, response durations ranged from 1.4+ to 8.1+ months. Among the 94 patients randomized to KEYTRUDA 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks with an objective response, response durations ranged from 1.4+ to 8.2 months. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 49 and Figure 1.

Ipilimumab-Refractory Melanoma

The efficacy of KEYTRUDA was investigated in KEYNOTE-002 (NCT01704287), a multicenter, randomized (1:1:1), active-controlled trial in 540 patients randomized to receive one of two doses of KEYTRUDA in a blinded fashion or investigator's choice chemotherapy. The treatment arms consisted of KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks or investigator's choice of any of the following chemotherapy regimens: dacarbazine 1000 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks (26%), temozolomide 200 mg/m2 orally once daily for 5 days every 28 days (25%), carboplatin AUC 6 mg/mL/min intravenously plus paclitaxel 225 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks for four cycles then carboplatin AUC of 5 mg/mL/min plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (25%), paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks (16%), or carboplatin AUC 5 or 6 mg/mL/min intravenously every 3 weeks (8%). Randomization was stratified by ECOG PS (0 vs. 1), LDH levels (normal vs. elevated [≥110% ULN]) and BRAF V600 mutation status (wild-type [WT] or V600E). The trial included patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with progression of disease; refractory to two or more doses of ipilimumab (3 mg/kg or higher) and, if BRAF V600 mutation-positive, a BRAF or MEK inhibitor; and disease progression within 24 weeks following the last dose of ipilimumab. The trial excluded patients with uveal melanoma and active brain metastasis. Patients received KEYTRUDA until unacceptable toxicity; disease progression that was symptomatic, was rapidly progressive, required urgent intervention, occurred with a decline in performance status, or was confirmed at 4 to 6 weeks with repeat imaging; withdrawal of consent; or physician's decision to stop therapy for the patient. Assessment of tumor status was performed at 12 weeks after randomization, then every 6 weeks through week 48, followed by every 12 weeks thereafter. Patients on chemotherapy who experienced progression of disease were offered KEYTRUDA. The major efficacy outcomes were PFS as assessed by BICR per RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and OS. Additional efficacy outcome measures were confirmed ORR as assessed by BICR per RECIST v1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and DoR.

The study population characteristics were: median age of 62 years (range: 15 to 89), 43% age 65 or older; 61% male; 98% White; and 55% ECOG PS of 0 and 45% ECOG PS of 1. Twenty-three percent of patients were BRAF V600 mutation positive, 40% had elevated LDH at baseline, 82% had M1c disease, and 73% had two or more prior therapies for advanced or metastatic disease.

The study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in PFS for patients randomized to KEYTRUDA as compared to control arm. There was no statistically significant difference between KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg and chemotherapy or between KEYTRUDA 10 mg/kg and chemotherapy in the OS analysis in which 55% of the patients who had been randomized to receive chemotherapy had crossed over to receive KEYTRUDA. Among the 38 patients randomized to KEYTRUDA 2 mg/kg with an objective response, response durations ranged from 1.3+ to 11.5+ months. Among the 46 patients randomized to KEYTRUDA 10 mg/kg with an objective response, response durations ranged from 1.1+ to 11.1+ months. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 50 and Figure 2.