Vol. 2 No. 10 (2022)
Reimbursement Recommendations

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

Published October 18, 2022

Key Messages

  • CADTH recommends that Keytruda should be reimbursed by public drug plans for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions if certain conditions are met.
  • Keytruda should only be covered to treat patients aged 18 years and older with RCC of clear cell subtype and previous nephrectomy, with or without surgery to remove 1 or more metastases, who are at intermediate-high or high risk of the tumour returning, and without prior systemic therapy for advanced RCC. Patients should also be in relatively good health.
  • Keytruda should only be reimbursed if prescribed by a clinician with experience in RCC management, in specialized clinics with expertise in systemic treatment and immunotherapy delivery, and if the price of Keytruda is reduced. Keytruda should not be used in combination with other adjuvant cancer treatments.