Vol. 1 No. 12 (2021)
Reimbursement Recommendations

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

Published December 20, 2021

Key Messages

  • CADTH recommends that Keytruda should be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of esophageal or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer that cannot be removed by surgery or is metastatic, if certain conditions are met.
  • Keytruda should only be covered to treat adult patients who have not received previous treatment for advanced or metastatic esophageal or EGJ cancer and who have good performance status.
  • Keytruda should only be reimbursed if prescribed in combination with platinum and fluoropyrimidine–based chemotherapy and given by a clinician who is experienced in treating cancer. The price of Keytruda must be lowered to be cost-effective and affordable.