AzTrials
AzTrials

Esophageal NeoplasmsPhase 3NCT03189719

First-line Esophageal Carcinoma Study With Pembrolizumab Plus Chemo vs. Chemo (MK-3475-590/KEYNOTE-590)

A Phase 3 study testing Pembrolizumab, Cisplatin and 5-FU in people with Esophageal Neoplasms, run by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 189 sites in 26 countries.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this trial is to evaluate efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab plus standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) versus placebo plus SOC chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-FU as first-line treatment in participants with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal carcinoma. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Esophageal Neoplasms
What is being tested?
Pembrolizumab, Cisplatin and 5-FU
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
749 participants
Where
189 sitesin 26 countries
Study dates
25 Jul 2017to 10 Jul 2023
Phase
Phase 3
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Has histologically- or cytologically-confirmed diagnosis of locally advanced unresectable or metastatic adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus or advanced/metastatic Siewert type 1 adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ)
  • Has measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 as determined by the local site investigator/radiology assessment
  • Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 1
  • Can provide either a newly obtained or archival tissue sample for PD-L1 by immunohistochemistry analysis
  • Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to randomization and be willing to use an adequate method of contraception (e.g. abstinence, intrauterine device, diaphragm with spermicide, etc.) for the course of the study through 120 days after the last dose of study treatment and up to 180 days after last dose of cisplatin
  • Male participants of childbearing potential must agree to use an adequate method of contraception (e.g. abstinence, vasectomy, male condom, etc.) starting with the first dose of study treatment through 120 days after the last dose of study treatment and up to 180 days after last dose of cisplatin, and refrain from donating sperm during this period
  • Has adequate organ function

Who cannot join

  • Has locally advanced esophageal carcinoma that is resectable or potentially curable with radiation therapy (as determined by local investigator)
  • Has had previous therapy for advanced/metastatic adenocarcinoma or squamous cell cancer of the esophagus or advanced/metastatic Siewert type 1 adenocarcinoma of the EGJ
  • Has had major surgery, open biopsy, or significant traumatic injury within 28 days prior to randomization, or anticipation of the need for major surgery during the course of study treatment
  • Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions include early-stage cancers (carcinoma in situ or Stage 1) treated with curative intent, basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, in situ cervical cancer, in situ breast cancer that has undergone potentially curative therapy, and in situ or intramucosal pharyngeal cancer
  • Has known active central nervous system metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis.
  • Has an active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years
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  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving chronic systemic steroid therapy (in dosing exceeding 10 mg daily of prednisone equivalent) or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of study treatment, or has a history of organ transplant, including allogeneic stem cell transplant
  • Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis that required steroids or has current pneumonitis, or has an active infection requiring systemic therapy
  • Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the study, starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of study medication and up to 180 days after last dose of cisplatin
  • Has received prior therapy with an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1), anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent or with an agent directed to another co-inhibitory T-cell receptor or has previously participated in a pembrolizumab (MK-3475) clinical trial
  • Has severe hypersensitivity (≥ Grade 3) to any study treatment (pembrolizumab, cisplatin, or 5-FU) and/or any of its excipients
  • Has a known history of active tuberculosis (TB; Mycobacterium tuberculosis) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
  • Has known history of or is positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • Has received a live vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study treatment
  • Has had radiotherapy within 14 days of randomization. Participants who received radiotherapy >14 days prior to randomization must have completely recovered from any radiotherapy-related AEs/toxicities

Trial locations and contacts

189 sites in 26 countries.

189 sites in 26 countries

Japan31 sites
  • Hyogo Cancer Center ( Site 0913)

    Akashi, Hyōgo, 673-8558

  • Chiba University Hospital ( Site 0909)

    Chiba, 260-8677

  • Chiba Cancer Center ( Site 0900)

    Chiba, 260-8717

  • National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center ( Site 0906)

    Fukuoka, 811-1395

  • Kyushu University Hospital ( Site 0922)

    Fukuoka, 812-8582

  • Gifu University Hospital ( Site 0920)

    Gifu, 501-1194

  • Kansai Medical University Hospital ( Site 0931)

    Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1191

  • Ibaraki Prefectural Central Hospital ( Site 0918)

    Kasama, Ibaraki, 309-1793

  • National Cancer Center Hospital East ( Site 0908)

    Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577

  • St. Marianna University School of Medicine Hospital ( Site 0903)

    Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 216-8511

  • Kagawa University Hospital ( Site 0915)

    Kita-gun, Kagawa-ken, 761-0793

  • Saitama Cancer Center ( Site 0926)

    Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, 362-0806

  • Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital ( Site 0929)

    Kobe, Hyōgo, 650-0047

  • Kumamoto University Hospital ( Site 0919)

    Kumamoto, 860-8556

  • National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center ( Site 0901)

    Matsuyama, Ehime, 791-0280

  • Kyorin University Hospital ( Site 0905)

    Mitaka, Tokyo, 181-8611

  • Aichi Cancer Center Hospital ( Site 0902)

    Nagoya, Aichi-ken, 464-8681

  • Niigata Cancer Center Hospital ( Site 0924)

    Niigata, 951-8566

  • Osaka International Cancer Institute ( Site 0923)

    Osaka, 541-8567

  • Osaka General Medical Center ( Site 0912)

    Osaka, 558-8558

  • Hokkaido University Hospital ( Site 0916)

    Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8648

  • Kindai University Hospital ( Site 0917)

    Sayama, Osaka, 589-8511

  • Osaka University Hospital ( Site 0911)

    Suita, Osaka, 565-0871

  • Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital and Research Institute ( Site 0914)

    Sunto-gun, Shizuoka, 411-8777

  • Osaka Medical College Hospital ( Site 0925)

    Takatsuki, Osaka, 569-8686

  • National Cancer Center Hospital ( Site 0907)

    Tokyo, 104-0045

  • The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR ( Site 0904)

    Tokyo, 135-8550

  • Keio University Hospital ( Site 0927)

    Tokyo, 160-8582

  • University of Tsukuba Hospital ( Site 0910)

    Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8576

  • Kanagawa Cancer Center ( Site 0921)

    Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515

  • Oita University Hospital ( Site 0930)

    Yufu, Oita Prefecture, 879-5593

Other trials in Japan

China19 sites
  • Peking Union Medical College Hospital ( Site 0123)

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100032

  • Beijing Cancer Hospital ( Site 0100)

    Beijing, 100142

  • Jilin Cancer Hospital ( Site 0101)

    Changchun, Jilin, 130012

  • Hunan Cancer Hospital ( Site 0105)

    Changsha, Hunan, 410013

  • Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital ( Site 0104)

    Fuzhou, 350014

  • Guangdong General Hospital ( Site 0103)

    Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120

  • Zhejiang Cancer Hospital ( Site 0116)

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022

  • The Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Harbin Medical University ( Site 0102)

    Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081

  • Anhui Provincial Hospital ( Site 0106)

    Hefei, Anhui, 230036

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University ( Site 0112)

    Hefei, Anhui, 230088

  • PLA Cancer Centre of Nanjing Bayi Hospital ( Site 0110)

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002

  • Zhongda Hospital Southeast University ( Site 0125)

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009

  • Shanghai Chest Hospital ( Site 0111)

    Shanghai, 200030

  • Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center ( Site 0108)

    Shanghai, 200032

  • Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine ( Site 0114)

    Shanghai, 200127

  • Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology ( Site 0109)

    Wuhan, Hubei, 430030

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi an Jiaotong University ( Site 0120)

    Xi'an, Shannxi, 710061

  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University ( Site 0119)

    Xiamen, Fujian, 361000

  • Henan Cancer Hospital ( Site 0107)

    Zhengzhou, 450008

Other trials in China

United States12 sites
  • University of Maryland Medical Center ( Site 0013)

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201

  • Dana Farber Cancer Center ( Site 0009)

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute ( Site 0004)

    Buffalo, New York, 14263

  • The University of Chicago Medical Center ( Site 0001)

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center ( Site 0002)

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106

  • Henry Ford Cancer Center ( Site 0018)

    Detroit, Michigan, 48202

  • University of Tennessee Medical Center Knoxville ( Site 0017)

    Knoxville, Tennessee, 37920

  • Weill Cornell Medical College ( Site 0024)

    New York, New York, 10065

  • UPMC Cancer Center/Hillman Cancer Center ( Site 0015)

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232

  • Washington University School of Medicine ( Site 0031)

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110

  • Kaiser Permanente Southern California ( Site 0003)

    West Los Angeles, California, 90034

  • University of Kansas ( Site 0029)

    Westwood, Kansas, 66205

Other trials in United States

Brazil10 sites
  • CETUS Hospital Dia Oncologia ( Site 0208)

    Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30110-022

  • Hospital Sao Vicente de Paulo ( Site 0204)

    Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, 99010-080

  • Uniao Brasileira de Educacao e Assistencia Hospital Sao Lucas da Pucrs ( Site 0201)

    Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-000

  • Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre ( Site 0200)

    Porto Alegre, 90035-903

  • Inst de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira- IMIP ( Site 0210)

    Recife, Pernambuco, 50070-550

  • Instituto Nacional do Cancer Jose Alencar Gomes da Silva INCA ( Site 0209)

    Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20231-050

  • Clinica de Hematologia e Oncologia Viver Ltda ( Site 0211)

    Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, 97015-513

  • Fundacao Faculdade Regional de Medicina de Sao Jose do Rio Preto. ( Site 0203)

    São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 15090-000

  • Hospital Alemao Oswaldo Cruz ( Site 0207)

    São Paulo, São Paulo, 01323-903

  • Instituto do Cancer de Sao Paulo - ICESP ( Site 0206)

    São Paulo, 01246-000

Other trials in Brazil

Taiwan9 sites
  • Chang Gung Med Foundation. Kaohsiung Branch ( Site 1906)

    Kaohsiung City, 833

  • Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital ( Site 1908)

    New Taipei City, 235

  • China Medical University Hospital ( Site 1904)

    Taichung, 404

  • Kuang Tien General Hospital ( Site 1909)

    Taichung, 43303

  • National Cheng Kung University Hospital ( Site 1905)

    Tainan, 704

  • Chi Mei Medical Center Liuying ( Site 1907)

    Tainan, 736

  • National Taiwan University Hospital ( Site 1900)

    Taipei, 10002

  • Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center ( Site 1902)

    Taipei, 11259

  • Chang Gung Medical Foundation. Linkou ( Site 1903)

    Taoyuan, 333

Other trials in Taiwan

Canada8 sites
  • Tom Baker Cancer Centre ( Site 0503)

    Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2

  • Cross Cancer Institute ( Site 0502)

    Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2

  • CISSS de la Monteregie-Centre ( Site 0504)

    Greenfield Park, Quebec, J4V 2H1

  • Juravinski Cancer Center ( Site 0508)

    Hamilton, Ontario, L8V 5C2

  • Jewish General Hospital ( Site 0507)

    Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1E2

  • The Ottawa Hospital - Cancer Care ( Site 0501)

    Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6

  • Princess Margaret Cancer Centre ( Site 0505)

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9

  • CancerCare Manitoba ( Site 0500)

    Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0V9

Other trials in Canada

France8 sites
  • CHU Brest - Institut de Cancerologie et d Hematologie ( Site 0305)

    Brest, 29200

  • Centre Francois Baclesse ( Site 0310)

    Caen, 14076

  • Centre Oscar Lambret ( Site 0304)

    Lille, 59020

  • Centre Leon Berard ( Site 0307)

    Lyon, Cedex 8, 69373

  • Institut du Cancer de Montpellier ( Site 0306)

    Montpellier, 34298

  • CHU de Nantes - Hotel Dieu ( Site 0303)

    Nantes, 44093

  • Institut Mutualiste Montsouris ( Site 0300)

    Paris, 75014

  • CHU de Saint Etienne Hopital Nord ( Site 0309)

    Saint-Etienne, 42055

Other trials in France

Germany7 sites
  • Staedtisches Klinikum Dresden ( Site 1507)

    Dresden, 01067

  • Haematologisch-Onkologische Praxis Eppendorf Facharztzentrum Eppendorf - Hope ( Site 1502)

    Hamburg, 20249

  • Universitaetsklinikum Leipzig ( Site 1501)

    Leipzig, 04103

  • Klinikum Ludwigsburg ( Site 1509)

    Ludwigsburg, 71640

  • Universitatsklinikum Mannheim GmbH ( Site 1504)

    Mannheim, 68167

  • Klinik fuer Haematologie. Onkologie und Gastroenterologie ( Site 1508)

    Mönchengladbach, 41063

  • III. Medizinische Klinik Klinikum rechts der Isar ( Site 1506)

    München, 81675

Other trials in Germany

Romania7 sites
  • S.C.Focus Lab Plus S.R.L ( Site 2401)

    Bucharest, Sector 2, 021389

  • S.C.Gral Medical S.R.L ( Site 2406)

    Bucharest, 031422

  • S.C. Radiotherapy Center Cluj S.R.L ( Site 2407)

    Comuna Floresti, Cluj, 407280

  • Spitalul Clinic Judetean De Urgenta Constanta ( Site 2402)

    Constanța, 900591

  • S.C. Centrul de Oncologie Sf. Nectarie SRL ( Site 2404)

    Craiova, Dolj, 200347

  • S C Pelican Impex SRL ( Site 2403)

    Oradea, Bihor County, 410469

  • S C Oncocenter Oncologie Medicala S R L ( Site 2405)

    Timișoara, Timiș County, 300166

Other trials in Romania

Russia7 sites
  • National Medical and Surgical Center n.a. N.I.Pirogov ( Site 0402)

    Moscow, 105203

  • N.N. Blokhin NMRCO ( Site 0401)

    Moscow, 115478

  • Leningrad Regional Oncology Center ( Site 0405)

    Saint Petersburg, Vsevolzhsk District, 188663

  • Scientific Research Oncology Institute n.a. N.N.Petrov ( Site 0406)

    Saint Petersburg, 197758

  • St Petersburg City Clinical Oncology Dispensary ( Site 0409)

    Saint Petersburg, 198255

  • Tomsk Scientific Research Institute of Oncology ( Site 0403)

    Tomsk, 634028

  • SBHCI RCOD of MHC RB ( Site 0407)

    Ufa, Bashkortostan Republic, 450054

Other trials in Russia

South Africa7 sites
  • Clinton Oncology Centre ( Site 2505)

    Alberton, 1448

  • Cape Town Oncology Trials Pty Ltd ( Site 2508)

    Cape Town, Western Cape, 7570

  • The Oncology Centre ( Site 2502)

    Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4091

  • Outeniqua Cancercare Oncology Unit ( Site 2504)

    George, Western Cape, 6530

  • The Medical Oncology Centre of Rosebank ( Site 2506)

    Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2196

  • WITS Clinical Research CMJAH Clinical Trial Site ( Site 2500)

    Parktown, Gauteng, 2193

  • Cancer Care Langenhoven Drive Oncology Centre ( Site 2501)

    Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 6045

Other trials in South Africa

Spain7 sites
  • Hosp. Gral. Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol ( Site 0701)

    Badalona, Barcelona, 08916

  • Hospital Universitari Vall d Hebron ( Site 0702)

    Barcelona, 08035

  • Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia ( Site 0706)

    Córdoba, 14004

  • Hospital Ramon y Cajal ( Site 0703)

    Madrid, 28034

  • Hospital Universitario La Paz ( Site 0700)

    Madrid, 28046

  • Complejo Hospitalario Virgen De La Victoria ( Site 0705)

    Málaga, 29010

  • Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias ( Site 0708)

    Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33011

Other trials in Spain

Turkey (Türkiye)7 sites
  • Adana Sehir Hastanesi ( Site 0802)

    Adana, 01370

  • Ankara Sehir Hastanesi ( Site 0808)

    Ankara, 06800

  • Istanbul Medeniyet Universitesi Goztepe EAH ( Site 0807)

    Istanbul, 34093

  • Istanbul Universitesi Cerrahpasa Tip Fakultesi ( Site 0804)

    Istanbul, 34098

  • Marmara Universitesi Pendik Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi ( Site 0801)

    Istanbul, 34899

  • Medical Park Izmir Hastanesi ( Site 0800)

    Izmir, 35575

  • Inonu Universitesi Turgut Ozal Tip Merkezi ( Site 0803)

    Malatya, 44280

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

South Korea6 sites
  • National Cancer Center ( Site 1304)

    Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10408

  • Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital ( Site 1305)

    Hwasun Gun, Jeollanam-do, 58128

  • Seoul National University Cancer Hospital ( Site 1301)

    Seoul, 03080

  • Severance Hospital Yonsei University Health System ( Site 1302)

    Seoul, 03722

  • Asan Medical Center ( Site 1303)

    Seoul, 05505

  • Samsung Medical Center ( Site 1300)

    Seoul, 06351

Other trials in South Korea

Argentina5 sites
  • Hospital Aleman ( Site 0605)

    Buenos Aires, C1118AAT

  • Hospital Municipal de Gastroenterologia Dr. Bonorino Udaondo ( Site 0602)

    Buenos Aires, C1264AAA

  • Sanatorio Allende - Cordoba ( Site 0604)

    Córdoba, X5000JHQ

  • Hospital Privado Centro Medico Cordoba ( Site 0601)

    Córdoba, X5016KEH

  • Centro de Investigaciones Clinicas - Clinica Viedma ( Site 0603)

    Viedma, Río Negro Province, R8500ACE

Other trials in Argentina

Australia5 sites
  • Blacktown Hospital ( Site 2000)

    Blacktown, New South Wales, 2148

  • Eastern Health ( Site 2002)

    Box Hill, Victoria, 3128

  • Liverpool Hospital. ( Site 2001)

    Liverpool, New South Wales, 2170

  • Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre ( Site 2003)

    Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

  • Princess Alexandra Hospital ( Site 2005)

    Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102

Other trials in Australia

Guatemala5 sites
  • Centro de Investigacion Oncologica ( Site 1402)

    Guatemala City, 01010

  • Oncomedica ( Site 1400)

    Guatemala City, 01010

  • Grupo Medico Angeles ( Site 1401)

    Guatemala City, 01015

  • Medi-K Cayala ( Site 1404)

    Guatemala City, 01016

  • Centro Regional de Sub Especialidades Medicas SA ( Site 1403)

    Quetzaltenango, 09001

Other trials in Guatemala

Thailand5 sites
  • Bumrungrad International Hospital ( Site 2203)

    Bangkok, 10110

  • Chulalongkorn Hospital ( Site 2201)

    Bangkok, 10330

  • Ramathibodi Hospital. ( Site 2202)

    Bangkok, 10330

  • Phramongkutklao Hospital ( Site 2205)

    Bangkok, 10400

  • Songklanagarind Hospital ( Site 2204)

    Songkhla, 90110

Other trials in Thailand

Chile4 sites
  • Hospital Regional de Concepcion Dr. Guillermo Grant Benavente ( Site 1003)

    Concepción, 4070038

  • Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile ( Site 1001)

    Santiago, 7620002

  • Hospital Clinico Universidad de Chile ( Site 1002)

    Santiago, 8380456

  • Clinica Alemana de Temuco ( Site 1006)

    Temuco, 4810297

Other trials in Chile

Hong Kong4 sites
  • Humanity Health Research Centre ( Site 1603)

    Hong Kong

  • Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital ( Site 1601)

    Hong Kong

  • Princess Margaret Hospital. ( Site 1602)

    Hong Kong

  • Queen Mary Hospital ( Site 1600)

    Hong Kong

Other trials in Hong Kong

Costa Rica3 sites
  • CIMCA Centro de Investigacion y Manejo del Cancer ( Site 2600)

    San José, 10103

  • Policlinico San Bosco ( Site 2602)

    San José, 10103

  • ICIMED - Instituto de Investigacion en Ciencias Medicas ( Site 2601)

    San José, 10108

Other trials in Costa Rica

Malaysia3 sites
  • Hospital Kuala Lumpur ( Site 1805)

    Kuala Lumpur, 50586

  • University Malaya Medical Centre ( Site 1802)

    Kuala Lumpur, 59100

  • Beacon International Specialist Centre ( Site 1803)

    Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 46050

Other trials in Malaysia

Peru3 sites
  • Instituto Regional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas del Sur IRENSUR ( Site 1702)

    Arequipa, 04000

  • Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen ( Site 1701)

    Lima, 15033

  • Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas ( Site 1705)

    Lima, 15038

Other trials in Peru

United Kingdom3 sites
  • Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust ( Site 1101)

    Edinburgh, Mid Lothian, EH4 2XU

  • St Luke's Cancer Centre ( Site 1102)

    Guildford, GU2 7XX

  • The Christie NHS Foundation Trust ( Site 1100)

    Manchester, M20 4BX

Other trials in United Kingdom

Colombia2 sites
  • Rodrigo Botero SAS ( Site 2703)

    Medellín, Antioquia, 050030

  • Oncomedica S.A. ( Site 2701)

    Montería, Departamento de Córdoba, 230018

Other trials in Colombia

Denmark2 sites
  • Rigshospitalet ( Site 2301)

    Copenhagen, 2100

  • Odense Universitetshospital ( Site 2300)

    Odense, 5000

Other trials in Denmark

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Combination With Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil Versus Placebo in Combination With Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil as First-Line Treatment in Subjects With Advanced/Metastatic Esophageal Carcinoma (KEYNOTE-590)

The purpose of this trial is to evaluate efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab plus standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) versus placebo plus SOC chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-FU as first-line treatment in participants with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal carcinoma.

The overall primary efficacy hypotheses are as follows:

  1. In participants with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), participants whose tumors are programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive (defined as combined positive score [CPS] ≥10), ESCC participants whose tumors are PD-L1 positive (CPS ≥10), and in all participants, overall survival (OS) is superior with pembrolizumab plus SOC chemotherapy compared with placebo plus SOC chemotherapy.
  2. In participants with ESCC, participants whose tumors are PD-L1 positive (CPS ≥10), and in all participants, progression-free survival (PFS) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 as assessed by investigator is superior with pembrolizumab plus SOC chemotherapy compared with placebo plus SOC chemotherapy.
Being tested
Pembrolizumab, Placebo, Cisplatin, 5-FU
Keywords
Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD1, PD-1),, Programmed Cell Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1, PD-L1), Programmed Cell Death Receptor Ligand 2 (PDL2, PD-L2)
Medical subject headings
Esophageal Neoplasms, Parkinson Disease 4, Autosomal Dominant Lewy Body

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • PembrolizumabBiological

    Also called MK-3475

    200 mg administered IV Q3W on Day 1 of each 3-week cycle, up to 35 administrations.

  • PlaceboDrug

    Placebo to pembrolizumab (saline) administered IV Q3W on Day 1 of each 3-week cycle, up to 35 administrations.

  • CisplatinDrug

    80 mg/m^2 administered IV Q3W on Day 1 of each 3-week cycle. Duration of cisplatin treatment will be capped at 6 doses.

  • 5-FUDrug

    800 mg/m^2/day (4000 mg/m^2 total per cycle) administered as continuous IV infusion on Days 1 to 5 (120 hours) of each 3-week cycle, or per local standard for 5-FU administration, up to 35 administrations.

Study groups in NCT03189719
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Pembrolizumab + SOCExperimentalParticipants receive pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks (Q3W) plus standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy with cisplatin 80 mg/m^2 IV Q3W and 5-FU 800 mg/m^2/day continuous IV infusion on Days 1 to 5 (120 hours) Q3W. All treatments will be administered on an outpatient basis beginning on Day 1 of each 3-week dosing cycle.
Receives: Biological: Pembrolizumab; Drug: Cisplatin; Drug: 5-FU
Placebo + SOCPlacebo comparatorParticipants receive placebo to pembrolizumab (saline) IV Q3W plus SOC chemotherapy with cisplatin 80 mg/m^2 IV Q3W and 5-FU 800 mg/m^2/day continuous IV infusion on Days 1 to 5 (120 hours) Q3W. All treatments will be administered on an outpatient basis beginning on Day 1 of each 3-week dosing cycle.
Receives: Drug: Placebo; Drug: Cisplatin; Drug: 5-FU

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Overall Survival (OS) in Participants With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) Whose Tumors Are Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Biomarker-Positive (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥10)

    Overall survival was defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. Participants without documented death at the time of the final analysis were censored at the date of the last follow-up. Per protocol, OS is reported here for all participants of the Intent-To-Treat (ITT) population (all randomized) who had ESCC and who were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  2. OS in Participants With ESCC

    Overall survival was defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. Participants without documented death at the time of the final analysis were censored at the date of the last follow-up. Per protocol, OS is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had ESCC.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  3. OS in Participants Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    Overall survival was defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. Participants without documented death at the time of the final analysis were censored at the date of the last follow-up. Per protocol, OS is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  4. OS in All Participants

    Overall survival was defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. Participants without documented death at the time of the final analysis were censored at the date of the last follow-up. Per protocol, OS is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized).

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  5. Progression-free Survival (PFS) Per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) As Assessed By Investigator in Participants With ESCC

    PFS was defined as the time from randomization to the first documented progressive disease (PD) per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Per RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum had to demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions was also considered PD. The sponsor allowed a maximum of 10 target lesions in total and 5 per organ on this study. Per protocol, PFS is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had ESCC.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  6. PFS Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in Participants Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    PFS was defined as the time from randomization to the first documented progressive disease (PD) per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Per RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum had to demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions was also considered PD. The sponsor allowed a maximum of 10 target lesions in total and 5 per organ on this study. Per protocol, PFS is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  7. PFS Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in All Participants

    PFS was defined as the time from randomization to the first documented progressive disease (PD) per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Per RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum had to demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions was also considered PD. The sponsor allowed a maximum of 10 target lesions in total and 5 per organ on this study. Per protocol, PFS is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized).

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

Secondary outcomes (18)
  1. Objective Response Rate (ORR) Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in All Participants

    ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or a Partial Response (PR: ≥30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1. as assessed by the investigator. The sponsor allowed a maximum of 10 target lesions in total and 5 per organ on this study. Per protocol, the percentage of participants who experienced CR or PR is reported here as the ORR for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized).

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  2. ORR Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in Participants With ESCC Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or a Partial Response (PR: ≥30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1. as assessed by the investigator. The sponsor allowed a maximum of 10 target lesions in total and 5 per organ on this study. Per protocol, the percentage of participants who experienced CR or PR is reported here as the ORR for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had ESCC and who were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  3. ORR Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in Participants With ESCC

    ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or a Partial Response (PR: ≥30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1. as assessed by the investigator. The sponsor allowed a maximum of 10 target lesions in total and 5 per organ on this study. Per protocol, the percentage of participants who experienced CR or PR is reported here as the ORR for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had ESCC.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  4. ORR Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in Participants Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or a Partial Response (PR: ≥30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1. as assessed by the investigator. The sponsor allowed a maximum of 10 target lesions in total and 5 per organ on this study. Per protocol, the percentage of participants who experienced CR or PR is reported here as the ORR for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  5. Duration of Response (DOR) Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in All Participants

    For participants who demonstrated a confirmed CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator, DOR was defined as the time from first documented evidence of confirmed CR or PR until PD or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. DOR for participants who had not progressed or died at the time of analysis was censored at the date of their last tumor assessment. Per RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum had to demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions was also considered PD. Per protocol, DOR is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had CR or PR.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  6. DOR Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in Participants With ESCC Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    For participants who demonstrated a confirmed CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator, DOR was defined as the time from first documented evidence of confirmed CR or PR until PD or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. DOR for participants who had not progressed or died at the time of analysis was censored at the date of their last tumor assessment. Per RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum had to demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions was also considered PD. Per protocol, DOR is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had CR or PR, and who had ESCC and were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  7. DOR Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in Participants With ESCC

    For participants who demonstrated a confirmed CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator, DOR was defined as the time from first documented evidence of confirmed CR or PR until PD or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. DOR for participants who had not progressed or died at the time of analysis was censored at the date of their last tumor assessment. Per RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum had to demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions was also considered PD. Per protocol, DOR is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had CR or PR, and who had ESCC.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  8. DOR Per RECIST 1.1 As Assessed By Investigator in Participants Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    For participants who demonstrated a confirmed CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the investigator, DOR was defined as the time from first documented evidence of confirmed CR or PR until PD or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. DOR for participants who had not progressed or died at the time of analysis was censored at the date of their last tumor assessment. Per RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum had to demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions was also considered PD. Per protocol, DOR is reported here for all participants of the ITT population (all randomized) who had CR or PR, and were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Up to approximately 34 months

  9. Number of Participants With an Adverse Event (AE)

    An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which did not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with this treatment. An AE could therefore be any unfavourable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of a medicinal product or protocol-specified procedure, whether or not considered related to the medicinal product or protocol-specified procedure. Any worsening of a pre-existing condition that was temporally associated with the use of the Sponsor's product was also an AE. The number of participants that experienced at least one AE was reported for each treatment arm.

    Measured: Up to approximately 28 months

  10. Number of Participants Discontinuing Study Treatment Due to an AE

    An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which did not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with this treatment. An AE could therefore be any unfavourable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of a medicinal product or protocol-specified procedure, whether or not considered related to the medicinal product or protocol-specified procedure. Any worsening of a pre-existing condition that was temporally associated with the use of the Sponsor's product was also an AE. The number of participants that discontinued any study drug due to an AE was reported for each treatment arm.

    Measured: Up to approximately 27 months

  11. Change From Baseline To Week 18 in the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (QLQ-C30) Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHS/QoL) Combined Score in All Participants

    The EORTC-QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. Participant responses to the Global Health Status (GHS) question "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?" (Item 29) and the Quality of Life (QoL) question "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?" (Item 30) were scored on a 7-point scale (1=Very Poor to 7=Excellent). Using linear transformation, raw scores were standardized so that scores ranged from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a better overall outcome. Per protocol, change from baseline to Week 18 in the GHS/QoL combined score was reported by treatment arm as a pre-specified secondary analysis for all participants.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

  12. Change From Baseline To Week 18 in the EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL Combined Score in Participants With ESCC Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    The EORTC-QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. Participant responses to the Global Health Status (GHS) question "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?" (Item 29) and the Quality of Life (QoL) question "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?" (Item 30) were scored on a 7-point scale (1=Very Poor to 7=Excellent). Using linear transformation, raw scores were standardized so that scores ranged from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a better overall outcome. Per protocol, change from baseline to Week 18 in the GHS/QoL combined score was reported by treatment arm as a pre-specified secondary analysis for all participants who had ESCC and who were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

  13. Change From Baseline To Week 18 in the EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL Combined Score in Participants With ESCC

    The EORTC-QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. Participant responses to the Global Health Status (GHS) question "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?" (Item 29) and the Quality of Life (QoL) question "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?" (Item 30) were scored on a 7-point scale (1=Very Poor to 7=Excellent). Using linear transformation, raw scores were standardized so that scores ranged from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a better overall outcome. Per protocol, change from baseline to Week 18 in the GHS/QoL combined score was reported by treatment arm as a pre-specified secondary analysis for all participants who had ESCC.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

  14. Change From Baseline To Week 18 in the EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL Combined Score in Participants Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    The EORTC-QLQ-C30 is a 30-item questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of cancer patients. Participant responses to the Global Health Status (GHS) question "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?" (Item 29) and the Quality of Life (QoL) question "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?" (Item 30) were scored on a 7-point scale (1=Very Poor to 7=Excellent). Using linear transformation, raw scores were standardized so that scores ranged from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a better overall outcome. Per protocol, change from baseline to Week 18 in the GHS/QoL combined score was reported by treatment arm as a pre-specified secondary analysis for all participants who were PD-L1 CPS ≥10.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

  15. Change From Baseline in the EORTC Quality Of Life Questionnaire Oesophageal Module (QLQ-OES18) Subscale Scores in All Participants

    The EORTC QLQ-OES18 is a disease-specific questionnaire developed and validated to address measurements specific to esophageal cancer and contains 18 items assessing symptoms of dysphagia, pain, reflux symptoms, eating restrictions, anxiety, dry mouth, taste, body image, and hair loss. For the purposes of this study, the Dysphagia subscale (three items), Pain subscale (three items), and Reflux subscale (two items) were evaluated. All subscale items were scored using a four-point Likert scale with the following response choices: 1=not at all, 2=a little, 3=quite a bit, 4=very much. Raw scores for the subscales were standardized into a range of 0 to 100 by linear transformation, with higher symptom scores represent a higher ("worse") level of symptoms. Per protocol, change from baseline to Week 18 in the Dysphagia, Pain, and Reflux subscales was reported for all participants in each treatment arm. Negative changes from baseline indicate a decrease in symptom severity.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

  16. Change From Baseline in the EORTC QLQ-OES18 Subscale Scores in Participants With ESCC Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    The EORTC QLQ-OES18 is a disease-specific questionnaire developed and validated to address measurements specific to esophageal cancer and contains 18 items assessing symptoms of dysphagia, pain, reflux symptoms, eating restrictions, anxiety, dry mouth, taste, body image, and hair loss. For the purposes of this study, the Dysphagia subscale (three items), Pain subscale (three items), and Reflux subscale (two items) were evaluated. All subscale items were scored using a four-point Likert scale with the following response choices: 1=not at all, 2=a little, 3=quite a bit, 4=very much. Raw scores for the subscales were standardized into a range of 0 to 100 by linear transformation, with higher symptom scores representing a higher ("worse") level of symptoms. Change from baseline to Week 18 in the Dysphagia, Pain, and Reflux subscales was reported for participants with ESCC who were PD-L1 CPS≥10 in each treatment arm. Negative changes from baseline indicate a decrease in symptom severity.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

  17. Change From Baseline in the EORTC QLQ-OES18 Subscale Scores in Participants With ESCC

    The EORTC QLQ-OES18 is a disease-specific questionnaire developed and validated to address measurements specific to esophageal cancer and contains 18 items assessing symptoms of dysphagia, pain, reflux symptoms, eating restrictions, anxiety, dry mouth, taste, body image, and hair loss. For the purposes of this study, the Dysphagia subscale (three items), Pain subscale (three items), and Reflux subscale (two items) were evaluated. All subscale items were scored using a four-point Likert scale with the following response choices: 1=not at all, 2=a little, 3=quite a bit, 4=very much. Raw scores for the subscales were standardized into a range of 0 to 100 by linear transformation, with higher symptom scores representing a higher ("worse") level of symptoms. Change from baseline to Week 18 in the Dysphagia, Pain, and Reflux subscales was reported for participants with ESCC in each treatment arm. Negative changes from baseline indicate a decrease in symptom severity.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

  18. Change From Baseline in the EORTC QLQ-OES18 Subscale Scores in Participants Whose Tumors Are PD-L1 Biomarker-Positive (CPS ≥10)

    The EORTC QLQ-OES18 is a disease-specific questionnaire developed and validated to address measurements specific to esophageal cancer and contains 18 items assessing symptoms of dysphagia, pain, reflux symptoms, eating restrictions, anxiety, dry mouth, taste, body image, and hair loss. For the purposes of this study, the Dysphagia subscale (three items), Pain subscale (three items), and Reflux subscale (two items) were evaluated. All subscale items were scored using a four-point Likert scale with the following response choices: 1=not at all, 2=a little, 3=quite a bit, 4=very much. Raw scores for the subscales were standardized into a range of 0 to 100 by linear transformation, with higher symptom scores representing a higher ("worse") level of symptoms. Change from baseline to Week 18 in the Dysphagia, Pain, and Reflux subscales was reported for participants who were PD-L1 CPS≥10 in each treatment arm. Negative changes from baseline indicate a decrease in symptom severity.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 18

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Jun 2017
  2. Study start25 Jul 2017
  3. Primary completion2 Jul 2020
  4. Study completion10 Jul 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 3
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
749 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03189719
Sponsor's protocol ID
3475-590
Other IDs
173739, MK-3475-590, KEYNOTE-590, 2017-000958-19, 2017
Status last verified
Oct 2024
First submitted
14 Jun 2017
Last updated
15 Oct 2024
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: http://engagezone.msd.com/doc/ProcedureAccessClinicalTrialData.pdf

Publications

  • Kato K, Kojima T, Hara H, Tsuji A, Yasui H, Muro K, Satoh T, Yatsuzuka N, Sakata T, Han S, Doi T. First-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for advanced esophageal cancer: 5-year extended follow-up in the Japanese subgroup of KEYNOTE-590. Esophagus. 2026 Jul;23(3):486-500. doi: 10.1007/s10388-026-01200-8. Epub 2026 Apr 28.

    PubMed 42047965
  • Zhang Y, Diez Garcia M, Shah S, Joo S, Valderrama A, Zhang S, Enzinger PC. Analysis of quality-adjusted survival time without symptoms or toxicity for pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as treatment for previously untreated participants with advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer. Qual Life Res. 2026 Feb 1;35(3):58. doi: 10.1007/s11136-025-04109-4.

    PubMed 41620988
  • Mansoor W, Joo S, Norquist JM, Kato K, Sun JM, Shah MA, Enzinger P, Adenis A, Doi T, Kojima T, Metges JP, Li Z, Kim SB, Cho BC, Sunpaweravong P, Alsina M, Goekkurt E, Suryawanshi S, Shah S, Shen L. Health-related quality-of-life analysis from KEYNOTE-590: pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer. Oncologist. 2024 Oct 3;29(10):e1324-e1335. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae087.

    PubMed 38815152
  • Kato K, Kojima T, Hara H, Tsuji A, Yasui H, Muro K, Satoh T, Ogata T, Ishihara R, Goto M, Baba H, Nishina T, Han S, Iwakami K, Yatsuzuka N, Doi T. First-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer: 1-year extended follow-up in the Japanese subgroup of the phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 study. Esophagus. 2024 Jul;21(3):306-318. doi: 10.1007/s10388-024-01053-z. Epub 2024 Apr 12.

    PubMed 38607538
  • Zhang Y, Li C, Du K, Pengkhun N, Huang Z, Gong M, Li Y, Liu X, Li L, Wang D, Wang C, Chen F, Li J. Comparative analysis of immune checkpoint inhibitors in first-line treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a network meta-analysis. Immunotherapy. 2023 Jul;15(10):737-750. doi: 10.2217/imt-2022-0236. Epub 2023 May 4.

    PubMed 37139963
  • Kojima T, Hara H, Tsuji A, Yasui H, Muro K, Satoh T, Ogata T, Ishihara R, Goto M, Baba H, Nishina T, Han S, Sakata T, Yatsuzuka N, Doi T, Kato K. First-line pembrolizumab + chemotherapy in Japanese patients with advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer from KEYNOTE-590. Esophagus. 2022 Oct;19(4):683-692. doi: 10.1007/s10388-022-00920-x. Epub 2022 Jun 7.

    PubMed 35668304
  • Zhu Y, Liu K, Ding D, Zhou Y, Peng L. Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment for Advanced Esophageal Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Adv Ther. 2022 Jun;39(6):2614-2629. doi: 10.1007/s12325-022-02101-9. Epub 2022 Apr 8.

    PubMed 35394255
  • Sun JM, Shen L, Shah MA, Enzinger P, Adenis A, Doi T, Kojima T, Metges JP, Li Z, Kim SB, Cho BC, Mansoor W, Li SH, Sunpaweravong P, Maqueda MA, Goekkurt E, Hara H, Antunes L, Fountzilas C, Tsuji A, Oliden VC, Liu Q, Shah S, Bhagia P, Kato K; KEYNOTE-590 Investigators. Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for first-line treatment of advanced oesophageal cancer (KEYNOTE-590): a randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study. Lancet. 2021 Aug 28;398(10302):759-771. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)01234-4.

    PubMed 34454674
  • Kato K, Shah MA, Enzinger P, Bennouna J, Shen L, Adenis A, Sun JM, Cho BC, Ozguroglu M, Kojima T, Kostorov V, Hierro C, Zhu Y, McLean LA, Shah S, Doi T. KEYNOTE-590: Phase III study of first-line chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab for advanced esophageal cancer. Future Oncol. 2019 Apr;15(10):1057-1066. doi: 10.2217/fon-2018-0609. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

    PubMed 30735435

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 3 study testing Pembrolizumab, Cisplatin and 5-FU in people with Esophageal Neoplasms, run by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 189 sites in 26 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 15 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Oct 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 189 sites in Japan, China, United States, Brazil, Taiwan and 21 more countries. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 6 Jul 2021). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Overall Survival (OS) in Participants With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) Whose Tumors Are Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Biomarker-Positive (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥10) (time frame: Up to approximately 34 months). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03189719, which also lists 9 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Oct 2024.

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