Dr. Makker on Synergy Between Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab in Endometrial Cancer

Vicky Makker, MD, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the synergy between lenvatinib (Lenvima) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in the treatment of patients with endometrial cancer. She presented updated phase Ib/2 data at the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Lenvatinib targets multiple proteins, including VEGF1-3, FGFR1-4, and platelet—derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-alpha. All of these, Makker says, are pathways that are known to promote oncogenesis. Lenvatinib and the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab—both in combination and as single agents—have led to positive preclinical data.

Preclinical data suggested that lenvatinib has antitumor activity, as well as an immunomodulatory effect. Updated data indicate that the 2 agents in combination stimulate the interferon gamma pathways and mediate their efficacy that way.

In the renal cell carcinoma space, this combination received a breakthrough therapy designation in January 2018 for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic disease.