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Trial record 1 of 1 for:    keynote-b49
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Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Plus Chemotherapy Versus Placebo Plus Chemotherapy for HR+/HER2- Locally Recurrent Inoperable or Metastatic Breast Cancer (MK-3475-B49/KEYNOTE-B49)

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Know the risks and potential benefits of clinical studies and talk to your health care provider before participating. Read our disclaimer for details.
 
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04895358
Recruitment Status : Recruiting
First Posted : May 20, 2021
Last Update Posted : May 30, 2023
Sponsor:
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Study Description
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Brief Summary:

The safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab plus the investigator's choice of chemotherapy will be assessed compared to placebo plus the investigator's choice of chemotherapy in the treatment of chemotherapy-candidate hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic breast cancer.

The primary hypotheses are that the combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy is superior to placebo and chemotherapy in regards to Progression-Free Survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in participants with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 and ≥10.


Condition or disease Intervention/treatment Phase
Breast Neoplasms Biological: pembrolizumab Drug: paclitaxel Drug: nab-paclitaxel Drug: liposomal doxorubicin Drug: capecitabine Drug: normal saline Drug: dextrose Phase 3

Study Design
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Layout table for study information
Study Type : Interventional  (Clinical Trial)
Estimated Enrollment : 800 participants
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double (Participant, Investigator)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
Official Title: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase 3 Study of Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy Versus Placebo Plus Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Candidate Hormone Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative (HR+/HER2-) Locally Recurrent Inoperable or Metastatic Breast Cancer (KEYNOTE-B49)
Actual Study Start Date : June 18, 2021
Estimated Primary Completion Date : July 21, 2028
Estimated Study Completion Date : July 21, 2028

Resource links provided by the National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus related topics: Breast Cancer

Arms and Interventions
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Arm Intervention/treatment
Experimental: Pembrolizumab + Chemotherapy
Participants receive pembrolizumab 200 mg administered by intravenous infusion (IV) on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle (Q3W) PLUS one of four chemotherapy regimens: 1) paclitaxel 90 mg/m^2 IV on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day cycle (Q4W), 2) nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m^2 IV on Days 1, 8, and 15 Q4W, 3) liposomal doxorubicin 50 mg/m^2 IV on Day 1 Q4W, OR 4) capecitabine 1000 mg/m^2 by oral administration (PO) twice a day (BID) on Days 1-14 Q3W for up to 35 administrations.
 Biological: pembrolizumab
Intravenous (IV) infusion
Other Names:
  • KEYTRUDA®
  • MK-3475

Drug: paclitaxel
IV infusion
Other Name: TAXOL®

Drug: nab-paclitaxel
IV infusion
Other Name: ABRAXANE®

Drug: liposomal doxorubicin
IV infusion
Other Name: DOXIL®

Drug: capecitabine
oral administration
Other Name: XELODA®
Active Comparator: Placebo + Chemotherapy
Participants receive placebo (normal saline or dextrose) IV on Day 1 Q3W PLUS one of four chemotherapy regimens: 1) paclitaxel 90 mg/m^2 IV on Days 1, 8, and 15 Q4W, 2) nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m^2 IV on Days 1, 8, and 15 Q4W, 3) liposomal doxorubicin 50 mg/m^2 IV on Day 1 Q4W, OR 4) capecitabine 1000 mg/m^2 PO BID on Days 1-14 Q3W for up to 35 administrations.
 Drug: paclitaxel
IV infusion
Other Name: TAXOL®

Drug: nab-paclitaxel
IV infusion
Other Name: ABRAXANE®

Drug: liposomal doxorubicin
IV infusion
Other Name: DOXIL®

Drug: capecitabine
oral administration
Other Name: XELODA®

Drug: normal saline
IV infusion

Drug: dextrose
IV infusion


Outcome Measures
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Primary Outcome Measures :
  1. Progression-free Survival (PFS) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 33 months ]
    PFS is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression (PD) or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. The PFS in participants with a CPS of ≥10, as assessed by BICR, will be presented.

  2. Progression-free Survival (PFS) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 33 months ]
    PFS is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression (PD) or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. The PFS in participants with a CPS of ≥1, as assessed by BICR, will be presented.

  3. Overall Survival (OS) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    OS is defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. OS for participants with a CPS of ≥10 will be presented.

  4. OS in Participants With CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    OS is defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. OS for participants with a CPS of ≥1 will be presented.


Secondary Outcome Measures :
  1. Progression-free Survival (PFS) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Investigator in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    PFS is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression (PD) or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. The PFS in participants with a CPS of ≥10, as assessed by investigator, will be presented.

  2. Progression-free Survival (PFS) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Investigator in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    PFS is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression (PD) or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, PD is defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. The PFS in participants with a CPS of ≥1, as assessed by investigator, will be presented.

  3. Objective Response Rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    ORR is defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who achieve confirmed Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or Partial Response (PR: at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. ORR for participants with a CPS of ≥10 will be presented.

  4. Objective Response Rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    ORR is defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who achieve confirmed Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or Partial Response (PR: at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per RECIST 1.1, modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ. ORR for participants with a CPS of ≥1 will be presented.

  5. Disease Control Rate (DCR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    DCR is defined as the percentage of participants who achieve Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or Partial Response (PR: at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions), or Stable Disease (SD: neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease [PD: ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD]) for at least 24 weeks. The percentage of participants who experience a confirmed CR, PR, or SD with a CPS of ≥10 will be presented.

  6. Disease Control Rate (DCR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    DCR is defined as the percentage of participants who achieve Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or Partial Response (PR: at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions), or Stable Disease (SD: neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease [PD: ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD]) for at least 24 weeks. The percentage of participants who experience a confirmed CR, PR, or SD with a CPS of ≥1 will be presented.

  7. Duration of Response (DOR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    For participants who demonstrate CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions), DOR is defined as the time from the first documented evidence of CR or PR until disease progression (PD) or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, or death from any cause, PD is defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. DOR for participants with a CPS of ≥10 will be presented.

  8. Duration of Response (DOR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) in Participants With Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    For participants who demonstrate CR (disappearance of all target lesions) or PR (at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions), DOR is defined as the time from the first documented evidence of CR or PR until disease progression (PD) or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Per RECIST 1.1 modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, or death from any cause, PD is defined as ≥20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions. In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of ≥5 mm. The appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered PD. DOR for participants with a CPS of ≥1 will be presented.

  9. Change From Baseline in Global Health Status/Quality of Life Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to the questions regarding Global Health Status (GHS; "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?") and Quality of Life (QoL; "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?") are scored on a 7-point scale (1= Very poor to 7=Excellent). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in GHS (EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 29) and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 30) combined score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A higher score indicates a better outcome.

  10. Change From Baseline in Global Health Status/Quality of Life Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to the questions regarding Global Health Status (GHS; "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?") and Quality of Life (QoL; "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?") are scored on a 7-point scale (1= Very poor to 7=Excellent). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in GHS (EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 29) and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 30) combined score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A higher score indicates a better outcome.

  11. Change From Baseline in Physical Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to 5 questions about their physical functioning (Items 1-5) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the physical functioning score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A higher score indicates a better level of function.

  12. Change From Baseline in Physical Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to 5 questions about their physical functioning (Items 1-5) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the physical functioning score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A higher score indicates a better level of function.

  13. Change From Baseline in Emotional Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to 4 questions about their emotional functioning (Items 21-24) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the emotional functioning score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A higher score indicates a better level of function.

  14. Change From Baseline in Emotional Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to 4 questions about their emotional functioning (Items 21-24) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the emotional functioning score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A higher score indicates a better level of function.

  15. Change From Baseline in Fatigue Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to 3 questions about their fatigue (Items 10, 12, 18) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the fatigue score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A lower score indicates a better outcome.

  16. Change From Baseline in Fatigue Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire. Participant responses to 3 questions about their fatigue (Items 10, 12, 18) are scored on a 4-point scale (1=Not at All to 4=Very Much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the fatigue score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A lower score indicates a better outcome.

  17. Change From Baseline in Diarrhea Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire, including a single-item scale score for diarrhea (QLQ-C30 Item 17). For this item, individual responses to the question "Have you had diarrhea?" are given on a 4-point scale (1=Not at all; 4=Very much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the diarrhea score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A lower score indicates a better outcome.

  18. Change From Baseline in Diarrhea Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Baseline and up to approximately 75 months ]
    The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a cancer specific health-related quality-of life (QoL) questionnaire, including a single-item scale score for diarrhea (QLQ-C30 Item 17). For this item, individual responses to the question "Have you had diarrhea?" are given on a 4-point scale (1=Not at all; 4=Very much). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The change from baseline in the diarrhea score will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A lower score indicates a better outcome.

  19. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Global Health Status/Quality of Life Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in Global Health Status (GHS; EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 29) & Quality of Life (QoL; EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 30) combined score. Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in GHS and QoL combined score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  20. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Global Health Status/Quality of Life Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in Global Health Status (GHS; EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 29) & Quality of Life (QoL; EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 30) combined score. Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in GHS and QoL combined score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  21. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Physical Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in physical functioning score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Items 1-5). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in physical functioning score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  22. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Physical Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in physical functioning score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Items 1-5). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in physical functioning score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  23. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Emotional Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in emotional functioning score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Items 21-24). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in emotional functioning score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  24. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Emotional Functioning Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in emotional functioning score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Items 21-24). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in emotional functioning score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  25. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Fatigue Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in fatigue score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Items 10, 12, 18). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in fatigue score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  26. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Fatigue Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in fatigue score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Items 10, 12, 18). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in fatigue score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  27. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Diarrhea Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥10 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in diarrhea score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 17). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in diarrhea score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥10. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  28. Time to Deterioration (TTD) in Diarrhea Score on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in Participants with CPS ≥1 [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    TTD is defined as the time to the first onset of a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in diarrhea score (EORTC QLQ-C30 Item 17). Using linear transformation, raw scores are standardized, so that scores range from 0 to 100. The TTD, as assessed based on a ≥10-point deterioration (decrease) from baseline in diarrhea score, will be presented in participants with a CPS of ≥1. A longer TTD indicates a better outcome.

  29. Percentage of Participants who Experience an Adverse Event (AE) [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. An AE can therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), symptom, or disease (new or exacerbated) temporally associated with the use of a study intervention. The percentage of participants who experience one or more adverse events will be presented.

  30. Percentage of Participants who Discontinue Study Drug due to an AE [ Time Frame: Up to approximately 75 months ]
    An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. An AE can therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign (including an abnormal laboratory finding), symptom, or disease (new or exacerbated) temporally associated with the use of a study intervention. The percentage of participants who discontinue study treatment due to an adverse event will be presented.


Eligibility Criteria
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Information from the National Library of Medicine

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.


Layout table for eligibility information
Ages Eligible for Study:   18 Years and older   (Adult, Older Adult)
Sexes Eligible for Study:   All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:   No
Criteria

The key inclusion and exclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following:

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Has locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer, which has not been previously treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy in the noncurative setting
  • Has progressed on prior endocrine therapy and is now a chemotherapy candidate, meeting the characteristics in regard to previous treatments of one of the following 4 groups:
  • Group 1: Has progressed on 2 or more lines of endocrine therapy for advanced/metastatic HR+/HER2-disease, with at least given in combination with a Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor. Prior treatment with mTOR and/or PI3-K inhibitors is allowed. OR
  • GROUP 2a: Has progressed on 1 line of previous endocrine therapy for advanced/metastatic disease AND had a disease recurrence within 24 months of definitive surgery for the primary tumor and while on adjuvant endocrine therapy. Prior use of CDK4/6 inhibitors is required, either in the adjuvant and/or metastatic setting. Prior treatment with mTOR and/or PI3-K inhibitors is allowed. OR
  • GROUP 2b: Has progressed within 12 months of starting 1 line of endocrine therapy with a CDK4/6 inhibitor for advanced/metastatic HR+/HER2- disease. OR
  • GROUP 3: If no prior treatment with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, for advanced/metastatic disease and/or early stage disease (adjuvant), participants must have progressed within 6 months of starting 1 line of endocrine therapy with or without an mTOR or PI3-K inhibitor for metastatic disease AND had a relapse within 24 months of definitive surgery for primary tumor and while receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy.
  • Has presented a documented radiographic disease progression (as assessed by the investigator and/or histology [biopsy or cytology] for participants presenting with new metastatic lesions) during or after the last administered endocrine therapy prior to entering the study.
  • Is a chemotherapy candidate that meets the criteria specified in the protocol
  • Provides a new or the last obtained core biopsy, preferably consisting of multiple cores, taken from a locally recurrent or a distant (metastatic) lesion not previously irradiated
  • Has centrally confirmed PD-L1 CPS ≥1 and HR+ (estrogen receptor [ER] and/or progesterone receptor [PgR]) /HER2- breast cancer as defined by the most recent American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/(College of American Pathologists) CAP guidelines on most recent tumor biopsy
  • Has an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, as assessed within 7 days prior to the first dose of study treatment
  • Has adequate organ function within 10 days prior to the start of study
  • Male participants must agree to the following during the treatment period and for at least 6 months after the last dose of chemotherapy: refrain from donating sperm PLUS either be abstinent from heterosexual intercourse as their preferred and usual lifestyle or use contraception and agree to use a male condom plus partner use of an additional contraceptive
  • A female participant is eligible to participate if she is not pregnant or breastfeeding, and at least one of the following conditions applies: is not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) OR is a WOCBP and using a highly-effective contraceptive method during the treatment period and for at least 120 days after the last dose of pembrolizumab and 180 days after the last dose of chemotherapy (whichever occurs last), AND agrees not to donate eggs (ova, oocytes) to others or freeze/store for her own use for the purpose of reproduction during this period
  • A WOCBP must have a negative highly sensitive pregnancy test (urine or serum) within 24 hours for urine or within 72 hours for serum before the first dose of study intervention
  • Has measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the local site investigator/radiologist
  • If receiving bisphosphonates or RANK ligand inhibitors, with stable doses for ≥4 weeks prior to the date of randomization, the participant may continue receiving this therapy during the study treatment. If participant needs to initiate these agents during the screening period, a bone scan to evaluate bone disease should be performed prior to randomization.
  • Participants who are Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive are eligible if they have received Hepatitis B virus (HBV) antiviral therapy for at least 4 weeks prior to the first dose of study intervention and have undetectable HBV viral load prior to randomization
  • Participants with history of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are eligible if HCV viral load is undetectable at screening

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Has breast cancer amenable to treatment with curative intent
  • Has a history or current evidence of any condition (e.g., transfusion-dependent anemia or thrombocytopenia), therapy, or laboratory abnormality that is specifically contraindicated per the current locally-approved labeling, that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the participant's involvement for the full duration of the study, or is not in the best interest of the participant to be involved, in the opinion of the treating investigator
  • Has significant cardiac disease, such as: history of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, coronary angioplasty/stenting/bypass within the last 6 months, congestive heart failure (CHF) New York Heart association (NYHA) Class II-IV, or history of CHF NYHA Class III or IV
  • Has advanced/metastatic, symptomatic visceral spread at risk of rapidly evolving into life-threatening complications, such as lymphangitic lung metastases, bone marrow replacement, carcinomatous meningitis, significant symptomatic liver metastases, shortness of breath requiring supplemental oxygen, symptomatic pleural effusion requiring supplemental oxygen, symptomatic pericardial effusion, symptomatic peritoneal carcinomatosis, or the need to achieve rapid symptom control
  • Has skin only disease
  • Has a known germline BRCA mutation (deleterious or suspected deleterious) and has not received previous treatment with PARP inhibition. either in the adjuvant or metastatic setting (where available and not medically contraindicated). Single-agent PARP inhibitor therapy does not count as a line of endocrine therapy.
  • Has received prior chemotherapy for locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic breast cancer
  • Has received prior therapy with an anti- programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), anti- programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), or anti- programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2) agent or with an agent directed to another stimulatory or coinhibitory T-cell receptor (e.g., cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), OX-40, CD137)
  • Has received prior systemic anticancer therapy with other investigational agents within 4 weeks prior to randomization
  • Has received prior radiotherapy within 2 weeks of start of study intervention or radiation-related toxicities requiring corticosteroids.
  • Has received a live or live attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study intervention
  • Has received an investigational agent or has used an investigational device within 4 weeks prior to study intervention
  • 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 the first dose of study intervention
  • Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or has required active treatment within the past 3 years with the exception of basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, or carcinoma in situ excluding cancer in situ of bladder that have undergone potentially curative therapy
  • Has known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases
  • Has diagnosed carcinomatous meningitis
  • Has severe hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab and/or any of its excipients or has any hypersensitivity to the planned chemotherapy agent (paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel, liposomal doxorubicin, or capecitabine) and/or any of their excipients
  • Has an active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years
  • Has a history of (noninfectious) pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease that required steroids or has current pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease
  • Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy
  • Has a known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
  • Has a known COVID-19 infection (symptomatic or asymptomatic)
  • Has a known history of active tuberculosis (TB)
  • Has a known psychiatric or substance abuse disorder including alcohol or drug dependency that would interfere with the participant's ability to cooperate with the requirements of the study
  • Is breastfeeding or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the study, starting with the screening visit through 180 days (or longer as specified by local institutional guidelines) after the last dose of study treatment
  • Has had an allogenic tissue/solid organ transplant
Contacts and Locations
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Information from the National Library of Medicine

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT04895358


Contacts
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Contact: Toll Free Number 1-888-577-8839 Trialsites@merck.com

Locations
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Sponsors and Collaborators
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Investigators
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Study Director: Medical Director Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
More Information
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Additional Information:

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Responsible Party: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04895358    
Other Study ID Numbers: 3475-B49
MK-3475-B49 ( Other Identifier: Merck )
KEYNOTE-B49 ( Other Identifier: Merck )
jRCT2051210049 ( Registry Identifier: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) )
PHRR210721-003751 ( Registry Identifier: Philippine Health Research Registry (PHRR) )
2020-005407-38 ( EudraCT Number )
First Posted: May 20, 2021    Key Record Dates
Last Update Posted: May 30, 2023
Last Verified: May 2023
Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:
Plan to Share IPD: Yes
Plan Description: http://engagezone.msd.com/doc/ProcedureAccessClinicalTrialData.pdf
URL: http://engagezone.msd.com/ds_documentation.php

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Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product: Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product: No
Keywords provided by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC:
programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1, PD1)
programmed cell death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1, PDL1)
programmed cell death receptor ligand 2 (PD-L2, PDL2)
human epidermal growth factor 2 negative (HER2-)
hormone receptor positive (HR+)
 estrogen receptor positive (ER+)
progesterone receptor positive (PR+)
metastatic
inoperable
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
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Breast Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Site
Neoplasms
Breast Diseases
Skin Diseases
Paclitaxel
Albumin-Bound Paclitaxel
Doxorubicin
Liposomal doxorubicin
Pembrolizumab
Capecitabine
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
Antineoplastic Agents
 Tubulin Modulators
Antimitotic Agents
Mitosis Modulators
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Enzyme Inhibitors
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
Antimetabolites