Multinational phase 3 study of pembrolizumab versus placebo after complete resection of stage IIB or IIC melanoma

Previous studies showed that pembrolizumab prolonged progression-free and overall survival among patients with advanced melanoma and recurrence-free survival in resected stage III disease. The multinational phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 study compared pembrolizumab with placebo as adjuvant therapy after complete resection of stage IIB or stage IIC melanoma. Pembrolizumab every three weeks for 17 cycles resulted in significant reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death, with a manageable safety profile.