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Amol Akhade: Exciting update from AACR25

Amol Akhade/LinkedIn

Apr 29, 2025, 04:40

Amol Akhade: Exciting update from AACR25

Amol Akhade, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hemato-oncologist at Suyog Cancer Clinics, posted on LinkedIn:

“Exciting update from AACR25!

KEYNOTE-689 trial delivers promising results for patients with resectable locally advanced HNSCC (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) undergoing perioperative immunotherapy!

Here’s the snapshot:

Study Design
Resectable Stage III/IVA HNSCC
2 cycles of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab, followed by surgery
Then adjuvant pembrolizumab + radiotherapy (± cisplatin)
Stratified by PD-L1 TPS (<50% vs ≥50%)

Key Results

Primary Endpoint: Event-Free Survival (EFS)
HR 0.73 (95% CI 0.58–0.92), P = 0.0041 Median EFS: 51.8 months (pembro + SOC) 30.4 months (SOC alone)
In CPS ≥10 subgroup
HR 0.66 (95% CI 0.49–0.88), P = 0.0022 2-year EFS rates: 74% (pembro) vs 60% (SOC)

Benefit across most subgroups: Oropharynx, oral cavity, larynx tumors showed strong improvements Tumor stage III patients derived the most benefit (HR 0.42!).

Points to Note

Hypopharynx subset showed uncertain benefit (small numbers, caution needed)
Female patients showed no clear benefit (limited n, requires validation)
12 cycles of adjuvant pembrolizumab is quite long – future strategies may explore de-escalation
OS data pending — long-term outcomes eagerly awaited!

Why is KEYNOTE-689 Important?

First large randomized trial showing perioperative immunotherapy improves outcomes in resectable HNSCC. Early KM curve separation and sustained benefit suggest durable responses. May define a new treatment paradigm beyond traditional surgery and radiotherapy alone.

My Take:

“KEYNOTE-689 positions perioperative pembrolizumab as a potential new standard in resectable LA-HNSCC, but thoughtful patient selection and long-term OS follow-up will be key.””

Read more posts featuring AACR25 at OncoDaily.com.

Amol Akhade: Exciting update from AACR25