Toxicity and safety of the combination of lenvatinib with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced renal cell cancer: The Russian phase IV observational study

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the safety and toxicity of lenvatinib with pembrolizumab in unselected patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and methods. The Russian phase IV observational study included 151 patients with advanced RCC who received lenvatinib with pembrolizumab in a standard dose regimen in 36 clinical centers of the Russian Federation. Most patients were diagnosed with clear cell RCC (n=145, 96.0%), with synchronous (n=77,51.0%) metastasesof more than one location (n=111,73.5%), removed primary tumor (n=98, 64.9%) and were classified into intermediate and poor IMDC prognostic groups (n=111, 73.5%). Median follow-up was 9.6 (1—68) months. Results. Any adverse events (AEs) were noted in 109 (72.2%), grade ≥3 AEs-in 26 (17.2%), serious AEs-in 9 (6.0%) of 151 patients. There were no deaths caused by AEs. AEs were an indication for lenvatinib dose reduction in 32 (21.2%), a dose interruptions in lenvatinib treatment in 21 (13.9%), and lenvatinib discontinuation in 2 (1.3%) cases. A dose interruptions in pembrolizumab therapy due to AEs was necessary in 15 (9.9%) cases. Both combination drugs were discontinued due to toxicity in 10 (6.6%) cases. AEs were assessed as immune-mediated in 24 (15.9%) patients (grade 3-4 - n=7, 4.6%) and required the prescription of high doses of glucocorticosteroids in 2 (1.3%) patients. Conclusions. A Russian observational study confirmed the acceptable safety profile of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab therapy in patients with advanced RCC.