Does adding Keytruda to other treatments slow Prostate Cancer?

This trial is testing a new treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Doctors are using a drug called Keytruda (pembrolizumab) together with other medicines. Keytruda helps your immune system fight the cancer. The purpose is to see if adding Keytruda to other treatments can help men whose cancer kept growing after the usual treatments by making the cancer smaller or slowing it down.

Where is the trial and who can join?

The trial is being done at many hospitals around the world, so you might find one near you. Men whose cancer did not get better with standard treatments may be able to join. A doctor can tell you if you qualify.

What happens in the trial?

If you join, you will receive treatment. There are different treatment groups in the trial. All groups include Keytruda plus at least one other medicine. Doctors will watch you closely and do tests and scans to see if the treatment is working. This is an early study (Phase 1/2), so doctors are still finding a safe dose and checking how well it works. You can stay in the trial as long as it is helping, and you can leave at any time.

Possible benefits

Joining this trial may have some benefits:

• Access to new treatment: You can get a new therapy (Keytruda with other drugs) that is not available outside the trial. It might help slow down your cancer or even make it smaller.
• Close medical care: The trial team will watch your health closely. You will get regular check-ups and attention, so any changes in your health are noticed quickly.
• Helping others: By joining, you help doctors learn more about prostate cancer. Even if the treatment does not help you, it could help future patients.

There is no guarantee the treatment will work for you, but it is a chance to try something new.

Possible risks

There are also some risks:

• Side effects: The treatment can cause side effects. You might feel tired, feel sick to your stomach (nausea), or have other problems. In some cases, there is a risk of serious side effects. Doctors will watch for side effects and help treat them if they happen.
• Uncertain results: Because this is a research study, doctors do not know if the treatment will help. The cancer might not respond to the new therapy.
• More visits: Being in a trial can mean more hospital visits, blood tests, or scans than usual. This takes extra time and can be tiring.

How to join the trial

Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is a good match for you. You can also search the ID “NCT02861573” on ClinicalTrials.gov for more details. The trial listing includes a phone number (1-888-577-8839) and email (Trialsites@msd.com) to contact the study team.

In summary, this trial is an option for men with advanced prostate cancer. It is testing a medicine called Keytruda together with other medicines to see if it can help when other treatments did not work. The trial is currently open for patients to join. If you join, you will get an active treatment, but there are also risks of side effects and no guarantee it will help. I hope this helps you feel more informed and calmer.