HNSCC: Update Bulletin [August 2017]

Gain new KOL insights on the latest events happening in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): data from the Phase I/II ECHO-202/KEYNOTE-037 study of Incyte’s IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab; Merck & Co.) were presented at ASCO 2017; preliminary results from the ongoing Phase I/II ECHO-204 trial of epacadostat plus Opdivo (nivolumab; Bristol-Myers Squibb [BMS]) in patients with solid tumours, including HNSCC, were presented at ASCO 2017; Merck & Co. announced that the Phase III KEYNOTE-040 trial of Keytruda in previously treated patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC failed to meet its primary endpoint of overall survival (OS). 

Business Questions:

• How do KOLs view the data from the Phase I/II ECHO-202/KEYNOTE-037 study of epacadostat in combination with Keytruda?
• Where will Keytruda/epacadostat be most likely used in the HNSCC treatment algorithm?
• How do KOLs view the data from the Phase I/II ECHO-204 trial of epacadostat in combination with Opdivo?
• What potential does Opdivo/epacadostat hold as a treatment approach for HNSCC and where will it be most likely incorporated into the treatment paradigm?
• How does Keytruda/epacadostat compare with Opdivo/epacadostat as potential combination treatment regimens for HNSCC?
• How do KOLs interpret the failure of the KEYNOTE-040 trial of Keytruda to meet its primary endpoint of OS and what bearing will this have on its continued use in second-line treatment?