Pembrolizumab is recommended, within its marketing authorisation, as an option for the adjuvant treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a high risk of recurrence after complete resection and platinum-based chemotherapy in adults. Pembrolizumab is only recommended if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement.
Why the committee made this recommendation
Usual treatment for completely resected NSCLC after platinum-based chemotherapy in adults is active monitoring. A completely resected tumour is one that has been fully removed surgically.
Clinical trial evidence shows that, compared with placebo, people with NSCLC who have had complete resection of their tumour and adjuvant (after surgery) pembrolizumab have longer before their cancer gets worse and may live longer.
The most likely cost-effectiveness estimate for pembrolizumab is within the range NICE considers an acceptable use of NHS resources. So, pembrolizumab is recommended.