Pembrolizumab for adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma

2.1 Pembrolizumab (Keytruda, Merck Sharp and Dohme) as 'monotherapy is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adults with renal cell carcinoma at increased risk of recurrence following nephrectomy or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions'.

2.2 The dosage schedule is available in the summary of product characteristics for pembrolizumab.

2.3 The cost of a 100 mg per 4 ml vial of pembrolizumab is £2,630 (excluding VAT; BNF online accessed April 2022). The cost of a 12‑month course (17 cycles) of treatment is £89,420.

2.4 The company has a commercial arrangement. This makes pembrolizumab available to the NHS with a discount. The size of the discount is commercial in confidence. It is the company's responsibility to let relevant NHS organisations know details of the discount.