Merck and Eisai have stopped a major late-stage trial for their liver cancer treatment after early results showed the drug combination was unlikely to improve patient survival.
The two companies were testing Keytruda, Merck’s top immunotherapy drug, with Eisai’s cancer medicine Lenvima. The goal was to see whether the combination could help patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.
However, an interim review found no meaningful benefit in overall survival, which is the primary measure for cancer drug success. Because of this, researchers recommended ending the trial early.
Impact on Patients & Companies
Lenvima is already approved for several cancers, and Keytruda is one of the world’s best-selling drugs. But liver cancer remains difficult to treat, and the therapy has struggled to show strong results in this patient group.
Despite the setback, both companies said they will continue exploring other treatment options and cancer studies.
Why It Matters
Liver cancer cases are rising worldwide. Many patients are diagnosed late, and treatment options remain limited. That makes progress in this area critical for global health.
This trial’s failure is a reminder that even leading cancer drugs face challenges in certain diseases. Investors and analysts will watch closely for updates on other late-stage oncology projects from Merck and Eisai.
