Immunotherapy combo boosts survival in advanced kidney cancer
NCT ID NCT02853331
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 3 trial tested whether combining the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab with the targeted drug axitinib works better than the standard drug sunitinib alone for people with advanced kidney cancer. Over 860 patients took part. The combination helped patients live longer and kept their cancer from growing for a longer time compared to sunitinib alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pembrolizumab (immunotherapy) plus axitinib (targeted drug)
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could become a new standard first-line treatment for advanced kidney cancer, helping people live longer and control their disease better.
What could go wrong
This trial is completed and showed benefits, but results may not apply to all patients. Side effects from combining immunotherapy and targeted therapy can be serious.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.