Merck, Pfizer, and Astellas’ Keytruda and Padcev Reduce Risk of Death by 50% in Another Massive Showing in Bladder Cancer

Merck, Pfizer, and Astellas reported breakthrough results for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, showing their Keytruda-Padcev combo cut the risk of death by 50% and improved event-free survival by 60% compared with surgery alone. In cisplatin-ineligible patients, benefits were even stronger. Over half of patients achieved complete response at surgery, marking a major advance for a population with no new treatment options in over 25 years.