Therapeutic Response Statement (Sensitivity)

This therapeutic response statement supports the relationship that PD-L1 (CPS) >= 1 status confers therapeutic sensitivity to Pembrolizumab in patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

This statement is based on a regulatory approval from the Health Canada:

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is indicated for the first-line treatment of metastatic or unresectable recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as monotherapy, in adult patients whose tumours have PD-L1 expression (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥ 1) as determined by a validated test.

Citation

Merck Canada Inc. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) [product monograph]. Health Canada website. https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00080285.PDF. Published April 2025. Accessed June 2025.