skip to main content

KEYNOTE-826 — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardGynaecological CancersKEYNOTE-826SCE Medical Oncology

A patient with persistent cervical squamous carcinoma, PD-L1 combined positive score 8, has received no systemic treatment for persistent disease. Which regimen reproduces KEYNOTE-826 and the current NICE recommendation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Pembrolizumab plus paclitaxel and cisplatin or carboplatin, with bevacizumab optional

NICE TA939 recommends pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab for persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with PD-L1 CPS at least 1. KEYNOTE-826 used paclitaxel with either cisplatin or carboplatin, and bevacizumab was optional. Pembrolizumab plus paclitaxel and cisplatin, with bevacizumab mandatory for eligibility: bevacizumab was selected before randomisation but was not mandatory. Pembrolizumab plus paclitaxel and carboplatin only after prior systemic chemotherapy: KEYNOTE-826 was first-line systemic treatment for persistent, recurrent or metastatic disease. Pembrolizumab plus gemcitabine and cisplatin or carboplatin, with bevacizumab optional: gemcitabine was not part of the KEYNOTE-826 backbone. Pembrolizumab plus paclitaxel and topotecan, with bevacizumab optional: topotecan was not one of the trial platinum backbones.

Reference: NICE TA939 pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab for persistent, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer (Published December 2023; current NICE TA): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta939/chapter/1-Recommendations; KEYTRUDA 25 mg/mL UK summary of product characteristics (Current UK SmPC, updated June 2026): https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2498/smpc