# Sac-TMT plus Keytruda cuts lung cancer progression risk by 65% versus Keytruda alone in a China trial

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/sac-tmt-plus-keytruda-cuts-lung-cancer-progression-risk-by-65-versus-e1b521d3
Date: 29 May 2026
About: [Merck & Co.](https://technooptimist.io/companies/merck.md) · [Sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT)](https://technooptimist.io/biotech/sac-tmt.md)
Original source: https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/merck-asco-2026-sac-tmt-lung-cancer-results/821500/

At ASCO 2026, Kelun presented a China phase 3 in first-line lung cancer in which sac-TMT added to Keytruda cut the risk of progression or death by 65% compared with Keytruda alone after 10.5 months of follow-up. Analysts welcomed the safety but questioned whether the result will carry over to Merck's global trials, which use a tougher comparator.

## Key facts

- Median progression-free survival not reached on the combination vs 5.7 months on Keytruda alone.
- Benefit held in squamous and non-squamous disease and across PD-L1 levels; survival showed a favourable trend.
- The trial lacked a Keytruda-plus-chemotherapy control arm.

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