Study summary

Adding pembrolizumab to radiation and surgery cut the risk of recurrence for high-risk limb sarcomas

SU2C-SARC032 trial · 143 people, phase 2 randomized · Published November 2024, The Lancet

What was tested

Pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy, given before, during and after radiation and surgery, against radiation and surgery alone, for stage III undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma or pleomorphic/dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the arm or leg.

What they found

• 2-year disease-free survival was 67% vs 52% (hazard ratio 0.61).
• Serious side effects were more common (56% vs 31%).

What it means

The first randomized evidence that immunotherapy helps prevent sarcoma from coming back after surgery.