KEYNOTE-905/EV-303 randomized 344 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who were
cisplatin-ineligible or declined cisplatin to perioperative enfortumab vedotin (Padcev) plus pembrolizumab
(Keytruda) around radical cystectomy, or to surgery alone. Two-year event-free survival was 74.7% (95% CI 66.9-80.8) vs 39.4% (95% CI 31.0-47.8)
(HR 0.40 (95% CI 0.28-0.57), two-sided P<0.001). The FDA approved the regimen on November 21, 2025.
FDA Approved November 21, 2025Phase III · NCT03924895N = 344Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer35 KOL posts · 94,460 impressions
Randomized phase 3, 344 patients (170 enfortumab
vedotin + pembrolizumab / 174 control). Comparator: radical cystectomy + pelvic lymph node dissection alone; no neoadjuvant therapy was permitted, but adjuvant immunotherapy per local guidelines was allowed and 16.7% (29/174) of control patients received adjuvant nivolumab. (NEJM, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Event-free survival (primary endpoint, by BICR)
2-year EFS
74.7% (95% CI 66.9-80.8) vs 39.4% (95% CI 31.0-47.8); HR 0.40 (95% CI 0.28-0.57), two-sided P<0.001. Median EFS not reached (95% CI 37.3-NR) vs 15.7 months (95% CI 10.3-20.5). (NEJM / FDA, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
60% reduction in the risk of an event
Overall survival (key secondary)
2-year OS 79.7% vs 63.1%;
HR 0.50 (95% CI 0.33-0.74), two-sided P<0.001. Median OS not reached vs 41.7 months (95% CI 31.8-NR). (NEJM / FDA, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
50% reduction in the risk of death
Pathological response
pCR 57.1% vs 8.6%; estimated difference 48.3% (95% CI 39.5-56.5). Pathological downstaging
65.9% vs 12.6%; difference 53.1% (95% CI 44.0-61.2). Disease-free survival median not reached vs 23.6 months (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.23-0.59). (NEJM / EAU 2026, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Population
281/344 (81.7%) cisplatin-ineligible; 63/344 (18.3%) declined cisplatin — the trial population is
predominantly, but not exclusively, cisplatin-ineligible. (NEJM, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Regulatory
✅ FDA approved November 21, 2025 for adults with MIBC
ineligible for cisplatin, based on this trial. The indication was broadened on July 10, 2026 to all MIBC
patients who are candidates for cystectomy, based on the sister trial KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304 — so the
current label is not restricted to cisplatin-ineligible patients. (FDA, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Free Access · KOL Pulse Intelligence
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[Slide 1]
Bladder Preservation
pCR rates are outstanding
MIBC
Likely to see significant practice swings
20 ASCO"Genitourinary
toward bladder preservation
26 Cancers Symposium
We are in the wild west until we get data
Bladder
Cystectomy
Preservation
Che XRT
?NAC +
Cher XRT
ChemoXRT
0?
Cis-eligible
Cis-ineligible
GC-Durva
GC/DDMVAC +>
GC/DDMVAC +
EV/Pembro
Adjuvant IO for
Ct-Guided
EV/Pembro
(NIAGRA)
Adjuvant IO for
Ct-Guided
High Risk2
Adjuvant 103
(KN-B15)⁵
High Risk2
Adjuvant 103
(KN-905)⁴
OS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
EFS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
EFS @ years:
82% vs 75%
76% vs 70%
63% vs 47%
79% vs 66%
76% vs 70%
63% vs 47%
75% vs 40%
+7%
+6%
+16%*
+13%
+6%
+16%*
+35%
os @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
"ctDNA positive only
87% vs 81%
"ctDNA positive only
80% vs 63%
+6%
+17%
Powles et at N Engl Med 2024 Nov 14,391(19) 1773-1786 Galsky J Clin Oncol 43, 15-21(2025) Powles N Engl Med 2025 Dec 18,393(24) 2395-2408; "Vulsteke ESMO 2025; "Galsky GU ASCO 2026
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED BY Tyler F. Stewart, MD
ASCO
AMERICAN
CURICAL INCOLOGY
Cancers Symposium
Presentation property author and ASCO Permission required for - contact permasions@asco.org
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
ASCO Genitourinary
Cancers Symposium
---
[Slide 2]
EV/P for Everyone?
Nectin4
20 ASCO® Genitourinary
26
Cancers Symposium
Worldwide context
Trop2
Her2
Accessibility
Cost
ADCs in
SLITRK6
Bladder
HER3
Cancer
Histologic variants?
Tissue
Factor
EpCam
What happens if they progress shortly after EV/P?
B7H3
EV/P is the new starting point, it's not the end
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED BY Tyler F. Stewart, MD
ASCO
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
CURRENCE
Cancers Symposium
Presentation property of the author and ASCO Permission required for - contact permissions@asco.org
KNOWL EDGE CONQUERS CANCER
ASCO Genitourinary
Cancers Symposium
---
[Slide 3]
EFS and OS across MIBC Trials
20 ASCO"Genitourinary
26
Cancers Symposium
2 Year EFS
2 Year os
100
100
87
90
90
82
80
81
80
80
75
70
79
75
70
63
60
68
66
60
%
50
60
% 50
40
40
30
39
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
GC
GC-durva
No chemo
EVP
GC
EVP
GC
GC-durva
No chemo
EVP
GC
EVP
NIAGRA
KN-905
KN-B15
NIAGRA
KN-905
KN-B15
2y EFS
2y OS
HR 0.68
HR 0.53
HR 0.75
HR 0.65
@ median 42 months
@ median 33 months
@
R
median 46 months
@ median 33 months
Powles of al N Engl Med 2024 Nov 14,391(19) 1773-1786 Galsky J Clin Oncol 43, 15-21(2025) N Engl Med 2025 Dec 18,393(24) 2395-2408 "Vulsteke ESMO 2025; "Galsky GU ASCO 2026
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED BY:
Tyler F. Stewart, MD
ASCO
AMERICAN SOCIETY or
CURICAL SHICOLOGY
Cancers Symposium
Presentation property the author and ASCO Permission required for - contait permissions@asco.org
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
ASCO Genitourinary
Cancers Symposium
---
[Slide 4]
Complete Pathologic Response Across Trials
Pathologic Complete Rate Across MIBC Trials
100
20 ASCO"Genitourinary
26 Cancers Symposium
100
Estimated differenceᵃ
90
23.4% (95% CI 16.7-29.8)
1-sided P <.0001*
80
80
70
56%
Of those who
pCR, % (95% CI)
60
57
60
underwent
56
surgery:
*
50
33%
64% vs 36%
42
40
40
37
36
37
33
30
26
20
20
15
9
10
0
0
EV +
Cis +
No chemo
MVAC
GC
ddMVAC
GC
GC-durva No chemo
EVP
GC
EVP
pembro
gem
GROSSMAN
VESPER
NIAGRA
KN-905
KN-B15
Powles of al N Engl Med 2024 Nov 14,391(19) 1773-1786 Vulsteke ESMO 2025; Galsky GU ASCO 2025; Grossman N Engl J Med 2003 Aug 28,349(9) 859-66; Pfister / Clin Oncol 2022 Jun 40(18)2013-2022
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED
BY Tyler F. Stewart, MD
ASCO
AMERICAN SOCIETY
CUPICAL ONCOLOGY
Cancers Symposium
Presentation property of the author and ASCO Permission required for - contact permissions@asco.org
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
ASCO Genitourinary
Cancers Symposium
[Slide 1]
Abstract #638, ASCO Genitourinary Cancer Symposium 2026
Pathological outcomes and disease-free survival (DFS)
in KEYNOTE-905: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant (neoadj-
adj) enfortumab vedotin (EV) plus pembrolizumab
(pembro) in participants (pts) with muscle-invasive
bladder cancer (MIBC) who are cisplatin-ineligible
Anders Ullén, Christof Vulsteke, Jens Bedke, Steffen Rausch, Shilpa Gupta, Seok-Ho
Kang, Jeanny B. Aragon-Ching, Laura Bernal Vaca, Viktor Paramonov, Avivit Peer,
Viktor Stus, Vagif Atduev, Keita Nakane, Jasmine Lichfield, Changting Meng, David
Huang, Chethan Ramamurthy, Blanca Homet Moreno, Matthew D. Galsky
@neerajaiims
---
[Slide 2]
Abstract #638, ASCO Genitourinary Cancer Symposium 2026
Pathological outcomes and disease-free survival (DFS) in KEYNOTE-905: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant
(neoadj-adj) enfortumab vedotin (EV) plus pembrolizumab (pembro) in participants (pts) with muscle-
invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are cisplatin-ineligible
Presenting Author: Anders Ullén
Neoadjuvant phase
Adjuvant phase
Patient population
Pembrolizumab
(n 870)
200 mg Q3W IV +
Pembrolizumab
Eligible for treatment with
Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2
200 mg Q3W IV
cisplatin
and Cisplatin 70 mg/m2
x13 cycles
Histologically confirmed
Q3W x4 cycles
MIBC with predominant
urothelial histology and
Posttreatment
PD-L1 expression
follow-up will
(CPS ≥10 or CPS <10)
Clinically nonmetastatic
bladder cancer (N â 1MO)
Stratification
R
RC + PLND
assess:
Event-free survival
1:1
Overall survival
Eligible for radical
Safety
cystectomy and pelvic
PROs
lymph node dissection
No prior systemic
anti-neoplastic treatment
Placebo +
for MIBC
Gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2
Placebo
Received TURBT
and Cisplatin 70 mg/m2
ECOG performance
x13 cycles
Q3W x4 cycles
status 0 or 1
End points
Primary: pCR, EFS
Key secondary: OS, DFS, pDS, PROs, safety and tolerability
Exploratory: biomarkers
@neerajaiims
---
[Slide 3]
Abstract #638, ASCO Genitourinary Cancer Symposium 2026
Pathological outcomes and disease-free survival (DFS) in KEYNOTE-905: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant
(neoadj-adj) enfortumab vedotin (EV) plus pembrolizumab (pembro) in participants (pts) with muscle-
invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are cisplatin-ineligible
Presenting Author: Anders Ullén
Results:
N; % (95% CI)
EV + pembro, N=170
Control, N=174
pDS (<pT2N0)
112
65.9 (58.2-73.0)
22
12.6 (8.1-18.5)
pTONO
97
57.1 (49.3-64.6)
15
8.6 (4.9-13.8)
pTisN0
7
4.1 (1.7-8.3)
2
1.1 (0.1-4.1)
pTaN0
1
0.6 (0.0-3.2)
0
0.0 (0.0-2.1)
pT1N0
7
4.1 (1.7-8.3)
5
2.9 (0.9-6.6)
Non-pDS (≥pT2N0)
33
19.4 (13.8-26.2)
112
64.4 (56.8-71.5)
Other*
2
1.2 (0.1-4.2)
15
8.6 (4.9-13.8)
Incomplete resection
2
1.2 (0.1-4.2)
7
4.0 (1.6-8.1)
Did not undergo surgery
21
12.4 (7.8-18.3)
18
10.3 (6.2-15.9)
*Not evaluated centrally for pDS due to no available evaluable surgical sample, non-protocol systemic therapy prior
to RC + PLND or operational issues; considered non-pDS in analysis.
Conclusion: pCR, pDS, surgical outcomes, and DFS favored neoadj-adj EV + pembro and RC + PLND VS RC + PLND alone, supporting the primary results of
KEYNOTE-905. These findings further establish neoadj-adj EV + pembro as a potential standard of care for pts with MIBC who are cisplatin-ineligible,
addressing a key unmet clinical need.
@neerajaiims
[Slide 1]
EFS and OS across MIBC Trials
2 Year EFS
2 Year os
100
100
87
90
90
82
80
81
80
80
75
70
79
75
70
63
60
68
66
60
% 50
60
% 50
40
40
30
39
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
GC
GC-durva
No chemo
EVP
GC
EVP
GC
GC-durva
No chemo
EVP
GC
EVP
NIAGRA
KN-905
KN-B15
NIAGRA
KN-905
KN-B15
2y EFS
B 2y OS
HR 0.68
HR 0.53
HR 0.75
HR 0.65
@ median 42 months
@ median 33 months
@ median 46 months
@ median 33 months
Powles et al N Engl J Med. 2024 Nov 14,391(19): 1773-1786; 2Galsky Clin Oncol 43, 15-21(2025); N Engl J Med. 2025 Dec 18,393(24) 2395-2408 Vulsteke ESMO 2025; "Galsky GU ASCO 2026
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED BY: Tyler F. Stewart, MD
ASCO
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
Cancers Symposium
Presentation is property of the author and ASCO Permission required for reuse, contact permissions@asco.or
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
---
[Slide 2]
How many cycles of EV/P?
Not answered by
Is the Adjuvant Portion Necessary?
these studies
GC/Durva
Durva
NIAGRA
MIBC
R
GC
EV/D
D
VOLGA
MIBC
R
EV/D/T
D/T
EV/P X 3
EV/P X 6
KN-905
MIBC
R
EV/P X 4
EV/P X 5
Future studies
necessary to define the
KN-B15
MIBC
R
role of adjuvant portion
GC
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED
BY: Tyler F. Stewart, MD
Cancers Symposium
ASCO
AMERICAN GOOETY OF
CUPICAL ONCOLOGY
Presentation a property of the author and ASCO Permission required for reuse, contact permissions@asco.org
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
---
[Slide 3]
Preservation
ChemoXRT
?NAC
ChemoXRT
ChemoXRT
+ 10?
Cis-ineligible
Adjuvant IO for
Ct-Guided
EV/Pembro
High Risk2
Adjuvant 103
(KN-905)4
@ 2 years:
os @ 2 years:
76% vs 70%
63% vs 47%
+6%
+16%*
"CEDNA positive only
95-2408; Vuistake ESMO 2025
ASCO
AMERICAN SOCUTION
CUPICAL provide
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
1
---
[Slide 4]
EFS and OS across MIBC Trials
2 Year EFS
2 Year os
100
100
87
90
90
82
80
81
80
80
75
70
79
75
70
63
60
68
66
60
% 50
60
% 50
40
40
30
39
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
GC
GC-durva
No chemo
EVP
GC
EVP
GC
GC-durva
No chemo
EVP
GC
EVP
NIAGRA
KN-905
KN-B15
NIAGRA
KN-905
KN-B15
2y EFS
B 2y OS
HR 0.68
HR 0.53
HR 0.75
HR 0.65
@ median 42 months
@ median 33 months
@ median 46 months
@ median 33 months
Powles et al N Engl J Med. 2024 Nov 14,391(19): 1773-1786; 2Galsky Clin Oncol 43, 15-21(2025); N Engl J Med. 2025 Dec 18,393(24) 2395-2408 Vulsteke ESMO 2025; "Galsky GU ASCO 2026
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED BY: Tyler F. Stewart, MD
ASCO
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
Cancers Symposium
Presentation is property of the author and ASCO Permission required for reuse, contact permissions@asco.or
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
---
[Slide 5]
Treatment for MIBC
MIBC
Cis-Gem
GUASCO
Bladder
Cystectomy
Preservation
ChemoXRT
?NAC +>
ChemoXRT
ChemoXRT
+ 10?
Cis-eligible
Cis-ineligible
GC-Durva
GC/DDMVAC
GC/DDMVAC
EV/Pembro
Adjuvant 10 for
(NIAGRA)1
Adjuvant O for
Ct-Guided
Ct-Guided
EV/Pembro
High Risk2
Adjuvant 103
(KN-B15)⁵
High Risk2
Adjuvant 103
(KN-905)4
OS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
EFS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
OS @ 2 years:
EFS @ years:
82% VS 75%
76% VS 70%
63% VS 47%
79% vs 66%
76% VS 70%
63% vs 47%
75% vs 40%
+7%
+6%
+16%*
+13%
+6%
+16%*
+35%
OS @ 2 years:
"ctDNA positive only
87% vs 81%
OS @ 2 years:
"ctDNA positive only
80% vs 63%
+6%
Powles et al N Engl Med. 2024 Nov 14,391(19) 1773-1786; 2Galsky Clin Oncol 43, 15-21(2025); Powles N Engl Med. 2025 Dec 18,393(24) 2395-2408 "Vulsteke ESMO 2025; Galsky GU ASCO 2026
+17%
ASCO Genitourinary
Cancers Symposium
#GU26
PRESENTED BY: Tyler F. Stewart, MD
ASCO
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
Presentation is property of the author and ASCO Permission required for reuse, contact permissions@asco.org
CUNICAL ONCOLOGY
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
---
[Slide 6]
How many cycles of EV/P?
Not answered by
Is the Adjuvant Portion Necessary?
these studies
GC/Durva
Durva
NIAGRA
MIBC
R
GC
EV/D
D
VOLGA
MIBC
R
EV/D/T
D/T
EV/P X 3
EV/P X 6
KN-905
MIBC
R
EV/P X 4
EV/P X 5
Future studies
necessary to define the
KN-B15
MIBC
R
role of adjuvant portion
GC
ASCO Genitourinary
#GU26
PRESENTED
BY: Tyler F. Stewart, MD
Cancers Symposium
ASCO
AMERICAN GOOETY OF
CUPICAL ONCOLOGY
Presentation a property of the author and ASCO Permission required for reuse, contact permissions@asco.org
KNOWLEDGE CONQUERS CANCER
[Slide 1]
Conclusions
Pathological outcomes and DFS favored neoadjuvant-adjuvant enfortumab vedotin +
pembrolizumab and RC + PLND compared with RC + PLND alone, supporting the primary results of
KEYNOTE-9051
- Negative surgical margins: 92.6% versus 78.8%
- pCR rate: 57.1% VS 8.6%; estimated difference 48.3% (CI, 39.5-56.5; P <.001), generally
consistent across subgroups
- pDS rate: 65.9% VS 12.6%; estimated difference 53.1%; (CI, 44.0-61.2)
- DFS: median DFS NR versus 23.6 months (HR 0.37; CI, 0.23-0.59)
Per previous reports, the safety profile of neoadjuvant-adjuvant enfortumab vedotin +
pembrolizumab was manageable and consistent with that of this regimen in the locally
advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma setting¹
These findings further establish neoadjuvant-adjuvant enfortumab vedotin + pembrolizumab as a
standard-of-care treatment option for patients with MIBC who are cisplatin ineligible, addressing a
key unmet clinical need
1. Vulsteke C, et al. Ann Oncol. 2025; Volume 36 (Supplement 2):S1648. Data cutoff date: June 6, 2025.
---
[Slide 2]
KEYNOTE-905/EV-303 Study (NCT03924895)
Allocation to this treatment arm stopped Nov 2022
Key Eligibility Criteria
Adults with MIBC
Pembrolizumab 200 mg
IV Q3W 3 cycles
Pembrolizumab 200 mg
Clinical stage T2-T4aNOMO
IV Q3W 14 cycles
or T1-T4aN1M0 by central
assessment
R
n 174
R 1:1
>50% urothelial histology
N : 344
Cisplatin ineligible or
Enfortumab vedotin 1.25 mg/kg
RC + PLND
Observation®
cisplatin declining
n : 170
d1 and d8 IV Q3W 3 cycles
Enfortumab vedotin 1.25 mg/kg
ECOG PS score 0-2
+
d1 and d8 IV Q3W 6 cycles
Pembrolizumab 200 mg
IV Q3W 3 cycles
Pembrolizumab 200 mg
Stratification Factors
IV Q3W 14 cycles
Cisplatin ineligibility
End points
(ineligible VS eligible but
Primary: EFS by BICR
declining)
Key secondary:
OS
Clinical stage (T2N0 VS
T3/T4aN0 VS T1-4aN1)
Region (US VS EU VS most
Other secondary:
Pathologic complete response (pCR; absence of viable tumor in tissue from RC + PLND [pTONO[)=
of world)
Disease-free survival (DFS; time from post-surgery scan to localidistant recurrence or death)
Pathologic downstaging (pDS; <pT2 (pTO, pTis, pTa, pT1] and NO in tissue from RC + PLND)
Protocol New BICR, York blinded defined Heart independent Association; as central 21 OS, of overall review; survival; d, day; PLND, ECOG pelvic PS, Eastern ymph Cooperative node dissection; Oncology Q3W, Group every performance 3 weeks; R, randomization; status; EFS, event-free RC, radical survival; N, intravenous MBC, muscle-invasive bladder cancer, NYMA,
As of November 2022, having adjuvant nivolumab the following: impaired renal function (creatinine clearance, 30 to 59 mL/min), ECOG PS score 2, CTCAE 4 cystectomy grade 22
they had complete resection (no gross residual was disease) permitted and when no evidence clinically of indicated disease and on a regionally post-surgery available. scan Assessed by central pathology or BICR Participants audometric were hearing considered oss, or NYHA doease-free Class after If heart RC alue PLND I
20 ASCO Genitourinary
26 Cancers Symposium
---
[Slide 3]
pDS by BICR in the ITT Population
100
EV + Pembro
Control
n (CI), %
Estimated difference
(n = 170)
(n=174)
53.1% (CI, 44.0-61.2)
80
pDS (<pT2N0)
112
65.9(58.2-73.0)
22
12.6(8.1-18.5)
pTONO
97
57.1(49.3-64.6)
15
8.6(4.9-13.8)
pTisN0
7
4.1(1.7-8.3)
2
1.1 (0.1-4.1)
pDS, % (95% CI)
60
pTaNO
1
0.6 (0.0-3.2)
0
0.0(0.0-2.1)
pT1N0
7
4.1(1.7-8.3)
5
2.9(0.9-6.6)
40
Non-pDS (2pT2N0)
33
19.4(13.8-26.2)
112
64.4 (56.8-71.5)
Incomplete
20
2
resection
1.2(0.1-4.2)
7
4.0(1.6-8.1)
No surgery
21
12.4 (7.8-18.3)
18
10.3(6.2-15.9)
65.9%
12.6%
0
Other
2
1.2(0.1-4.2)
15
8.6(4.9-13.8)
EV +
Control
Pembro
Not evaluated centrally for pDS due to no available evaluable surgical sample, nonprotocal systemic therapy prior to RC * PLND, or operational issues; considered non-pOS in analysis,
Data cutoff date: June 6, 2025.
20 ASCO Genitourinary
26 Cancers Symposium
---
[Slide 4]
Conclusions
Pathological outcomes and DFS favored neoadjuvant-adjuvant enfortumab vedotin +
pembrolizumab and RC + PLND compared with RC + PLND alone, supporting the primary results of
KEYNOTE-9051
- Negative surgical margins: 92.6% versus 78.8%
- pCR rate: 57.1% VS 8.6%; estimated difference 48.3% (CI, 39.5-56.5; P <.001), generally
consistent across subgroups
- pDS rate: 65.9% VS 12.6%; estimated difference 53.1%; (CI, 44.0-61.2)
- DFS: median DFS NR versus 23.6 months (HR 0.37; CI, 0.23-0.59)
Per previous reports, the safety profile of neoadjuvant-adjuvant enfortumab vedotin +
pembrolizumab was manageable and consistent with that of this regimen in the locally
advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma setting¹
These findings further establish neoadjuvant-adjuvant enfortumab vedotin + pembrolizumab as a
standard-of-care treatment option for patients with MIBC who are cisplatin ineligible, addressing a
key unmet clinical need
1. Vulsteke C, et al. Ann Oncol. 2025; Volume 36 (Supplement 2):S1648. Data cutoff date: June 6, 2025.
---
[Slide 5]
Disease-Free Survival by BICRᵃ
EV + Pembro
Control
100
(n = 135)
(n. : 129)
90
84.9%
83.2%
Events, n (%)
26 (19.3)
57 (44.2)
80
Median (CI), mo
NR (NR-NR)
23.6 (13.7-NR)
Disease-Free Survival, %
HR (CI)
0.37 (0.23-0.59)
70
62.0%
60
49.6%
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
6
12
18
24
30
36
42
48
54
60
Months
No. at Risk
EV + pembro
135
115
75
58
43
36
18
5
0
0
0
Control
129
98
57
38
27
16
12
6
1
0
0
HR, hazard ratio; NR, not reached
Participants were considered disease-free after RC . PLND for DFS analysis if they had complete resection (no gross residual disease) and no evidence of disease on a post-surgery scan. Based on Cox
regression model with the Efron method of tie handling with treatment as a covariate. Data culoff date: June 6, 2025.
Genitourinary
The FDA approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph
(Keytruda Qlex) with enfortumab vedotin-ejfv (Padcev) as neoadjuvant treatment followed by adjuvant
treatment after cystectomy for adults with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are ineligible for
cisplatin — the indication supported by KEYNOTE-905/EV-303.
On July 10, 2026 the FDA extended this approval from cisplatin-ineligible
patients to all patients with MIBC who are candidates for cystectomy, based on
KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304. Describing the regimen today as approved only for cisplatin-ineligible disease
would be out of date.
KEYNOTE-905 (EV-303, NCT03924895) is a randomized, open-label phase 3 trial run by Merck Sharp & Dohme
with Astellas Pharma and Pfizer (Seagen). It asked whether adding perioperative enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab to radical
cystectomy improves outcomes for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who cannot receive
cisplatin-based chemotherapy — a group that had historically proceeded straight to surgery with no
proven systemic option. Results were presented at the ESMO 2025 Presidential Symposium (LBA2) and
published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The trial originally included a third pembrolizumab-alone arm, which was
discontinued in 2022; randomization was then amended to 1:1. Total registered enrollment therefore
exceeds the 344 patients randomized concurrently in the two reported arms.
Adults with clinical stage T2-T4aN0M0 or T1-T4aN1M0 MIBC,
≥50% urothelial histology, ECOG 0-2, candidates for radical cystectomy. 281/344 (81.7%) cisplatin-ineligible; 63/344 (18.3%) declined cisplatin.
Interventions
Enfortumab vedotin 1.25 mg/kg days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks
plus pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for 3 neoadjuvant cycles, then 6 adjuvant cycles of enfortumab
vedotin and up to 14 of pembrolizumab after cystectomy.
Comparator
radical cystectomy + pelvic lymph node dissection alone; no neoadjuvant therapy was permitted, but adjuvant immunotherapy per local guidelines was allowed and 16.7% (29/174) of control patients received adjuvant nivolumab.
Endpoints
Primary: event-free survival by blinded independent central
review. Alpha-controlled secondaries in hierarchy: overall survival, then pathological complete response.
Other secondaries: DFS, pathological downstaging, safety. Patient-reported outcomes were exploratory.
Lead Author
Christof Vulsteke. Presented at ESMO 2025 Presidential
Symposium (LBA2).
Event-Free Survival — Primary Endpoint
Two-year EFS was 74.7% (95% CI 66.9-80.8) vs 39.4% (95% CI 31.0-47.8), HR 0.40 (95% CI 0.28-0.57), two-sided P<0.001. Median EFS was not reached (95% CI 37.3-NR) vs 15.7 months (95% CI 10.3-20.5). (NEJM / FDA, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Two-year OS was 79.7% vs 63.1%, HR 0.50 (95% CI 0.33-0.74), two-sided P<0.001. Median OS was not reached vs 41.7 months (95% CI 31.8-NR). (NEJM / FDA, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Pathological complete response was 57.1% vs 8.6%; estimated difference 48.3% (95% CI 39.5-56.5), with non-surgical patients counted as
non-responders in the intention-to-treat denominator. Pathological downstaging was 65.9% vs 12.6%; difference 53.1% (95% CI 44.0-61.2), and
disease-free survival median not reached vs 23.6 months (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.23-0.59). (NEJM / EAU 2026, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Safety
Grade 3 or higher all-cause treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 71.3% vs 45.9% (all-cause; any-grade 100% vs 64.8%).
Grade 3 or higher drug-related events occurred in 45.5% grade ≥3 drug-related, combination arm only (no comparator figure exists - the control arm received no study drug). In the trial-specific safety
population (167 vs 159), rash was reported in 54% any grade / 7% grade 3-4 and peripheral neuropathy in
39% any grade / 3% grade 3-4; pruritus 47% / 3%, alopecia 35% / 0.6%, fatigue 47% / 4.2%; serious AEs 58.1%; treatment discontinuation 37.1%. Laboratory increased glucose (laboratory abnormality) 72% any grade / 12% grade 3-4, vs 24% / 1.7% in the control arm. Importantly,
surgery performed in 87.6% vs 89.7%; grade 3-5 adverse events during the surgical phase were LOWER with the combination (35.6% vs 45.9%). (NEJM / FDA label, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
Patient-reported outcomes were exploratory and descriptive: within-arm mean change from baseline to post-surgery week 18, with no between-group statistical comparison. There was no clinically meaningful quality-of-life detriment from adding enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab (FACT-G -2.73 vs -2.84; FACT-Bl-Cys total +1.31 vs +1.85). Sexual-function scores declined substantially in BOTH arms (-15.46 vs -17.88), a cystectomy effect rather than a drug effect. (Peter H. O'Donnell, ASCO 2026 Annual Meeting, data cutoff 6 Jun 2025; median follow-up 25.6 months)
In 344 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who were cisplatin-ineligible or declined cisplatin, perioperative enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab around radical cystectomy improved 2-year event-free survival to 74.7% (95% CI 66.9-80.8) vs 39.4% (95% CI 31.0-47.8) (HR 0.40 (95% CI 0.28-0.57), two-sided P<0.001) and 2-year overall survival to 79.7% vs 63.1% (HR 0.50 (95% CI 0.33-0.74), two-sided P<0.001) versus surgery alone. Pathological complete response was 57.1% vs 8.6%; estimated difference 48.3% (95% CI 39.5-56.5).
Is this regimen FDA approved?
Yes. On November 21, 2025 the FDA approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph (Keytruda Qlex) with enfortumab vedotin-ejfv (Padcev) as neoadjuvant then adjuvant treatment after cystectomy for adults with MIBC ineligible for cisplatin - based on KEYNOTE-905/EV-303. On July 10, 2026 the indication was broadened to all MIBC patients who are candidates for cystectomy, based on the sister trial KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304. The current label is therefore not restricted to cisplatin-ineligible patients.
How is KEYNOTE-905 different from KEYNOTE-B15?
They are separate phase 3 trials with different populations and different comparators. KEYNOTE-905/EV-303 (NCT03924895) enrolled cisplatin-ineligible patients and compared the regimen with surgery alone. KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304 (NCT04700124) enrolled cisplatin-eligible patients and compared it with neoadjuvant gemcitabine plus cisplatin. Their results should not be cross-cited.
What were the main side effects?
Grade 3 or higher all-cause treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 71.3% vs 45.9% (all-cause; any-grade 100% vs 64.8%). Grade 3 or higher drug-related events occurred in 45.5% grade ≥3 drug-related, combination arm only (no comparator figure exists - the control arm received no study drug). Rash was reported in 54% any grade / 7% grade 3-4 and peripheral neuropathy in 39% any grade / 3% grade 3-4. Notably, surgery performed in 87.6% vs 89.7%; grade 3-5 adverse events during the surgical phase were LOWER with the combination (35.6% vs 45.9%).
Did quality of life get worse with the added therapy?
Patient-reported outcomes were exploratory and descriptive: within-arm mean change from baseline to post-surgery week 18, with no between-group statistical comparison. There was no clinically meaningful quality-of-life detriment from adding enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab (FACT-G -2.73 vs -2.84; FACT-Bl-Cys total +1.31 vs +1.85). Sexual-function scores declined substantially in BOTH arms (-15.46 vs -17.88), a cystectomy effect rather than a drug effect.