In ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047/KEYNOTE-A18 (NCT04221945), pembrolizumab (vs placebo) + concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by pembrolizumab (vs placebo) significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival in participants with newly diagnosed, high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). We report patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from the study. Participants (≥18 years) with high-risk LACC (FIGO 2014 stage IB2-IIB with node-positive disease or stage III-IVA) were randomized 1:1 to 5 cycles of pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo Q3W plus CCRT, followed by 15 cycles of pembrolizumab 400 mg or placebo Q6W. CCRT was 5 cycles (optional 6th dose) of cisplatin 40 mg/m² Q1W plus external beam radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy. Secondary PRO endpoints included EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL and physical functioning subscales and EORTC QLQ-CX24 symptom experience scale; EQ-5D-5L visual analogue scale (VAS) was an exploratory endpoint. No alpha was assigned to the PRO analyses. 1008 (95.1 %) of 1060 randomized participants were included in the PRO full analysis set population. No meaningful between-group differences were observed for any of the prespecified PRO instruments. Between-group differences (95 % CIs) in least-squares mean score changes from baseline to week 36 (primary time point) were 0.57 (-2.34 to 3.49) for QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL, 0.64 (-1.54 to 2.82) for QLQ-C30 physical functioning, 0.54 (-1.02 to 2.09) for QLQ-CX24 symptom experience, and -0.55 (-2.97 to 1.86) for EQ-5D-5L VAS. Empirical mean score changes over time and the proportions of participants whose scores improved, remained stable, or deteriorated over time were similar between treatment arms. Pembrolizumab+CCRT did not negatively impact participants' health-related quality of life.

Introduction: Oncological diseases are one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, with the high cost of therapies representing a critical barrier for health systems. Generic drugs have emerged as an alternative to reduce costs and improve access; however, their quality, safety, and efficacy remain a subject of regulatory and clinical debate. This issue is particularly sensitive in oncology, where generics often involve cytotoxic agents, narrow therapeutic indices, and complex formulations, all of which amplify the risks of therapeutic interchangeability. Materials and Methods: A multidisciplinary team composed of 19 experts in oncology, hepatology, gastroenterology, toxicology, endocrinology, and pharmacology was convened based on established academic contributions, clinical expertise, and participation in regulatory or guideline development. Evidence was synthesized through a non-systematic narrative review of PubMed, Embase, and regional databases. Consensus recommendations were developed using a two-round Delphi process, with agreement defined as ≥75%. Results: The Delphi panel produced six key recommendations: (1) stricter requirements for bioequivalence and bioavailability, tailored to oncology; (2) strengthened pharmacovigilance and real-world monitoring; (3) standardized protocols for therapeutic interchangeability, particularly for narrow therapeutic index agents; (4) active physician involvement in formulary decision-making; (5) harmonized regional regulatory frameworks, informed by FDA and EMA standards; and (6) expanded research on oncology-specific pharmacokinetic markers. While safety concerns dominated discussions, experts also acknowledged the potential of generics to reduce costs, improve equity, and enhance the sustainability of oncology care. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for oncology-specific regulatory frameworks that extend beyond conventional bioequivalence standards. A balance is required: cost savings and equity gains offered by generics must be matched with robust safety mechanisms, regulatory harmonization, and physician-led oversight. Future research should expand expert representation, integrate real-world data, and address biosimilars in dedicated analyses to ensure safe and equitable integration of non-innovator therapies in cancer care.