Merck will present new Merck cancer data at the 2026 ASCO GU Cancers Symposium, showcasing progress in treatments for bladder and kidney cancers. The findings reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to improving patient outcomes through both approved medicines and investigational therapies.
The presentations, scheduled for Feb. 26–28, include three studies selected for the symposium’s official press program. Together, the results strengthen Merck’s leadership in genitourinary cancer research and highlight efforts to advance standards of care.
Key Merck Cancer Data at ASCO GU
The upcoming Merck cancer data features important updates from leading oncology therapies such as KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), WELIREG® (belzutifan), and LENVIMA® (lenvatinib), the latter developed in collaboration with Eisai. Merck will also share results from sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT), an investigational antibody-drug conjugate created with Kelun-Biotech.
Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology global clinical development at Merck Research Laboratories, noted that the results demonstrate continued progress for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and earlier stages of renal cell carcinoma.
Phase 3 Trials Drive Treatment Progress
Among the highlights is the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15/EV-304 trial evaluating KEYTRUDA combined with Padcev® as both neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment for eligible muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients.
Additionally, interim findings from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-022 trial examine KEYTRUDA with WELIREG for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma following nephrectomy. Another Phase 3 study, LITESPARK-011, explores WELIREG plus LENVIMA for advanced renal cell carcinoma after prior immunotherapy.
Expanding the Oncology Pipeline
Merck will also present Phase 2 data on sac-TMT in combination with KEYTRUDA for advanced urothelial carcinoma. This investigational therapy targets TROP2 and represents the company’s focus on innovative approaches to difficult-to-treat cancers.
Overall, the latest Merck cancer data underscores the company’s strategy to expand its oncology portfolio while accelerating research that could reshape treatment pathways for bladder and kidney cancer patients worldwide.
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