Studies Find Keytruda Effective Against 3 Cancer Types

One of the hot new cancer immunotherapy drugs, Merck & Co's Keytruda, strongly benefited patients with melanoma, lung cancer and mesothelioma, according to 3 studies presented Sunday at the American Association for Cancer Research conference in Philadelphia.

One study, comparing Keytruda to Bristol-Myers Squibb Co's Yervoy, could give Merck a temporary advantage as the rivals battle for market supremacy and billions of dollars in annual sales from this new generation of drugs, which help the immune system destroy cancer cells. While research continues, the pace is quickening and big improvements in patient care regimens are likely fairly soon.

Read more from the Associated Press and ABC News: http://abcn.ws/1D8z4z3