Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

ASCO GU 2026: Belzutifan–pembrolizumab combo cuts kidney cancer recurrence risk after surgery

March 4, 2026

Adding belzutifan to pembrolizumab after surgery significantly improves disease‑free survival for patients with high‑risk clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), according to phase 3 LITESPARK‑022 (NCT05239728) results. These findings were presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU) in San Francisco, California. In this global study of 1,841 participants, combination therapy reduced recurrence by 28% compared with pembrolizumab alone, with 81% of patients remaining cancer‑free vs. 74% on standard therapy. Investigators note that many high‑risk patients relapse due to undetected microscopic disease, highlighting the need for more effective adjuvant strategies.

Source:

(2026, February 28). Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Kidney Cancer Study Finds Belzutifan Plus Pembrolizumab Post-Surgery Helps Patients at High Risk for Relapse Stay Cancer-Free Longer [News release]. https://www.dana-farber.org/newsroom/news-releases/2026/kidney-cancer-study-finds-belzutifan-plus-pembrolizumab-post-surgery-helps-patients-at-high-risk-for-relapse-stay-cancer-free-longer