Roche’s Tecentriq+chemo combo shows first-line benefit in small cell lung cancer

pharmafile | September 26, 2018 | News story | Research and Development Cancer, Combo, Roche, chemotherapy, lung cancer, pharma, tecentriq 

Roche has unveiled new Phase 3 data for its cancer immunotherapy Tecentriq (atezolizumab) in combination with carboplatin and etoposide chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for previously-untreated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), showing “significantly” improved rates of overall survival (OS) compared to chemotherapy alone.

Specifically, Roche’s combo extended OS by 12.3 months compared to 10.3 months with chemotherapy alone, while also improving progression-free survival by 5.2 months compared to 4.3 months.

The combo’s safety profile was found to be consistent with previous investigations. 56.6% of patients reported adverse events of grade 3 or 4 compared to 56.1% of those receiving chemotherapy alone.

“The results with this Tecentriq combination in the initial treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer represent the first clinically meaningful advance in the disease in over 20 years,” said Dr Sandra Horning, Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “Our goal is to find treatment options for all types of lung cancer, and we are eager to work with global health authorities to bring this Tecentriq regimen to people living with this particularly difficult-to-treat form of lung cancer as soon as possible.”

Matt Fellows

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