Roche’s Tecentriq combo outclasses Nexavar in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

pharmafile | November 25, 2019 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing |  Cancer, Roche, immunotherapy, pharma, tecentriq 

Roche has revealed new Phase 3 data for its immunotherapy drug Tecentriq (atezolizumab) in combination with Avastin (bevacizumab) in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients who have not received prior systemic therapy.

The company announced the findings at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress 2019 on Saturday.

The data illustrated that Roche’s combo boosted overall survival rates by 42% and progression-free survival rates by 41% compared to Bayer’s Nexavar (sorafenib) – improvements which Roche called “significant and clinically meaningful”.

“For the first time in a decade, we are seeing a treatment that has improved overall survival for people with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the current standard of care,” said Dr Levi Garraway, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “Tecentriq in combination with Avastin could transform the treatment of this aggressive disease, and we are working closely with global health authorities in the hope of bringing this treatment option to patients as soon as possible.”

Tecentriq is currently undergoing Phase 3 trials in a range of indications with further studies planning, including in lung, skin, breast, head and neck, gastrointestinal, gynaecological and genitourinary cancers.

Matt Fellows