Tarceva helps patients with genetically distinct form of lung cancer live longer
Phase II study points to importance of EGFR biomarker to identify patients who can gain exceptional survival benefits
New data show that first-line treatment with Tarceva (erlotinib) delivered exceptional survival benefits in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (a form of non small cell lung cancer) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutations. Randomized Phase II trial of erlotinib (E) alone or in combination with carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) in never or light former smokers with advanced lung adenocarcinoma: CALGB-30406. Jänne, PA et al. Oral abstract presentation at ASCO. The phase II data show that Tarceva plus chemotherapy resulted in median overall survival of 39 months and Tarceva alone gave a median survival of 31.3 months. Patients with advanced lung cancer typically survive for only about 12 months with chemotherapy alone.
“The exceptional survival benefits seen when Tarceva is given to patients with advanced lung cancer that has EGFR activating mutations suggest that we may be able to make further progress against this devastating disease.” said Dr. Luis Paz-Ares, M.D., Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain and lead author of a recent pooled analysis of clinical outcomes in patients with NSCLC with EGFR activating mutations.
Two prospective phase III studies of Tarceva in NSCLC with EGFR activating mutations are ongoing. The EURTAC trial involves patients in Spain, Italy and France and the OPTIMAL trial involves patients in China. Both EURTAC and OPTIMAL are evaluating the efficacy of first-line Tarceva versus chemotherapy (platinum-based and gemcitabine/carboplatin, respectively) in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR activating mutations who have not received prior chemotherapy. Efficacy results from the OPTIMAL trial are expected in the second half of 2010 and final results of the EURTAC trial in 2011.
Other news from the department research and development
Most read news
More news from our other portals
Last viewed contents
TSUBAME supercomputer predicts cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides
Mechanism of dengue virus entry into cells
Gene that improves quality of reprogrammed stem cells identified by Singapore scientists - Provides 'a better inkling of what we might aim for before differentiating iPS cells to clinically useful cell types'
One synthetic molecule, two doorways into cell
Vasa_praevia
Chemists create eco-friendly method to make chlorine-based materials for drugs and chemicals - “Our method uses sustainable, low-cost catalysts and operates at room temperature with gentle blue light”
Tick genome reveals inner workings of a resilient blood-guzzler
New study on optimizing microbial fuel cells shows electrode material can make all the difference
Bacteria block transmission of Zika and Dengue viruses
Biocomputers powered by human brain cells? - Despite AI’s impressive track record, its computational power pales in comparison with a human brain. Now, scientists unveil a revolutionary path
Bruker to acquire the NanoString business in an asset deal
