Compelled to Give a Positive Note on NSCLC

 Last week I reported on two clinical trials, Pfizer's figitumumab and Novelos Therapeutics NOV-002 ,that failed to meet their end points for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Yesterday, as reported in PBR, Roche received a positive opinion from the European Committee for Medicinal Products (CHMP) for Human Use for the use of Tarceva (erlotinib) as a maintenance therapy for NSCLC patients. This should clear the way for earlier approval.

In the trial, patients receiving Tarceva showed improvement in terms of slower disease progression and greater overall survival rates. Approval of the drug will allow patients earlier access to it and its potential benefits.

So, some good news for a change for NSCLC patients.

 
          

Posted by Bruce Lehr March 23, 2010

  
 
  
 
 

Comments

[bigredbruce]

BMS announced more good news from mid-stage study with ipilimumab with positive stock results to boot
http://seekingalpha.com/article/206783-bristol-meyers-squibb-encouraging-cancer-drug-data

[bigredbruce]

An update from BMS phase II trial with ipilimumab
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100521/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-announces-positive-results-from-Phase-2-study-of-ipilimumab-in-patients-with-NSCLC.aspx

[Bruce Lehr]

Once again I see another instance in news this morning (March 29th) of a failure in clinicals for a NSCLC therapy. This time we're talking about Antisoma's trial biting the dust and its subsequent 72% drop in market value as a result. See the pharmaletter ( http://bit.ly/bhG5pG ) and In the Pipeline (http://seekingalpha.com/article/196079-antisoma-s-phase-iii-disaster) for more information.

[Bruce Lehr]

No sooner do I make a positive post on treatment of NSCLC than I see another potential downer. EMD Merck just suspended trials on its Stimulvax (BLP25 liposome vaccine) due to a severe adverse effect in a patient with multiple myeloma.

However, the suspension also affects patient recruitment in two other Phase III trials (START & INSPIRE) Merck is running for NSCLC.

http://bit.ly/c7I7Li