- Erbitux in combination with cisplatin and capecitabine does not significantly increase progression-free survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer
- Results do not alter the proven utility of Erbitux in its already approved indications of metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer
DARMSTADT, Germany I July 5, 2012 I Merck announced today the outcome of the Phase III clinical trial EXPAND*, which assessed Erbitux® (cetuximab) in combination with cisplatin and capecitabine as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma including adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ). The trial did not meet its primary endpoint of extending the length of time that patients live without their disease getting worse (progression-free survival – PFS), as determined by independent review.
“We are disappointed that the EXPAND trial did not show a benefit for patients with advanced gastric cancer when Erbitux was added to standard chemotherapy. Patients with advanced gastric cancer currently have few treatment choices and a poor prognosis, and we will continue to investigate other treatment options for these patients in the hope of being able to offer improved outcomes,” said lead investigator Professor Florian Lordick, MD, Klinikum Braunschweig, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
EXPAND was a multi-center, open-label, randomized, controlled trial in 904 patients at 150 centers in 25 countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Japan. Patients had unresectable advanced cancer of the stomach or GEJ and had received no prior treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in this setting. Usually, these patients would receive palliative chemotherapy only.
The study’s primary endpoint was PFS as determined by an independent review committee (IRC). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), best overall response rate determined by IRC, safety and quality of life.
“Understandably, these results are disappointing for patients with advanced gastric cancer, and as a company we will continue to invest in oncology research and development to find new treatments for these diseases with high unmet medical need,” said Dr. Annalisa Jenkins, Head of Global Drug Development and Medical for the Merck Serono division.
Erbitux in combination with cisplatin and capecitabine did not show any new or unexpected safety findings.
These results do not alter the proven utility of Erbitux in its already approved indications in metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer.
More detailed results from the trial will be submitted for presentation at upcoming international scientific meetings.
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women throughout the world, leading to over 700,000 deaths each year.1 It is the fourth-most commonly diagnosed cancer behind lung, breast and colorectal cancers, with around one million people diagnosed in 2008.1 The incidence of stomach cancer varies geographically with more than 70% of cases occurring in developing countries and half the world total reported in Eastern Asia (mainly China).1 Incidence rates are also about twice as high in men as in women.1
*EXPAND:Erbitux in combination with Xeloda and cisPlatin in AdvaNceD esophago-gastric cancer
References
1. GLOBOCAN Cancer Factsheets: Stomach Cancer. http://globocan.iarc.fr/factsheet.asp (accessed June 2012)
For more information on Erbitux in colorectal, head and neck and non-small cell lung cancer, please visit: www.globalcancernews.com.
About Erbitux
Erbitux is a first-in-class IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth.
The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash that seems to be correlated with a good response to therapy. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.
Erbitux has already obtained marketing authorization in 92 countries. It has been approved for the treatment of colorectal cancer in 92 countries and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in 89 countries.
Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux outside the US and Canada from ImClone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998. In Japan, ImClone, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Merck jointly develop and commercialize Erbitux. Merck has an ongoing commitment to the advancement of oncology treatment and is currently investigating novel therapies in highly targeted areas.
SOURCE: Merck KGaA
Post Views: 62
- Erbitux in combination with cisplatin and capecitabine does not significantly increase progression-free survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer
- Results do not alter the proven utility of Erbitux in its already approved indications of metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer
DARMSTADT, Germany I July 5, 2012 I Merck announced today the outcome of the Phase III clinical trial EXPAND*, which assessed Erbitux® (cetuximab) in combination with cisplatin and capecitabine as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma including adenocarcinoma of the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ). The trial did not meet its primary endpoint of extending the length of time that patients live without their disease getting worse (progression-free survival – PFS), as determined by independent review.
“We are disappointed that the EXPAND trial did not show a benefit for patients with advanced gastric cancer when Erbitux was added to standard chemotherapy. Patients with advanced gastric cancer currently have few treatment choices and a poor prognosis, and we will continue to investigate other treatment options for these patients in the hope of being able to offer improved outcomes,” said lead investigator Professor Florian Lordick, MD, Klinikum Braunschweig, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
EXPAND was a multi-center, open-label, randomized, controlled trial in 904 patients at 150 centers in 25 countries across Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Japan. Patients had unresectable advanced cancer of the stomach or GEJ and had received no prior treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in this setting. Usually, these patients would receive palliative chemotherapy only.
The study’s primary endpoint was PFS as determined by an independent review committee (IRC). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), best overall response rate determined by IRC, safety and quality of life.
“Understandably, these results are disappointing for patients with advanced gastric cancer, and as a company we will continue to invest in oncology research and development to find new treatments for these diseases with high unmet medical need,” said Dr. Annalisa Jenkins, Head of Global Drug Development and Medical for the Merck Serono division.
Erbitux in combination with cisplatin and capecitabine did not show any new or unexpected safety findings.
These results do not alter the proven utility of Erbitux in its already approved indications in metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer.
More detailed results from the trial will be submitted for presentation at upcoming international scientific meetings.
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is the second-most common cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women throughout the world, leading to over 700,000 deaths each year.1 It is the fourth-most commonly diagnosed cancer behind lung, breast and colorectal cancers, with around one million people diagnosed in 2008.1 The incidence of stomach cancer varies geographically with more than 70% of cases occurring in developing countries and half the world total reported in Eastern Asia (mainly China).1 Incidence rates are also about twice as high in men as in women.1
*EXPAND:Erbitux in combination with Xeloda and cisPlatin in AdvaNceD esophago-gastric cancer
References
1. GLOBOCAN Cancer Factsheets: Stomach Cancer. http://globocan.iarc.fr/factsheet.asp (accessed June 2012)
For more information on Erbitux in colorectal, head and neck and non-small cell lung cancer, please visit: www.globalcancernews.com.
About Erbitux
Erbitux is a first-in-class IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth.
The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash that seems to be correlated with a good response to therapy. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.
Erbitux has already obtained marketing authorization in 92 countries. It has been approved for the treatment of colorectal cancer in 92 countries and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in 89 countries.
Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux outside the US and Canada from ImClone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998. In Japan, ImClone, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Merck jointly develop and commercialize Erbitux. Merck has an ongoing commitment to the advancement of oncology treatment and is currently investigating novel therapies in highly targeted areas.
SOURCE: Merck KGaA
Post Views: 62
