AstraZeneca has unveiled some data that suggests early-stage treatments for small cell lung cancer and could help in improvement of survival rates. According to AstraZeneca, a combination of Imfinzi and standard chemotherapy could extend lives in phase 3 trial in patients who are newly diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. The result of survival benefit in Caspian trail was statistically significant and meaningful.
José Baselga, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D said: “The Phase III CASPIAN results offer new hope for patients who are facing the devastating diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, and for whom new medicines are urgently needed. This is the first trial offering the flexibility of combining immunotherapy with different platinum-based regimens in small cell lung cancer, expanding treatment options.”
AstraZeneca said that the data from its Phase III Caspian study has showed that PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor Imfinzi combined with platinum-based chemotherapy improved overall survival rates in first-line extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients. Caspian will continue to the final analysis of OS for combination of dual immune checkpoint blockade with chemo.
SCLC accounts for about 15% of overall lung cancer cases. Also, AZ says it is the most aggressive type of lung cancer. Looking at the research results, Imfinzi is all set to compete against another PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor, Roche’s Tecentriq. Tecentriq is an approved first-line ES-SCLC in combination with chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and etoposide.
Imfiniz is approved for Stage III non-small cell lung cancer in more than 45 countries includes US, Japan and EU, based on Phase III Pacific trial.
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