AstraZeneca’s Success in Bladder Cancer at ESMO: Key Updates and Highlights
The European Society for Medical Oncology’s annual meeting in Barcelona, Spain, brought exciting developments in the field of oncology. AstraZeneca emerged as a frontrunner with its Phase 3 NIAGARA study in bladder cancer, showcasing promising results with the checkpoint inhibitor Imfinzi. The study revealed that administering Imfinzi both before and after surgery reduced the risk of death by 25%. The positive outcome garnered enthusiastic applause from attendees, indicating the significance of the findings.
Rebecca Dent, an oncologist at the National Cancer Centre Singapore, who chaired the session, expressed her satisfaction with the response to AstraZeneca’s presentation. Following the study’s success, Susan Galbraith, AZ’s head of oncology R&D, expressed intentions to present the data to regulators for further evaluation. However, a regulatory concern looms over the trial design, specifically regarding the FDA’s stance on clinical trials that combine pre and post-surgery drug administration without distinguishing the impact of each phase on the overall results. While uncertainties remain regarding the regulatory implications, AstraZeneca remains optimistic about the strength of its data portfolio.
Merck and Eisai Collaboration Triumphs in Liver Cancer
Merck’s collaboration with Eisai yielded significant success in liver cancer treatment at ESMO. The partnership, initiated in 2018 to expand Eisai’s Lenvima into new cancer indications, showcased promising results when combined with Keytruda. Although previous attempts at combining the drugs failed in various cancer types, the latest study demonstrated a notable reduction in the risk of progression or death in a specific type of liver cancer.
Patients receiving the combination treatment alongside standard care for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experienced a 33% decrease in progression or mortality risk. With a median progression-free survival of 14.6 months compared to 10 months in the control group, the results underscored the potential of the drug combination in enhancing treatment outcomes for liver cancer patients. While overall survival data are pending, Eliav Barr, Merck’s chief medical officer, emphasized the significance of awaiting comprehensive results before engaging with regulatory authorities.
Traditionally, HCC treatment involves transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to target the tumor’s blood supply. However, the exploration of immunotherapy combinations aims to broaden the therapeutic benefits of existing treatments. Despite higher rates of severe adverse events in the treatment arm, researchers and Barr attributed these outcomes to the known side effects of Keytruda and Lenvima. Lenvima’s mechanism of action in inhibiting tumor-related blood vessel formation, combined with Keytruda’s immunotherapeutic properties, offers a potential treatment avenue for vascularized tumors.
Bristol’s Lung Cancer Strategy Faces Scrutiny
Bristol’s approach to lung cancer treatment encountered challenges at ESMO, particularly concerning the combination of Opdivo and relatlimab. The decision to advance the drug combination into a Phase 3 trial against Keytruda in non-small cell lung cancer raised questions about the trial design and results. While initial data from the Phase 2 study indicated promising response rates and progression-free survival with the combination therapy, criticisms emerged regarding the selection of patient subgroups and the interpretation of results.
Marina Chiara Garassino of the University of Chicago questioned the methodology employed in the Phase 2 trial, highlighting concerns about subgroup analysis and the absence of substantial improvements in progression-free survival with the addition of relatlimab. The comparison of results across trials sparked debates about the validity of the findings and the need for comprehensive data to support treatment decisions. Despite the initial success observed in the Phase 2 study, further investigation and scrutiny are essential to validate the efficacy of the Opdivo-relatlimab combination in lung cancer treatment.
In the realm of oncology research and drug development, ESMO serves as a platform for unveiling groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in cancer treatment. The presentations and discussions at the conference shed light on the evolving landscape of oncology and the ongoing efforts to enhance patient outcomes through innovative therapies and strategic collaborations. As researchers, clinicians, and industry experts converge at ESMO, the exchange of knowledge and insights paves the way for transformative developments in the field of oncology.
