New Trial Shows Improved Survival in Advanced Small-Cell Lung Cancer
A late-stage clinical trial has reported encouraging results for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer, with a combination of AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi and Amgen’s targeted immunotherapy Imdelltra showing a significant improvement in overall survival.
The trial evaluated patients whose disease had not progressed following initial treatment with Imfinzi, platinum-based chemotherapy and etoposide.
According to AstraZeneca, the findings add to evidence supporting the use of Imfinzi as part of the treatment approach for small-cell lung cancer.
Positive Results From Late-Stage Trial
The company said patients receiving the combination experienced a meaningful improvement in overall survival compared with the study’s control group.
Susan Galbraith, AstraZeneca’s Executive Vice President for Oncology Haematology R&D, said the results highlighted the potential of Imfinzi as an important immunotherapy option for people with small-cell lung cancer.
Jacob Sands, an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, described the survival findings as significant and said they could contribute to changes in how extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer is treated.
Imfinzi Already Approved in Several Markets
Imfinzi is already approved in the United States, European Union, Japan, China and several other countries for certain small-cell lung cancer indications.
The latest findings could provide additional evidence for its use in combination with other therapies, subject to regulatory review and approval where required.
Safety Results
AstraZeneca said the safety and tolerability of the treatment combination were generally consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medicines.
The company reported that no new safety concerns were identified during the trial.
Small-Cell Lung Cancer Remains a Serious Disease
Small-cell lung cancer represents a smaller proportion of lung cancer cases but is generally considered an aggressive form of the disease. Many patients are diagnosed after the cancer has spread beyond the lungs, which can make treatment more challenging.
Researchers continue to study new combinations of immunotherapy and targeted treatments in an effort to improve survival and treatment options for patients with advanced disease.
The trial results are encouraging, but treatment decisions should be made with a qualified medical professional based on an individual’s diagnosis, overall health and available treatment options.
