Tecentriq Plus Chemotherapy May Reduce Disease Progression in NSCLC

Genentech recently announced positive findings from the phase 3 IMpower 131 clinical trial, which explored a combination of atezolizumab (Tecentriq) plus chemotherapy in patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The investigational combination of atezolizumab plus carboplatin and abraxane met its co-primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) and reduced risk of disease worsening compared with chemotherapy in this population, according to a press release.

Included in the trial were 1021 patients who were randomized 1:1 to receive:

· atezolizumab plus carboplatin and paclitaxel—arm A

· atezolizumab plus carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel—arm B

· carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel—control arm

The researchers reported that the safety profile for atezolizumab plus chemotherapy was consistent with the known profiles of both drugs. Additionally, there were no new safety concerns identified, according to the release.

The interim analysis failed to show a statistically significant benefit of overall survival (OS) in this population; however, Genentech said the study will continue according to plan.

Per the statistical analysis plan for the trial, arm B must demonstrate a statistically significant benefit of OS over arm C prior to conducting an analysis between arm A and arm C for PFS and OS, according to the release.

Currently, atezolizumab is being explored as a monotherapy and combination therapy in 8 lung cancer trials. Atezolizumab is indicated for treatment of NSCLC and urothelial carcinoma.

“Squamous non-small cell lung cancer is difficult to treat and there have been limited new treatment options over the last few decades,” said Sandra Horning, MD, chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development, Genentech. “We will share the IMpower131 results with global health authorities and we look forward to seeing more mature overall survival data.”