Avasti reg; Plus Tarceva™ Provides Promising Activity in Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

A multicenter trial has shown promising activity for combined Avasti reg; (bevacizumab) and Tarceva™ (erlotinib) for treatment of recurrent non-small cell lung cancer ( CLC). The results of this phase I/II trial were published in the April 10, 2005 i ue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology .

Tarceva™ has been a roved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with recurrent CLC. And Avasti reg; is a roved for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Tarceva™ is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and Avasti reg; targets the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. Researchers have eculated that the combination of agents targeting these two pathways may provide improved results in CLC.

This trial included 40 patients who had advanced cancer and who had received at least one prior treatment regimen. Twenty-two patients had received two or more prior treatment regime . The median age for this group was 59 years (36-72). Twenty-one patients were female and 30 had adenocarcinoma. Nine were never smokers. The partial re o e rate was 20%, and 65% had stabilization of disease. Median survival of 34 patients treated at the optimal dose and schedule was 12.6 months, with a progre ion-free survival of 6.2 months. Overall, treatment was generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being mild to moderate skin rash, diarrhea, and protein in the urine.

The researchers concluded that the treatment combination of Avasti reg; and Tarceva™ a ears promising for the treatment of recurrent CLC. Future trials will undoubtedly evaluate this combination further.

Comments: This is a logical study that is difficult to carry out before final a roval of drugs as single agents. It remai to be seen if the combination is better than either drug alone.

Reference: Her t R, Joh on D, Mini erg E, et al. Phase I/II Trial Evaluating the Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibody Bevacizumab in Combination With the HER-1/Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Erlotinib for Patients With Recurrent Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology . 2005; 23:2544-2555.