Avastin hope in advanced ovarian cancer

Genentech (part of the Roche Group) has announced positive results from a phase III trial involving Avastin. Data showed that Avastin in combination with chemotherapy followed by maintenance use of Avastin alone increased the progression-free survival (PFS) rate in women with previously untreated advanced ovarian cancer, compared to chemotherapy alone. 

The randomised, three-arm study involved women with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer who had already received surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible.

"This is good news for women with ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancers," said study chair Dr Robert Burger, Fox-Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

Dr Hal Barron, executive vice president, global development and chief medical officer said: "We are encouraged by the positive findings of this study, which highlight the importance of continuing maintenance use of Avastin after combining Avastin with chemotherapy in this setting. We will discuss these results with the US Food and Drug Administration."

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring the trial under a cooperative research and development agreement between the NCI and Genentech. The trial is being conducted by a network of researchers led by the Gynecologic Oncology Group.

There are currently more than 450 clinical trials worldwide involving Avastin for the treatment of multiple types of cancer.