The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 272 No 7303 p734
12 June 2004

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American Society of Clinical Oncology: reports (more)

Bevacizumab/erlotinib combination active in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Two targeted agents, bevacizumab (Avastin) and erlotinib (Tarceva) used in combination, appear to be active and well tolerated in the treatment of advanced renal carcinoma, according to data from a phase II clinical trial. However, the lead investigator, John Hainsworth, Sarah Cannon Cancer Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, who presented the data, warned that it would be unwise to go too far in concluding anything from phase II trials since patient selection can influence the results. The trial evaluated 58 patients with metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma who received the combined treatment. At two-month follow up 12 patients showed a partial response, 38 patients had stable disease or minor responses, and disease progressed in eight patients. Median progression free survival was 12 months and median overall survival was 81 per cent at 12 months.

Rash and diarrhoea were the most common side effects observed.

The reports on this page are from the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, from June 5 to 8. The Journal attended the congress courtesy of Eli Lilly