Genentech Gets Positive Phase III Avastin Results

Genentech’s Phase III study of Avastin (bevacizumab) plus chemotherapy, followed by maintenance use of Avastin alone, increased progression-free survival (PFS) in women with previously untreated advanced ovarian cancer, compared to chemotherapy alone.

In the three-arm study called Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) 0218, women with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer were randomized to receive one of the following: placebo in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy followed by placebo alone (Arm 1); Avastin in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy followed by placebo alone (Arm 2); Avastin in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy followed by the maintenance use of Avastin alone (Arm 3).

The study showed that women who continued maintenance use of Avastin alone, after receiving Avastin in combination with chemotherapy (Arm 3), lived longer without the disease worsening compared to chemotherapy alone. Women who received Avastin in combination with chemotherapy, but did not continue maintenance use of Avastin alone (Arm 2), did not live longer without the disease worsening compared to chemotherapy alone.

“Additional medicines are urgently needed for women with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer, as most women’s cancer will worsen after their initial treatment,” said Hal Barron, M.D., executive vice president, Global Development and chief medical officer. “We are encouraged by the positive findings of this study, which highlight the importance of continuing maintenance Avastin after combining Avastin with chemotherapy in this setting. We will discuss these results with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”