Pfizer’s Phase III Cancer Trial Meets Endpoint

Pfizer’s Phase III trial studying the investigational compound axitinib in previously treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) met its primary endpoint, demonstrating significantly extended progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to sorafenib. Additionally, axitinib demonstrated a generally manageable safety profile in this study.

“It is gratifying that in this trial axitinib provided significant benefit to patients with advanced RCC whose disease had progressed after first-line therapy,” said Dr. Mace Rothenberg, senior vice president of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs for Pfizer’s Oncology Business Unit. “These results provide insight into the potential value of axitinib as part of a sequential treatment approach in patients with advanced RCC.We will work with health authorities to determine possible filing options for axitinib for use in patients with advanced RCC.”

Axitinib is an oral and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors 1, 2 and 3, which are related to tumor growth, vascular angiogenesis and the spread of cancer. Pfizer is studying the potential role of axitinib across several tumor types, including a Phase III study of treatment-naive and previously treated patients with mRCC.