Roche’s XELOX (Xeloda(R) plus oxaliplatin) is an effective alternative to the current standard treatment, FOLFOX-4 (infused 5-FU/leucovorin plus oxaliplatin), for advanced (metastatic) colorectal cancer.
In the study, XELOX — a more convenient therapy including Roche’s oral Xeloda — provides equivalent patient survival compared to FOLFOX-4. These data were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Symposium (ASCO GI) in Orlando, FL.
The Independent Review Committee (IRC) analysis also confirmed previous results indicating that the addition of Avastin to combination chemotherapy (XELOX or FOLFOX) significantly improved the chance of delaying the progression of the disease (progression-free survival, or PFS).
“These important survival results continue to affirm our initial hypothesis that XELOX is a viable, effective alternative to the current standard of care for advanced colorectal cancer,” said Professor Jim Cassidy, co-lead investigator for the study and Cancer Research UK Professor of Oncology and Chair of Medical Oncology, Beatson Oncology Centre, at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. “These data underscore the tremendous promise of combinations using cornerstone therapies such as Xeloda, and the potential benefit of adding Avastin to achieve greater progression-free survival.”
Additional analysis of these data is ongoing and will be presented at an upcoming international scientific meeting.
“Now, with evidence of overall survival in addition to progression-free survival, we can move closer to offering patients a convenient option of an oral component to their chemotherapy treatment,” said Lars Birgerson, Vice President, Medical Affairs, Roche. “Based on these findings and results from international Phase III study (NO16967), Roche will submit a supplemental new drug application for XELOX (Xeloda plus oxaliplatin) in advanced colorectal cancer.”