 |
|
Vandetanib shows clinical benefit when combined with docetaxel for lung cancer
June 01, 2009ORLANDO - When combined with standard chemotherapy, an international Phase III trial has shown that the oral targeted therapy vandetanib improves progression-free survival for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, according to research from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
The findings, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, mark the first clinical benefit of a small molecule targeted agent and standard chemotherapy in combination for lung cancer. Roy Herbst, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chief of the section of M. D. Anderson's Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, presented the findings on ASCO's press program.
"This study shows that an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor can be combined with chemotherapy safely and effectively to provide systematic benefit to patients with this life-threatening disease," said Herbst. "This study will have immediate clinical implications. Still, we need to build on this research and turn our focus toward better identifying molecular markers involved, with the ultimate goal of personalizing our patient's care."
The therapy is unique in that it's a dual inhibitor and targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). It is the first single agent in lung cancer to target both receptors, said Herbst, the study's international principal investigator.
"Both receptors are active in lung cancer. EGFR targets the tumor cell and VEGF targets the blood vessels, so, with vandetanib, we're really targeting the entire tumor environment at the same time," explained Herbst. "As a dual inhibitor, it also may provide cost-savings to patients in that they can now potentially take one therapy instead of two."
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounts for the most cancer-related deaths. In 2009, 219,440 are expected to be diagnosed and 159,390 will likely die from the disease.
The ZODIAC, (Zactima in cOmbination with Docetaxel In non-smAll cell lung Cancer) study enrolled 1,391 patients with non-small cell lung cancer from 198 centers between May 2006 and April 2008; all had received chemotherapy previously. Participants were randomized to receive either docetaxel and placebo, or docetaxel and vandetanib. The median follow-up was 12.8 months and the study's primary endpoint was progression-free survival.
Patients in the combination arm had a 21 percent reduction in disease progression, compared to those who received docetaxel alone (hazard ratio, .79), and their median progression-free survival was 17.3 weeks. In contrast, the median progression-free survival in the control arm was 14 weeks. While it trended positive, however, there was no statistical difference in overall survival in the two groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in the time to worsening of symptoms (hazard ratio, .77).
"Obviously, our ultimate goal is to always improve survival for our patients, however the improved time to progression with less of a number of significant effects is important," said Herbst. "This is certainly a drug, where, if we could identify molecular parameters that predict response, we could some day take a group that's receiving docetaxel and vandetanib and see them do even better. We're not there yet, but hopefully this study will serve as the foundation for the merger of personalization and discovery with the now-proven safety and efficacy."
In terms of side effects, patients who received vandetanib experienced more diarrhea, rash and neutropenia. However, they experienced less of the significant side effects - nausea, vomiting, and anemia - than those who received docetaxel alone. The lack of significant side effects is quite striking, said Herbst, because other agents that target VEGF are associated with increased toxicity, including pulmonary bleeding.
As follow up, Herbst plans to update the survival data later this year. Other studies with vandetanib in lung cancer as a single agent, as well as in thyroid cancer, are currently ongoing.
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
The therapy is unique in that it's a dual inhibitor and targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). It is the first single agent in lung cancer to target both receptors, said Herbst, the study's international principal investigator.
"Both receptors are active in lung cancer. EGFR targets the tumor cell and VEGF targets the blood vessels, so, with vandetanib, we're really targeting the entire tumor environment at the same time," explained Herbst. "As a dual inhibitor, it also may provide cost-savings to patients in that they can now potentially take one therapy instead of two."
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounts for the most cancer-related deaths. In 2009, 219,440 are expected to be diagnosed and 159,390 will likely die from the disease.
The ZODIAC, (Zactima in cOmbination with Docetaxel In non-smAll cell lung Cancer) study enrolled 1,391 patients with non-small cell lung cancer from 198 centers between May 2006 and April 2008; all had received chemotherapy previously. Participants were randomized to receive either docetaxel and placebo, or docetaxel and vandetanib. The median follow-up was 12.8 months and the study's primary endpoint was progression-free survival.
Patients in the combination arm had a 21 percent reduction in disease progression, compared to those who received docetaxel alone (hazard ratio, .79), and their median progression-free survival was 17.3 weeks. In contrast, the median progression-free survival in the control arm was 14 weeks. While it trended positive, however, there was no statistical difference in overall survival in the two groups. There was a statistically significant improvement in the time to worsening of symptoms (hazard ratio, .77).
"Obviously, our ultimate goal is to always improve survival for our patients, however the improved time to progression with less of a number of significant effects is important," said Herbst. "This is certainly a drug, where, if we could identify molecular parameters that predict response, we could some day take a group that's receiving docetaxel and vandetanib and see them do even better. We're not there yet, but hopefully this study will serve as the foundation for the merger of personalization and discovery with the now-proven safety and efficacy."
In terms of side effects, patients who received vandetanib experienced more diarrhea, rash and neutropenia. However, they experienced less of the significant side effects - nausea, vomiting, and anemia - than those who received docetaxel alone. The lack of significant side effects is quite striking, said Herbst, because other agents that target VEGF are associated with increased toxicity, including pulmonary bleeding.
As follow up, Herbst plans to update the survival data later this year. Other studies with vandetanib in lung cancer as a single agent, as well as in thyroid cancer, are currently ongoing.
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lung Cancer Current Events and Lung Cancer News RSSStudy of concurrent radiotherapy, chemotherapy shows promise in small cell lung cancer
Treating limited stage small cell lung cancer(LSCL) with a combination of accelerated high-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy has shown encouraging results.
Stereotactic radiotherapy offers noninvasive, effective treatment for frail patients with early-stage lung cancer
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) should be considered a new standard of care for early-stage lung cancer treatment in patients with co-existing medical problems, according to results from a national clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians.
Preventative brain radiation for lung cancer patients: Benefits and risks
A new study is taking a closer look at the benefits versus risks for lung cancer patients to undergo preventative brain radiation therapy as a means to stop cancer from spreading to the brain.
Study spotlights efficacy of questionnaire to identify patients at high risk for lung cancer
A study featured in the November issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology confirms the success of a simple questionnaire designed to identify patients at high risk of lung cancer.
Intervals between lung cancer diagnosis and treatment displays a health care disparity
Research published in the November 2009 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has found that intervals between lung cancer suspicion, diagnosis and treatment may be attributed to health care system discrepancies.
Researchers use drug-radiation combo to eradicate lung cancer
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have eliminated non-small cell lung (NSCL) cancer in mice by using an investigative drug called BEZ235 in combination with low-dose radiation.
Experts issue call to reconsider screening for breast cancer and prostate cancer
Twenty years of screening for breast and prostate cancer - the most diagnosed cancer for women and men - have not brought the anticipated decline in deaths from these diseases, argue experts from the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in an opinion piece published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Detecting the undetectable in prostate cancer screening
A team of Northwestern University researchers, using an extremely sensitive tool based on nanotechnology, has detected previously undetectable levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy.
New data: Hospital imaging centers poised to pull back, hitting patients hardest in rural areas
Survivors and patients with cancers and heart disease, along with patient advocate organizations and physicians, today urged policymakers to enhance early diagnosis of deadly diseases by preserving access to advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, in final health care reform legislation.
African American lung cancer patients may have different response to new cancer-fighting drugs
Clinical research out of University Hospitals Case Medical Center has found that African Americans with a common form of lung cancer have a lower frequency of drug-sensitizing genetic mutations, which may impact response to new cancer-fighting drugs.
More Lung Cancer Current Events and Lung Cancer News Articles
 |
How to Survive Lung Cancer - A Practical 12-Step Plan by Michael Lloyd (Author) Written by a lung cancer survivor who understands what it takes to beat the odds, this book offers unparalleled hope and direction for anyone facing this illness. It is filled with specific exercises and techniques to promote healing and reverse side effects by taking a pro-active approach in helping to restore your mind, body and spirit to an optimum state of health. Endorsed by a Lung Cancer Specialist and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, this book combines what the doctors tell you with critical information they don't tell you. Visit www.SurviveLungCancer.com for chapter summaries. |
 |
Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--and Hope by Claudia I. Henschke (Author), Peggy McCarthy (Author), Sarah Wernick (Contributor) Winner of the 2003 American Society of Journalists and Authors' June Roth Memorial Award for Health and Medical Books. An authoritative book with new lifesaving strategies for those at risk and those already diagnosed. Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, more men than prostate cancer—because it's usually found too late. Claudia Henschke's groundbreaking research on early diagnosis, published in The Lancet, made headlines worldwide. Now, for the first time, she offers specific recommendations based on her latest findings: who needs to be checked, where to be tested, and what to expect. Dr. Henschke and coauthor Peggy McCarthy, a leading patient advocate, provide up-to-the-minute information on diagnosis, treatment, and survival, accompanied by inspiring words from... |
 |
Voices of Lung Cancer: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength (Voices Of series) by The Healing Project (Editor), S. Epatha Merkerson (Editor) Provided by the patients, their friends, families, and caregivers of those diagnaosed with lung cancer, these very personal stories offer inspired insight into the ways families and professionals care for both themselves and the patient, gain a deeper understanding of the relationships, and learn to come to terms with the end of life. Included are essays by medical experts about the science of lung cancer, current treatments, choosing the right doctors, and what the future holds for the next generation of patients. |
 |
Lung Cancer by Jack A. Roth (Author), James D. Cox (Author), Waun Ki Hong (Author) Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women. However, since the first edition of Lung Cancer was published 14 years ago, rapid progress in the biology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease has been made. |
 |
Mom Lung Cancer Support Infant/Toddler T-Shirt by CafePress |
 |
Lung Cancer: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbook (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbooks) by Arthur T. Skarin MD FACP FCCP (Editor), Paul Lorigan MB FRCP (Editor) Written by highly eminent authors, Lung Cancer - a handbook in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute series - is produced in full color and is richly illustrated throughout, providing a review of each cancer including its incidence, epidemiology, etiology and histopathology, together with the clinical features. Diagnostic studies and current clinical and pathological staging are also given. Detailed tables are provided with histopathological classification, diagnostic studies and, when important, prognostic factors. Current therapies are also discussed in detail, particularly the management of metastatic lung disease in the context of new and emerging treatments. Comprehensive coverage - from risk and prevention, and screening and diagnosis, through to treatment options (surgery,... |
 |
Quick Facts on Lung Cancer by American Cancer Society (Author) Educate yourself about lung cancer What are your risk factors for lung cancer? Can you prevent it? How is lung cancer treated? What should you ask your doctor? QuickFACTS Lung Cancer is both a comprehensive and a quick read, with highlighted cover tabs for quick reference of specific topics. QuickFACTS Lung Cancer: Covers everything from risk factors to living well after cancer treatment Provides critical questions to ask your healthcare team Educates and empowers you right from the start Completely updated with the latest patient treatment guidelines Includes a lung cancer dictionary |
 |
Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options by Lorraine Johnston (Author) Lung cancer is the top cancer killer in the U.S. Yet it receives little attention from the media, and those with lung cancer suffer more blame and stigma than other cancer patients, even though 50 percent of them are former smokers or have never smoked. Lung cancer treatments and the daunting prognosis for some types and stages of lung cancer can significantly impact quality of life. In straightforward language, Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment & Options addresses its readers' medical, emotional, and support needs. The book includes stories from patients themselves, their families and their healthcare professionals. Author and patient advocate Lorraine Johnston emphasizes using knowledge to dispel fear. The content has been reviewed by top medical experts and physicians... |
 |
Mom Lung Cancer Support Kids Dark T-Shirt by CafePress |
 |
Surviving Lung Cancer: (My Story) by Darlene Lehosit (Author) Surviving Lung Cancer (My Story) was written to share the triumphant story of the author’s journey into the world of lung cancer, which began shortly before her official diagnosis in February of 1999; the symptoms that led to the series of tests; her experience with tests leading up to the diagnosis; the excellent treatment she received; the tremendous effect lung cancer had on her physically as well as mentally; how all of this affected the people around her; how the tumor that had lodged itself on her laryngeal nerve caused her to lose her voice for a period of eight months; and how the lasting effects of chemotherapy left her with chronic illnesses which have changed her life forever. It is the author’s attempt to give a ray of hope to other lung cancer patients and their... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |