Avastin bevacizumab: Additional Phase III data

Additional data from the open-label, international Phase III ICON7 trial in 1,528 patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer showed that Avastin plus carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy followed by Avastin maintenance therapy led to a median PFS of 18.3 months vs. 16 months for chemotherapy alone followed by no maintenance therapy (p<=0.001, HR=0.79). Patients received 7.5 mg/kg Avastin every 3 weeks plus chemotherapy for 6 cycles followed by Avastin alone for up to 12 additional cycles, or chemotherapy alone for 6 cycles. Data were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology meeting in Milan. Roche's Genentech unit previously reported that Avastin plus carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy followed by Avastin maintenance therapy met the primary endpoint of significantly improving PFS vs. chemotherapy alone (see BioCentury, July 5). ...