Genentech presents data from two Phase II trials

DNA reported data from a 99-patient, open-label study of its recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (rhuMAb-VEGF) with carboplatin/paclitaxel to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Patients received either 7.5 mg/kg anti-VEGF (low dose) or 15 mg/kg anti-VEGF (high dose) with carboplatin/paclitaxel, or carboplatin/paclitaxel alone. The response rates were 21.9 percent (7/32) in the low dose arm, 40 percent (14/35) in the high dose arm, and 31.3 percent (10/32) in the carboplatin/paclitaxel arm. Time to disease progression was 3.9 months in the low dose arm, 7 months in the high dose arm, and 6 months in the carboplatin/paclitaxel arm. Survival results were 11.6 months in the low dose arm, 17.7 months in the high dose arm, and 14.9 months with carboplatin/paclitaxel alone. DNA said 6 of 66 patients treated with anti-VEGF experienced pulmonary hemorrhage, and 4 of these 6 died. Other adverse events were consistent with taking carboplatin/paclitaxel alone, DNA said. The company plans to begin Phase III testing in non-small cell lung cancer by year-end. ...