IQWiG backs Perjeta for some breast cancer patients
Germany's Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare said Perjeta pertuzumab from Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) has a "major" additional benefit in combination with the pharma's Herceptin trastuzumab and docetaxel vs. Herceptin plus taxane-containing chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with visceral metastases. IQWiG said Perjeta did not show an additional survival benefit vs. the comparator in patients with non-visceral metastases. The institute also said Perjeta has "no additional benefit" vs. radiation therapy in patients with locally recurrent, unresectable HER2-positive breast cancer because the company did not submit data. Comments are due July 22, with a final assessment from Germany's Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) expected in mid-September. ...