In addition, the early analysis indicates a trend toward improvement in overall survival in the Avastin plus interferon arm.
“We are pleased with the results demonstrating improvement in progression-free survival in this study and plan to discuss the data and the submission of an application for a potential indication in renal cell cancer with the FDA,” said Hal Barron, Genentech's senior vice president, development and chief medical officer.
“These results reinforce our belief that inhibiting angiogenesis by specifically blocking vascular endothelial growth factor could provide important clinical benefit across a broad range of tumor types.”
Another study of interferon plus or minus Avastin in renal cell carcinoma with a primary endpoint of overall survival is being conducted in the US by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B, a national clinical research group sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.