Xelox has been developed as a treatment for colorectal cancer and includes the oral Xeloda and an infusion of the chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin.
The data also showed that adding the anti-angiogenic Avastin significantly improved delaying disease progression by 20%.
“Based on the results, Xelox may offer a new treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer that is as effective as the current standard treatment,” said Professor Jim Cassidy, co-lead investigator for the study and professor of oncology at Beatson Oncology Center.
“And, because Xelox includes oral Xeloda, it offers patients the added benefit of less hospital or clinic time, with patients receiving a two-hour infusion of oxaliplatin followed by taking Xeloda tablets at home, instead of a continuous 48-hour infusion of Folfox-4,” added Professor Cassidy.
Several additional studies are under way investigating the potential of Xeloda in combination with other therapies to treat colorectal cancer.
Overall survival data are currently immature and are expected to be presented at a future oncology conference. No new safety findings related to Avastin or Xeloda were observed in the trial.