Pfizer Reports Positive Results For Phase-III Sutent Trial

Pfizer has announced the results from randomized phase-III trial of Sutent (sunitinib malate), in patients with advanced pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Study demonstrated that median progression-free survival was 11.1 months in patients treated with Sutent, as compared to 5.5 months in patients treated with placebo.

Researchers presented these data at the 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer in Barcelona, Spain. The independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) recommended halting the trial earlier this year as Sutent showed benefits, and the study had met its primary endpoint. Full analysis of the data is ongoing.

Dr. Eric Raymond, HOD of Medical Oncology Bichat-Beaujon, and lead investigator on sunitinib phase-III study, said: “In this study, Sutent demonstrated an impressive improvement in progression-free survival for patients with pancreatic islet cell tumors.”

“This is encouraging news for patients, especially given that there are limited treatment options for this type of advanced cancer,” he added.