Roche said that the study known as GOG 0218, was conducted by a network of researchers led by the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG).
Roche’s GOG 0218 study demonstrated that women with advanced ovarian cancer who received front-line (first-line following surgery) Avastin in combination with chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin), and continued use of Avastin alone for a total duration of up to 15 months, had a median PFS of 14.1 months compared to 10.3 months in women who received chemotherapy alone.
The study also investigated Avastin in combination with chemotherapy but without the continuation of Avastin alone. Women who received this shorter duration of Avastin did not have an increase in PFS compared with chemotherapy alone.
Robert Burger, chair and director of the GOG 0218 study at Women’s Cancer Center, said: “These results may represent a step forward for women who need more options.”
Hal Barron, head of global development and chief medical officer for Roche, said: “Avastin in combination with chemotherapy, followed by the continued use of Avastin, helped women with advanced ovarian cancer live longer without their disease worsening.”