Roche's Tecentriq fails to hit main Phase 3 goal in front-line ovarian cancer

Roche subsidiary Genentech has revealed that its immunotherapy Tecentriq (atezolizumab), combined with Avastin (bevacizumab), paclitaxel and carboplatin, fell short of its primary endpoint at Phase 3 in the front-line treatment of newly-diagnosed advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

The company admitted that the combo therapy did not meet its main goal of progression-free survival benefit. However, the safety profile of the combo was found to be consistent with previous data.

The therapy still has a chance to hit its co-primary goal of overall survival benefit, but data on the endpoint was not mature at the time of analysis and will be followed up at a later date.

“Ovarian cancer remains one of the most aggressive cancers and is difficult to treat in its advanced stages,” explained Dr Levi Garraway, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “While we are disappointed by these results, we remain committed to improving outcomes for women living with this disease and are pleased that Avastin remains a key component in the treatment of front-line ovarian cancer.”

Despite this disappointing outcome for Genentech, the company is still moving forward on evaluating Tecentriq as a combo and a monotherapy in lung, genitourinary, skin, breast, gastrointestinal and head and neck cancers. The company confirmed it will further evaluate the data generated in this latest trial to help inform its application in the gynaecological space.

Matt Fellows