Positive results from Phase III study of Avastin (Genentech/Roche) in Brain Cancer patients

The Phase III AVAglio study of Avastin (bevacizumab), from Genentech/Roche, plus radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy in people with newly diagnosed Glioblastoma met its co-primary endpoint of a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS). In the study, Avastin in combination with radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy significantly extended the time people with this aggressive form of primary Brain Cancer lived without their disease getting worse (PFS), compared to those treated with radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy plus placebo. No new safety findings were observed in the AVAglio study and adverse events were consistent with those seen in previous trials. Data for final overall survival the other co-primary endpoint, are expected in 2013. Roche plans to discuss these Phase III results with global regulatory authorities, including the EMA and FDA.