Phase II trial of Avastin shows benefits for Cervical Cancer-Genentech

New results from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Phase II clinical trial of Avastin (bevacizumab), from Genentech, in addition to cisplatin and pelvic radiation for locally advanced Cervical Cancer reports that the addition of bevacizumab to the existing standard of care was safe and showed promising overall results. The 2- and 3- year overall survival rates were 89.8 percent and 80.2 percent, respectively. The study previously reported that Bevacizumab was safe and well-tolerated in combination with cisplatin and radiation therapy in this population. Now the group reports on the secondary efficacy endpoints at a median follow-up time of 3.8 years.

Specifically the group evaluated the addition of 10mg/kg bevacizumab every two weeks for 3 cycles during chemoradiation. The overall survival and locoregional control results were favorable in comparison to historical controls of chemoradiation without bevacizumab and warrant further study in a phase III trial. See: "RTOG 0417: Efficacy of Bevacizumab in Combination With Definitive Radiation Therapy and Cisplatin Chemotherapy in Untreated Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma." Tracey Schefter et al. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, Volume 88, Issue 1, 1 January 2014, Pages 101-105