Phase III interim results from IMpower132 study met its co-primary endpoint of progression-free survival for advanced NSCLC.- Roche

Roche’s Tecentriq (atezolizumab) in combination with pemetrexed (Alimta) and platinum-based chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease worsening or death in the initial treatment of people with advanced lung cancer. Roche announced that the Phase III IMpower132 study met its co-primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) and demonstrated that the combination of Tecentriq plus chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin plus pemetrexed) reduced the risk of disease worsening or death (PFS) compared to chemotherapy alone in the initial (first-line) treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While a numerical improvement for the co-primary endpoint of overall survival (OS) was observed, statistical significance was not met at this interim analysis, and the study will continue as planned with final OS results expected next year.

Safety for the Tecentriq and chemotherapy combination appeared consistent with the known safety profile of the individual medicines, and no new safety signals were identified with the combination. These data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

Comment: IMpower 132 most closely resembles Merck's Keynote-189 study, which in April 2018 demonstrated Keytruda plus Alimta and platinum chemotherapy cut the risk of death by a dramatic 51% versus chemotherapy.