Amgen trials show no differences in quality of life between the FOLFOX regimens with or without Vectibix

USA-based Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN), the world’s leading independent biotech firm, says that Phase II and Phase III studies have demonstrated no differences in quality of life between the chemo combination FOLFOX regimens with or without Vectibix (panitumumab).

The studies looked at first-line use of Vectibix in combination with FOLFOX, in patients with wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer. An exploratory analysis from the Phase II PEAK study showed that treatment with Vectibix compared to Avastin (bevacizumab) resulted in a significantly higher proportion of patients with earlier tumor shrinkage at week eight (64% versus 45%, respectively). Among responding patients, there was also a significantly longer duration of response (11.4 months vs 8.5 months, respectively). Overall response rates were similar between the two arms. This is consistent with previously-reported overall survival and progression-free survival rates. The safety profile was also in line with expectations.

Sean Harper, executive vice president of R&D at Amgen, said: “These analyses help deepen our understanding of how Vectibix works when added to a standard first-line chemotherapy for the treatment of wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer. Our Vectibix clinical trial program continues to yield new insights regarding biomarkers and drug sequencing.”