Positive outlook for AstraZeneca's Recentin

AstraZeneca's Recentin (AZD2171) plus FOLFOX4 will earn a 10% patient share of the first-line stage IV colorectal cancer market in the USA by 2016. Additionally, oncologists indicate that they would prescribe this combination to 33% of their patients in the first-line setting for stage IV colorectal cancer, forecasts Decision Resources.

"Although oncologists interviewed are eager to prescribe Recentin plus FOLFOX4, competition from the established Avastin [bevacizumab] will limit patient share," said Marcus Hoyle, an analyst at Decision Resources. "According to oncologists interviewed, physicians are gaining familiarity and comfort with prescribing Avastin in the first-line setting, limiting the uptake of emerging agents," he added.