GlaxoSmithKline gets new cancer indication for Hycamtin

GlaxoSmithKline has announced that Hycamtin, its treatment approved for ovarian cancer, has been given a new indication from the FDA to treat advanced cervical cancer.

The decision came after the analysis of phase III clinical trial results that demonstrated the effectiveness of Hycamtin in conjunction with cisplatin in increasing survival times, compared to cisplatin used alone.

The study revealed a “significant improvement” in overall survival times for the Hycamtin/cisplatin patients, whose average survival was 9.4 months in comparison those using cisplatin alone.

Bradley Monk, associate professor of the division of oncologic gynaecology at the University of California, remarked: “Advanced cervical cancer can have a very poor prognosis, even with current treatments, so physicians are always looking for new and effective therapies.”

“These results show that Hycamtin extended the survival of these women, which is the ultimate goal,” he said.

Kevin Lokay, vice-president of oncology and acute care at Glaxo, added: “The expanded use of Hycamtin in treating these patients with cervical cancer demonstrates Glaxo’s ongoing commitment to bringing therapies to physicians for the treatment of women with cancer.”

Topotecan, the active ingredient in Hycamtin, was originally derived from the wood of a Chinese wood tree. According to Cancer Research UK, Hycamtin is approved for ovarian cancer treatment in the UK and is sometimes used to treat small cell lung cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia.

Glaxo is also developing a vaccine for the human papilloma virus, a major cause of cervical cancer. Earlier this month, Merck Sharp and Dohme announced the approval of Gardasil, a similar vaccine, while Sanofi Pasteur is also working on one.

© Adfero Ltd