Bristol-Myers Squibb launches new study of Opdivo in renal cell carcinoma

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Exelixis have commenced a new phase III study assessing an Opdivo-based regimen for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

The phase III CheckMate 9ER trial will evaluate Opdivo in combination with Cabometyx tablets, or Opdivo and Yervoy plus Cabometyx, versus sunitinib in patients with previously untreated, advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Approximately 1,014 patients will be enrolled in the trial, which will aim to establish the progression-free survival benefits of the Opdivo-based regimens as a primary endpoint.

Existing therapies have improved outcomes for many patients with advanced or metastatic kidney cancer, but the condition remains associated with high rates of relapse and disease progression, meaning there is still a strong need for additional therapeutic options.

Dr Fouad Namouni, head of development for oncology at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: "Combination therapy with agents that target different and complementary pathways – in this case, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors – may be a potential new approach for these patients."

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