AstraZeneca starts enrolment in new vandetanib research

AstraZeneca has announced that it has enrolled the first patient in its new phase III study into vandetanib as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for whom EGFR TKI therapy has proved ineffective.

Vandetanib is a third/fourth line treatment for patients with metastatic or locally advanced NSCLC that will be trialled worldwide in a study encompassing over 930 patients.

The research, known as Study 44, will measure objective response and disease control rate, progression free survival, duration of response, the effect on symptoms and safety of vandetanib tested in 300mg doses combined with best supportive care.

Dr Jin Soo Lee, principal investigator for the study, said: “There are currently very limited treatment options available for patients after their cancer has progressed on second line treatment.”

He noted that earlier phase II studies of vandetanib had shown potential anti-tumour efficacy for lung cancer, with the next phase of research designed to test if the drug can improve patient outcome.

In September, AstraZeneca announced the start of enrolment into phase III research comparing vandetanib to erlotinib for patients with advanced NSCLC.

Vandetanib operates through the inhibition of VEGFR to limit the supply of blood to a tumour and also by reducing the growth and life of the tumour itself by inhibiting EFGR.