BMS reports 5-year Erbitux data

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and ImClone Systems have announced five-year overall survival data from their pivotal phase III study of Erbitux (cetuximab) administered in conjunction with radiation in head and neck cancer patients.

According to the trial results, nearly half of all individuals with locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck treated with the drug were still alive at five years.

The study data was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology held in Boston.

BMS said these results support its belief in Erbitux as the first biologic approved in this indication for over three decades.

It added the study is part of its comprehensive clinical development programme which aims to develop knowledge of the potential uses of the compound in cancer patients.

James Bonner, of the University of Alabama, said: “Erbitux in combination with radiation demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival versus radiation alone at five years.”

He added these results are important for patients and doctors alike, as advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is a difficult-to-treat cancer.

Earlier this month, Merck KGaA submitted a new licence application for Erbitux in Europe as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.