Cephalon comments on leukaemia treatment study

Cephalon has reported on the findings of the Cancer and Leukaemia Group B (CALGB) trial group of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) concerning a clinical trial of Trisenox (arsenic trioxide) in patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL).

CALGB found that this compound improved the survival rate and maintained remission in adults with APL compared to patients receiving only standard chemotherapy.

Trisenox is an injectable compound indicated to induce remission and consolidation in APL patients whose disease is characterised by the presence of the t(15,17) translocation of PML/RAR-alpha gene expression who have relapsed from, or are refractory to, retinoid and anthracycline chemotherapy.

Dr Lesley Russell, executive vice president of worldwide medical and regulatory operations at Cephalon, said: “The results of this study showing a survival benefit associated with the use of Trisenox in patients with APL are an important development for physicians and patients.”

She added that the results of this study highlighted the company’s dedication to constructing an integrated oncology business, while Cephalon was encouraged by the interest in Trisenox displayed by the oncology community.

The NCI is a constituent of the National Institutes of Health, itself part of the Public Health Services in the US department of health and human services.