Eisai reports positive thyroid cancer trial data for lenvatinib

Eisai has announced clinical findings from a new phase III study of its anticancer agent lenvatinib mesylate, which demonstrates the drug's efficacy in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the findings from the Select trial demonstrated the survival benefits that lenvatinib can offer for patients with progressive radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.

Median progression-free survival was measured at 18.3 months among those receiving the Eisai therapy, compared to only 3.6 months in the placebo control group. Lenvatinib response rates were measured at 64.8 percent, compared to 1.5 percent among those receiving placebo.

Eisai has already submitted regulatory applications for lenvatinib seeking approval for refractory thyroid cancer in numerous territories, including the EU, US and Japan.

The company said: "Eisai is committed to exploring the potential clinical benefits of lenvatinib in order to further contribute to patients with cancer, including patients with thyroid cancer, and their families."

Last week, the firm also announced phase II trial data showing the efficacy of the same therapy among patients with renal cell carcinoma.