Novartis discuses potential benefits of Afinitor

Novartis hopes patients will be able to benefit from Afinitor (everolimus), it has asserted.

In recent trials, it was found those with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours could receive positive effects from the drug when it was taken with Sandostatin Lar (octreotide acetate suspension for injection) and Afinitor monotherapy.

Patients who received this combination remained, on average, progression-free for 16.7 months and 84 per cent experienced a decrease in tumour size.

Dr Alessandro Riva, executive vice-president and global head of Novartis’ oncology development division, noted the company has been committed to helping patients with neuroendocrine cancerous growths for the past 20 years.

“We hope that the biomarkers being studied in this trial will provide valuable insights into which patients are most likely to benefit from Afinitor, furthering our aim of providing the right drug for the right patients,” he commented.

Earlier this month, Novartis released data showing Tasigna (nilotinib) could be potentially used as a treatment for a form of chronic myeloid leukemia.