Novartis reports positive data from Afinitor NET trial

Novartis has announced phase III clinical trial data demonstrating the benefits of its drug Afinitor as a treatment for advanced gastrointestinal or lung neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).

The RADIANT-4 study results indicated that Afinitor tablets, when used in conjunction with best supportive care in patients with advanced NETs of gastrointestinal or lung origin, delivered significant extensions in progression-free survival compared to placebo.

It means the drug was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint in the trial, the findings of which will be used to support worldwide regulatory filings planned for 2015.

NETs are a rare type of cancer that originate in neuroendocrine cells found throughout the body, and are most often found in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs or pancreas. The number of treatments available for affected patients is currently limited.

Alessandro Riva, global head of Novartis' oncology development and medical affairs unit, said: "The results will serve as the basis of planned worldwide regulatory filings for everolimus in these two types of NET, bringing us closer to our goal of offering Afinitor for these patients."

This comes after the company received EU approval for its drug Zykadia to be used as a treatment for non-small cell lung cancer earlier this month.