Pfizer notes activity against NSCLC

Pfizer has announced that research into the company’s different cancer-fighting approaches has revealed activity in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The presentation of results from clinical trials was given by the company at the 43rd American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, which took place in Chicago.

Data on Sutent (sunitinib malate), CP-751,871 and axitinib (AG-013736) were collated in the research, with the latter two investigational compounds that were studied by Pfizer.

“Pfizer is committed to developing innovative treatments for people with non-small cell lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the United States,” said Charles Baum, MD PhD, head of oncology development at Pfizer.

“We are encouraged by the positive data presented today, which support our multi-faceted approach to targeting cancer cells.”

Daniel Karp, Professor of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, said that NSCLC is a “complex cancer” and one that has “limited treatment options”.

Pfizer has stated that the results seen from a phase II trial of sunitinib malate, which demonstrated the approach’s anti-tumour activity, “support the rationale” behind a planned phase III study of the inhibitor later this year.

The ASCO annual meeting finishes today, following five days of presentations and discussions.