Pfizer reports positive data from Xalkori cancer trial

Pfizer has reported data from a phase III clinical trial that supports the safety and efficacy of its drug Xalkori among ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Findings from the Profile 1007 study have demonstrated that Xalkori can deliver significant benefits in progression-free survival when compared to pemetrexed or docetaxel.

This is the first time that Pfizer's drug has proven its superiority to standard chemotherapy among this patient group.

Dr Mace Rothenberg, senior vice-president of clinical development and medical affairs for Pfizer's oncology business unit, said this study demonstrates "how knowledge about the underlying genetic abnormalities within a cancer can be used to improve the standard of care for that disease".

Xalkori is also currently being evaluated in comparison to pemetrexed plus cisplatin or carboplatin in the Profile 1014 trial, while the phase II Profile 1005 study is examining the compound among patients who have failed more than one line of treatment with prior chemotherapy.

The drug was among the compounds showcased by Pfizer during its presentations at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting earlier this month.