From CNBC: 2024-05-31 13:46:15

Pfizer’s Lorbrena drug showed promising long-term results in a trial for advanced lung cancer, helping patients live longer without progression. The drug, already approved for those with ALK gene mutations, reduced cancer progression in the brain. Results were presented at the ASCO conference, showing significant benefits over other drugs.

In a phase three trial, Lorbrena outperformed Pfizer’s other lung cancer drug, Xalkori, after five years, cutting the risk of progression or death by 81%. 60% of patients remained progression-free with Lorbrena compared to 8% with Xalkori. Experts hailed the results as groundbreaking, with no head-to-head comparison to other lung cancer drugs yet.

Lung cancers with ALK mutations have a high risk of spreading to the brain. Lorbrena reduced the risk of brain metastases by 94% compared to Xalkori, a significant benefit. Lorbrena’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier sets it apart, with no new safety issues reported. Common side effects include swelling, weight gain, and cognitive changes.

Analysts suggest Lorbrena’s cognitive side effects may contribute to it being a second-line rather than first-line treatment. Pfizer plans to educate physicians on managing these effects for a successful “relaunch” of the drug. The new data from the trial could lead to Lorbrena becoming the standard first-line treatment for this form of lung cancer.



Read more at CNBC: Pfizer lung cancer drug shows promising long-term trial results