- Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ:SGEN) is down 7% premarket on robust volume on the heels of results from a Phase 3 clinical trial, ECHELON-1, assessing ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin), combined with AVD chemo (Adriamycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) compared to ABVD (the three chemo agents listed previously plus bleomycin).
- The modified two-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate in patients treated with the ADCETRIS combo was 82.1% compared to 77.2% for ABVD (p=0.035) with 23% less risk of cancer progression or death (hazard ratio = 0.77). The results will be submitted for presentation at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in December.
- Safety signals have rained on the parade, however. There was an increased incidence of febrile neutropenia (low number of a type of white cell accompanied by fever) and peripheral neuropathy in the ADCETRIS + AVD arm. Febrile neutropenia was reduced via the use of preventative growth factors in a subset of patients (meaning it was not reduced in the others). Peripheral neuropathy was managed through dose modifications (meaning there appeared to be dose-limiting toxicity).
- The company and development partner Takeda Pharmaceutical (OTCPK:TKPHF) plan to share the results with regulatory authorities.
- Now read: Take Note Of The Hint Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) Just Dropped
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