Results from a completed Phase II trial in advanced metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and interim Phase II results in metastatic breast cancer will be presented at ASCO on Tuesday, May 23. In this investigational trial, in addition to achieving our primary endpoints, anti-VEGF in combination with chemotherapy appears to have a potential impact on survival in this patient population. The primary endpoints of response rates and time to disease progression were determined in a blinded fashion by an independent review facility. Survival also was evaluated. Some mild to moderate adverse events that appeared more in the anti-VEGF arms than with chemotherapy alone included fever, chills, headache, hypertension, infection and rash.
Thrombosis is known to be a complication of cancer and the treatment of cancer.
Genentech expects to initiate the Phase III trial by the end of the third quarter 2000. VEGF stimulates new blood vessel formation, or angiogenesis, by binding to specific receptors on nearby blood vessels to stimulate extensions to existing blood vessels. Research has shown that angiogenesis, by supplying blood to tumors, plays an important role in both tumor growth and metastasis. Once VEGF was identified, Genentech scientists developed a humanized monoclonal antibody, anti-VEGF, that in preclinical research was shown to bind to VEGF and thereby prevent it from binding to its receptors. Genentech, Inc. is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets human pharmaceuticals for significant unmet medical needs.