Pfizer Inc.'s PROFILE 1007 study has met its primary endpoint, demonstrating that Xalkori (crizotinib) significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) when compared with pemetrexed or docetaxel, in previously treated patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PROFILE 1007 is the first randomized phase III study in ALK-positive advanced NSCLC patients.

“These results are important because they demonstrate, for the first time, that Xalkori is superior to standard chemotherapy in prolonging survival without progression in patients with previously-treated ALK-positive advanced NSCLC,” said Dr Mace Rothenberg, senior vice president of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs for Pfizer's Oncology Business Unit. “This study provides further support for the precision medicine approach to drug development being taken at Pfizer by demonstrating how knowledge about the underlying genetic abnormalities within a cancer can be used to improve the standard of care for that disease.”

The adverse events observed on crizotinib and chemotherapy in PROFILE 1007 were generally consistent with their respective known adverse event profiles. Full efficacy and safety data from this study will be presented at an upcoming medical congress.

Pfizer is committed to the development programme for Xalkori, and continues to study the therapy in several ongoing trials including PROFILE 1014 (A8081014), a phase III, open-label, randomized, two-arm study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Xalkori in comparison with pemetrexed plus cisplatin or carboplatin in patients previously untreated for ALK-positive advanced NSCLC. In addition, PROFILE 1005 (A8081005) is an ongoing phase II open-label, single-arm study on the efficacy and safety of Xalkori in patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC who have failed more than one line of treatment with prior chemotherapy.

Worldwide, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. In Europe, lung cancer accounts for 20 per cent of all cancer-related deaths. NSCLC accounts for about 85 per cent of lung cancer cases and remains difficult to treat, particularly in the metastatic setting. Approximately 75 per cent of NSCLC patients are diagnosed late with metastatic, or advanced, disease, where the five-year survival rate is only six per cent.

Xalkori received an accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC that is ALK-positive as detected by an FDA-approved test. This indication is based on response rate. There are no data available demonstrating improvements in patient reported outcomes or survival with Xalkori. It has also received approval in a number of other countries including Canada, Korea, Japan and Switzerland.

Xalkori has played a significant role in advancing the treatment of personalized medicine in NSCLC and has rapidly become a standard of care in ALK-positive advanced NSCLC. Xalkori blocks signalling in a number of cellular pathways that are believed to be critical for the growth and survival of tumour cells, which may lead to stabilization or regression of tumours. Alterations in the ALK gene are believed to be a key driver of tumour development in cancers like NSCLC. Although ALK rearrangement is known to occur more frequently in patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma and histories of light or never smoking, it has also been shown to occur in smokers and in patients with squamous cell carcinoma histology. Alterations in the ALK gene can occur independent of age, gender, ethnicity and smoking history.

Xalkori has demonstrated inhibition of c-MET, the hepatocyte growth factor receptor, and its activity is under investigation. It has also been shown to demonstrate a response in a phase I trial in advanced NSCLC patients whose tumours have the ROS-1 gene rearrangement and its activity is continuing to be studied in this patient population.

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity with fatal outcome has occurred. Transaminase elevations generally occurred within the first two months of treatment. Monitor with liver function tests including ALT and total bilirubin once a month and as clinically indicated, with more frequent repeat testing for increased liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, or total bilirubin in patients who develop transaminase elevations. Temporarily suspend, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue Xalkori as indicated.

Xalkori has been associated with severe, life-threatening, or fatal treatment-related pneumonitis in clinical trials with a frequency of four in 255 (1.6 per cent) patients. All of these cases occurred within two months after the initiation of treatment. Monitor patients for pulmonary symptoms indicative of pneumonitis. Exclude other causes and permanently discontinue Xalkori in patients with treatment-related pneumonitis. QTc prolongation has been observed. Avoid use of Xalkori in patients with congenital long QT syndrome. Consider periodic monitoring with electrocardiograms (ECGs) and electrolytes in patients with congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias, electrolyte abnormalities, or who are taking medications that are known to prolong the QT interval. Permanently discontinue Xalkori for grade 4 QTc prolongation. Xalkori should be withheld for grade 3 QTc prolongation until recovery to = grade 1. Permanently discontinue Xalkori if grade 3 QTc prolongation recurs.

Detection of ALK-positive NSCLC using an FDA-approved test, indicated for this use, is necessary for selection of patients for treatment with Xalkori.

Xalkori can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on its mechanism of action. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving Xalkori. If the patient or their partner becomes pregnant while taking this drug, apprise the patient of the potential hazard to the fetus.

Safety of Xalkori was evaluated in 255 patients with locally advanced or metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC in 2 single-arm clinical trials (Studies A and B). The most common adverse reactions (=25%) across both studies were vision disorder, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, oedema, and constipation. Grade 3-4 adverse reactions in =4 per cent of patients in both studies included ALT increased and neutropenia.

Vision disorders including visual impairment, photopsia, vision blurred, vitreous floaters, photophobia, and diplopia were reported in 159 (62%) patients in clinical trials. Consider ophthalmological evaluation, particularly if patients experience photopsia or experience new or increased vitreous floaters. Severe or worsening vitreous floaters and/or photopsia could also be signs of a retinal hole or pending retinal detachment. Advise patients to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery due to the risk of developing a vision disorder.

Pfizer Oncology is committed to the discovery, investigation and development of innovative treatment options to improve the outlook for cancer patients worldwide. Its strong pipeline of biologics and small molecules, one of the most robust in the industry, is studied with precise focus on identifying and translating the best scientific breakthroughs into clinical application for patients across a wide range of cancers.