Roche announced that the phase III IMpower130 study met its co-primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The combination of Tecentriq (atezolizumab) plus chemotherapy (carboplatin and Abraxane [albumin-bound paclitaxel; nab-paclitaxel]) helped people live significantly longer compared to chemotherapy alone in the initial (first-line) treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, the Tecentriq combination reduced the risk of disease worsening or death (progression-free survival; PFS) compared with chemotherapy alone. Safety for the Tecentriq and chemotherapy combination appeared consistent with the known safety profile of the individual medicines, and no new safety signals were identified with the combination. These data will be presented at an upcoming oncology congress.

“The results of the IMpower130 study add to the growing evidence showing the clinical benefit of Tecentriq-based combinations in the treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer,” said Sandra Horning, MD, Roche’s chief medical officer and head of global product development. “We will share these results with global health authorities with the goal of bringing this potential treatment option to people with this disease.”
 
Currently, Roche has eight phase III lung cancer studies underway evaluating Tecentriq alone or in combination with other medicines. This is the third positive phase III study evaluating Tecentriq alone or in combination to demonstrate an OS benefit for people with NSCLC.

IMpower130 is a phase III, multicentre, open-label, randomised study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Tecentriq in combination with carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel versus chemotherapy (carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel) alone for chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IV non-squamous NSCLC.

The study enrolled 724 people who were randomised equally (1:1) to receive:  Tecentriq plus carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel (Arm A), or Carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel (Arm B, control arm)

During the treatment-induction phase, people in Arm A received Tecentriq and carboplatin on day 1 of each 21-day cycle, and nab-paclitaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 21-day cycle for 4 or 6 cycles or until loss of clinical benefit, whichever occurs first. People received Tecentriq during the maintenance treatment phase until loss of clinical benefit was observed.

During the treatment-induction phase, people in Arm B received carboplatin on day 1 and nab-paclitaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 of each 21-day cycle for 4 or 6 cycles or until disease progression, whichever occurs first. People received best supportive care during the maintenance treatment phase. Switch maintenance to pemetrexed was also permitted. People who were consented prior to a protocol revision were given the option to crossover to receive Tecentriq as monotherapy until disease progression.

The co-primary endpoints were: PFS as determined by the investigator using RECIST v1.1 in all randomised people without an EGFR or ALK mutation (intention-to-treat wild-type; ITT-WT); OS in the ITT-WT population; IMpower130 met its OS and PFS co-primary endpoints.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally.1 Each year 1.59 million people die as a result of the disease; this translates into more than 4,350 deaths worldwide every day.2 Lung cancer can be broadly divided into two major types: NSCLC and small cell lung cancer. NSCLC is the most prevalent type, accounting for around 85% of all cases.2 NSCLC comprises non-squamous and squamous-cell lung cancer, the squamous form of which is characterised by flat cells covering the airway surface when viewed under a microscope. The squamous form tends to grow near the centre of the lung, and accounts for approximately 25-30% of all NSCLC cases.3

Tecentriq is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind with a protein called PD-L1 expressed on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells, blocking its interactions with both PD-1 and B7.1 receptors. By inhibiting PD-L1, Tecentriq may enable the activation of T cells. Tecentriq has the potential to be used as a foundational combination partner with cancer immunotherapies, targeted medicines and various chemotherapies across a broad range of cancers. Currently, Roche has eight Phase III lung cancer studies underway, evaluating Tecentriq alone or in combination with other medicines.

Tecentriq is already approved in the European Union, United States and more than 70 countries for people with previously treated metastatic NSCLC and for people with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) who are not eligible for cisplatin chemotherapy, or who have had disease progression during or following platinum-containing therapy.