Merck KGaA (MKGAY.PK) revealed results from an interim analysis of the Phase III clinical trial PETACC-81.
The study investigated the potential clinical utility of Erbitux (cetuximab) for the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer after complete surgical removal of the primary tumor.
The pre-specified interim analysis of the study did not support benefit in disease free survival for patients given Erbitux plus standard chemotherapy (FOLFOX 4) compared with patients treated with FOLFOX 4 alone. Therefore this interim analysis does not support the use of Erbitux for the adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer in this setting.
"We are disappointed not to see an improvement in disease free survival after 3.3 years of median follow up" said Professor Julien Taïeb from the Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, and the PETACC-8 Principal Investigator. "Unfortunately, since the introduction of FOLFOX as standard treatment, all attempts to further improve prevention of disease recurrence have proved unsuccessful. We look forward to sharing our data at future scientific congresses."
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