Pfizer Inc announced today the discontinuation of the SUN 1122 Phase 3
trial that evaluated Sutent® (sunitinib malate) plus FOLFIRI
(irinotecan plus infusional 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin) versus
FOLFIRI alone for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal
cancer (CRC). The independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) found that
the addition of sunitinib to the chemotherapy regimen FOLFIRI would be
unable to demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in the
primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS) compared to FOLFIRI
alone, in this study. No new safety issues were identified.
“We are disappointed with this result, but trial successes and failures
are an integral part of cancer drug development and contribute to a
growing body of knowledge on improving patient care,” said Dr. Mace
Rothenberg, senior vice president of Clinical Development and Medical
Affairs for Pfizer’s Oncology Business Unit. “Pfizer remains committed
to developing new agents for colorectal and other GI cancers with
ongoing clinical studies evaluating other agents in its pipeline.
Investigators will be consulted about the status of sunitinib colorectal
studies other than the SUN 1122 trial. Pfizer also continues to study
sunitinib in late-stage trials as a potential treatment for various
other types of cancer.”
Pfizer has notified clinical trial investigators involved in the study
and regulatory agencies of these findings.
These results do not affect the approved indications with sunitinib as
monotherapy, where it has played a significant role in advancing the
care of patients. Sunitinib is currently approved for both
gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) after disease progression on or
intolerance to imatinib mesylate, and advanced / metastatic renal cell
carcinoma (RCC) based on efficacy and safety data from large, randomized
Phase 3 clinical trials. To date, over 50,000 patients have been treated
globally.
Sunitinib Clinical Research Program
Pfizer Oncology is committed to exploring and delivering innovative
therapies to patients with cancer, and is continuing to study the
potential role of sunitinib in the treatment of various solid tumors
including advanced non-small cell lung cancer, advanced breast cancer,
advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced hormone-refractory
prostate cancer, in Phase 3 trials.
Healthcare professionals who are interested in learning more about
sunitinib trials that are open for enrollment can visit the SUN program
web site at www.suntrials.com.
Patients with questions should contact their treating physician.
About Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
About 630,000 deaths from CRC were estimated to occur in 2007 worldwide,
accounting for eight percent of all cancer deaths. Five-year survival
rates for patients with metastatic disease, cancer that has spread to
distant parts of the body, such as the liver, are much lower, at 11
percent.
About Sutent® (sunitinib malate)
Sutent is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of
GIST after disease progression on or intolerance to imatinib mesylate
and advanced RCC.
Sutent works by blocking multiple molecular targets implicated in the
growth, proliferation and spread of cancer. Two important Sutent
targets, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and
platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) are expressed by many
types of solid tumors and are thought to play a crucial role in
angiogenesis, the process by which tumors acquire blood vessels, oxygen
and nutrients needed for growth. Sutent also inhibits other targets
important to tumor growth, including KIT, FLT3 and RET.
Important Sutent® (sunitinib malate) Safety
Information
Women of child bearing age who are (or become) pregnant during therapy
should be informed of the potential for fetal harm while on Sutent.
Decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to below the
lower limit of normal (LLN) have been observed. Patients with
concomitant cardiac conditions should be carefully monitored for
clinical signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Patients should be monitored for hypertension and treated as needed with
standard antihypertensive therapy. Complete blood counts (CBCs) with
platelet count and serum chemistries should be performed at the
beginning of each treatment cycle for patients receiving treatment with
Sutent.
The most common adverse reactions in advanced RCC and GIST clinical
trials were fatigue, asthenia, diarrhea, nausea, mucositis/stomatitis,
vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, constipation, hypertension, rash,
hand-foot syndrome, skin discoloration, altered taste, anorexia and
bleeding.
For more information on Sutent and Pfizer Oncology, including full
prescribing information for Sutent (sunitinib malate), please visit www.pfizer.com.
About Pfizer Oncology
Pfizer Oncology is committed to the discovery, investigation and
development of innovative treatment options for cancer patients
worldwide. Our robust pipeline consists of 21 biologics and small
molecules in clinical development across four scientific platforms –
anti-angiogenesis, signal transduction, immuno-oncology, and cytotoxic
potentiators. Pfizer Oncology has over 200 clinical trials including
robust Phase 3 clinical trial programs in renal cell carcinoma, prostate
cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, advanced breast cancer, and
hepatocellular carcinoma.
By working collaboratively with academic institutions, researchers,
governments and licensing partners, Pfizer Oncology strives to transform
treatment by targeting the right drug for the right patient at the right
time.
For more information please visit www.pfizer.com.
Pfizer Inc: Working together for a healthier world™
Founded in 1849, Pfizer is the world's premier biopharmaceutical company
taking new approaches to better health. We discover, develop,
manufacture and deliver quality, safe and effective prescription
medicines to treat and help prevent disease for both people and animals.
We also partner with healthcare providers, governments and local
communities around the world to expand access to our medicines and to
provide better quality health care and health system support. At Pfizer,
more than 80,000 colleagues in more than 90 countries work every day to
help people stay happier and healthier longer and to reduce the human
and economic burden of disease worldwide.
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this release is as of
June 30, 2009. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of
new information or future events or developments.
This release contains forward-looking information about certain
product candidates and certain potential additional indications for
Sutent, including their potential benefits, that involves substantial
risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among
other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development;
decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to
approve any drug applications and supplemental drug applications that
may be filed for such product candidates and such additional indications
for Sutent as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other
matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of
such product candidates and such additional indications for Sutent; and
competitive developments.
A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in
Pfizer's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2008 and in its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.
