ASCO: Sunitinib Improves PFS in Small-Cell Lung Cancer (Cancer Network, 12 June 2013)

Results from the ALLIANCE phase II trial of small-cell lung cancer candidate sunitinib, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, suggest that the candidate can improve progression-free survival when used as a maintenance therapy at low doses.

Previous studies had shown unacceptable toxicity, so the ALLIANCE trial was designed to assess lower doses in combination with standard chemotherapy. This was amended to a maintenance therapy trial when the combination was poorly tolerated.

Of 44 patients treated, progression-free survival was significantly better with sunitinib, at 3.77 months vs 2.30 months for a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.53 (90% CI, 1.03–2.27; P = .037). 17 of the 41 patients in the placebo group (40%) crossed over to the sutinib arm on progression and were included in the survival data.

On toxicity, Cancer Network reports that the discussant for the session remained unconvinced by the grade 3/4 toxicity of 46.5% with sunitinib vs 19.5% for placebo.

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Conference abstract