Since 2011, four new medications have arrived on the scene for treating patients with melanoma. That’s good news for a potentially deadly cancer that had not seen a new drug approval in the preceding decade. Still, the glut of new treatment options does pose some significant management challenges.
MRV Research
Genentech’s Investigational Medicine Cobimetinib, Used in Combination with Zelboraf(R) (Vemurafenib), Helped People with Advanced Melanoma Live Significantly Longer Without Their Disease Worsening
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group today announced that the Phase III coBRIM study met its primary endpoint. The study demonstrated that the investigational MEK inhibitor cobimetinib, used in combination with Genentech’s BRAF inhibitor Zelboraf, helped patients with previously untreated BRAF V600 mutation-positive advanced melanoma live significantly longer without their disease worsening (progression-free survival; PFS) compared to Zelboraf alone. Adverse events were consistent with those observed in a previous study of the combination.
Provectus Updates Shareholders in Its Annual CEO Letter
Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, a development-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company, provides shareholders with an update on its corporate accomplishments, clinical progress and business development efforts during 2013, and shares as well as insights on upcoming plans and milestones for 2014.
Trial Evaluating Nivolumab in Advanced Melanoma Halted Early Because of Superior Results
Bristol-Myers Squibb announced on Tuesday that its clinical trial evaluating cancer immunotherapy nivolumab, which is being developed in advanced melanoma was halted early after it was determined that the drug was likely to prolong survival.