AstraZeneca and MSD Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., US, today announced positive results from the Phase III PROfound trial of Lynparza (olaparib) in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have a *homologous recombination repair gene mutation (HRRm) and have progressed on prior treatment with new hormonal anticancer treatments (e.g. enzalutamide and abiraterone).
Results from the trial showed a statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful improvement in the primary endpoint of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) with Lynparza vs. enzalutamide or abiraterone in men with mCRPC selected for BRCA1/2 or ATM gene mutations, a subpopulation of HRR gene mutations. The safety and tolerability profile of Lynparza was generally consistent with previous trials.
José Baselga, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, said: “For men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer the disease remains deadly, especially in those who have failed on a new hormonal anticancer treatment. This trial is the only positive Phase III trial of any PARP inhibitor in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, where the need for new, effective therapies is high. The PROfound trial also demonstrates the potential value of genomic testing in this at-risk patient population. We look forward to discussing these results with global health authorities soon.”
Roy Baynes, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Clinical Development, Chief Medical Officer, MSD Research Laboratories, said: “Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is a deadly disease and represents an area of critical unmet medical need. The Phase III PROfound trial is another example of MSD and AstraZeneca’s shared commitment to improving long-term outcomes for people living with cancer. These results represent the potential for a new, oral targeted treatment option for this patient population.”
AstraZeneca and MSD plan to present the full data from the trial at a forthcoming medical meeting. The companies are also exploring additional trials in prostate cancer, including the ongoing Phase III PROpel trial, testing Lynparza as a 1st-line therapy in mCRPC, in combination with abiraterone.
