Novocure (NSDQ:NVCR) and US Oncology Research said today that the groups are collaborating on a phase III pivotal trial designed to test Novocure’s Tumor Treating Fields with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Using a network of community-based oncology practices, US Oncology Research plans to open 10 clinical trial sites to enroll patients in Novocure’s Panova-3 trial, the companies reported.
Novocure’s device, Optune, delivers low-intensity, intermediate frequency, alternating electric fields to inhibit cancer cell replication. In the 556-patient Panova-3 trial, patients in the experimental arm will use the Optune device for at least 18 hours per day until the disease progresses, Novocure explained.
The study’s primary endpoint is overall survival. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, local progression-free survival, objective response rate one-year survival rate and quality of life.
“Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer and was the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. last year,” Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, principal investigator for Panova-3 & chief scientific officer for US Oncology Research, said in prepared remarks. “I believe Tumor Treating Fields has the potential to improve survival in this disease. I am pleased to have US Oncology Research’s support.”
“Our strategic collaboration with US Oncology Research is an important milestone as we aim to bring better treatment options to patients with pancreatic cancer,” Eilon Kirson, Novocure’s chief science officer and head of R&D, added. “We believe this relationship will accelerate enrollment of patients in our Panova-3 trial. We look forward to working with US Oncology Research and The US Oncology Network to advance cancer care.”
