Array Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ:ARRY) has reported very encouraging results from a Phase 2 study that involved the combination of encorafenib and cetuximab. With or without the use of alpelisib, the results showed that any patient suffering from advanced BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer (BRAFm CRC) may exceed their survival for one year.
The benchmarks had given a four to six months survival period but with the combination the patients stand a better chance to benefit.
The company also says that it has instigated a pivotal Phase 3 BEACON CRC (Binimetinib, Encorafenib AndCetuximab COmbiNed). The medication which is on a global clinic trial is being evaluated for efficacy of binimetinib, encorafenib and cetuximab.
Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, Josep Tabernero says that BRAF mutation becomes impassive after first-line therapy hence it carries a poor prognosis for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
On the other hand, Chief Medical Officer of Array BioPharma Victor Sandor acknowledges the high need to find treatment alternatives for patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer. Already, there is some very encouraging data from the Phase 2 study which revealed good potential in encorafenib-based regimens.
The findings are promising as emphasized by Sandor. They are giving hope to being able to address the high unmet medical needs. After all, Colorectal cancer is rated the third of the most common cancer among men and women. In fact, the 2016 projections indicate 50,000 deaths from the disease with more than 134,000 new cases.
Nevertheless, the pivotal Phase 3 BEACON CRC trial in patients with this disease is likely to give even much better results. According to Tabernero, the trial which will be conducted at over 250 investigational sites will explore other innovative combinations that will offer new treatment options.
The trial will receive a 40% co-fund from Pierre Fabre, which is part and parcel of the collaboration. It is just a matter of time before the patients with BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer can start enjoying better treatment options.
