Encouraging First Data on New Targeted Treatment for Patients With Melanoma - the Deadliest Form of S...( PLX4032 (R7204) Phase I Results Offer...),Health

PLX4032 (R7204) Phase I Results Offer Hope of First Highly Effective Drug in Melanoma Along With Companion Diagnostic

BASEL, Switzerland, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche announced today results from a Phase I study with PLX4032 (R7204) a new, highly selective and promising treatment for patients with advanced melanoma whose cancer harbours the BRAF mutation (known as mutation-positive ). Patients treated with PLX4032 lived for a median of at least six months without their disease getting worse and experienced shrinkage of their tumours; this included patients where the cancer had spread to the liver, lung and bone[i]. Historically, metastatic melanoma patients live less than two months before their disease progresses.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/roche/38645

PLX4032 works in a highly innovative way by selectively inhibiting the cancer-causing BRAF mutation, and is being developed in parallel with a companion diagnostic to identify mutation-positive patients. These data represent a significant development in the treatment of melanoma for which there are few treatment options.

Following these initial positive findings, Roche and its partner Plexxikon will evaluate the activity of PLX4032 in larger trials to support a potential registration program beginning later this year. If successful, it is expected to launch with a tissue based companion diagnostic test, representing another step forward in personalising cancer treatment. The two companies in their strong partnership are co-developing PLX4032 for potential use in a number of cancers harbouring the BRAF mutation. They are also co-developing the diagnostic test to select mutation-positive patients for clinical trials, and ultimately, for treatment w
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