AstraZeneca’s Lynparza shows promising results in phase 3 ovarian cancer trial

AstraZeneca has reported significant findings from its phase 3 trial, SOLO-2, for its ovarian cancer drug Lynparza (olaparib), demonstrating considerable improvement in survival chances for patients with germline BRCA-mutations (gBRCA). This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with relapsed disease who have previously not responded to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Breakthrough in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

The trial focused on Lynparza as a maintenance therapy, which showed a substantial delay in disease progression compared to a placebo. Eric Pujade-Lauraine, Head of the Women Cancers and Clinical Research Department at Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, and Principal Investigator of the trial, emphasized the significance: “The results are very encouraging, as they build upon previous trials examining Lynparza in platinum-sensitive relapsed BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer. Most importantly, patients were able to maintain quality of life while experiencing an impressive delay in disease progression.”

Detailed Trial Results

In the SOLO-2 trial, patients received 300mg of Lynparza tablets twice daily. This regimen led to a 70% reduction in the risk of disease progression. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was extended to 19.1 months for patients taking Lynparza, compared to just 5.5 months for those on placebo. Additionally, a blinded independent central review further validated these results, showing a PFS of 30.2 months for Lynparza recipients versus 5.5 months for the placebo group.

Lynparza’s Mechanism of Action

Lynparza operates by selectively targeting cancer cells with deficiencies in the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. As a poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, it capitalizes on these deficiencies to induce cell death, particularly in cells harboring the BRCA mutation.

Future Implications and Regulatory Plans

Sean Bohen, Executive Vice President of Global Medicines Development and Chief Medical Officer at AstraZeneca, expressed optimism about the trial’s impact: “We are extremely pleased with the results from SOLO2, which support the potential benefit of Lynparza tablets as a maintenance therapy for patients with relapsed ovarian cancer. The tablet formulation may offer patients a reduced pill burden for Lynparza and a safety profile that is generally consistent with previous trials. We will work with regulatory authorities to make Lynparza tablets available to patients as quickly as possible.”

The success of Lynparza in the SOLO-2 trial is a significant advancement in the treatment of ovarian cancer, particularly for those with BRCA mutations. It not only offers a new therapeutic option but also highlights the importance of targeted treatments in managing complex cancers.