In a significant development for cancer treatment, AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo, and Gilead Sciences have made remarkable strides in combating the most challenging form of breast cancer – triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). This subtype accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of all breast cancer diagnoses and is particularly difficult to treat due to the absence of three key receptors typically targeted in more common breast cancer types.
During a recent presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology, these pharmaceutical companies unveiled clinical trial results showing promising outcomes for existing therapies in TNBC. Of particular note is the first study demonstrating that a medication could prolong the lives of patients unable to undergo immunotherapy, which constitutes the majority of TNBC cases.
AstraZeneca and Daiichi’s drug, Datroway, showcased impressive results by improving overall survival rates for TNBC patients by 23% while extending progression-free survival by 43% when compared to those receiving traditional chemotherapy. David Fredrickson, executive vice-president for oncology at AstraZeneca, highlighted the study’s findings as an “outstanding opportunity” to expand access to treatment for a broader patient population. He noted AstraZeneca’s impressive track record this year, with ten positive late-stage trial results in oncology, half of which have been in breast cancer. These advancements could potentially benefit close to half a million patients annually.
Additionally, AstraZeneca and Daiichi presented favorable trial results for their Enhertu breast cancer treatment, which is currently approved for later-stage cases but not universally available to patients on the NHS in England, a situation that contrasts with its accessibility in several other countries, including Scotland. In one of the trials, a staggering three-year disease-free survival rate of 92% was recorded with Enhertu, compared to an 84% rate with the most commonly used treatments.
Fredrickson emphasized the need for modernization within NHS methodologies, advocating for a reassessment of how end-of-life care is valued to improve patient access to innovative treatments.
Meanwhile, Gilead Sciences reported significant advances with its drug Trodelvy, which is also approved for TNBC. The drug demonstrated a 38% reduction in the risk of cancer progression or death compared to traditional chemotherapy, extending overall survival rates to 9.7 months against 6.9 months for chemotherapy alternatives. This year, Trodelvy generated $657 million in revenue for Gilead in the first half of 2023, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. Following a setback last year when Gilead withdrew the drug for certain urinary tract cancers due to trial failures, these new results represent a substantial recovery for Trodelvy’s value in oncology.
Eli Lilly also contributed to the promising landscape with its drug Verzenio, which demonstrated a 15.8% increase in survival rates for high-risk early-stage breast cancer patients compared to standard treatments. This marks a notable achievement as it is the first therapy in over two decades to showcase a significant overall survival benefit in this specific patient demographic.
As these advancements unfold, it appears that the landscape of treatment for triple negative breast cancer may be evolving, providing new hope for thousands of patients affected by this aggressive form of the disease.
