First-line atezolizumab improves PFS for advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer

The addition of frontline atezolizumab to chemotherapy prolonged PFS among patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer, according to results from an interim analysis of the phase 3 IMpower131 study released by the agent’s manufacturer.

An OS benefit had not yet been observed.

“Squamous NSCLC is difficult to treat and there have been limited new treatment options over the last few decades,” Sandra Horning, MD, chief medical officer and head of global product development at Genentech, said in a company-issued press release.

Atezolizumab (Tecentriq, Genentech) is a PD-L1 monoclonal antibody.

IMpower131 is an open-label, multicenter randomized study of frontline atezolizumab plus chemotherapy — carboplatin and paclitaxel (arm A) or carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel (arm B) — compared with chemotherapy (carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel [arm C]) alone among 1,021 patients with squamous NSCLC.

Results showed improved PFS in the atezolizumab plus carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel arm compared with chemotherapy alone.

Researchers cannot compare arm A with arm C until an OS benefit is observed with arm B. The OS analysis is ongoing.

Adverse events associated with the combination were consistent with the known safety profile of the individual drugs.

“We will share the IMpower131 results with global health authorities and we look forward to seeing more mature OS data,” Horning said in the release.

Researchers intend to present the results at an upcoming conference.