SELECT sub-analyses highlight efficacy of lenvatinib in advanced thyroid cancer

Recent data demonstrate that lenvatinib is associated with a progression-free survival advantage in individuals with progressive radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR-DTC), irrespective of metastatic site (except the brain). This conclusion is the result of sub-analyses of the Phase III SELECT trial, which were presented recently at the 15th International Thyroid Congress (18–23 October 2015, FL, USA).

The analysis examined outcomes in 392 RR-DTC patients being treated with lenvatinib vs placebo, and noted response rates of > 50% and a progression-free survival benefit among individuals with common sites of metastasis (e.g., bone, liver, lung, lymph node). Metastatic subgroups were also highlighted as an important determinant of progression-free survival for those treated with lenvatinib

Further SELECT sub-analyses were presented at the Congress, demonstrating that lenvatinib maintains progression-free survival irrespective of body mass index, and that the agent improves overall survival in older patients (> 65 years) with RR-DTC, irrespective of dose intensity.

“These encouraging survival data confirm lenvatinib’s efficacy profile across different patient sub-populations and metastatic sites. These data also suggest that people with advanced thyroid cancer should be treated with lenvatinib after the development of metastases in order to experience the significant progression-free survival benefit,” commented Martin Schlumberger of the Institut Gustave Roussy (Paris, France).

Source: Eisai press release, 20 October 2015