Roche: CHMP Backs Tecentriq in Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer

By Colin Kellaher

Roche Holding AG (ROG.EB) on Friday said the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended approval of the cancer drug Tecentriq in combination with chemotherapy for the initial treatment of adults with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer.

The Swiss drugmaker said the CHMP positive opinion is based on the results from a Phase 3 study that showed the Tecentriq combination significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival in such patients.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and small-cell lung cancer accounts for about 15% of all cases, with some 70% of patients diagnosed in the "extensive stage," which often means a poor prognosis, Roche said.

The company said it expects a final decision from the European Commission in the near future. The commission generally follows the CHMP's recommendations.

Write to Colin Kellaher at colin.kellaher@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 26, 2019 10:31 ET (14:31 GMT)

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