Contact: Andrea Greif
(914) 821-8958 (p)
(914) 772-3027 (c)
andrea.greif@lls.org
White Plains, N.Y. (June 24, 2015) – Interim data released today by Celator Pharmaceuticals regarding its study of CPX-351, a special formulation of two standard chemotherapy drugs, to treat elderly patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a positive advance for patients with few options for effective treatment, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) said today.
Celator released induction response data, a secondary endpoint, which indicated its drug, CPX-351, performed better than the current standard therapy known as 7+3 (conventional cytarabine and daunorubicin). A relative improvement in response rate of 43.2% (47.7% for CPX-351 vs. 33.3% for the 7+3 regimen) was found, which is in line with two other previous Phase II trials with CPX-351. Data reflecting the primary endpoint of the study, overall survival, is expected in the first quarter of 2016. Since response rate can be an important prognostic indicator of overall survival and clinical benefit, the new data is very encouraging.
LLS is supporting the Phase 3 clinical trial through its Therapy Acceleration Program (TAP), which supports promising projects and clinical trials through collaborations with biotechnology companies. The trial compared CPX-351, a liposomal formulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin, which is designed to deliver a more optimal ratio of the drugs with less toxicity, to the standard combination of the two drugs.
The patients in the trial were 60 to 75 years of age, newly diagnosed with AML, which they developed as a secondary cancer. This high-risk form of AML has an especially grim prognosis as 80% of patients die within five years. The standard of care for patients with AML has not changed for at least 30 years.
“There is a great need for new options for patients with AML, and this data is certainly very encouraging,” said Louis J. DeGennaro, LLS’s president and CEO. “We are very eager to follow the progress of this clinical trial and are hopeful for continued positive outcomes once more data is released early next year.”
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.