Bristol Myers Squibb announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Opdivo (nivolumab) in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with tumor cell PD-L1 expression ≥ 1%. The EC’s decision is based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -648 trial, in which Opdivo with chemotherapy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful overall survival (OS) benefit compared to chemotherapy alone at the pre-specified interim analysis. The safety profile of Opdivo with chemotherapy was consistent with previously reported studies. Results from CheckMate -648 were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in June 2021.
“This approval is an important advancement for patients in the EU, especially given the highly aggressive nature of advanced ESCC,” said Ian M. Waxman, M.D., development lead, gastrointestinal cancers, Bristol Myers Squibb. “Opdivo with chemotherapy is now one of two newly approved Opdivo-based combinations to show superior overall survival benefit compared to chemotherapy alone, offering higher hopes for patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic ESCC with tumor cell PD-L1 expression ≥ 1%. We are eager to introduce this new treatment option to patients in the European Union and potentially improve their survival outcomes.”
The EC has also approved Opdivo in combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with tumor cell PD-L1 expression ≥ 1%.
The EC approval allows for the use of Opdivo with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-based combination chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adults with unresectable advanced, recurrent or metastatic ESCC with tumor cell PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% in the 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Subscribe to our e-Newsletters
Stay up to date with the latest news, articles, and events. Plus, get special offers
from American Pharmaceutical Review – all delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up now!