Novartis announced results of a phase III study showing Afinitor (everolimus) tablets reduced the risk of progression by 52 percent (HR=0.48; 95% CI, 0.35-0.67; p<0.00001) compared to placebo in patients with advanced, progressive, nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumors of gastrointestinal or lung origin.
Richard Pazdur, FDA’s top oncologist who last week received a battlefield promotion to the role of director of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, is described as a stabilizing figure respected by major patient groups, oncology professional societies, and the industry.
