HNSCC [2017]: Bulletin #1
This edition presents key opinion leader (KOL) views on recent developments in the treatment of head and neck small cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Topics covered include: KOL views on the approval of Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) for the second-line treatment of HNSCC, in April 2017; the presentation of additional data pertaining to the CheckMate-141 Phase III study, which demonstrates that overall survival is extended by continuing Opdivo therapy beyond disease progression; Incyte’s extensive investigation of the IDO inhibitor epacadostat, in combination with a number of PD-1/L1 inhibitors for the treatment of various cancers, including HNSCC.
Business Questions
Business Questions
- In March 2017, the EU’s CHMP recommended approval of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo for the treatment of HNSCC, but how will Opdivo fit within the current treatment paradigm?
- How will the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) interim recommendation that Opdivo is not used within the National Health Service for HNSCC affect uptake of the product in the UK and beyond, and is this decision likely to be overturned in the near future?
- How are the additional data from the CheckMate-141 Phase III study presented by Bristol-Myers Squibb at the AACR Annual Meeting 2017, which show that overall survival is extended by continuing treatment with Opdivo beyond disease progression, viewed? What impact will these data have on treatment practice for HNSCC?
- What are the most significant barriers to uptake of the PD-1 monoclonal antibodies? With Merck & Co.’s Keytruda and Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo now available how will they change treatment practice for HNSCC?
- Incyte is currently conducting extensive investigations of the IDO inhibitor epacadostat in combination with a number of PD-1/L1 inhibitors, such as Keytruda and Opdivo, but what is the potential for these combination therapies in HNSCC?
- Which of the epacadostat combination therapies currently in the development pipeline shows the most promise in the treatment of HNSCC?
