Benzinga | Sep 16, 2021 07:51AM EDT

Exelixis' Cabometyx Combo Trial Shows Benefit In Kidney Cancer Regardless Of Prior Surgery

* Exelixis Inc (NASDAQ:EXEL) has announced results demonstrating efficacy benefits of Cabometyx (cabozantinib) in patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), regardless of prior nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney) status.

* Data were shared at the 2021 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO21).

* The Phase 3 CheckMate-9ER evaluated Cabometyx combined with Bristol Myers Squibb & Co's (NYSE:BMY) Opdivo (nivolumab) versus Pfizer Inc's (NYSE:PFE) Sutent (sunitinib).

* At a median follow-up of 23.5 months, in the patient group with prior nephrectomy, the Cabometyx combo showed a median PFS of 19.4 months versus 8.9 months in the sunitinib arm.

* Median PFS in patients without nephrectomy was 11.3 months versus 7 months.

* ORR for prior nephrectomy was 60.8% versus 30.5% and without prior nephrectomy was 41.6% vs. 23.2%

* Complete response for each patient group was (11.3% versus 6.0%) and (5.0 versus 0%) respectively.

* The duration of response was (22 months vs. 13.8 months) and (17.2 months and 9.9 months).

* Price Action: EXEL shares closed 1.69% higher at $20.47 on Wednesday.

* Check out our coverage of the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO21)