Roche's TALENTACE Trial Shows 40% Improvement in TACE-PFS for HCC Patients

Roche (RHHBY.US) has announced that its Phase III clinical trial, TALENTACE, has achieved its primary endpoint. The study assessed the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy involving atezolizumab, bevacizumab, and on-demand transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had not previously received systemic treatment.

The study demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant improvement in the primary endpoint, TACE-progression-free survival (TACE-PFS), which measures the time from randomization to the point where TACE is deemed ineffective or fails, or any cause of death. Additionally, the progression-free survival (PFS) evaluated by RECIST v1.1 showed clinically meaningful improvements. The overall survival (OS) data was not yet mature at the time of the interim analysis.

The TALENTACE study is groundbreaking as it explores the synergistic effects of combining the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab with the anti-angiogenic therapy bevacizumab and on-demand TACE. This innovative approach not only uses TACE-PFS as the primary endpoint but also shows therapeutic benefits in patients with intermediate to high tumor burden HCC who have not undergone systemic treatment. This could provide high-level evidence for a combined treatment model of local tumor control and systemic molecular intervention in HCC patients. The safety profile of atezolizumab and bevacizumab was consistent with previous data and the underlying disease.

Dr. Li Bin, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Roche Pharmaceuticals, expressed excitement over the interim results of the TALENTACE study and anticipation for the release of the complete data. Roche remains committed to addressing the clinical needs in China, aiming to improve the diagnosis and treatment landscape of liver cancer through innovative therapies. The company will continue to deepen global research collaborations to accelerate the accessibility of innovative treatments, contributing to the "Healthy China 2030" cancer prevention and treatment goals.