Too Early to Draw Conclusions Yet on Vargatef

Implications: Vargatef is a novel angiokinase inhibitor that blocks VEGF, PDGR and FGF receptors.  The current phase II study in patients with non small cell lung cancer shows that this oral agent can be given safely.  It is far too early to draw conclusions regarding efficacy.

Analysis: This phase II study demonstrated that Vargatef can be given safely to patients with NSCLC.  Although survival was apparently extended in patients with good ECOG PS, the median PFS was only 2.9 months and the extended survival of 9 months may have reflected the underlying PS and other disease characteristics as much as the efficacy of this agent.  These results are presented in a favorable light but do not permit conclusions to be made regarding the outlook for this agent.