Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) announced that the combination of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) continues to show significant long-term survival benefits for previously untreated patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In the Phase 3 CheckMate -214 trial, the immunotherapy duo reduced the risk of death by 28% compared to sunitinib, an eight-year result that applies to patients of any risk group as defined by the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC).
Notably, the combination treatment not only improved survival but also provided more durable responses than sunitinib, particularly among patients with intermediate- and poor-risk prognostic factors as well as across the entire randomized patient group. These findings will be presented during the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2024 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.
Dr. Nizar Tannir from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center emphasized the significance of these results as the longest follow-up in a Phase 3 trial for a checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy in advanced RCC. The data suggest that the dual immunotherapy could help patients achieve long-term positive outcomes, regardless of their IMDC risk status.
The safety profile of the combination has been manageable, and no new safety concerns have been identified with extended follow-up. This update reinforces Bristol Myers Squibb’s leadership position in immunotherapy and highlights the potential of their treatments across multiple cancer types.
The CheckMate -214 trial results contribute valuable insights into the management of advanced RCC and offer hope for better long-term survival for patients battling this disease.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
