AstraZeneca and MSD have announced positive results from the Phase III POLO trial.

Results from the trial showed a statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with Lynparza (olaparib) vs. placebo. The safety and tolerability profile of Lynparza was consistent with previous trials.

POLO is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial exploring the efficacy of Lynparza tablets as 1st-line maintenance monotherapy in patients with germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm) metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (pancreatic cancer) whose disease has not progressed on platinum-based chemotherapy.

Further evidence of the clinical benefit

“This is the first positive Phase III trial of any PARP inhibitor in germline BRCA-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer, a devastating disease with critical unmet need. The results of POLO provide further evidence of the clinical benefit of Lynparza across a variety of BRCA-mutated tumour types. We will discuss these results with global health authorities as soon as possible,” said José Baselga, Executive Vice President, Research and Development, Oncology.

About the POLO trial

POLO is a Phase III randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial of Lynparza tablets (300mg twice daily) as maintenance monotherapy vs. placebo.

The trial randomised 154 patients with gBRCAm metastatic pancreatic cancer whose disease had not progressed on 1st-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomized (3:2) to receive Lynparza or placebo until disease progression.

The primary endpoint was PFS and key secondary endpoints included overall survival, time to second disease progression, overall response rate, disease control rate and health-related quality of life.

Photo of José Baselga: Wikipedia/Juliana Thomas – Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center