The latest Phase III study of Roche's cancer treatment Xeloda -- featuring 627 previously treated colorectal patients -- has reached its primary endpoint of progression-free survival.Study results show that the chemotherapy combination XELOX (Xeloda plus oxaliplatin) was as effective as the combination FOLFOX-4 (infused 5-FU/leucovorin plus oxaliplatin) in delaying disease progression -- a result that will be used in worldwide submissions of the drug.
Xeloda, an oral chemotherapy agent that can be taken at home, is already used in previously untreated colorectal cancer patients. It has also been approved for treatment of early stage colon cancer and for breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
