Novocure Announces Positive Results from PANOVA-3 Trial for Pancreatic Cancer

Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) has announced the successful completion of the PANOVA-3 Phase 3 clinical trial, which achieved its primary endpoint by showing a statistically significant improvement in median overall survival (mOS) for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The trial evaluated the use of Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel as a first-line treatment. The mOS for patients receiving TTFields with the chemotherapy combination was 16.20 months, compared to 14.16 months for those receiving only the chemotherapy, marking a significant improvement of 2.0 months (Hazard Ratio = 0.819, P = 0.039). The survival benefit increased over time, with a 13% improvement in overall survival at 12 months and a 33% improvement at 24 months. TTFields therapy was well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with previous clinical trials.

Dr. Vincent Picozzi, the principal investigator of the PANOVA-3 trial, highlighted the significance of these results, noting the challenges in developing treatments for pancreatic cancer and the promising nature of the TTFields data for this difficult-to-treat patient group.

Based on these results, Novocure plans to seek approval for TTFields therapy for unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer and will present the full data at upcoming medical conferences. Additionally, Novocure is continuing the follow-up for the PANOVA-4 Phase 2 trial, which investigates the efficacy of TTFields in combination with atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer, with results expected in 2026.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, ranking third in cancer-related deaths in the United States, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. The current standard treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer typically involves chemotherapy, with or without radiation, due to the often unresectable nature of the disease at diagnosis.

TTFields therapy employs electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division, selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. It can be combined with various cancer treatments, enhancing efficacy across different types of solid tumors.

Novocure, a global oncology company, is dedicated to extending survival in aggressive cancers through TTFields therapy, which is approved in several countries for adult glioblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and malignant pleural mesothelioma. The company continues to explore TTFields in multiple clinical trials for glioblastoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.