IRVINE, Calif. (AP) – Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Inc. said its drug Zevalin showed positive results in a midstage study focusing on a type of cancer called follicular lymphoma.

Follicular lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer affecting the lymph system. Zevalin is already approved for types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The current midstage study focuses on using Zevalin as a standalone treatment for patients who have not received prior therapy. The results come from independent researchers from leading universities in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Sweden, the company said.

The data were presented at the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Preliminary results from the 60-patient study show that patients who received a single dose of the drug had a one-year overall clinical response rate of 84 percent. The response is similar to other results reported in previous studies of the drug, the company said.

Date: December 6, 2010
Source: Associated Press