Novocure (NASDAQ: NVCR) has announced the results from the phase 3 PANOVA-3 trial of tumor-treating fields (TTFields) therapy for pancreatic cancer. The trial evaluated the use of TTFields therapy concomitantly with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel alone.
In the intent-to-treat population, patients treated with TTFields therapy concomitantly with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel had a median overall survival (MOS) of 16.2 months compared to 14.2 months for patients treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel alone, marking a statistically significant 2.0-month improvement (hazard ratio (HR) 0.82; p=0.039 (n=571)).
Additionally, the one-year survival rate showed a statistically significant improvement in the TTFields concomitant with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel treated group with 68.1% compared to those who received gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel alone, 60.2%. Patients treated with TTFields concomitant with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel also had a median pain-free survival of 15.2 months compared to a median 9.1 months in the group treated with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel alone, marking a statistically significant 6.1-month extension in pain-free survival.
Quality of life was also measured as a secondary endpoint, and deterioration-free survival in global health status, pain, and digestive problems were significantly improved in patients receiving TTFields therapy concomitant with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel compared to the gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel alone group.
The results from the PANOVA-3 trial will be presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago and simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Following these announcements, the company's shares moved -1.5%, and are now trading at a price of $19.11. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.
