Authors' objectives: Bavituximab is a first-in-class chimeric monoclonal antibody. Bavituximab inhibits angiogenesis by binding to phosphatidylserine and promoting an inflammatory response against tumour blood vessels, which prevents tumour growth. Phosphatidylserine is a highly immunosuppressive molecule; bavituximab also blocks this immunosuppression and enables the immune system to recognise tumour cells. The resulting antitumour activity is believed to be mediated through adhesion of macrophages to tumour vessels and subsequent infiltration into tumours. Bavituximab is intended for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as second line therapy and used in combination with docetaxel. In a phase III clinical trial, bavituximab was administered once weekly, in combination with docetaxel for six 21 day cycles. In the UK, lung cancer is the second most common diagnosed cancer after breast cancer, but it is the most common cause of cancer death, accounting for more than 1 in 5 cancer deaths in the UK. Approximately 85-90% of all lung cancers are of the non-small cell type. The symptoms of NSCLC include haemoptysis, malaise, significant weight loss, dyspnoea and voice loss. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, responsible for in excess of 80% of cases. The majority of lung cancers are diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, with 48% presenting with metastases (stage IV). Around 25% of patients with advanced NSCLC receive first line chemotherapy. Around 30-40% of these patients may subsequently become candidates for second-line therapy. In 2013-14, there were 88,350 hospital admissions in England due to lung cancer, and in 2013, there were 60,848 deaths from lung cancer registered in England and Wales. The aim of treatment for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC is to prolong survival, improve quality of life, and control disease-related symptoms. Bavituximab is currently undergoing a phase III clinical trial comparing its effect on overall survival against treatment with placebo. This trial is expected to complete in December 2016.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/bavituximab-for-advanced-non-small-cell-lung-cancer-second-line-in-combination-with-docetaxel/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre (NIHR HSRIC)