Nexavar Effective in Advanced HCC: Phase III Trial Stopped

WEST HAVEN, Connecticut—Bayer and Onyx (Emeryville, California) have stopped the phase III SHARP trial of sorafenib (Nexavar) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), based on the recommendation of an independent monitoring committee after interim data showed that the trial had met its primary endpoint. Patients in the Nexavar arm achieved a "superior overall survival," compared to those in the placebo arm, and adverse events were similar in both arms, the companies said in a press release. All patients enrolled in the trial are now being given access to Nexavar.