Genentech’s incumbent Rituxan (rituximab) can expect a challenge from Cephalon’s Treanda (bendamustine) in treating Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, according to ASH 2009 attendees’ clinical judgement

 The results of the StiL Study released at ASH 2009 challenge the standard of care algorithm to add Cephalon’s Treanda (bendamustine) and by doing so, significantly increase patients’ median progression-free survival (PFS), a key indicator of chemotherapeutic efficacy.

Standard of care regimens in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, called R-CHOP and R-ICE are Rituxan (rituximab)-based and used in 68% of patients.

As captured in the Event Pulse: ASH2009 – NHL study by Majestic’s Healthcare Market Research Group, 83% of Hematologist/Oncologists surveyed (n = 75) believe the reported difference in median PFS in this study will encourage continuous use of bendamustine with rituximab. The manufacturers of bendamustine and rituximab, Cephalon (CEPH) and Genentech respectively, are surely heartened by this finding as well as anecdotal reactions such as the following:

 “This is the first study to trump R-CHOP.” - Hematologist/Oncologist, SC

 “It is a practice changing study.” - Hematologist/Oncologist, WA

 “I will increase Treanda use as first line for mantle cell lymphoma in the future.” - Hematologist/Oncologist, MA

The oncologists’ usual caveats apply, including pleas for longitudinal studies and lower costs. Likewise in this blog post, note that the full picture including other significant studies in NHL and clinicians’ perceptions of those are available here.

Reuters: Event Pulse: ASH2009 – MM study by Majestic’s Healthcare Market Research Group