Pfizer updated safety and efficacy results for its investigational compound CP-751,871 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results from a Phase II, randomized, non-comparative study showed 54% of patients with Stage III/IV treatment-naïve NSCLC receiving the combination CP-751,871 plus carboplatin and paclitaxel experienced objective responses. The response rate was 41% in patients treated with carboplatin and paclitaxel alone.
   
Also, 78% of a subset of patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 57% of a subset of patients with adenocarcinoma receiving 20 mg/kg of CP-751,871 plus carboplatin and paclitaxel experienced objective responses. Response rates were 46% and 25%, respectively, for squamous cell and adenocarcinoma patients receiving carboplatin and paclitaxel alone. No response advantage with CP-751,871 was seen in a subset of patients with undifferentiated tumors.
   
Patients receiving CP-751,871 20 mg/kg showed the greatest improvement in progression-free survival (PFS). PFS was defined as either the length of time before the cancer progressed or death. Of the 53 patients in the carboplatin and paclitaxel arm, 20 crossed over to receive CP-751,871.
   
The side effects of CP-751,871 were generally manageable. The most common side effects reported in this study were fatigue (10%), hyperglycemia (20%) and neutropenia (30%).