Oncolytics Biotech Inc (TSX:ONC) has claimed a clear improvement in survival rates in a phase II study for pancreatic cancer sufferers taking its Reolysin treatment.
Combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel, survival rates over two years in patients using Reolysin were significantly higher than control studies.
"These data clearly illustrate that patients receiving Reolysin whether in the test arm or crossing over after progressing in the control arm, received a benefit in longer-term overall survival," said Brad Thompson, executive chairman.
He added the results built on an earlier study were Reolysin and gemcitabine combined also produced a clear longer-term overall survival benefit, despite having limited impact on progression free survival.
“Based on these combined results, we are currently enrolling pancreatic cancer patients in a study incorporating Reolysin plus the checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda to determine the effect of the immune system on patient outcomes."
Pancreatic cancer is one of the hardest strains of the disease to treat.