On October 31, 2024 Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TOKYO: 4519) reported that it filed regulatory application with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for the anti-cancer agent/humanized anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody Tecentriq Intravenous Infusion [generic name: atezolizumab (genetical recombination)] for an additional indication of relapsed or refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (R/R ENKL) (Press release, Chugai, OCT 31, 2024, View Source [SID1234647537]).

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"ENKL is a rare type of malignant lymphoma that primarily develops in the nose. It is known to have a poor prognosis, with about 60% of patients in advanced stages relapsing after initial treatment, and there is no standard therapy for relapsed cases. We are working to obtain approval so that Tecentriq, a cancer immunotherapy that demonstrated favorable efficacy, can be delivered to patients as soon as possible as a new therapeutic option for ENKL," said Chugai’s President and CEO, Dr. Osamu Okuda.

This filing is based on the results from a phase II ATTACK study initiated by investigators in Japan including National Cancer Center Hospital, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of Tecentriq in patients with R/R ENKL. Response was shown in 7 out of 13 cases and the study met its primary endpoint with an overall response rate of 53.8% (95% CI: 25.1-80.8%). The safety profile was consistent with that in other tumors.

Chugai Pharmaceutical, a leading company in the oncology field, remains committed to addressing unmet medical need in cancer treatment with innovative medicines for patients and healthcare professionals.

About ATTACK study1
ATTACK study (NCCH1903, jRCT2031190177) is a Japanese Phase II, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study led by physicians including National Cancer Center Hospital to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tecentriq in patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. The study enrolled 14 patients to investigate safety and efficacy. The primary endpoint is independent review committee (IRC)-assessed overall response rate. Key secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety.
ATTACK study is being conducted as a substudy of the MASTER KEY project, which promotes the development of treatments for rare cancers through industry-academia collaboration with the National Cancer Center Hospital.

About extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKL)
ENKL is a form of malignant lymphoma that primarily affects the nasal cavity. It can occur in individuals of all ages, from children to adults.2,3,4 ENKL is rare, accounting for approximately 0.68% of all malignant lymphoma cases (annual incidence: about 36,000 cases) in Japan.5 For patients with advanced ENKL, about 60% experience relapse following initial treatment.6,7 Relapsed or refractory ENKL has a poor prognosis, and there is currently no established standard treatment.

About Tecentriq8
Tecentriq is a cancer immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-L1, which is a protein expressed on tumor and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. PD-L1 blocks T cell activity by binding with PD-1 and B7.1 receptors on T cell surface. By inhibiting PD-L1, Tecentriq may enable the activation of T cells and boost immune response against cancer cells. In Japan, Tecentriq was launched in April 2018 and has obtained approval for 4 indications (extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma). Tecentriq was filed for additional indication of alveolar soft part sarcoma in March 2024.

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