Clinical Trial for Tecentriq-Cotellic Combo Halted After Patient Deaths

Irvin Jackson

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Following a number of reported deaths, Roche has halted a clinical trial involving a combination of the cancer drugs Tecentriq and Cotellic, which were being tested to see if they were safe and effective in treating metastatic colorectal cancer. 

On April 9, the status of the study on ClinicalTrials.gov notes that recruitment has been suspended, at least temporarily, in the randomized, multi-center, open-label clinical trial, which was sponsored by Roche.

The halt came after an independent data monitoring committee found that there had been three deaths in the group given the Tecentriq and Cotellic. Two of the deaths resulted from the continued progression of colorectal cancer, and the third death came from cardiogenic sock, the committee found. A fourth death was reportedly unrelated to the study.

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Spinal Cord Stimulator lawsuits

Spinal cord stimulator lawsuits are being investigated for individuals who suffered unnecessary shocks, burns or other problems, often resulting in the need for additional surgery to remove the SCS.

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Originally, the study, known as Phase II MODUL, aimed to include 1,400 patients in a trial that combined the two drugs to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. While patients who are taking the drugs as part of the study can continue to do so, however, no new patients are being recruited.

Roche reported to investors that the study has not uncovered any new safety signals, but that the cardiogenic shock case was believed to be treatment related.

Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is approved for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in patients where the disease has progressed after or during chemotherapy.

Cotellic (cobimetinib) is a drug developed by Exelixis and Roche subsidiary Genentech for the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma.

It is unclear whether Roche will look to restart the trial anytime soon.

Irvin Jackson
Written by: Irvin Jackson

Senior Legal Journalist & Contributing Editor

Irvin Jackson is a senior investigative reporter at AboutLawsuits.com with more than 30 years of experience covering mass tort litigation, environmental policy, and consumer safety. He previously served as Associate Editor at Inside the EPA and contributes original reporting on product liability lawsuits, regulatory failures, and nationwide litigation trends.

Tags: Cancer, Clinical Trial, Colorectal Cancer, Cotellic, Genentech, Roche, Tecentriq

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2 Comments

Carol
My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer in March of 2020. After treatment with atezolzumab, On 8/20/20, his health suddenly declined and he died 10 days later. He became confused, could not even stand or walk due to the dizziness, and multiple other systems.They gave this drug to him twice in the same day. I am wondering if this drug had any thing to do with his fast decline and his death.
Irma
On 2016 my husband was diagnosed with lung and stage 4 Bladder cancer. He was then put on chemotherapy then followed with Tecentriq. After the chemotheraphy, doctors decided to inject him with Tecentriq in order to reduce the cancer cells. However after being given the Tecentriq drug, my husband’s health rapidly declined and die.

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