There was no significant difference between groups in overall survival. The median duration was 8.4 years with high-dose interferon and was not reached with biochemotherapy. The 5-year rate was 56% in both groups. And findings again were generally similar across patient subgroups.
The two treatments had differing grade 3/4 adverse event profiles: Biochemotherapy was associated with higher rates of gastrointestinal, hematologic, and metabolic toxicities, but lower rates of hepatic and neuropsychiatric toxicities.
Dr. Flaherty disclosed that he is a consultant to and receives honoraria and research funding from Merck and Novartis. Dr. Schuchter disclosed that she receives research funding from Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, and Roche.