The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) guideline on oncology drug development

Abstract

6636 Background: The scientific assessment and positive opinion of the EMEA is mandatory for the approval of new oncology drugs in the European Union. One of the tasks of the EMEA is to provide guidance on the conduct of the various tests and trials necessary for approval. The EMEA has recently revised its guideline on the clinical development of new anticancer drugs. The revised version includes specific guidance on the development of non-cytotoxic (i.e., cytostatic) agents ( http://www.emea.europa.eu/pdfs/human/ewp/020595en.pdf ). Specific guidance is given about methodological issues using progression-free survival (PFS) as primary endpoint in confirmatory trials for registration ( http://www.emea.europa.eu/pdfs/human/ewp/26757506en.pdf ). Methods: The key elements of the revised guideline are described with particular reference to requirements for approval. Results: The early stages of clinical drug development have to be tailored according to the assumed pharmacology of the individual compound as defined in non-clinical studies. The integration of information from exploratory (phase I-II) and confirmatory (phase III) studies is of primary importance. In general, phase III trials should be designed with the aim of establishing the benefit risk balance of the drug, in a well-characterized target population. These studies should be randomized controlled and, where possible, blinded or include blinded evaluation. Acceptable primary endpoints include overall survival (OS) and PFS or disease-free survival (DFS). It is acknowledged that there are situations where PFS can be considered as a primary endpoint that measures clinical benefit. Adherence to protocol-defined schedules for tumor assessments, typically by imaging techniques, is important and deviations should be reported. Independent, blinded review and confirmation of best tumor response and progression should be undertaken if PFS is the primary endpoint. Conclusions: The current revision of the EMEA guideline provides useful clinical regulatory guidance for the development of cytostatic agents. When recommended guidelines are considered suboptimal, sponsors are encouraged to seek regulatory scientific advice. No significant financial relationships to disclose.