Eisai Co., Ltd. has announced that new findings indicating its in-house discovered and developed anticancer agent lenvatinib mesylate (product names: Lenvima / Kisplyx, "lenvatinib") delays deterioration in certain areas of health-related quality of life (QOL) in comparison to sorafenib were presented in an oral session at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017 Congress, which took place in Madrid, Spain. These findings are based on an analysis of a Phase III study (REFLECT / Study 304)(2) for first-line treatment of unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

The oral presentation was based on the results of an analysis of responses to QOL questionnaires related to the symptoms, functioning, and overall well-being of patients enrolled in the REFLECT study. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's (EORTC) health-related QOL questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HCC18 were used for the assessment. While declined QOL was recorded in both the lenvatinib and sorafenib arms during the treatment. and for most domains the impact on QOL was generally similar between the two drugs, in the five domains of diarrhea (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.53), general pain (HR 0.82), role functioning (HR 0.83), body image (HR 0.79) and nutrition (HR 0.81), lenvatinib demonstrated a delay in time to deterioration of QOL over the treatment period compared to sorafenib (nominal p < 0.01).

Cancer and cancer treatments greatly influence patient QOL, effecting ability to carry out roles in family life, utilize talents at work, and participate in general society. Appropriate monitoring of QOL and continuous treatment via anticancer agents allow for maximum patient benefit.

The QOL data accumulated in this study demonstrated the effects of different treatment methods on patients with HCC from a QOL perspective, and we anticipate that this information will support future decisions regarding appropriate treatment methods. Eisai remains committed to generating scientific evidence aimed at maximizing the value of lenvatinib as it seeks to contribute further to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to, patients with cancer, their families, and healthcare providers.