Novartis' double-blind, randomized, place-controlled Phase III trial of Afinitor (everolimus) tablets combined with exemestane in women with advanced breast cancer has met primary endpoint.

The study namely BOLERO-2 (Breast cancer trials of OraL EveROlimus-2) involved around 700 patients at over 195 sites worldwide.

The study included postmenopausal women with ER+HER2- metastatic breast cancer whose disease has progressed, despite initial endocrine therapy.

The results of the study suggested that the combined therapy prominently extended progression-free survival (PFS), or time without tumor growth, as compared to placebo plus exemestane in women who are suffering from breast cancer.

Novartis Oncology president Herve Hoppenot said based on these study results, this combination has the potential to extend the time until chemotherapy is needed for these patients.