CANTOS: Modest CV And Intriguing Lung Cancer Benefit With Canakinumab

Reducing inflammation with Novartis AG's canakinumab (ACZ885) can lower the risk of lung cancer as well as cardiovascular disease, the full data from the CANTOS study show. Its researchers say the findings are a validation of the inflammation hypothesis in atherosclerosis, ushering in a "third era" in cardiovascular disease prevention, and at the same time open up new possibilities in cancer treatment.

In June, observers expressed surprise when the top-line data from the 10,000-patient CANTOS study proved positive, showing the anti-IL1β monoclonal anti-inflammatory agent had hit the primary endpoint of reducing major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with previous myocardial infarction when used on top of standard of care – the trial had been considered