(dailyRx News)
A phase-3 clinical trial studying the effects of Sutent (sunitinib) has been halted early as the drug is shown to be effective in treating advanced pancreatic islet cell tumors.

Pancreatic islet cell tumors, also known as neuroendocrine tumors, grow from a type of cell known as the islet cell in the pancreas. The tumors are rare. Symptoms are vague and can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, anxiety and behavior changes.

Pfizer Inc. announced the halted trial recently when the drug, developed for use in patients with gastrointestinal and esophageal tumors, was independently declared to be more effective (demonstrating greater progression-free survival) against pancreatic islet cell tumors compared to placebo.

Progression-free survival in patients taking Suten®t was 11.1 months compared to 5.5 months in control group.