Pfizer's drug Torisel is approved as a single agent for the treatment of advanced renal cell cancer (RCC). The company had hoped to show that Torisel, known also as temsirolimus, plus Avastin, known also as bevacizumab, would be more effective in extending progression-free survival than Avastin combined with interferon-alfa-2a.

The combination of Avastin and interferon-alfa-2a is approved as a first-line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma.

"This trial advances our knowledge about the role and limitations of combining targeted therapies in the treatment of advanced RCC," said Mace Rothenberg, senior vice president of clinical and medical affairs in Pfizer's oncology unit.

(Reporting By Toni Clarke; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick)

• A Permanent Economic Emergency