Lung Cancer Alliance Hails Announcement Of New Erbitux(R) Data

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 03 Jun 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) hailed the release of promising data from the pivotal Phase III First Line in Lung Cancer with Erbitux(R) (FLEX) Study. The data, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), showed a significant increase in overall survival in the first line treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

"This is very exciting news," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, LCA President & CEO. "The FLEX data shows significant improvements in overall survival for a broad base of patients with no new safety concerns. This is so important to the lung cancer community because it will provide patients and doctors with another treatment option to consider when managing their diagnosis."

The FLEX study, conducted by Merck KGaA, enrolled more than 1,100 patients with Stage IIIb or IV NSCLC who had not previously received chemotherapy. The study included patients of all ages, regardless of their performance status (general well-being) who were diagnosed with all types of NSCLC. Erbitux(R) is a monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit the function of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The major side effect from the drug is a rash.

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of both men and women in the United States with more than 162,000 deaths expected to occur in 2008, accounting for almost 30% of all cancer deaths.

"This is an important development," said David H. Johnson, MD, Deputy Director, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. "All lung cancer is notoriously difficult to treat. These results will further our understanding of NSCLC and provide a new standard of care for the lung cancer community."

For more information on the data please visit http://www.asco.org.

Lung Cancer Alliance ( http://www.lungcanceralliance.org ) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to patient support and advocacy for those living with or at risk for lung cancer. LCA is committed to leading the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering those with or at risk for the disease, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

Lung Cancer Alliance
http://www.lungcanceralliance.org