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 asco.
Lung Cancer Alliance ( lungcanceralliance ) 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
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