NCCN and Roche Collaborate on Innovative Cancer Research

JENKINTOWN, Pa., October 31, 2005 � The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announced that it has entered into a collaboration with Roche Laboratories, Inc. to develop and review ongoing oncology research protocols and trials examining Xeloda� (capecitabine) in combination with radiologic therapy, and other drugs and biologics in the treatment of solid tumors including esophageal, gastric and pancreatic cancers.

�NCCN�s mission is to improve cancer care by studying and evaluating new and promising treatments and by facilitating research collaborations,� said William T. McGivney, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. �Financial support from Roche will fund clinical research designed and carried out by investigators at NCCN member institutions � research that may identify treatment advances that can improve both survival and quality of life for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.�

NCCN will conduct the studies through its Oncology Research Program, which facilitates clinical research by streamlining and centralizing site identification and trial initiation, drawing on the expertise of investigators at NCCN member institutions and helping to establish collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Roche will provide support for nine studies at seven NCCN member institutions including the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard J. Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University; Roswell Park Cancer Institute; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins; University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center; UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center; and The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

�We are pleased to support this important research in collaboration with NCCN,� stated Lars E. Birgerson, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs for Roche. �We are committed to not only advancing medical research, but more importantly providing the best possible treatment options for advancing survival for all cancer patients.�

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® (NCCN^®), a not-for-profit alliance of 23 of the world's leading cancer centers, is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Through the leadership and expertise of clinical professionals at NCCN Member Institutions, NCCN develops resources that present valuable information to the numerous stakeholders in the health care delivery system. As the arbiter of high-quality cancer care, NCCN promotes the importance of continuous quality improvement and recognizes the significance of creating clinical practice guidelines appropriate for use by patients, clinicians, and other health care decision-makers. The primary goal of all NCCN initiatives is to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of oncology practice so patients can live better lives. For more information, visit NCCN.org.

The NCCN Member Institutions are:

City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Duke Cancer Institute
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center / Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Moffitt Cancer Center
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital/The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Stanford Cancer Institute
University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Colorado Cancer Center
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
UNMC Eppley Cancer Center at The Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center