News Details

NCCN Receives Major Grant for Anti-Cancer Drug Study

JENKINTOWN, Pa., November 15, 2007 — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), ImClone Systems Incorporated and Bristol-Myers Squibb have entered into a collaboration to conduct a multi-institutional, investigator-initiated study in head and neck cancer using cetuximab. Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the coordinating center for this study, with Corey Langer, M.D., serving as Project Chairman.

Cetuximab, also known by its brand name ERBITUX®, is currently indicated either as a single agent or in combination for the treatment of patients who have metastatic colorectal cancer. It is also approved for the treatment of a certain type of locally or regionally advanced head and neck cancer. Cetuximab binds to the EGFR on the surface of the cancer cells, thus interfering with their growth. EGFR is part of a signaling pathway involved in many types of human cancers, including head and neck, lung, esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum and many others.

The NCCN Oncology Research Program (ORP) facilitates all phases of clinical research by identifying clinical investigators and initiating trials at NCCN Member Institutions. The ORP draws on the expertise of investigators at 21 of the world’s leading cancer centers and helps to establish collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotech companies in order to advance therapeutic options for patients with cancer.

“We are pleased to collaborate with NCCN by supporting this important research,” said Eric Rowinsky, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, ImClone Systems Incorporated. “Clinical research that brings together the expertise of such esteemed institutions can only improve outcomes for patients with cancer.”