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.”