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NCCN Announces Important Updates to Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Clinical Practice Guidelines

JENKINTOWN, Pa., April 13, 2006 — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announces updates to the NCCN Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Guidelines. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ are widely recognized and applied as the standard for clinical policy in oncology in both the community practice setting and in academic cancer centers. These guidelines are used extensively by managed care companies and by Medicare as the basis for coverage policies. These guidelines are updated continually and are based upon evaluation of scientific data integrated with expert judgment.

A randomized study in 533 patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer found that overall survival and objective response rates were significantly improved in patients receiving gemcitabine (Gemzar, Eli Lilly) plus capecitabine (Xeloda, Roche) when compared to gemcitabine alone. A phase III trial of erlotinib (Tarceva, Genentech) plus gemcitabine versus gemcitabine alone demonstrated a median survival of 6.4 months and a 1-year survival of 24% in the erlotinib arm, as compared with 5.9 months and 17% in the control arm. Based upon a review of this information, the panel added the combination therapy options of gemcitabine plus capecitabine and gemcitabine plus erlotinib. The combinations were added as recommendations in the adjuvant setting and in the management of locally advanced unresectable and metastatic disease.

“NCCN Guidelines highlight the cutting-edge developments in treatment and are an essential tool for physicians, allied health professionals, patients and public and private payors,” said William T. McGivney, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the NCCN.

For a detailed listing of all updates to the NCCN Guidelines, please go to www.nccn.org.