New Global Initiative Aims to Improve Patient Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
New Global Initiative Aims to Improve Patient Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
PR56341
DARMSTADT, Germany, March 31 / PRN=KYODO JBN / -
- The multidisciplinary Oncology Partnership and Education Network (OPEN)
aims to improve patient outcomes in oncology, with initial focus on metastatic
colorectal cancer (mCRC)
- OPEN aims to raise public awareness and understanding of the importance
of biomarker testing in mCRC
Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, today announced the
formation of the global Oncology Partnership and Education Network (OPEN). This
global initiative, supported by Merck Serono, brings together a
multidisciplinary group of stakeholders involved with the management of cancer
to help improve patient care. Focusing on metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)
as its first priority, OPEN aims to reinforce the important role biomarker
testing has in personalizing care in mCRC. The launch of OPEN coincides with
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in many countries.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7140053-merck-serono-metastatic-colorectal-cancer
Based on recent scientific developments in the area of biomarkers in mCRC,
OPEN's first priority will be to establish a global campaign to improve
awareness and understanding with the general public, patients and healthcare
professionals. OPEN, chaired by Professor Ciardiello, is supported by an
international steering committee of experts in the field of oncology, including
healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups and policy representatives.
"Biomarkers enable oncologists to create personalized, clinically proven
treatment plans for patients right from the start in mCRC, thereby optimizing
patients' chances of extended overall survival," said Professor Fortunato
Ciardiello, Seconda Universita di Napoli, Naples, Italy and Chair of the OPEN
Steering Committee. "OPEN aims to increase public awareness of the fact that
getting a biomarker test done, ideally at the time of initial diagnosis, is
vital for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to ensure they receive the
most appropriate 1st-line treatment," he concluded.
Currently, 25% of patients with colorectal cancer already have an advanced
stage of the disease at diagnosis, which makes it challenging to treat
successfully.[1],[2] Recent developments in the field of biomarkers now allow
physicians to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from
specific treatment options, based on the genetic profile of their tumor.
"Biomarkers are reliable clinical indicators that support physicians in
their treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer," said
Dr Steven Hildemann, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medical
and Safety for Merck Serono. "Merck Serono is proud to be able to support OPEN
in its mission to raise awareness globally of the important role biomarkers
play in improving clinical outcomes for people living with mCRC."
An increased understanding of treatment options and greater involvement in
decision making about their own care, together with equality of access to
treatments that improve outcomes, are also core principles of the recently
launched European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer worldwide, with an
estimated incidence of more than 1.36 million new cases annually.[3]
Approximately 694,000 deaths from CRC occur every year, accounting for 8.5% of
all cancer deaths and making it the fourth most common cause of death from
cancer.[3] Almost 55% of CRC cases are diagnosed in developed regions of the
world, and incidence and mortality rates are substantially higher in men than
in women.[3]
Note to Editors:
Please click here [http://www.merckgroup.com/en/media/topics/open.html ] to
view the multimedia release which includes mCRC biomarker videos and additional
information.
Additional information resources for media on mCRC are available online
from: http://www.globalcancernews.com
References
1) Sanoff HK, et al. J Clin Oncol 2008;26(35):5721-7.
2) Van Cutsem E, et al. Ann Oncol 2010;21(Suppl 5):v93-7.
3) Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Ervik M, Dikshit R, Eser S, Mathers C, Rebelo
M,
Parkin DM, Forman D, Bray, F. GLOBOCAN 2012 v1.0, Cancer Incidence and
Mortality
Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 11 [Internet]. Lyon, France: International
Agency for
Research on Cancer; 2013. Available at: http://globocan.iarc.fr. Last
accessed
March 2014.
About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the biopharmaceutical division of Merck. With headquarters
in Darmstadt, Germany, Merck Serono offers leading brands in 150 countries to
help patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, infertility, endocrine and
metabolic disorders as well as cardiovascular diseases. In the United States
and Canada, EMD Serono operates as a separately incorporated subsidiary of
Merck Serono.
Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription
medicines of both chemical and biological origin in specialist indications. We
have an enduring commitment to deliver novel therapies in our core focus areas
of neurology, oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.
For more information, please visit http://www.merckserono.com.
All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they
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Merck is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech
products in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. With its four divisions
Merck Serono, Consumer Health, Performance Materials and Merck Millipore, Merck
generated total revenues of EUR 11.1 billion in 2013. Around 38,000 Merck
employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to
further the success of our customers and to help meet global challenges.
Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company - since
1668, the company has stood for innovation, business success and responsible
entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70% interest, the founding family
remains the majority owner of the company to this day.
Merck, Darmstadt, Germany is holding the global rights to the Merck name
and brand. The only exceptions are Canada and the United States, where the
company is known as EMD.
Contact:
Merck KGaA
Frankfurter Strasse 250
64293 Darmstadt
Germany
Hotline +49(0)6151-72-5000
Merck Serono is a division of Merck
Raphaela Farrenkopf
Phone +49-6151-72-2274
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7140053-merck-serono-metastatic-colorectal-cancer
SOURCE: Merck Serono
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