Hope for a Cure... That's what clinical trials are all about.
If you haven't seen the news on MM-398 here's a sneak peak...a letter from Julie Fleshman posted on the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network this past week:
I am pleased to share some good news for the pancreatic cancer community. Today,
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced the positive results from its
NAPOLI-1 phase III clinical trial. The study involved three participant groups,
each made up of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who had been
previously treated with gemcitabine (Gemzar®) -based
chemotherapy.
Patients were treated with either Merrimack’s drug MM-398
(irinotecan liposome injection), the chemotherapy drug 5-FU and leucovorin (a
standard treatment option) or a combination of MM-398 with 5-FU and
leucovorin.
This study showed that a combination of MM-398 with 5-FU and
leucovorin increased overall survival by nearly two months (6.1 vs. 4.2)
compared to those patients treated with 5-FU and leucovorin alone. This
represents the median, meaning some patients experienced longer survival, and
some shorter. A statistically significant increase in progression-free survival
was also observed in this group.
The patient group treated with MM-398
alone had similar results to the group treated with only 5-FU and
leucovorin.
We are encouraged by the results of this trial. New
developments will eventually lead to greater treatment advances. Last year,
Abraxane®, in combination with gemcitabine, proved effective in treating newly
diagnosed patients. Now, MM-398 is poised to help those who seek additional
options after their initial treatments for metastatic pancreatic cancer. Two new
medications in 18 months is a clear sign of the momentum we are gaining in the
fight against pancreatic cancer.
Merrimack plans to submit MM-398, to be
used in combination with 5-FU and leucovorin, by the end of 2014 for approval by
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MM-398 is not currently available to
patients. We will share more news as we learn of it.
The 417 patients who
enrolled in this trial have helped change treatment options for this disease and
created a legacy of progress for those yet to be diagnosed. To learn more about
pancreatic cancer clinical trials or have a personalized search performed for
you or a loved one, please contact our Patient and Liaison Services (PALS)
program. We maintain the nation’s most comprehensive pancreatic cancer clinical
trials database and do not charge a fee for any of our services. PALS Associates
are available at 877-272-6226 and pals@pancan.org, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5
p.m., PT.
With hope,
Julie
Fleshman
Julie Fleshman, JD, MBA
President and CEO
No, it's not a cure... yet! But praying with Hope for treatment advancements for all going through the pancreatic cancer journey.
My Love,
Jane
No comments:
Post a Comment