ABRAXANE improves overall survival in patients with untreated, metastatic pancreatic cancer

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ABRAXANE® improves overall survival in patients with untreated, metastatic pancreatic cancer

Last November, Celgene Corporation (Celgene) released positive news relating to its pivotal phase III clinical trial in pancreatic cancer. Celgene hoped to show that the combination of its chemotherapy drug ABRAXANE with gemcitabine would improve overall survival in patients with untreated, metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma when compared to gemcitabine alone. Use of gemcitabine alone has been the standard of care for pancreatic cancer.

The supporting data was released on January 22, 2013 by Celgene, showing that overall survival increased by nearly two months (8.5 vs. 6.7) in patients who received the combination treatment. A 59 percent increase in one-year survival was also reported. This information suggests that ABRAXANE plus gemcitabine is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. On average, patients treated with gemcitabine and ABRAXANE experienced more side effects than patients treated with gemcitabine alone, though the combination was still well-tolerated.

The complete findings of this study will be presented at the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco on January 25, 2013. Celgene will then take this data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval in pancreatic cancer. ABRAXANE is already approved to treat breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Before FDA approval of ABRAXANE for use in pancreatic cancer, physicians may prescribe ABRAXANE if they feel it is the patient’s best option.

These positive results indicate another step forward in the treatment of this disease. This success also illustrates that clinical trials can give patients access to state-of-the art treatments that may be their best option. Treatment progress for pancreatic cancer will only be achieved through the clinical trials process.

If you have any questions about the results of this clinical trial or ABRAXANE, our PanCAN Patient Services can provide you with additional information. Contact PanCAN Patient Services at 877-272-6226, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time or by completing our contact form.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network recommends that all patients consider clinical trials when exploring treatment options. For more information about ongoing clinical trials or any other questions about pancreatic cancer treatment or diagnosis, please contact a PanCAN Patient Services Case Manager.