Highlights
– New research evaluates physicians’ understanding of predictive biomarkers and perceptions of what patients themselves understand about personalized medicine
– Key data from analyses of Erbitux(R) (cetuximab) in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer and in human papillomavirus p16+/p16- locoregionally advanced SCCHN patient populations
– Pipeline data on early-stage compounds targeting specific pathways in difficult-to-treat cancers
Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, today announced that it will be presenting data at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2014 congress (Madrid, Spain, September 26-30, 2014) aligned with the congress theme of ‘Precision Medicine in Cancer Care’. ‘Precision medicine’, as defined by ESMO 2014, involves providing optimal treatment for patients according to their individual circumstances and the molecular characteristics of their disease.[1]
“Merck Serono believes in the principle of ‘Precision Medicine’; it underpins both our patient-centric approach and our commitment to identifying those patients who would benefit most from our medicines,” said Luciano Rossetti, Head of Research and Development, Merck Serono. “The data at ESMO 2014 demonstrates how we put the patient first, and go beyond treatment to support the delivery of focused cancer care, including biomarker testing.”
Physician and Patient Understanding of Biomarkers
Findings from a Merck Serono-sponsored global survey of oncologists (n=895)[2] from 12 countries (across Asia, Europe and South America) on their use of predictive biomarkers in a range of late-stage and metastatic cancers (lung, breast and colorectal [mCRC]) will be presented during an oral session on Sunday, September 28, 11:00-12:20. The survey also includes physician perceptions of patient understanding of biomarkers and treatment options.
Results from the survey will also be included in an official ESMO 2014 press release and are under strict embargo until11:00 CET on Sunday, September 28, 2014.
Exploring Biomarkers in mCRC and SCCHN
Retrospective subanalyses from two pivotal Phase III studies for Erbitux(R) (cetuximab) will be presented as part of Merck Serono’s continued effort to further understand biomarkers that may help to inform treatment decisions. The CRYSTAL* study subanalysis evaluates Erbitux plus FOLFIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan), compared with FOLFIRI alone, in patients with RAS wild-type mCRC, as assessed by liver-limited disease (LLD) status. Further data from the Bonner study assesses the prognostic value of p16 status (p16 positive and p16 negative), a marker of human papillomavirus, in patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).
Pipeline Data: Targeting Specific Pathways
Merck Serono is presenting data from its diversified early-stage pipeline at ESMO 2014, underscoring the importance of targeting specific pathways. Data include results in difficult-to-treat cancers, as well as in specific patient populations. Highlights include: an oral presentation on results from a Phase Ib study of pimasertib, a MEK inhibitor, in selected genotype-defined solid tumors; pimasertib in combination with SAR245409, a PI3K/MTOR inhibitor; and a number of studies of the highly selective c-Met inhibitor MSC2156119J (EMD 1214063), including a poster discussion of the first-in-human Phase I results in patients with advanced solid tumors. Data will also be presented on abituzumab (DI17E6, EMD 525797) an investigational anti-integrin monoclonal antibody.
