ACORN Presents Findings Of Collaborative Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Research

Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Conferences
Article Date: 22 Apr 2008 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

On Tuesday, April 15th, Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, President of the Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network, Inc. presented findings at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego. The Phase II study tested a novel biologic agent in conjunction with chemotherapy used in colorectal cancer with encouraging interim results. More specifically, this Phase II study was a biomarker and genomic correlative study of GFL: Interferon Gamma, Bolus/Infusion 5-FU and Leucovorin for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. The study represented a unique collaboration in transitional research between The West Clinic, a community-based oncology clinic in Memphis; researchers at St. Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis; and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

Utilizing its centralized services, ACORN provided access, medical and scientific oversight, statistical and project management, and publication processes for the study. In addition to promising results, ACORN's ability to provide tumor samples for genetic analysis before and after the therapy, based upon its extensive experience in interventional radiology, makes it one of a select few institutions capable of providing such samples which are playing an ever increasing role in the development of personalized medicine.

Study objectives sought to determine response rate as defined by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines established by the National Cancer Institute, Progression Free Survival (PFS), and molecular correlates of GFL therapy.

55% of the study's participants were male and 45% female. African- Americans accounted for 21% of the participants with the remaining identified as Caucasian. The minority participation figure is well-above national norms and reflects ACORN's commitment to make advanced clinical research available to every member of the community who has a need.

Neutropenia (low white blood counts) and fatigue were the two most commonly reported side effects; however, no patients withdrew from the study as a result of any side effect.

The researchers concluded that GFL has promising clinical activity as assessed by response rates compared to historical controls of 5-FU/LV with the same dose and schedule. Furthermore, the lack of additional toxicity allows other drugs to be added to the treatment. Additional correlative studies are in progress as a result of these findings.

According to Steve Coplon, CEO, "ACORN continues to facilitate multiple opportunities linking the best thought leaders from the academic community with leading community oncologists who are committed to advancing the war on cancer in busy clinics across the nation. Given our capabilities in CRO, Network, and our own initiated trials, the results of these efforts are regularly highlighted at important meetings such as AACR, ASCO, ASH, San Antonio Breast, and other noteworthy venues."

Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network, Inc. (ACORN)

ACORN focuses on oncology exclusively. ACORN offers centralized clinical trial services, scientific analysis, and is a full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO), providing contract and budgeting services; fostering accrual of subjects at the site level; collecting data and monitoring its accuracy; and working seamlessly with both trial sponsors and participating practices.

Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network, Inc.
http://www.ACORNresearch.net