Georgia CORE Announces New Trial for Pancreatic Cancer Patients

12/01/2011

(Columbus, Ga.) Nov. 28, 2011 – Georgia CORE – the Center for Oncology Research and Education announced the initiation of a clinical trial for patients with previously untreated Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Participating trial sites are actively seeking appropriate patients for the study, which can lead to a potential new therapy. Andrew W. Pippas, MD of the John B. Amos Cancer Center will serve as the Principal Investigator for the five trial sites in Georgia. “Pancreatic cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States with few proven therapeutic options,” said Nancy M. Paris, president and CEO of Georgia CORE. “This is a disease where novel strategies are needed, particularly for patients in the advanced setting.” All patients enrolled in this clinical trial will receive the standard chemotherapy used to treat pancreatic cancer and some will receive the chemotherapy in combination with a novel monoclonal antibody called bavituximab. “In prior clinical studies, bavituximab in combination with chemotherapy has demonstrated promising tumor response and survival for cancer patients when compared to separate studies using chemotherapy alone,” said Dr. Pippas. “As with all clinical trials, patients will undergo comprehensive consultation with medical professionals regarding the drug and how it will impact diagnosis and treatment,” he added. Georgia CORE is one of a handful of research alliances and centers across the nation offering this trial. Clinical trials can help determine the tested drug’s efficacy and safety, and may lead to eventual approval of the agent by the United States Food and Drug Administration. To enroll in this trial, patients should contact the John B. Amos Cancer Center. The other Georgia sites where the trial will be offered are Suburban Hematology Oncology Associates in Lawrenceville, Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, DeKalb Medical Center in Decatur, and the Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion at Saint Joseph’s/Candler in Savannah.