DARMSTADT, Germany, March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, today announced the formation of the global Oncology Partnership and Education Network (OPEN). This global initiative, supported by Merck Serono, brings together a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders involved with the management of cancer to help improve patient care. Focusing on metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as its first priority, OPEN aims to reinforce the important role biomarker testing has in personalizing care in mCRC. The launch of OPEN coincides with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in many countries.
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Based on recent scientific developments in the area of biomarkers in mCRC, OPEN's first priority will be to establish a global campaign to improve awareness and understanding with the general public, patients and healthcare professionals. OPEN, chaired by Professor Ciardiello, is supported by an international steering committee of experts in the field of oncology, including healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups and policy representatives.
"Biomarkers enable oncologists to create personalized, clinically proven treatment plans for patients right from the start in mCRC, thereby optimizing patients' chances of extended overall survival," said Professor Fortunato Ciardiello, Seconda Universita di Napoli, Naples, Italy and Chair of the OPEN Steering Committee. "OPEN aims to increase public awareness of the fact that getting a biomarker test done, ideally at the time of initial diagnosis, is vital for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to ensure they receive the most appropriate 1st-line treatment," he concluded.
Currently, 25% of patients with colorectal cancer already have an advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis, which makes it challenging to treat successfully.[1],[2] Recent developments in the field of biomarkers now allow physicians to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from specific treatment options, based on the genetic profile of their tumor.
"Biomarkers are reliable clinical indicators that support physicians in their treatment decisions for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer," said Dr Steven Hildemann, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Medical and Safety for Merck Serono. "Merck Serono is proud to be able to support OPEN in its mission to raise awareness globally of the important role biomarkers play in improving clinical outcomes for people living with mCRC."
An increased understanding of treatment options and greater involvement in decision making about their own care, together with equality of access to treatments that improve outcomes, are also core principles of the recently launched European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights.
