Mesothelioma Articles

Puget Sound Cancer Centers Plays Significant Role in Clinical Testing Of Newly Approved Cancer Drug; FDA Approves Alimta for Treatment of Asbestos-Related Cancer

Source: Business Wire

March 16, 2004

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2004--Puget Sound Cancer Centers was actively involved in the clinical testing for the new drug Alimta, the first approved treatment for asbestos-related cancer in patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Alimta, developed by Eli Lilly and Company, recently received Food and Drug Administration approval for use in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs often associated with asbestos exposure. When combined with the drug cisplatin, a standard chemotherapy agent, Alimta extended the survival rate of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma by 30 percent.

Puget Sound Cancer Centers, in Edmonds and North Seattle, participated in a global Phase III clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of Alimta plus cisplatin versus cisplatin alone. This trial is one of many that Puget Sound Cancer Centers makes available to patients in the local communities.

"Our practice is committed to providing investigational therapies to patients in the King and Snohomish county areas. Through research we can often enhance patient care while increasing our understanding of the effectiveness and safety of new treatments," said Dr. Richard McGee, President and medical oncologist at Puget Sound Cancer Centers.

For more information about ongoing clinical trials for lung cancer, as well as other cancers, please contact Denise Parkinson, Administrator at 206-954-2021 (Email: Denise.Parkinson@usoncology.com).

About Puget Sound Cancer Centers

Puget Sound Cancer Centers (PSCC), operates outpatient community cancer centers located in North Seattle and Edmonds and is the single largest medical oncology practice in the State of Washington. PSCC is independently owned and managed by its ten medical oncology/hematology physicians.

About US Oncology

Puget Sound Cancer Centers is affiliated with US Oncology, America's premier cancer-care services company. The company provides comprehensive services to a network of affiliated practices - comprising more than 875 affiliated physicians in over 450 sites, including 78 integrated cancer centers in 32 states - with the mission of expanding access to and improving the quality of cancer care in local communities. These practices care for approximately 15 percent of the country's new cancer cases each year.

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