Colorectal cancer (CRC)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second most common in Europe. Globally, in 2008 over 1.2 millions of new cases were reported and more than 600 000 deaths have occured. Most of the newly diagnosed patients will initially undergo a surgical operation with curative intent and will receive chemotherapy. However, half of them will eventually develop metastatic disease and survival of these patients is significantly reduced because of limited treatment options.

A new international, randomized, double-blind, Phase III clinical trial has been recently approved by the authorities and will be shortly initiated. The clinical study aims at comparing survival of patients treated with Nintenanib with best supportive care and patients treated with placebo with best supportive care. Nintenanib is a new compound capable of interacting with biological targets involved in the formation and maintenance of tumor vasculature. This compound has already demonstrated potent activity and good efficacy and safety profiles in several preclinical and Phase II clinical studies (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=nintedanib&Search=Search).

Two hospitals from Luxembourg are involved (Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch) and CIEC-CRP santé is actively assisting and supporting physicians involved in this trial. The approximate total number of patients is 800 ; 4-5 patients in Luxembourg. The study population will consist on male and female adults age 18 years old and older, with a diagnosis of metastatic or locally advanced CRC, refractory to standard therapies.

Additional information on this trial is available on our website under following link www.luxclin.lu/Studies/Details/?c=STP1862YMH .

Reference: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02149108?term=colorectal+cancer+boehringer&rank=3