Led by Mark A. O'Rourke, M.D., CancerCenters of the Carolinas participated in Phase III clinical trials for the new drug Avastin®, which received approval by the Food and Drug Administration as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer.  CancerCenters of the Carolinas was one of 17 affiliates of US Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq:USON) that participated in the Avastin trials.

Avastin - developed by Genentech - is significant because it is the first in a new category of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors, which work by closing off the blood supply to tumors.   Avastin blocks the action of a protein that causes the body to develop new blood vessels that supply cancerous cells with nutrients.  Without adequate blood supply, tumors cannot grow.
Angiogenesis has long been touted as a possible breakthrough for treating advanced-stage tumors, but Avastin is the first drug shown to actually prolong the survival rates of patients with metastatic cancer, when used in combination with traditional chemotherapy.
 
"Avastin is not a cure, but it is a significant step forward in the battle against colorectal cancer, and possibly other types of cancer, as well," said Dr. O'Rourke.  "And because it is a targeted therapy, it only works against cancerous cells and not healthy ones, so it has far fewer side effects than many other types of anti-cancer drugs."

As an affiliate of the nation's leading cancer-care services company, CancerCenters of the Carolinas works to advance the development of new cancer therapies by offering the latest clinical trials in close-to-home community settings.  By providing investigational therapies to local patients, CancerCenters of the Carolinas can enhance patient care while increasing understanding of new treatments and furthering cancer knowledge.

"Access to these types of treatments used to be limited to a small number of research facilities," said Dr. O'Rourke, oncologist at CancerCenters of the Carolinas, "But as part of the US Oncology network, we participate in many clinical trials that offer the latest advances in cancer treatment right here in the Upstate of South Carolina.  Our leadership in the testing of new therapies is the result of our commitment to advance and promote cancer research that can make a difference in patients' lives."

CancerCenters of the Carolinas enrolls approximately 400 patients per year in clinical trials and is currently following over 1500 patients.

CancerCenters has taken part in clinical trials involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, vitamins, minerals, etc.  CancerCenters has also contributed to the development of nine approved cancer-fighting drugs.

Currently, more than 100 clinical trials - addressing breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers - are under way at CancerCenters of the Carolinas.