Merck to Present New Research Focused on Hard-to-Treat Cancers at ESMO 2016 (y 2)

 
Erbitux

 
Title: Impact of tumor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status on the outcomes
of first-line FOLFOX-4 plus or minus cetuximab in patients (pts) with RAS-wild-type
(wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the randomized phase 3 TAILOR trial 
Lead Author: S Qin  
Abstract #: 527P 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 8, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Title: Impact of surgical resection of liver metastases on outcome of patients with
metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) treated with a cetuximab-based first-line
therapy - Analysis of the KRAS-wildtype exon 2 (KRAS-wt) subgroup of the German
non-interventional study ERBITAG 
Lead Author: U Neumann  
Abstract #: 491P 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 8, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Title: Observational study of the dose intensity relative to cetuximab in the
first-line treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the
head and neck: data on the maintenance and bi-weekly use (DIRECT study) 
Lead Author: J Guigay  
Abstract #: 967P 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 9, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Title: Cetuximab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy or radiotherapy in
recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN in a non-selected patient cohort (interim analysis
of the phase IV SOCCER trial) 
Lead Author: M Hecht  
Abstract #: 994P 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 9, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Avelumab

 
Title: Avelumab (MSB0010718C; anti-PD-L1) in patients with metastatic urothelial
carcinoma progressed after platinum-based therapy or platinum ineligible 
Lead Author: M Patel 
Abstract #: 777PD 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 9, 16:30-17:30 
Session: Poster Discussion Session Genitourinary tumors, non-prostate  
Room/Details: Athens

 
Title: Phase 1b dose-finding study of avelumab (anti-PD-L1) + axitinib in
treatment-naive patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma 
Lead Author: J Larkin 
Abstract #: 775PD 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 9, 16:30-17:30 
Session: Poster Discussion Session Genitourinary tumors, non-prostate  
Room/Details: Athens

 
Title: Evaluation of real world treatment outcomes in patients with metastatic Merkel
cell carcinoma (MCC) following second line chemotherapy 
Lead Author: J Becker  
Abstract #: 1154P 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 9, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Title: A multicenter, international, randomized, open-label phase 3 trial of avelumab +
best supportive care (BSC) vs BSC alone as maintenance therapy after first-line
platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer (JAVELIN
Bladder 100) 
Lead Author: T Powles  
Abstract #: 842TiP 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 9, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Title: Phase 3 study of avelumab in combination with axitinib versus sunitinib as
first-line treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) 
Lead Author: R Motzer  
Abstract #: 844TiP 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 9, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Tepotinib

 
Title: Tepotinib plus gefitinib in patients with c-Met-positive/EGFR-mutant NSCLC:
recommended phase II dose (RP2D), tolerability, and efficacy 
Lead Author: Y-L Wu 
Abstract #: 1257P 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 8, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Title: Design of a phase II trial comparing tepotinib + gefitinib with cisplatin +
pemetrexed in EGFR inhibitor-resistant, c-Met+ NSCLC 
Lead Author: Y-L Wu 
Abstract #: 1287TiP 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 8, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E

 
Title: A phase II trial investigating the highly selective c-Met inhibitor tepotinib in
stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinoma with MET exon 14 alterations after failure of at
least one prior therapy 
Lead Author: P Paik 
Abstract #: 1292TiP 
Presentation date/time (CDT): October 8, 13:00-14:00 
Session: Poster Display Session 
Room/Details: Hall E 

For further information and press materials please visit http://www.merckgroup.com/media-center-oncology.

All Merck Press Releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Website. Please go to http://www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Avelumab  

Avelumab (also known as MSB0010718C) is an investigational, fully human antibody specific for a protein found on tumor cells called PD-L1, or programmed death ligand-1. Avelumab is thought to have a dual mechanism of action which may enable the immune system to find and attack cancer cells. By binding to PD-L1, avelumab is thought to prevent tumor cells from using PD-L1 for protection against white blood cells such as T-cells, exposing them to anti-tumor responses. Avelumab is also thought to help white blood cells such as natural killer (NK) cells find and attack tumors in a process known as ADCC, or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In November 2014, Merck and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to co-develop and co-commercialize avelumab.

About Erbitux 

Erbitux(R) is a highly active IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth.

The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.

Erbitux has already obtained market authorization in over 90 countries world-wide for the treatment of colorectal cancer and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux outside the US and Canada from ImClone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998. Merck has an ongoing commitment to the advancement of oncology treatment and is currently investigating novel therapies in highly targeted areas.

About Tepotinib 

Tepotinib (also known as MSC2156119J) is an investigational small-molecule inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase capable of inhibiting both hepatocyte growth factor-dependent and -independent c-MET activation in low nanomolar concentrations. Alterations of the c-Met signaling pathway are found in various cancer types and correlate with aggressive tumor behavior and poor clinical prognosis. Tepotinib is currently under evaluation in Phase I/II trials.

About Merck 

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2015, Merck generated sales of EUR12.85 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/201605... )

Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/201605...

CONTACT: Your Contact: Heike Schmiedt, +49-6151-72-7498