MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is pleased to announce Abraxane® extends survival for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. According to Celgene Corporation, Abraxane in combination with gemcitabine when given to advanced pancreatic cancer patients who had not received previous treatment demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival compared to patients receiving gemcitabine alone.

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The phase III study included 861 metastatic pancreatic cancer patients from around the world.  Full results from the clinical trial will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 2013 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium being held in January.

"Historically, few effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer have existed. We are thrilled to have a new treatment option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. We look forward to learning more about the increase in survival when the full results from the study are released in January," stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "Clinical trials represent hope for patients with pancreatic cancer and we are so appreciative of the patients who participated in this study. It is the only way to make progress towards better treatments." 

Abraxane was previously approved for breast cancer in 2005 and last month was approved for a type of lung cancer. It is a form of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel that is modified by the addition of a human protein called albumin. The company plans to submit the drug to the FDA for approval in pancreatic cancer.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network encourages all patients to consider clinical trials when exploring treatment options. Our organization has a comprehensive up-to-date database of all approved pancreatic cancer-specific clinical trials taking place nationwide and can do a customized eligibility search for patients through our Patient and Liaison Services program.

For more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and clinical trials visit www.pancan.org.  

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network