Colorectal Cancer Trial Now Under Way (NAPSA)—This year, more than 145,000 new casesof colorec- tal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. Colorectal cancer, which is the third most commonly diagnosed cancerin the country,is a disease in which malignantcells form in the colon or rectum. Unfortunately, colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates have only moderately decreased or remained level over the past decade, and according to the American Cancer Society, more than 56,000 will succumb to the disease this year. Important research is under way with the goal of improving treatment options for patients with colorectal cancer. There is a clinical trial being conducted around the country to investigate a potential new colorectal cancer treatment. The study, known as PACCE (Panitumumab Advanced Colorectal Cancer Evaluation), is a Phase 3 clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of using two targeted cancer therapies in combination with chemotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread. Across the country, institutions are currently enrolling patients in the PACCE trial, and there may be a trial site in your area. The treatments used in the study are chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells; a medication called bevacizumab, approved to stop the growth of blood vessels to the tumor; and panitumumab, an experimental treatment that is being investigated to see if it will help stop the tumor from growing. Patients who partici- Quick Facts: Colorectal Cancer In The U.S.* e Every 4 minutes, a personis diagnosed with colorectal cancer e Every 9.3 minutes, a person dies of colorectal cancer One out of 18 people will develop colorectal cancer in his orherlifetime Someofthe risk factors for colorectal cancer include:** Age Family history e Ethnic background e Smoking Alcohol consumption Diet, obesity and physical activity Signs and symptomsof colorectal cancer may include:** e Change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stoolthat lasts for more than a few days The feeling a bowel movementis needed that is not relieved by doing so e Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool Cramping or steady abdominal pain e Weakness andfatigue * Information provided by The Colon CancerAlliance ** Information provided by The American Cancer Society @ pate in the trial are treated either with chemotherapy and bevacizumab, or with panitumumab in addition to chemother- apy and bevacizumab. If you are 18 years of age or older, have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer that has spread and would like additional information about the PACCE trial, visit www.amgentrials.com or call (866) 57AMGEN(866-572-6436).
