The US Oncology Network in The News

Leading oncology researchers will present abstracts on latest clinical and real-world evidence research across a range of cancer types

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 28, 2020 — During the virtual scientific program of the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, principal investigators from US Oncology Research and McKesson will demonstrate detailed results from more than 70 studies. Data presentations include six oral sessions on topics including immunotherapy and specific cancer types like prostate, ovarian, breast and others. The ASCO Annual Meeting, a leading conference delivering the latest cancer science to the global community, will be held May 29 – 31, 2020.

“The uncertainties of cancer care and research during today’s pandemic are having a profound effect on patients, oncologists and researchers,” said Robert L. Coleman, MD, FACOG, FACS, chief scientific officer, US Oncology Research. “Our team of community-based research investigators are committed to advancing research, even in challenging times, to examine new and improved therapies, diagnostics and other aspects of clinical cancer care, as cancer will not wait for us. This year’s sampling of clinical research featured during the 2020 ASCO virtual scientific program is no exception, as we have several abstracts selected for oral presentation. The quality and innovations being advanced by researchers illustrate this dedication to our collective patients and body of evidence in the field while showcasing that quality research can be found in local communities.”

Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, FASCO, FACP, medical oncologist at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) and associate chair of the US Oncology Research Genitourinary Committee, will have an oral presentation on the randomized SWOG S1216 Phase III study entitled, “Baseline circulating tumor cell (CTC) count as a prognostic marker of PSA response and progression in metastatic castrate sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC): Results from SWOG S1216, a phase III randomized trial of androgen deprivation plus orteronel (cyp17 inhibitor) or bicalutamide.”

“This is the largest Phase III study ever done with this circulating tumor cell technology in this common subset of prostate cancer patients; namely, newly diagnosed ‘hormone sensitive metastatic prostate cancer,’” said Dr. Vogelzang. “We are researching whether patients will benefit from adding a newer drug named orteronel to the current standard of care. This method would not result in more treatment options, but it may mean some patients need more intensive therapy, taking three drugs rather than just one or two while other patients could use less toxic therapy.”

Dr. Vogelzang will also have an oral presentation on a Phase I study in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) entitled, “First-in-human phase I study of ARV-110, an androgen receptor (AR) PROTAC degrader in patients (pts) with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following enzalutamide (ENZ) and/or abiraterone (ABI).”

Alex Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, medical oncologist at Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS) and chair of the US Oncology Research Executive Committee, will be part of two oral presentations on early-stage immunotherapy research during the conference entitled, “CX-2029, a PROBODY drug conjugate targeting CD71 (transferrin receptor): Results from a first-in-human study (PROCLAIM-CX-2029) in patients (Pts) with advanced cancer” and “PROCLAIM-CX-072: Analysis of patients with advanced solid tumors receiving long-term treatment with CX-072, a PD-L1 probody therapeutic, as a single agent or in combination with ipilimumab.”

“Immunotherapy research continues to expand and the body of evidence, in totality, holds immense promise for the future,” said Dr. Spira. “There is much to learn yet in the area of precision oncology and targeted therapies, but we are making continued progress towards promising therapies that could yield better results for patients with specific solid tumor mutations.”

Debra A. Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, FASCO, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology – Clinical Cancer Informatics, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology, and US Oncology Research Breast Cancer Committee member, and other investigators with US Oncology Research worked with McKesson Data, Evidence and Insights on real-world evidence (RWE), which resulted in a poster presentation regarding the value of evidence-based information to inform and improve clinical decision making entitled “Driving quality improvement: How clinical decision support can facilitate compliance with evidence-based pathways.”

“The application of informatics in cancer care continues to emerge and enlighten us as practitioners,” said Dr. Patt. “As more therapies become available and precision oncology continues to rapidly evolve, the use of informatics and evidence-based pathways will become more critical to oncologists as we consider the best course of treatment for our patients.”

In addition, Neelima Denduluri, MD, FASCO, medical oncologist with VCS and associate chair of The US Oncology Network Breast Cancer Research Committee, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO), a designation reserved to honor the most active volunteer members within ASCO. Dr. Denduluri was awarded this designation as a result of her outstanding commitment to serving the oncology community and volunteerism. She has been chair of the ASCO Guidelines Committee, President’s Circle Advocacy Champion, member of the ASCO Education Committee and Steering Committee member of the ASCO Research Community Forum.

“Dr. Denduluri is not only a talented and well-recognized member of the oncology community, she is committed to our field and patients, serving as a leader in the areas of clinical guidelines and an innovative researcher,” said Michael Seiden, MD, PhD, president, The US Oncology Network. “The designation of Dr. Denduluri as a member of this year’s class of Fellows of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists speaks to her dedication and leadership role within the industry, and the recognition of her contributions by her peers. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and value her as an esteemed member of the US Oncology Research team.”

The full schedule of affiliated data presentations, including location and author information, can be found here. For more information or to interview a trial investigator, contact Claire Crye at 281.825.9927 or Claire.Crye@mckesson.com or Edie DeVine at 209.814.9564 or Edie.DeVine@gcihealth.com.

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About US Oncology Research
US Oncology Research draws from a network of experienced investigators and dedicated clinical staff who specialize in oncology clinical trials. US Oncology Research serves approximately 60 research sites and more than 165 locations, managing about 400 active trials at any given time. For the past 20 years, physicians in the research network have enrolled more than 80,000 patients in over 1,600 trials and have played a role in more than 95 FDA-approved cancer therapies. US Oncology Research is supported by McKesson Corporation.

About McKesson Corporation
McKesson Corporation is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, retail pharmacy, community oncology and specialty care, and healthcare information technology. McKesson partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers, providers, pharmacies, governments and other organizations in healthcare to help provide the right medicines, medical products and healthcare services to the right patients at the right time, safely and cost-effectively. United by our ICARE shared principles, our employees work every day to innovate and deliver opportunities that make our customers and partners more successful — all for the better health of patients. McKesson has been named the “Most Admired Company” in the healthcare wholesaler category by FORTUNE, a “Best Place to Work” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a top military-friendly company by Military Friendly. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com.