A new Option for the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)

London (ots/PRNewswire) - Raltitrexed (Tomudex(R)) in
combination with cisplatin in the treatment of MPM improves median
overall survival compared to treatment with cisplatin alone.[1] With
incidence rates expected to double over the next 20 years in many
countries[2], new and effective treatments are a welcome addition,
concluded an eminent panel of international speakers at a symposium
sponsored by Hospira at the 35th congress of the European Society for
Medical Oncology (ESMO), Milan.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a
thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall where it
is known as the pleura. It also surrounds the organs found within
this cavity, for example the heart and lungs.[3] Speakers at the
symposium highlighted that whilst MPM - most commonly caused by
exposure to asbestos - is a rare disease (the incidence is estimated
to be 1.1-1.25 cases per 100,000 people), its incidence is expected
to double over the next 20 years in many countries.[2]

Historically MPM has been treated with radiotherapy or surgery,
despite minimal evidence to support these treatment options and both
being associated with low success rates.[4,5,6] Speakers highlighted
that over recent years the treatment of MPM has been simplified with
the development of chemotherapy regimens as first-line treatment
options.

Speakers referred to a clinical trial of first-line raltitrexed
in combination with cisplatin, which showed that overall response
rates in the raltitrexed group were higher compared to patients
treated with cisplatin alone (23.6% vs. 13.6%; p=0.056).[1]
Raltitrexed improved median overall survival by 2.8 months compared
to patients treated with cisplatin alone (11.4 vs. 8.8 months;
p=0.0483).[1] In addition, raltitrexed was associated with improved
progression-free survival (5.3 vs. 4.0 months; p=0.058) compared to
treatment with cisplatin alone.[1]

"MPM is a hard to treat, rare cancer with a poor prognosis. New
treatment options such as a combination of cisplatin and raltitrexed,
which improve patient outcomes with no detrimental effect on quality
of life as compared to cisplatin alone are a welcome addition to our
therapeutic portfolio," said Professor JP van Meerbeeck, professor of
Thoracic Oncology at Ghent University, Belgium.

Treatment of MPM with chemotherapy regimens, including those that
are cisplatin-based, is associated with a high incidence of
neutropenia and anaemia. Neutropenia is the most serious
haematological toxicity that occurs as a result of cancer
chemotherapy and can lead to chemotherapy dose reductions and/or dose
delays compared with the prescribed schedule.[7] Anaemia is
associated with fatigue and poor quality of life. Supportive care to
treat neutropenia and anaemia is therefore very important. Hospira
has a broad oncology portfolio including supportive care drugs:
Nivestim(TM) (filgrastim) and Retacrit(TM) (epoetin zeta), which are
licensed for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and
anaemia respectively.

Notes to Editors:

About Tomudex

Tomudex (Raltitrexed) is currently licensed for the treatment of
malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in Portugal, Czech Republic and
Hungary; further marketing authorisations are expected across Europe
late 2010. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the
mesothelium, a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the
chest wall where it is known as the pleura.

About Nivestim

Nivestim (filgrastim) was recently approved by the European
Commission for the reduction in the duration of neutropenia and
incidence of febrile neutropenia in patients undergoing established
chemotherapy for malignancy. Neutropenia is a condition where the
number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood is
abnormally low. A reduced number of neutrophils increases a patient's
susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.

About Retacrit

Retacrit (epoetin zeta) is indicated for the treatment of
chemotherapy-induced anaemia, and anaemia associated with chronic
renal failure. Epoetins such as Retacrit, are forms of
erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys which acts within
the bone marrow to stimulate red blood cell production. There are
many causes of anaemia, including chemotherapy treatment for cancer
(which indiscriminately inhibits all fast-growing cells, including
red blood cells), renal failure (which can cause a deficiency in
production of erythropoietin) or a decrease in bone marrow function.
A decrease in red blood cell number or function may lead to anaemia.
Retacrit has been available in Europe since 2008.

About Hospira

Hospira is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication
delivery company dedicated to Advancing Wellness(TM). As the world
leader in specialty generic injectable pharmaceuticals, Hospira
offers one of the broadest portfolios of generic acute-care and
oncology injectables, as well as integrated infusion therapy and
medication management solutions. Through its products, Hospira helps
improve the safety, cost and productivity of patient care. The
company is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, United States and
has approximately 13,500 employees. The head office for Hospira in
Europe, Middle East and Africa is in Leamington Spa, UK. Learn more
at http://www.hospira.com.

References

1. van Meerbeeck JP, Gaafar R, Manegold C, et al. Randomized
phase III study of cisplatin with or without raltitrexed in patients
with malignant pleural mesothelioma: an intergroup study of the
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Lung
Cancer Group and the National Cancer Institute of Canada. J Clin
Oncol. 2005;23(28):6881-9

2. Stahel RA, Weger W, Lievens Y, Felip E. Malignant pleural
mesothelioma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis,
treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol 2010; 21:v126-8

3. Mesothelioma UK website.
http://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/mesothelioma-information-support.htm.
Accessed 15 September 2010

4. Borasio P, et al. Malignant pleural mesothelioma:
clinicopathologic and survival characteristics in a consecutive
series of 394 patients. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2008;33:307-13

5. Lee C, et al. Prophylactic radiotherapy to intervention sites
in mesothelioma: A systematic review and survey of UK practice. Lung
Cancer 2009;66:150-6

6. Scherpereel P, et al. Guidelines of the European Respiratory
Society and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the
management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Eur Respir Journal
2010;35:479-495

7. Crawford J, Dale DC, Lyman GH. Chemotherapy-Induced
Neutropenia: Risks, Consequences, and New Directions for Its
Management. Cancer, 2004; 100(2): 228-37

EMEA 10/195 September 2010

For further information please contact: Hannah Stacey, Athena,
+44(0)20-8956-2289 or +44(0)7984-496-441

ots Originaltext: Hospira, Inc.
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
CONTACT: For further information please contact: Hannah Stacey,
Athena,+44(0)20-8956-2289 or +44(0)7984-496-441