Accelerated Community Oncology Research Network (ACORN) reported positive results of a large, double-blind, randomized phase IIb trial in patients with breast cancer. The study evaluated a drug regimen for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The regimen, NexavarR (sorafenib) tablets in combination with either Gemcitabine (GemzarR) or Capecitabine (XelodaR), found statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival.  Forty investigative sites enrolled 160 patients over a three-year period.

Lee S. Schwartzberg, M.D., FACP, president of ACORN and chief medical officer of The West Clinic in Memphis, Tenn., served as study co-chair. "This study was conceived as one of a suite of trials collectively evaluating the addition of Nexavar to chemotherapy in different advanced disease settings,” he said. “The results demonstrate activity for this antiangiogenic agent in patients who had progressed on bevacizumab-containing regimens."

The West Clinic was, along with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a high enrolling site. According to Kurt Tauer, M.D., FACP, chief of staff and principal investigator for the study at The West Clinic, "This trial was a high priority for the clinic due to the interest in adding biological agents to standard chemotherapy, and we are pleased to see the positive results."