Merck Serono launches new global colorectal cancer initiative

Merck Serono has announced the launch of a new global health initiative aimed at improving outcomes among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

The Oncology Partnership and Education Network (Open) brings together a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders involved with the management of cancer, with mCRC to be its initial area of focus.

Its first project will be to establish a worldwide campaign to improve awareness and understanding of the disease among the general public, patients and healthcare professionals, with a particular focus on how biomarkers can enhance treatment quality.

Biomarkers now allow physicians to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from specific treatment options, making the provision of individualised care easier to organise.

Dr Steven Hildemann, global chief medical officer and head of global medical and safety operations for Merck Serono, said: "Merck Serono is proud to be able to support Open in its mission to raise awareness globally of the important role biomarkers play in improving clinical outcomes for people living with mCRC."

This comes after the company's drug Erbitux received a positive funding decision for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer in England from the Cancer Drugs Fund.