There are three main types of treatment for head and neck cancer:

—      surgery

—      radiotherapy

—      chemotherapy

—      Two other treatments may sometimes be used:

—      photodynamic therapy (PDT)

—      biological therapies

Sometimes the treatment of head and neck cancers will involve two or more treatments combined together.

—      For most people, the treatment is aimed at:

—      removing the visible cancer

—      reducing the chances of the cancer coming back

Cancers affecting the head and neck are uncommon and therefore people with this type of cancer are usually treated in specialist cancer hospitals (centres). This may mean that you have to travel for your treatment.

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PR Newswire Europe

COPENHAGEN, Denmark –Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today the initiation of a Phase III study of HuMax-EGFr(TM) (zalutumumab) to treat head and neck cancer in cooperation with the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA). The study will include approximately 600 previously untreated head and neck cancer patients to assess whether concomitant therapy with HuMax-EGFr can improve the efficacy of primary curative radiotherapy.

“We are excited for DAHANCA to begin the largest HuMax-EGFr trial to date,” said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. “We hope that HuMax-EGFr provides additional benefit to head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.”

About the trial Patients in the study will be randomized to treatment with radiotherapy or HuMax-EGFr plus radiotherapy. All patients will receive treatment with accelerated radiotherapy plus nimorazole and may also receive cisplatin chemotherapy. Patients receiving HuMax-EGFr will receive six weekly doses of 8 mg/kg of HuMax-EGFr. Patients will be followed for at least 5 years and will be clinically evaluated at months 2, 5, 8 and 12 after completion of treatment. Evaluations will continue every 4 months in the second year and every 6 months the third and fourth year and once a year thereafter.

The objective of the study is to determine the efficacy of HuMax-EGFr in combination with radiotherapy in treating patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The primary endpoint is loco-regional control and secondary endpoints are overall survival, disease free survival and acute and late side effects.

Head and neck cancers may affect the mouth, nasal cavities, sinuses, larynx and pharynx. Most are squamous carcinomas but others include lymphoepithelioma and lymphoma. Head and neck cancers account for 3 % of all cancers in the U.S., with 40,000-60,000 cases diagnosed and 12,000 deaths annually. Worldwide incidence is about half a million with nearly 250,000 deaths.

Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused on developing fully human antibody therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Using unique, cutting-edge antibody technology, Genmab’s world class discovery and development teams have created and developed an extensive pipeline of products for potential treatment of a variety of diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders. As Genmab advances towards a commercial future, we remain committed to our primary goal of improving the lives of patients who are in urgent need of new treatment options. For more information on Genmab’s products and technology, visit www.genmab.com

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