Cancer Research Technology and AstraZeneca Collaborate on Colorectal Cancer Research

Strategic Insights -

Cancer Research Technology (CRT), a leading development and commercialization company focused on oncology, has entered into a significant agreement with AstraZeneca to advance research in colorectal cancer. This collaboration between CRT, the Cancer and Immunogenetics Laboratory led by Sir Walter Bodmer, and AstraZeneca aims to characterize the expression of key genes involved in colorectal cancer, ultimately informing the development of novel targeted therapeutics. The partnership will combine expertise from both institutions to tackle the significant challenges in treating colorectal cancer, which claims the lives of over 1 million people worldwide each year.

Key Takeaways:

  • CRT and AstraZeneca have entered into an agreement to collaborate on colorectal cancer research, focusing on characterizing key genes involved in the disease.
  • The Cancer and Immunogenetics Laboratory led by Sir Walter Bodmer will provide critical reagents and data for the research program, which will be undertaken by AstraZeneca.
  • The findings of this collaboration will be shared by both CRT and AstraZeneca, with the ultimate goal of advancing AstraZeneca's anti-colorectal cancer programs.
  • The partnership aims to increase understanding of the link between molecular pathology and drug efficacy, ultimately identifying novel drug targets and developing effective treatments for chemoresistant tumors.
  • Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer worldwide, with an estimated 1 million diagnoses and 8% of cancer-related deaths annually.
  • Current treatments for advanced disease are primarily palliative, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Statistics:

  • 1 million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year worldwide.
  • Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer worldwide.
  • 8% of deaths from cancer are attributed to colorectal cancer annually.
  • The 5-year survival rate for patients with advanced colorectal cancer is less than 10%.
  • Current treatments for advanced colorectal cancer are primarily palliative.

Sources:

  • Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports (Copyright 2006, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com)