Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital Authorizes a Novartis Study on GEP-NETs in Only 8 Weeks and Becomes the Second Site Activated Worldwide
The Jewish General Hospital (JGH) in Montreal authorized Novartis’ NETTER-3 study in only 8 weeks with support from the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service. It was fully activated in only 10.2 weeks and allowed the team led by Dr. Petr Kavan to position itself as the second site activated worldwide for this Phase III study on gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs).
“In just 10.2 weeks and with the support provided by the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service coordinated by CATALIS, the Montreal Jewish General Hospital has taken a top position in the world thanks to its commitment to clinical research. Under the leadership of Dr. Petr Kavan, an expert in gastrointestinal oncology and neuro-oncology, the team provided patients with GEP-NETs with fast-tracked access to innovative treatments through Novartis Canada’s NETTER-3 study.”
– Novartis Canada
The Jewish General Hospital Focuses on Research to Improve the Lives of Cancer Patients
By conducting cutting-edge cancer research using a multidisciplinary approach at its Segal Cancer Centre, the Jewish General Hospital does more than just provide care. Its colorectal oncology program concentrates on colon, rectal, and other gastrointestinal cancers with one goal in mind: to offer a wide range of treatment options. Led by a team of world-class experts, the research explores cutting-edge approaches such as immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and precision radiation therapy. The JGH participates in numerous multicentre trials, giving its patients early access to promising therapies.
At the heart of these efforts is Dr. Petr Kavan, a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal and neuro-oncology who is leading clinical trials ranging from Phase I to Phase IV. His team aims to advance innovative treatments and make a real difference in the quality of life of those affected.
“As a partner of CATALIS, we are proud to offer the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service, which enables our patients to access the most promising treatments more quickly. This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing cutting-edge clinical research that truly addresses the needs of the communities we serve.”
– Dr. Sarit Assouline, Physician-Researcher, Head of the Division of Hematology, Jewish General Hospital (CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal)
“We are proud that our site was among the first ones in the world to be activated for the NETTER-3 study. Through support from CATALIS and the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service, we were able to act quickly and provide our patients with access to an innovative treatment option that has the potential to truly improve their care.”
– Petr Kavan MD, PhD, Researcher at the Institute and Associate Professor, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Targeted and Antiproliferative Radiation Therapy: A Two-Punch Approach Against GEP-NETs
Novartis’ NETTER-3 study evaluates the efficacy and safety of targeted radiation therapy combined with a drug that inhibits cancer cell growth in people newly diagnosed with well-differentiated and slow-growing gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs).
Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are cancers that originate in neuroendocrine cells, which can both receive nerve signals and release hormones into the blood. These cells are found in several organs, including the lungs, pancreas, and digestive system. Diagnosed NETs, which were long considered rare, are becoming more common. In the United States, their incidence increased more than sixfold between 1973 and 2012, a greater increase than that seen for most other types of tumours¹.
Among the most common subtypes are gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs), which develop in the stomach, intestines or pancreas. They represent about 70% of well-differentiated NETs, a form in which tumor cells retain several characteristics of normal cells. On their surface, these cells have a large amount of a receptor called the somatostatin receptor, which is a kind of molecular lock. By mimicking its natural key, some treatments can precisely target this receptor to deliver a radioactive load, destroying cancer cells while preserving the healthy tissue around them. These targeted radiation therapies help to control the disease and improve the quality of life of those affected. However, new strategies are now being evaluated to go even further.
The clinical trial being conducted by Novartis is doing exactly that by testing the effectiveness of a “two-punch” approach: an initial attack with targeted radiation therapy, followed by a treatment intended to slow down tumour growth. This combination is administered to patients recently diagnosed with a well-differentiated, slow-growing GEP-NET. With this combined approach as an initial treatment, the goal is to better control the disease, improve quality of life, and ultimately extend life expectancy. The Novartis study plans to recruit 240 patients worldwide for the first part of the study, including 5 in Quebec.
“Colorectal Cancer Canada is committed to reforming clinical trials across the country by ensuring that the patient voice guides research and by broadening access to patient-centered studies. We strongly support the NETTER-3 study, a model of collaboration and innovation that accelerates access to cutting-edge therapies. The FAST TRACK Evaluation Service shortens the initiation of clinical trials, thereby enabling patients to receive novel treatments more promptly. By fortifying Quebec’s leadership in global research and prioritizing patient access, we can deliver promising cancer therapies without delay. We commend Dr. Kavan, the Jewish General Hospital, Novartis Canada, and CATALIS for this essential collaboration.”
– Barry Stein, President & CEO, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Are you interested in participating in this clinical trial or other studies on gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs)? We offer a free Personalized Support Service to help guide you in your search for clinical trials. You can also access Clinical Trials Quebec’s information and services hub. This site contains easy-to-understand educational content, animated infographics, and free tools which will help you to better understand clinical research and what happens during a clinical trial. Information on Novartis’ NETTER-3 study is available through the www.clinicaltrials.gov website.
Accelerating Access to Innovative Treatments Through the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service and the CATALIS Network
Thanks to the commitment of healthcare institutions such as the JGH and pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis, CATALIS and its Network of Partners are delighted to stimulate innovation in clinical research and reduce clinical trials’ authorization times by nearly 75%, with the goal of accelerating the development of innovative treatments that improve the lives of patients in the province.
CATALIS would like to thank all its public and private partners for their trust, their participation in developing innovative clinical research approval methods, and their commitment to implementing fast-tracked clinical trials in their institutions.
If you would like more information about the FAST TRACK Evaluation Service, please write to us at: info@catalisquebec.com.
¹Zhang, X.‑B., Fan, Y.‑B., Jing, R., Getu, M. A., Chen, W.‑Y., Zhang, W., Dong, H.‑X., & Chen, H.‑J. (2024). Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: epidemiology, genetics, and treatment. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 15, Article 1424839. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2024.1424839
