Erbitux gains favor among some oncologists--poll

By Kim Dixon

CHICAGO, June 7 (Reuters) - Doctors are willing to try ImClone Systems Inc.'s (IMCL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) Erbitux treatment for colon cancer even after a key study found a weaker-than-expected survival advantage, according to a poll of oncologists.

The study found that Erbitux stemmed progression of colon cancer by less than a month when added to chemotherapy. That fell short of hopes that it would match a several-month benefit that has been shown with Avastin, a rival drug marketed by Genentech Inc. (DNA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX: Quote, Profile, Research).

The findings, presented earlier this week at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago, are seen hampering ImClone's efforts to broaden use to a bigger market -- early-stage colon cancer patients.

The poll of 47 oncologists, however, found that among those who attended the presentation of the Erbitux study on Tuesday, nearly two-thirds are more likely to use it as a so-called "front line" treatment. About the same percentage said they viewed Erbitux more positively after the presentation, the survey found.

Physicians were paid for their anonymous participation in the survey, which was carried out for Anian -- a Reuters business that tracks industry issues and trends for institutional investors.

David Ryan, clinical director for gastrointestinal cancers at Massachusetts General Hospital, who attended the cancer meeting, said he will continue to use Avastin first and Erbitux as a second choice in treating his patients.

But he added that because the two drugs have never been directly compared, it is difficult to assess which is more effective.