Release Details

Fort Myers, Fla. and Cary, N.C., Nov. 3, 2020 – Waverly Oncology Hematology (Waverly), an American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) partner, recently announced that the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) has published the full results of the landmark MonarchE trial of abemaciclib (Verzenio®) combined with endocrine therapy for the adjuvant treatment of HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high risk, early breast cancer. Waverly was the only site within the Research Triangle to participate in the worldwide trial. The MonarchE trial is the first significant improvement in outcome for these patients in 20 years. Trial results were presented at the Presidential Symposium at the ESMO Virtual Congress 2020, Europe’s most prestigious platform for oncology stakeholders.

Many patients with HR+, HER2− early breast cancer (EBC) will not experience recurrence or have distant recurrence with currently available standard therapies. However, up to 30% of patients with high-risk clinical and/or pathologic features may experience distant recurrence, many in the first few years. The trial sought to identify treatment options to prevent early recurrence and development of metastases for this group of patients.

The phase III clinical study included patients with HR+, HER2−, high-risk EBC, who had surgery and, as indicated, radiotherapy and/or adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with four or more positive nodes, or one to three nodes and either tumor size ≥ 5 cm, histologic grade 3, or central Ki-67 ≥ 20%, were eligible and randomly assigned (1:1) to standard-of-care adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) with or without abemaciclib (150 mg twice daily for 2 years).

The trial found abemaciclib when combined with ET to be the first CDK4/6 inhibitor to demonstrate a significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival in patients with HR+, HER2− node-positive EBC at high risk of early recurrence.

“The tremendous advancements made in cancer treatment in recent years have been achieved through clinical trials,” said Dr. Mark Graham of Waverly Hematology Oncology. “We are extremely proud to have participated in this research contributing significantly to these advances.”

For over 30 years Dr. Graham has been an active clinical investigator through the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a cancer clinical trials network in the U.S., leading in patient accrual and data. Waverly is also the only Research Triangle site of the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research (SCOR), representing over 20 communities in six states.

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About Waverly Hematology Oncology: (WaverlyHematologyOncology.com)
Waverly Hematology Oncology (Waverly) offers centralized easy access cancer care for Cary, North Carolina patients and is conveniently located at the intersection of two major highways, Route 1 and Highway 64 (Tryon Road). In private practice since 2004, Waverly represents two medical oncologists, three physician assistants and a team of over 40 employees, 17 of which have over 10 years of employment. A community-based practice, Waverly offers medical oncology, chemotherapy, infusion therapy, laboratory services, an on-site pharmacy and has the oldest cancer genetics clinic in Wake County. At its site at 300 Ashville Avenue, services such as diagnostic radiology, breast imaging, radiation oncology and surgery, are also offered by other practices located within the same building.

For over 30 years Dr. Graham has been an active clinical investigator through the NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP), a cancer clinical trials network in the U.S., leading in patient accrual and data. Waverly is also the only Triangle site of the Southeast Clinical Oncology Research (SCOR), representing over 20 communities in six states.

Waverly expanded the practice in 2015 and opened the first formal Cancer Survivorship Clinic in the county that now includes over 2,000 breast cancer survivors and those at high risk for breast cancer.

About American Oncology Network, LLC: (AONcology.com)
American Oncology Network, LLC (AON) is an alliance of physicians and seasoned healthcare leaders partnering to ensure the long-term success of community oncology. Launched in 2018, the rapidly growing AON network represents 88 physicians and 57 nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing across 15 states. The executive management team of AON brings more than three decades of oncology practice management experience, enabling physicians to focus on what matters most – providing the highest quality care for patients.

The organization provides unique and comprehensive protocols for managing administrative procedures and enhancing ancillary services for its affiliates. AON is able to aggregate volume and attain economies of scale, as it guides its member physicians and practices through the transition to value-based reimbursement models that improve the patient experience and help to reduce the per-capita cost of cancer care.

AON also provides a unique model of physician led, community-based oncology management. With services such as a centralized specialty pharmacy, diagnostics, pathology, fully integrated electronic medical records, a care management team and a variety of financial assistance programs, an alliance with AON ensures that patients’ experiences will be at the very pinnacle of cancer care today.

For More Information, Contact:
American Oncology Network, LLC
Caroline Hewitt, Director of  Marketing
Caroline.Hewitt@AONcology.com
(239) 789.2341