Merck Serono leads call to action on head and neck cancer awareness

Merck Serono is leading an industry call to action that aims to encourage the dissemination of better information on head and neck cancers.

In alliance with the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS), the company has convened an expert panel of physicians that will lobby for improved provision of tailored information, advice and support networks for patients.

This project has been inspired by results from a recent patient survey called About Face 2, which highlighted numerous unmet needs in this area, including counselling provision and creating a positive attitude to combating the disease.

The panel took place as part of the Senseless Satellite Symposium in Stockholm earlier this week.

Dr Wolfgang Wein, executive vice-president for oncology at Merck, said: "Merck Serono is taking innovative steps to help ensure that early diagnosis, optimal communication and educational support are integral parts of the standard of care in head and neck cancer."

Earlier this month, the company agreed a deal to acquire rights to a new multiple sclerosis drug, which was developed by Peptimmune.