The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Oncology Research Program (ORP) has been awarded a $2 million grant from Boehringer Ingelheim to develop a program to scientifically evaluate and define the safety and clinical effectiveness of the investigational compound volasertib in the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
 
NCCN will initially evaluate existing data then define the data and type of studies necessary to further characterize the safety and clinical effectiveness of volasertib in hematologic malignancies.
 
Volasertib, an investigational compound being studied in various solid tumors and hematological cancers, inhibits enzymes called Polo-like kinase (PLK), which regulates cell division. This inhibition can result in prolonged cell cycle arrest, ultimately leading to cell death. 
 
“The ongoing collaboration between the NCCN ORP and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals is a true testament to the advancement of oncology research,” said Diane E. Paul, MS, RN, vice president, NCCN ORP. “This grant will afford investigators at NCCN Member Institutions the ability to be at the forefront of groundbreaking clinical research in hematologic malignancies.”
 
“Boehringer Ingelheim is honored to partner with such a prestigious organization as NCCN which is known for their high quality cancer research,” said Berthold Greifenberg, MD, vice president, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Oncology, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “We hope this grant will contribute to the understanding of the potential of volasertib to treat hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia.”