Oncology

A proliferation of abnormal cells

Cancers are disorders involving anarchic proliferation of abnormal cells. These cells generally form a mass of tissue called a tumor. Metastasis occurs when such cells migrate through blood vessels or the lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Over 6 million deaths per year

The WHO registers over 10 million new cases per year. Every year, 6 million people die of cancer, i.e. 12% of global fatalities. Incidence of cancer could increase by 50% by 2020 because of an aging population.

Sanofi-aventis approaches

By gaining a better understanding of cancerous processes it has been possible to identify a number of targets that regulate the appearance, growth, survival or dissemination of cancer cells. Sanofi-aventis is intent on developing anticancer agents that can fight one or several of the processes which lead to cancer.

Targeted disorders

• Colorectal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Melanoma
• Malignant hemopathies (leukemias)