Providing Culturally Sensitive Palliative Care to Children With Cancer
In the fall of 2023, Justin Baker, MD, took on the role of Chief of the Division of Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care and Director of the Quality of Life for All Program, Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, Stanford, California. He formerly worked at St. Jude Children’s Research...
Multiple Myeloma: Is MRD Status at 1 Year After Treatment Predictive of Survival?
Results from the Prognostic Immunophenotyping in Myeloma Response (PRIMeR) study, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Marcelo C. Pasquini, MD, MS, and colleagues, found that undetectable measurable residual disease (MRD) status at 1 year after autologous hematopoietic cell...
Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Unresectable Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer: Comparison of Agents
In a Chinese phase III trial (CRTCOESC) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Jia et al found that neither capecitabine nor XELOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin) improved 2-year overall survival vs cisplatin/fluorouracil as part of definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with...
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Tarlatamab-dlle for Extensive-Stage SCLC
On May 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra), a bispecific T-cell engager immunotherapy targeting delta-like ligand 3 and CD3, for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after...
Half-Matched Family Donors May Improve ASCT Outcomes in Hispanic Patients With ALL
Researchers have found that allogeneic stem cell transplantation from a haploidentical relative may significantly increase the rate of success in Hispanic patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), according to a recent study published by Ashouri et al in Leukemia Research.
Background
In...
Childhood Adiposity and Risk for Breast Cancer
Investigators have uncovered that a higher adiposity in childhood may lead to less dense tissue formation and decrease the risk of breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Vabistsevits et al in Nature Communications.
Background
As a result of the rising incidence of breast cancer,...
Daniel M. Geynisman, MD, Named New JNCCN Editor-in-Chief
Daniel M. Geynisman, MD, has been announced as the new Editor-in-Chief for JNCCN—Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Dr. Geynisman is Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology/Medical Oncology and Chief of the Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology at Fox Chase...
Donepezil for the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment in Breast Cancer Survivors After Adjuvant Chemotherapy
In the phase III WF-97116 trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Rapp et al found that treatment with the cognitive enhancer donepezil did not improve memory or other cognitive functions vs placebo in breast cancer survivors with cancer-related cognitive impairment 1 to 5 years after...
Newly Identified Genetic Variants Linked to Breast Cancer Risk in Women of African Ancestry
Researchers have uncovered novel genetic variants potentially associated with a higher risk of breast cancer–related mortality among women of African ancestry, according to a recent study published by Jia et al in Nature Genetics.
Background
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among...
Plant-Based Diet May Offer Benefit in Patients With Prostate Cancer
A plant-based diet may help reduce the risk of disease progression in patients with prostate cancer, according to a recent study published by Liu et al in JAMA Network Open.
Background
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men.
Plant-based diets—which are becoming increasingly...
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Lisocabtagene Maraleucel for Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma
On May 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy lisocabtagene maraleucel (Breyanzi) for adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have received two or more prior lines of systemic...
AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2024 Highlights Ongoing Health Inequities Experienced by Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Despite the extraordinary progress against cancer in the United States—illustrated by the continuing decline in the overall mortality rate, which fell by 33% between 1991 and 2020, and the increasing numbers of cancer survivors (over 18 million and climbing)—the burden of cancer remains
As reported in The Lancet by Martin Dreyling, MD, PhD, and colleagues, results in the European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network phase III TRIANGLE trial indicate that the addition of ibrutinib to immunochemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) significantly improved failure-free...Previously Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Ibrutinib, Immunochemotherapy, and ASCT
Marker for Distinguishing Renal Cell Carcinoma From Benign Renal Masses
In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Xu et al found that higher levels of preoperative plasma kidney injury molecule-1 (pKIM-1) distinguished renal cell carcinoma from benign renal masses.
As stated by the investigators, “Both clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma...
FDA Approves HPV Self-Collection Solution
On May 15, Roche announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection solution—one of the first of such tests available in the United States.
Screening for HPV can help identify women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer so that...
Disparities in Melanoma Outcomes Among Black Patients
Investigators may have uncovered sex-based disparities in the detection and survival of melanoma in Black patients, according to a recent study published by Steadman et al in the Journal of Surgical Oncology.
Background
Melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer that accounts for about 75% of...
Chemotherapy May Accelerate Physical Decline in Older Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Investigators have found that female patients aged 65 years or older with high-risk breast cancer who are treated with chemotherapy may be more likely to experience a substantial decline in physical function, according to a recent study published by Sedrak et al in the Journal of Cancer...
Atezolizumab/Cabozantinib vs Docetaxel in Previously Treated Metastatic NSCLC
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Joel Neal, MD, PhD, and colleagues, the phase III CONTACT-01 trial has shown no significant improvement in overall survival with atezolizumab plus cabozantinib vs docetaxel after checkpoint inhibitor treatment and chemotherapy in patients with...
Study Reveals Potential Overtreatment of DCIS in Older Women With Limited Life Expectancy
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) may often be overtreated in older women with limited life expectancy, according to research presented during the 2024 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Annual Meeting.1 The retrospective analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare...
T-DXd for Advanced Solid Tumors With Activating HER2 Mutations
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Bob T. Li, MD, PhD, MPH, and colleagues, the phase II DESTINY-PanTumor01 trial showed activity of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd) in patients with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors that have specific activating HER2 mutations. The antibody-drug...
Childhood Cancer Survivors: Genetic Risk Factors for Treatment-Related Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Im et al found that genetic variants associated with a risk of treatment-related type 2 diabetes mellitus among childhood cancer survivors of African or European ancestry posed a higher risk of diabetes among those of African ancestry.
As...
Children’s Cancer Cause Opens Applications for the 2024 Survivorship Champion’s Prize
The Children’s Cancer Cause announced that the organization is accepting applications for its 2024 Survivorship Champion’s Prize.
Overview of the Prize
The Survivorship Champion’s Prize, totaling $10,000, is presented by Children’s Cancer Cause annually to a group, program, or institution...
Appendectomy May Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer Subtype
Appendectomy may be associated with a reduced risk of a colorectal cancer subtype positive for the tumor-promoting Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria, according to a recent study published by Kawamura et al in the Annals of Surgery.
Background
Despite being historically dismissed as an unnecessary...
Colorectal Cancer Incidence Is Rising Among Teenagers and Young Adults
The incidence of colorectal cancer has risen significantly among younger U.S. patients over the past 2 decades, according to new findings presented by Mohamed et al at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 (Abstract Mo1149) and simultaneously published in Gastroenterology.
Background
“Colorectal cancer ...
Lymphoid Neoplasms: European National Health Expenditure and Long-Term Survival
In an analysis of the EUROCARE-6 data set reported in The Lancet Oncology, Milena Sant, MD, and colleagues found that patients with lymphoid neoplasms from European countries with greater health expenditure had improved 10-year age-standardized relative survival.
Study Details
The study involved...
Doublet for Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Leiomyosarcoma
In a phase Ib study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Van Tine et al established the recommended phase II dose of oral unesbulin in combination with dacarbazine for patients with locally recurrent, unresectable or metastatic, relapsed or refractory leiomyosarcoma.
Unesbulin is a small...
Survey Finds Majority of Patients With Cancer and Survivors Have or Expect to Incur Medical Debt—Even Those With Insurance
Nearly half (49%) of patients with cancer and cancer survivors report being burdened by medical debt, alongside some (13%) who report expecting to incur medical debt as part of their treatment plan, according to a new Survivor Views survey conducted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action...
Oral Rinse Could Provide Early Screening for Gastric Cancer
A simple oral rinse may lead to early detection of gastric cancer, according to new findings presented by Perati et al at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2024 (Abstract 949) and simultaneously published in Gastroenterology.
Background
Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality...
Venetoclax Plus Hypomethylating Agents: Analyzing Standard-of-Care Outcomes in Older Patients With AML
Standard-of-care treatment comprising venetoclax plus hypomethylating agents was found to be safe and effective in some patients aged 80 years and older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to a recent study published by Madarang et al in Blood Neoplasia.
Background
Older adult patients...
Chemical-Related Epigenetic Modifications May Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer Among Firefighters
Exposure to certain chemicals while on the job may increase the risk of prostate cancer among firefighters, according to a recent study published by Quaid et al in Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis.
Background
Prostate cancer has the highest incidence of any cancer type among U.S. male...
Whole-Pelvic Radiation Therapy for Unfavorable-Risk Prostate Cancer
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Sayan et al, analysis of long-term findings from the phase III Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Trial 05-043 showed that whole-pelvic radiation therapy (WPRT) was associated with favorable survival outcomes vs prostate-only radiation therapy (PORT)...
Head and Neck Cancer: Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw Classification System
In a single-institution study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Watson et al identified risk factors for osteoradionecrosis of the jaw and developed a classification system for the condition in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
Study Details
The study...
Novel PET Agent May Accelerate Imaging in Patients With Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
The novel investigational positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging agent gallium (Ga)-68–DPI-4452 may offer rapid and accurate visualization of lesions in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Hofman et al in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The...
Impact of Age on Outcomes in Endometrial Cancer
In an analysis of data from the PORTEC-1, -2, and -3 trials reported in The Lancet Oncology, Wakkerman et al found that older age was associated with more aggressive tumor features and poorer outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer.
Study Details
The analysis included data from 1,801...
Addition of Durvalumab to Gemcitabine/Cisplatin in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: PROs in TOPAZ-1
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Howard A. Burris III, MD, FACP, FASCO, and colleagues, a patient-reported outcome (PRO) analysis from the phase III TOPAZ-1 trial showed no “detrimental effect” with the addition of durvalumab to gemcitabine/cisplatin in patients with advanced biliary tract...
Omission of Axillary Dissection After Nodal Downstaging With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
In a retrospective cohort study reported in JAMA Oncology, Montagna et al found that patients with breast cancer with nodal downstaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a low rate of axillary recurrence, with no difference observed for staging with targeted axillary dissection vs sentinel lymph...
Local Recurrence of Endometrial Cancer: Radiotherapy With or Without Cisplatin
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Ann H. Klopp, MD, PhD, and colleagues, results from an NRG Oncology/GOG trial showed “excellent” progression-free survival outcomes with radiation therapy alone for local recurrences of endometrial cancer, with the addition of cisplatin in...
Historical Community Outreach and Engagement Efforts at NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
Investigators have examined the historical evolution of Community Outreach and Engagement initiatives at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and NCI-designated cancer centers and provided recommendations to guide future efforts, according to a recent study published by Pohl et al in CA: A Cancer...
Newly Identified Biomarkers May Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of RCC Subtypes
Researchers have identified novel biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma subtypes, according to a new study published by Li et al in Cell Reports Medicine. The findings may help identify therapeutic targets in non–clear cell renal cell carcinomas.
Background
Renal cell carcinoma is a diverse cancer...
Bavituximab Plus Pembrolizumab for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Adding the phosphatidylserine-targeting antibody bavituximab to the immunotherapy agent pembrolizumab may improve response rates without compromising safety in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Hsieh et al in Nature Communications. The findings...
Effect of Radiation Therapy Timing on Lifespan of Artificial Urinary Sphincters in Prostate Cancer Survivors
Researchers have shown that adjuvant radiation therapy rather than salvage radiation therapy may improve the function of artificial urinary sphincters for stress urinary incontinence in patients who have undergone surgery for prostate cancer, according to new findings presented by Gaines et al at...
Hemihepatectomy: Outcomes With Laparoscopic vs Open Surgery
In a phase III study (ORANGE II PLUS) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Fichtinger et al found that among patients with indications for hemihepatectomy suitable for both laparoscopic and open approaches, of whom the majority had cancer, the laparoscopic approach was associated with a...
T-DXd vs Physician’s Choice of Therapy in HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: PROs in DESTINY-Breast02
In an analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in the DESTINY-Breast02 trial published in The Lancet Oncology, Tanja Fehm, MD, and colleagues found that general health status/quality of life was maintained over time with fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd) vs physician’s choice of therapy...
Novel Urine Biomarker Test May Reduce Unnecessary Cystoscopies in Patients With Bladder Cancer
Researchers have found that a novel urine biomarker test may effectively halve the number of cystoscopies necessary in high-risk patients with bladder cancer, according to recent findings presented by Dreyer et al at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress 2024. The research also...
Durvalumab After Chemoradiotherapy in Unresectable NSCLC: Real-World Use and Outcomes
In a U.S. retrospective cohort study (SPOTLIGHT) reported in JAMA Network Open, Mooradian et al found that a substantial proportion of patients with unresectable stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) did not receive consolidation durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy—but those who did had...
Dato-DXd in Advanced or Metastatic HR-Positive/HER2-Negative or Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
In the phase I TROPION-PanTumor01 trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Aditya Bardia, MD, PhD, and colleagues found that the antibody-drug conjugate datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) was active in patients with locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor...
United Kingdom’s First Cardio-Oncology Service: 10-Year Experience
In a research letter published by Andres et al in JACC: CardioOncology, staff from Royal Brompton Hospital, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London described their experience over 10 years in the UK’s first cardio-oncology service.
Study Details
The study involved data from the...
Improving AML Outcomes: Testing for MRD Prior to Bone Marrow Transplant
Testing for measurable residual disease (MRD) prior to bone marrow transplant may be effective and practical in patients in remission after receiving treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to a recent study published by Dillon et al in JAMA Oncology.
Study Methods and Results
In...
AI Model May Accurately Predict Mental Health Outcomes in Patients With Cancer
A novel artificial intelligence (AI) model may accurately predict which patients with cancer may require mental health services during cancer care, according to a recent study published by Nunez et al in Communications Medicine.
Background
Mental health has been shown to have a significant impact ...
Breast-Conserving Therapy in BRCA-Mutation Carriers: Study Looks at Long-Term Outcomes
Recent research has provided valuable insights into the long-term outcomes of patients with pathogenic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations who undergo breast-conserving therapy, according to a study presented at the 2024 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Annual Meeting.1
The observational study found that...
USPSTF Issues Final Recommendation Statement on Screening for Breast Cancer
Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) published a final recommendation statement on screening for breast cancer. The USPSTF now recommends that all women get screened for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74 (B grade recommendation). More ...
Relapsed or Refractory CD7-Positive Leukemia or Lymphoma: CAR T-Cell Therapy Plus HSCT Without GVHD Prophylaxis
In a Chinese study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Hu et al found that sequential CD7 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was effective in patients with...
Premastectomy Radiotherapy, Surgery, and Immediate Breast Reconstruction
In a single-center phase II trial reported in JAMA Network Open, Schaverien et al found that a strategy of premastectomy radiotherapy and immediate breast reconstruction was feasible in patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer.
Study Details
A total of 49 patients with cT0–T3, N0–N3b breast...
Liposomal Irinotecan vs Topotecan in Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by David R. Spigel, MD, and colleagues, the phase III RESILIENT Part 2 trial has shown no overall survival benefit with second-line liposomal irinotecan vs topotecan in patients with small cell lung cancer whose disease progressed on or after...
Smoking Cessation Regimens: Does Dose of Therapy Matter?
Altering or increasing the dosages of smoking cessation regimens may help patients quit smoking, according to a recent study published by Cinciripini et al in JAMA. The findings indicated that the smoking cessation drug varenicline may be more effective than combined nicotine replacement therapy...
Preferred Sites of Cancer Care: Community Oncology Practices vs Hospitals and Academic Centers
Investigators uncovered that community oncology practices emerged as the preferred sites of service for cancer treatment compared with hospitals and academic centers, according to a recent case study. The findings may challenge the common perception of hospitals and academic centers as preferable...
Risk of Arterial Thromboembolism in Japanese Patients With Cancer
In a Japanese retrospective study reported in JACC:CardioOncology, Gon et al identified the incidence and outcomes of arterial thromboembolism in patients with cancer.
Study Details
The study used data on 97,448 patients with cancer (median age = 70 years) from the Osaka Cancer Registry linked...
Breast Implant–Related Cancers: Should Our Patients Be Concerned?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication,1 which was updated2 on March 22, 2023, informing the public that there have been reports of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and various lymphomas of the breast in the capsule or scar of breast implants. These lymphomas...
Metastatic Urothelial Cancer: NECTIN4 Amplification and Response to Enfortumab Vedotin
In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Klümper et al established a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to measure NECTIN4 copy number variations and found that NECTIN4 amplification was associated with high activity of the anti-NECTIN4 antibody-drug conjugate...
Salvage Reirradiation for Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer: 7-Year Follow-up
In an update of a Norwegian trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Ekanger et al found that long term, salvage reirradiation for locally recurrent prostate cancer was feasible and associated with good outcomes.
Study Details
The study included 38 patients with locally recurrent...
Effect of Mindfulness Audio Recordings on Physical, Emotional Side Effects During Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Listening to mindfulness audio recordings may effectively alleviate the side effects of radiation therapy in men with prostate cancer, according to a recent study published by Victorson et al in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health.
Background
Men with prostate cancer who receive...
Mortality Trends Among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander Patients With Preventable Cancers
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has detailed disparities in the mortality rates for preventable cancer types among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander patients in a new Cancer Facts & Figures report published by Wagle et al.
Background
In this report, the Asian...
Glecirasib Shows Efficacy and Safety in KRAS G12C–Mutated NSCLC
Glecirasib monotherapy demonstrated efficacy in previously treated patients with KRAS G12C–mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to data presented during the ASCO Plenary Series: April 2024 Session (Abstract 468214).
Results of the pivotal Chinese phase II study of glecirasib...
Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Addition of LuPSMA to Enzalutamide
In an interim analysis of the Australian phase II ENZA-p trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Emmett et al found that the addition of lutetium-177–labeled PSMA-617 (LuPSMA) to enzalutamide improved prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression-free survival in the first-line treatment of patients...
Pediatric AML: Comparison of Induction Regimens
In the phase III AML2012 trial, which had early termination of enrollment and results of which were reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Tierens et al found that mitoxantrone-based induction resulted in better outcomes vs liposomal daunorubicin–based induction in pediatric patients with...
Older Patients With Newly Diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma: Preexisting Heart Failure and Survival Outcomes
In a study reported in JACC: CardioOncology, Upshaw et al found that preexisting heart failure was associated with an increased risk of lymphoma and cardiovascular mortality among patients aged ≥ 65 years who were newly diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
The study used linked Surveillance,...
Cancer Screening Rates May Be Significantly Lower in U.S. Federally Qualified Health Centers
The rates of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings in Federally Qualified Health Centers may be substantially lower compared with overall screening rates in the United States, according to a recent study published by Amboree et al in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Background
The U.S....
Aspirin Use Among Breast Cancer Survivors: Navigating Negative Results, Age, and Health Equity
Investigators uncovered critical issues related to health equity and aging that may have broad implications for cancer trials among breast cancer survivors receiving aspirin, according to a recent study published by Mandelblatt et al in JAMA.
Study Methods and Results
In the recent study, the...
Impact of Propofol Exposure on Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children With High-Risk ALL
In an analysis from the Children’s Oncology Group phase III AALL1131 study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Alexander et al found that exposure to propofol was associated with an increased risk of impairment in reaction time/processing speed at 1 year after treatment in children with...
Trends in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survival Rates Across Racial and Ethnic Groups
The rate of survival following autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation may have increased among all racial and ethnic groups, but disparities may still exist among some patient groups, according to a recent study published by Khera et al in Blood Advances.
Background
...
Combination of Preketone Supplements and Immunotherapy May Be Effective in Patients With Prostate Cancer
The addition of a component of the ketogenic diet—a preketone dietary supplement—to immunotherapy showed efficacy in potentially treating prostate cancer in a laboratory setting, according to a recent study published by Murphy et al in Cancer Research.
Background
Although immune checkpoint...
Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy in Patients With Early-Stage NSCLC
In a systematic review and meta-analysis reported in JAMA Network Open, Banna et al found that neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy was associated with improved event-free survival and pathologic complete response compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone in patients with early-stage non–small cell...
FDA Approves Trastuzumab Biosimilar Trastuzumab-strf
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved trastuzumab-strf (Hercessi), a biosimilar to trastuzumab (Herceptin), for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer and gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Trastuzumab-strf is indicated for adjuvant treatment of...
FDA Approves Tisotumab Vedotin-tftv for Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer
On April 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to tisotumab vedotin-tftv (Tivdak) for patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer whose disease progressed on or after chemotherapy. Tisotumab vedotin-tftv previously received accelerated approval for...
Malpractice Risk With Active Surveillance for Patients With Low-Risk Cancer
Investigators have assessed medical malpractice trends related to active surveillance as a treatment strategy across different types of cancers, according to a recent study published by Chang et al in the Annals of Surgery.
Background
Active surveillance is a less invasive approach that reserves...
An Exosome-Based Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
An investigational exosome-based liquid biopsy accurately detected 97% of stage I to II pancreatic cancers when combined with the biomarker CA 19-9, according to research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 (Abstract 3899).
“Pancreatic cancer is one ...
Accelerated Aging May Be a Risk Factor for Early-Onset Cancers in Younger Generations
According to recent studies, the incidence of early-onset cancers—often defined as those diagnosed in individuals younger than age 50—is on the rise, and not just in the United States but globally as well. Research shows that between 1990 and 2019, the global incidence of early-onset cancer...
Barriers to Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma
Investigators have uncovered persistent racial and social disparities that may impede access to autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for some patients with multiple myeloma, according to a recent study published by Esteghamat et al in Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia.
Background
...
Financial Hardships Caused by Cancer Are Long-Lasting for Many Working-Age Adults
Research shows that the average cost of medical care and drugs can top $42,000 in the first year following a cancer diagnosis, with the cost of some treatments, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, exceeding $1 million. For many cancer survivors, these costs can have a lingering...
MRI-Guided Duration of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
In a Dutch phase II study (TRAIN-3) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Anna van der Voort, MD, and colleagues found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected complete radiologic response after only three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in many patients with stage II to III HER2-positive...
Immunotherapy Plus FOLFIRI for Advanced Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
In a French noncomparative phase II trial (PRODIGE 59-FFCD 1707-DURIGAST) reported in JAMA Oncology, Tougeron et al found limited activity of FOLFIRI (leucovorin, fluorouracil, and irinotecan) plus durvalumab or durvalumab/tremelimumab in the second-line treatment of advanced...
AUA, ASCO, and SUO Publish 2024 Amendment to Nonmetastatic Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Guidelines
The American Urological Association (AUA), in partnership with ASCO and the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO), has issued a 2024 clinical practice guideline amendment for the diagnosis and treatment of nonmetastatic muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The updated guidelines were published by...
Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-564
As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Toni K. Choueiri, MD, FASCO, and colleagues, the third prespecified interim analysis of overall survival in the phase III KEYNOTE-564 trial has shown a significant benefit with adjuvant pembrolizumab vs placebo in patients with clear cell renal...
Combined ICI and VEGF Inhibitor Trials in Cancer: Cardiovascular Eligibility Criteria and Adverse Event Reporting
In a study reported in JACC:CardioOncology, Rankin et al analyzed the degree to which published phase II to IV trials of combination immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and VEGF inhibitor treatment for cancer reported cardiovascular eligibility criteria and adverse events.
As stated by the...
Risk of T-Cell and Second Primary Malignant Neoplasms After CAR T-Cell Therapy
In a study reported in a research letter in JAMA Oncology, Storgard et al identified the risk of T-cell malignant neoplasms and any second primary malignant neoplasms in patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for hematologic malignancies.
Study Details
The study used ...
Lack of Research Focused on Older Adults With Cancer May Be Contributing to Disparities in Care
The current body of research may inadequately address the intersection of aging, health disparities, and cancer outcomes among older patients, according to a recent systematic review published by Gilmore et al in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The findings revealed an urgent need...
Breast Cancer Survivors: Relationship Satisfaction and Emotional and Physical Well-Being
Investigators have uncovered that the emotional and physical health of breast cancer survivors may be influenced by their relationship with their partners, according to a recent study published by Vachon et al in Healthcare.
Background
The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer often place...
FDA Approves Lu-177 Dotatate for Pediatric Patients With GEP-NETs
On April 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lutetium Lu-177 dotatate (Lutathera) for pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), including foregut, midgut, and hindgut...
AI Model May Help Predict Treatment Responses, Select Most Effective Cancer Therapies in Patients With Cancer
Researchers have developed a novel artificial intelligence (AI) model that may accurately predict whether patients with cancer will respond to certain therapies, according to a recent study published by Sinha et al in Nature Cancer. The findings indicated that single-cell RNA sequencing data may be ...
In-Hospital Mortality Among Patients With COVID-19 Infection, With or Without Cancer
In a UK-based prospective cohort study reported in The Lancet Oncology, Turtle et al found that among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection, those receiving cancer treatment had a higher rate of in-hospital mortality vs those without a cancer diagnosis.
Study Details
The study included...
Imaging Drug to Assist in Detection of Cancerous Tissue Following Lumpectomy Approved
Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pegulicianine (Lumisight) for adult patients with breast cancer to assist in the intraoperative detection of cancerous tissue within the resection cavity following removal of the primary specimen during lumpectomy. Pegulicianine is a...
Potential Protective Effects of Aspirin Against Colorectal Cancer
Researchers may have uncovered how the long-term daily use of aspirin may help prevent the development and progression of colorectal cancer, according to a recent study published by De Simoni et al in Cancer.
Study Methods and Results
In the recent study, the researchers collected the tissue...
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Tovorafenib for Patients With Relapsed or Refractory BRAF-Altered Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma
On April 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to the type II RAF inhibitor tovorafenib (Ojemda) for patients 6 months of age and older with relapsed or refractory pediatric low-grade glioma harboring a BRAF fusion or rearrangement or BRAF V600 mutation.
This ...
Adagrasib Plus Cetuximab in KRAS G12C–Mutated Colorectal Cancer
The combination of the KRAS G12C inhibitor adagrasib and the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab showed clinical activity and promising survival outcomes in a cohort of patients with metastatic, heavily pretreated, KRAS G12C–mutated colorectal cancer, according to results from the phase I/II KRYSTAL-1...
Induction and Concurrent Vismodegib With Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Unresectable Basal Cell Carcinoma
In a phase II study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Barker et al found that induction treatment with vismodegib followed by concurrent treatment with vismodegib and curative-intent radiation therapy showed efficacy in patients with locally advanced unresectable basal cell carcinoma.
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FDA Approves Nogapendekin Alfa Inbakicept-pmln for BCG-Unresponsive Non–Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
On April 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln (Anktiva) with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for adults with BCG-unresponsive non–muscle invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors.
QUILT-3.032 Trial
Efficacy ...
Predicting Ovarian Cancer Relapse With Spatial Tissue Analysis
Researchers have found that spatial tissue analysis may help predict early posttreatment relapse and illuminate new potential therapies in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Xu et al in Science Advances.
Background
Many patients with...
Chemohormonal Therapy for Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer
A neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy combination may offer extended control of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer compared with hormonal therapy alone, according to a recent study published by Qian et al in The Journal of Urology.
Background
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Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Ana Oaknin, MD, of the Medical Oncology Service at Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d´Hebron Barcelona Hospital, and colleagues, the phase I/II CheckMate 358 trial showed that both nivolumab monotherapy and nivolumab/ipilimumab regimens were...
Bispecific Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Improves Survival in Patients With Gastric Cancer, Regardless of PD-L1 Status
The PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody cadonilimab plus chemotherapy improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with untreated, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer—including those with PD-L1–low tumors—compared with...
