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Hematologic Malignancies
Supportive Care

Addition of Cyclophosphamide to Posttransplantation GVHD Prophylaxis

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Holtan et al, the addition of cyclophosphamide to posttransplantation graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil was associated with improved patient-reported outcomes in the phase III BMT CTN 1703 trial in...

Lung Cancer

Advanced NSCLC With Brain Metastases: Potential Novel Therapeutic Option

In a Chinese phase II study (C-Brain) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Xu et al found that brain radiotherapy in combination with camrelizumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy produced “promising” results in patients with previously untreated advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain...

Hepatobiliary Cancer
Solid Tumors

Addition of Lenvatinib/Pembrolizumab to TACE in Unresectable Nonmetastatic HCC

As reported in The Lancet by Kudo et al, the phase III LEAP-012 trial has shown a significant progression-free survival benefit with the addition of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable nonmetastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A...

Survivorship
Cost of Care
Issues in Oncology
Solid Tumors

New Study Highlights Financial Burden of Medical Equipment on Cancer Survivors

Investigators may have uncovered the financial burden of different medical services on cancer survivors, according to a recent study published by Jafri et al in JAMA Network Open.

Background

Although the economic challenges faced by patients with cancer as a result of health-care costs are well...

Solid Tumors
Supportive Care

Muscular Strength, Cardiorespiratory Fitness May Be Linked to Lower Risk of Mortality in Patients With Cancer

Muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness may be associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in patients with cancer, according to a recent study published by Bettariga et al in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The findings indicated that a tailored exercise regimen may improve ...

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Genomic Classifier Tests May Influence Treatment Decisions in Prostate Cancer Despite Lack of Evidence for Long-Term Outcomes

Although genomic classifier tests may influence risk classifications or treatment decisions in patients with localized prostate cancer, there is a need for more data to better understand cost effectiveness, clinical utility, and their impact on racial and ethnic groups—particularly Black men,

Pancreatic Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Effect of KRAS Mutation Status on Treatment Outcomes in Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Norton et al found that KRAS G12D and G12V mutations were associated with worse outcomes compared with KRAS wild-type in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Study Details

The retrospective cohort study used data from a nationwide...

Multiple Myeloma

Talquetamab Plus Teclistamab in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma

In a phase Ib-II study (RedirecTT-1) reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Cohen et al found that the combination of the bispecific antibodies talquetamab (anti–G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D) and teclistamab (anti–B-cell maturation antigen) was associated with a...

Breast Cancer
Survivorship
Supportive Care
Symptom Management
Issues in Oncology

Telephone-Based Therapy May Reduce Fatigue Interference With Functioning in Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivors

Telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy may be effective in reducing the interference of fatigue with functioning and improving the quality of life among survivors of metastatic breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Mosher et al in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

...

Breast Cancer

Imlunestrant Alone or With Abemaciclib: An All-Oral Targeted Therapy for ER-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer

The investigational next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) imlunestrant improved progression-free survival both as monotherapy in patients with ESR1 mutations and in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib regardless of ESR1 mutational status in patients with...

Colorectal Cancer

ChatGPT Has Limitations in Clinical Utility for Colorectal Cancer but May Be Useful for Patient Education

A study evaluating ChatGPT’s ability to accurately respond to patient inquiries regarding colon cancer by comparing its responses with assessments from expert clinical oncologists found that questions about symptoms, prevention, and screening for the disease were highly accurate; however, responses ...

Gastrointestinal Cancer
Neuroendocrine Tumors

Everolimus/Lanreotide vs Everolimus in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

A recent study found that a combination of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and the hormone-blocking drug lanreotide extended progression-free survival compared with everolimus alone for people with some types of neuroendocrine tumors in the pancreas or gastrointestinal tract. The research will be...

Colorectal Cancer

Does a New Blood-Based Screening Test Accurately Detect Colorectal Cancer Risk?

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. This year, it’s expected that more than 53,000 individuals will die of the disease.

Although screening for the cancer through colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is effective in detecting the disease, nearly

Issues in Oncology

ASCO Thanks Drs. Bertagnolli, Rathmell for Their Service Leading NIH, NCI

ASCO has applauded Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FASC, FASCO, for her service as the 17th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, for her work as the 17th Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

“ASCO would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. ...

Hepatobiliary Cancer
Issues in Oncology

New Study Identifies Potential Dose-Dependent Relationship Among Alcohol Consumption, HBV-Associated Cirrhosis, Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Investigators may have established a dose-dependent model of alcohol consumption on the risks of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Wu et al in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology. The quantitative...

Breast Cancer

FDA Approves Datopotamab Deruxtecan-dlnk for Advanced HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer

On January 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway), a TROP-2–directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate, for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative (IHC 0, IHC1+, or...

Colorectal Cancer

FDA Approves Sotorasib With Panitumumab for KRAS G12C–Mutated Colorectal Cancer

On January 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the KRAS G12C inhibitor sotorasib (Lumakras) with the monoclonal antibody panitumumab (Vectibix) for adult patients with KRAS G12C–mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received prior ...

Breast Cancer

Fulvestrant vs Anastrozole in Endocrine Therapy–Naive, HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by John F.R. Robertson, PhD, and colleagues, the final overall survival analysis of the phase III FALCON trial showed no difference between fulvestrant vs anastrozole in patients with endocrine therapy–naive, hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

AACR Expresses Sincere Appreciation After NIH Director Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, Steps Down

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) expressed its gratitude to Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, for her outstanding service to the United States during her 14-month tenure as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Background

Dr. Bertagnolli recently announced that she will ...

Lymphoma

FDA Approves Acalabrutinib With Bendamustine and Rituximab for Previously Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma

On January 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted traditional approval to the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor acalabrutinib (Calquence) with bendamustine and rituximab for adults with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma who are ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Thyroid Cancer
Gastrointestinal Cancer

Risks of Preterm Birth, Low Birth Weight, Birth Defects Among Children Born to Young Men With Cancer

The risk of having children who experience preterm birth and low birth weight—but not birth defects—may be increased among male adolescents and young adults with cancer, according to a recent study published by Murphy et al in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Background

Prior...

Colorectal Cancer

Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab vs Cetuximab/Irinotecan in RAS/BRAF Wild-Type HER2-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In a phase II trial (S1613) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Raghav et al found no difference in progression-free survival overall with trastuzumab/pertuzumab vs cetuximab/irinotecan in the second- or third-line treatment of RAS/BRAF wild-type HER2-positive metastatic colorectal...

ACS Annual Report: Cancer Mortality Rates Decline, but Challenges Remain

The findings in the American Cancer Society’s annual report, Cancer Statistics, 2025, show a mixed trend in cancer incidence and mortality rates. While cancer mortality declined by 34% from 1991 to 2022 in the United States—largely due to smoking reductions, earlier detection, and improved...

Integrative Oncology

Exercise Therapy as Candidate Anticancer Strategy

Guest Editor’s Note: With growing evidence indicating that regular physical activity helps control cancer symptoms, oncology guidelines recommend exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment. Observational data also demonstrate a promising association between physical activity and favorable...

CNS Cancers

Extent and Impact of Primary MMRD in Gliomas Among Children and AYAs

In a cohort study reported in The Lancet Oncology, Negm et al found that primary mismatch repair deficiency (MMRD) was associated with poor outcomes in children, adolescents, and young adults with gliomas.

Study Details

In the study, clinical and molecular data were collected from children,...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Adjuvant T-DM1 in Patients With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Long-Term Results of the KATHERINE Trial

Adjuvant treatment with the antibody-drug conjugate ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) may improve survival in patients with high-risk HER2-positive breast cancer and residual invasive disease, according to long-term findings from the phase III KATHERINE trial published by Geyer et al in The New...

Bladder Cancer
Issues in Oncology

MRI and Biopsy May Reduce Treatment Delays for Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy may speed up the time to correct treatment among patients with a muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Bryan et al in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Background

Usual tests for muscle-invasive...

Breast Cancer

ECOG-ACRIN Breast Cancer Screening Trial Compares Standard vs Three-Dimensional Mammography

The Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) has reached its enrollment goal of 108,508 women, as announced by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN). The study will now proceed with the completion of regularly scheduled mammograms and follow-up on all participants...

Monica Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, Steps Down as NIH Director

On January 14, Monica Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, announced that she was ending her tenure as the 17th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She began her role as Director on November 9, 2023.

Dr. Bertagnolli was the 16th Director of the National Cancer Institute, a role she...

Health-Care Policy

FDA Proposes Significant Step to Reduce Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes, Tobacco Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule that, if finalized, would make cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products minimally or nonaddictive by limiting the level of nicotine in those products. If the rule is finalized, the United States would be the first...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water May Be Linked to Several Rare Cancers

Investigators may have uncovered an association between manufactured per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in drinking water and the incidence of certain digestive, endocrine, lung, oral, and pharyngeal cancers, according to a novel study published by Li et al in the Journal of Exposure ...

Hematologic Malignancies
Lymphoma

Transplant-Free Treatment Approach in Relapsed Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children and Adolescents and Young Adults

As reported in JAMA Oncology by Daw et al, findings in a cohort of the phase II CheckMate 744 trial indicated good outcomes with a response-adapted, transplantation-free treatment approach in children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with low-risk relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).

...

Gastroesophageal Cancer
Gastrointestinal Cancer

Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate in Advanced Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

In a Chinese phase I trial (KYM901) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Ruan et al found that CMG901—a first-in-class claudin 18.2–targeting antibody-drug conjugate—had manageable toxicity and activity in patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. CMG901 comprises a...

Lung Cancer

Even Low Levels of ctDNA May Be Linked to Recurrence Risk in Early Lung Cancer, Study Finds

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, but high recurrence rates persist for patients with early-stage disease. A recent study published by Black et al in Nature Medicine has found that even very low traces of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may be linked to increased...

Pancreatic Cancer
Neuroendocrine Tumors

FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to New Agent for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug designation to the investigational agent ELC-100 for the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, according to a press release from Elicera Therapeutics, the drug developer.

ELC-100 is an oncolytic virus–based therapy designed to...

Issues in Oncology
Lung Cancer

Study Finds Travel Distance to Lung Cancer Screening Facilities Differs by Race and Ethnicity

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer, excluding skin cancer, diagnosed in men and women in the United States. And despite advances in treatment for the disease, which have led to improved survival rates, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, with...

Lymphoma

Addition of Brentuximab Vedotin to Lenalidomide/Rituximab in Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL

In an interim analysis of a phase III trial (ECHELON-3) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Bartlett et al found that the addition of brentuximab vedotin (BV) to lenalidomide and rituximab improved overall survival in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Potential of RAD51 Testing in Tailoring Treatment Strategies in Early Breast Cancer

The RAD51 biomarker may help to tailor treatment strategies in patients with early breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Villacampa et al in Clinical Cancer Research.

Background

“A key objective of research focused on early-stage breast cancer is to identify biomarkers that can...

Solid Tumors
CNS Cancers
Hematologic Malignancies
Leukemia

Effects of Obesity on Survival Outcomes Following Cancer Diagnosis in Pediatric Patients

Pediatric patients with cancer who have obesity at the time of diagnosis may face an elevated risk of mortality, according to a recent study published by Sassine et al in Cancer.

Study Methods and Results

In the retrospective study, investigators examined data from the Cancer in Young People in...

Issues in Oncology
Gynecologic Cancers

AI May Enhance Cervical Cancer Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) could improve screening for cervical cancer, enhancing accuracy and efficiency, according to a recent review article published by Wu et al in Cancer Biology & Medicine. The report, authored by a team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and...

Breast Cancer

Therapeutic De-escalation in Breast Cancer: Can Omitting Axillary Surgery Match Survival While Improving Patient Outcomes?

Omitting axillary surgery may be an option for some patients with early-stage breast cancer, according to a study reported by Reimer et al in The New England Journal of Medicine. Previous studies, such as the SOUND trial, have indicated that avoiding an axillary procedure in patients with small...

Lung Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Global Cancer Care

Investigators Have Uncovered Global Trends in Risk Factors Linked to Lung Cancer Mortality

Although lung cancer and related cancer deaths decreased in the world’s 10 most populous countries from 1990 to 2019, these positive statistics may not address trends in mortality linked to tobacco use, air pollution, and asbestos exposure, according to a recent study published by Jani et al in...

Global Cancer Care
Issues in Oncology
Hematologic Malignancies
Solid Tumors

NCCN Joins International Meeting to Improve Cancer Care in the Middle East North Africa Region

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announced that the organization participated in a 2-day meeting at the Middle East North Africa (MENA)–NCCN Regional Coordinating Center.

Background

The MENA-NCCN Regional Coordinating Center is supported by the Ministry of National Guard Health...

Cost of Care

Medicare Advantage vs Traditional Medicare: Cost Differences in Cancer Drugs

A new study examining the use of high-cost drugs among patients with colorectal cancer and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) found those insured through Medicare Advantage received less expensive cancer drugs compared to others on traditional Medicare. The findings were published by Bradley et al...

Lung Cancer

Datopotamab Deruxtecan in Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC With Actionable Genomic Alterations

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Sands et al, the phase II TROPION-Lung05 trial showed “encouraging activity” of datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in patients with advanced/metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with actionable genomic alterations whose disease progressed...

Former UNMC Cancer Center Director, Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD, Dies at 77

Kenneth H. Cowan, MD, PhD, served for 24 years as Director of NCI-designated cancer center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), now called the Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha. Dr. Cowan died on December 15, 2024, at the age of 77 years.

A native ...

Lung Cancer

Primary Lung Tumor SBRT Followed by Concurrent Mediastinal Chemoradiotherapy and Immunotherapy Consolidation in Locally Advanced NSCLC

In a phase II trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Heinzerling et al found evidence of efficacy of primary lung tumor stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) followed by concurrent mediastinal chemotherapy and consolidative immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Novel AI Platform May Help Identify Patients Likely to Benefit Most From Clinical Trials

Researchers have demonstrated that a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-based platform could aid physicians and patients in assessing the benefit from a particular therapy being tested in a clinical trial, according to a recent study published by Orcutt et al in Nature Medicine. The AI platform may ...

Lung Cancer
Issues in Oncology

ORACLE Test May Predict Survival in Early Stages of Lung Cancer

The ORACLE test may be capable of predicting lung cancer survival at the point of diagnosis more effectively than currently used clinical risk factors, according to a recent study published by Biswas et al in Nature Cancer. The findings could help physicians make more informed treatment decisions...

Gynecologic Cancers

Long-Term Follow-up of NRG258 Trial: Adjuvant Chemoradiation vs Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Endometrial Carcinoma

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Matei et al, the final overall survival analysis in the long-term follow-up of the phase III NRG258 trial has shown no difference between adjuvant chemoradiation (C-RT) vs chemotherapy (CT) in patients with locally advanced endometrial carcinoma....

Lung Cancer

Primary Lung Tumor SBRT Followed by Mediastinal Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced NSCLC

In a phase II trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Heinzerling et al found that primary lung tumor stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) followed by concurrent mediastinal chemoradiotherapy (with or without adjuvant immunotherapy) was associated with activity in patients with locally advanced...

Breast Cancer

Adjuvant Dose-Dense vs Conventional Chemotherapy in Node-Positive Breast Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Filho et al, 12-year follow-up of the CALBG (Alliance) C9741 trial has shown a sustained advantage of adjuvant dose-dense vs conventional chemotherapy in disease-free and overall survival in patients with node-positive breast cancer.

Study Details

...

Genomics/Genetics
Breast Cancer
Gynecologic Cancers
Pancreatic Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Improvements in BRCA2 Testing Could Enhance Cancer Risk Assessment, Patient Care

Researchers may have advanced the understanding of genetic alterations in the BRCA2 gene, according to a recent study published by Huang et al in Nature. The findings could improve the accuracy of genetic testing and allow health-care professionals to offer more precise risk assessments and...

Skin Cancer
Immunotherapy

Novel Tool for Predicting Response to Immunotherapy in Melanoma Under Study

A team of scientists from the United Kingdom and the United States has discovered that the activity of macrophages may prove to be useful in predicting whether or not a patient with melanoma will respond to immunotherapy. Their findings, published in JCO Oncology Advances, may help clinicians to...

Issues in Oncology
Global Cancer Care

Mobility Patterns and Survival Disparities in Patients With Cancer

A recent study published in Health Data Science, conducted by Fengyu Wen, PhD, MPH, of the Institute of Medical Technology at Peking University Health Science Center; Luxia Zhang, MD, MPH, of the National Institute of Health Data Science at Peking University; and colleagues, revealed significant...

CNS Cancers
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

New Study Identifies Genes That Could Be Implicated in Glioblastoma in Adulthood

Researchers have discovered of a new type of stem cell in the brain that could lead to the development of more effective treatments in adult patients with glioblastoma, according to a recent study published by Wang et al in Nature. The finding could help explain how adult brain cells take advantage ...

Skin Cancer
Lymphoma

Use of Denileukin Diftitox-cxdl in Relapsed or Refractory CTCL

In a registrational trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Foss et al found that denileukin diftitox (DD)-cxdl—a fusion protein comprising diphtheria toxin fragments A and B and human interleukin-2—was active in patients with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)....

Kidney Cancer

Belzutifan Plus Cabozantinib as First-Line Treatment in Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

In a phase II trial (LITESPARK-003), reported in The Lancet Oncology, Choueiri et al found that the combination of belzutifan—a first-in-class HIF-2α inhibitor—and cabozantinib showed promising activity in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Study...

Hematologic Malignancies

Belinda Avalos, MD, Begins Term as 2025 ASH President

Belinda Avalos, MD, Professor of Medicine and a senior advisor to the President of Atrium Health Levine Cancer, will serve as president of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) for a year-long term through December 2025.

Overview

Dr. Avalos is a physician-scientist with a special clinical...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Breast Cancer
Prostate Cancer

Benefit of Regular Physical Activity Prior to Cancer Diagnosis

Regular physical activity prior to a cancer diagnosis may be linked to a lower risk of disease progression and mortality, according to a recent study published by Mabena et al in British Journal of Sports Medicine. The findings revealed that even relatively low levels of physical activity may be...

Gynecologic Cancers

Final Overall Survival Results From SOLO3 Trial: Olaparib vs Nonplatinum Chemotherapy in Platinum-Sensitive BRCA-Mutated Relapsed Ovarian Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Scambia et al, the final overall survival results of the phase III SOLO3 trial showed similar outcomes with olaparib vs non–platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with platinum-sensitive BRCA-mutated relapsed ovarian cancer.

In the initial report ...

Breast Cancer

Study Identifies Potential New Target to Overcome Breast Cancer Resistance

A new University of Cincinnati (UC) Cancer Center study has identified a particular strand of microRNA as a promising new target for overcoming breast cancer treatment resistance and improving outcomes. The research was recently published in the journal Cancers.

Study Background

Study author...

Lymphoma

Nivolumab Plus AVD as Front-Line Therapy in Older Adults With Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

In a phase I/II trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Torka et al found that the addition of nivolumab to standard doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (N-AVD) was “highly effective” as front-line treatment for patients aged ≥ 60 with classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Study Details

...

Breast Cancer

Active Monitoring May Be a Viable Option for Some Patients With Low-Risk DCIS

Among patients with hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative, low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), those who underwent active monitoring had similar 2-year invasive ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence rates as those who underwent guideline-concordant treatment, according to results from the...

Breast Cancer

Quality of Life Similar Among Patients With Low-Risk DCIS Whether They Received Active Monitoring or Surgery

Patients with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent active monitoring and those who received upfront treatment reported comparable physical, emotional, and psychological outcomes, according to results from the COMET trial presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (

Breast Cancer

Adjuvant Tamoxifen May Reduce Recurrence Risk for Patients With ‘Good-Risk’ DCIS Who Forgo Radiation

For patients with “good-risk” ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent breast-conserving surgery and did not receive radiotherapy, tamoxifen significantly decreased the risk of recurrence in the same breast, according to results presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Trastuzumab Deruxtecan vs Chemotherapy in Advanced Breast Cancer

Researchers have examined whether the antibody-drug conjugate fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd) may improve progression-free survival in patients with advanced breast cancer who have undergone prior hormone-based therapies, according to recent findings presented by Bardia et al at the 2024...

Breast Cancer

Effectiveness of Multimodal Machine-Learning Model in Predicting Response to Treatment in Breast Cancer Subtype

A machine-learning model incorporating both clinical and genomic factors outperformed models based solely on either clinical or genomic data alone in predicting which patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer would have better outcomes from adding CDK4/6...

Issues in Oncology

Oncology Society Urges Americans to Heed Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer

On January 3, 2025, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office released a new advisory on the link between alcohol consumption and increased risk for cancer. The advisory reports alcohol use as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States—after tobacco and obesity—responsible for...

Prostate Cancer

Effect on Ki67 Index of High Omega-3, Low Omega-6 Diet With Fish Oil in Prostate Cancer During Active Surveillance

In a single-institution phase II trial (CAPFISH-3) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Aronson et al found that men with prostate cancer on active surveillance had a significantly reduced Ki67 index on a high omega-3, low omega-6 fatty acid diet with fish oil capsules vs no dietary...

Bladder Cancer

Risk-Adapted Active Surveillance After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

In a phase II trial (RETAIN 1) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Geynisman et al found that risk-adapted active surveillance following neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a high rate of metastasis-free survival in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.  

Study Details

...

Gastroesophageal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Role of Cancer Gene in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma May Support Paradigm Shift in Predicting Disease

A genetic mutation long believed to drive the development of esophageal cancer may play a protective role early in the disease, according to a recent study published by Ganguli et al in Nature Cancer. The findings could help physicians identify which patients are at greater risk of developing...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Supportive Care

Glucarpidase May Improve Recovery Following Methotrexate-Induced Kidney Toxicity

The drug glucarpidase could serve as an antidote to kidney toxicity in patients receiving the chemotherapy agent methotrexate, according to a recent study published by Gupta et al in Blood.

Background

As a result of its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, methotrexate is one of the most ...

Breast Cancer

HRQOL With Endocrine Therapy vs Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery in Older Women With Luminal A–Like Early Breast Cancer

As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Meattini et al, interim analysis of the phase III EUROPA trial indicated that endocrine therapy was associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes vs radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in women aged ≥ 70 years with luminal...

Skin Cancer

RELATIVITY-047: Extended Analysis of Overall Survival With Nivolumab/Relatlimab vs Nivolumab in Previously Untreated Advanced Melanoma

In an extended analysis of the phase II/III RELATIVITY-047 trial reported in the Journal of Oncology, Tawbi et al found a significant overall survival benefit with nivolumab/relatlimab vs nivolumab in previously untreated patients with unresectable advanced stage III or IV melanoma.

The initial...

Supportive Care
Symptom Management
Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Psilocybin-Based Therapy May Address Mental Health Issues in Patients With Cancer, Addiction

Treatment with psilocybin may improve mental health issues among patients with cancer when accompanied by psychotherapy and could result in lasting, positive personality changes in patients with alcohol use disorder, according to two recent studies published by Petridis et al in Nature Mental...

Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Advanced Imaging May Uncover Hidden Metastases in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Cases

Researchers have found that many cases of high-risk nonmetastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer may be more advanced than previously thought, according to a recent study published by Holzgreve et al in JAMA Network Open.

Background

Prostate-specific membrane antigen–positron-emission...

Colorectal Cancer

Trends in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Sung et al, analysis of international population-based cancer registry data indicate an increase in incidence of colorectal cancer among younger persons (age < 50 years) in a majority of countries and territories examined.

Study Details

Colorectal cancer...

Breast Cancer

Most Patients With Intermediate-Risk Breast Cancer May Safely Avoid Chest Wall Irradiation After Mastectomy

Patients with intermediate-risk breast cancer had similar rates of 10-year overall survival whether or not they underwent chest wall irradiation after mastectomy, according to results from the BIG 2-04 MRC SUPREMO clinical trial, presented by Ian Kunkler, MA, MB BChir, of the University of...

Breast Cancer

De-escalated Neoadjuvant Treatment Adding Nab-Paclitaxel or Docetaxel/Carboplatin to Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer

In a Chinese phase III trial (HELEN-006) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Chen et al found that the de-escalated neoadjuvant treatment with the addition of nab-paclitaxel to trastuzumab/pertuzumab produced a higher pathologic complete response rate (pCR) vs docetaxel/carboplatin plus...

Breast Cancer

Learning From the ZEST Trial in Using ctDNA to Predict Breast Cancer Recurrence

The phase III ZEST clinical trial, designed to evaluate the PARP inhibitor niraparib for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence in patients with circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), failed to accrue enough patients positive for ctDNA, according to results presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast...

Breast Cancer

Anthracyclines Plus Taxane-Based Chemotherapy for Certain Patients at High Risk for Breast Cancer Recurrence

Patients with early-stage, node-negative, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who have a high risk of recurrence based on the OncotypeDX genomic test had better outcomes when treated with adjuvant anthracycline plus taxane-based chemotherapy regimens compared with those...

Breast Cancer

BRCA-Mutation Carriers With Prior Diagnosis of Early-Onset Breast Cancer May Benefit From Risk-Reducing Surgery

Patients with germline BRCA gene mutations and a history of early-onset breast cancer who underwent a bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy and/or a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy had lower rates of recurrence, secondary breast and/or ovarian malignancies, and death than those who did not...

Breast Cancer

Imlunestrant, Alone and Combined With Abemaciclib, Effective in ESR1-Mutated Breast Cancer

Imlunestrant, an investigational next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), significantly improved progression-free survival vs standard of care in patients with ESR1-mutated breast cancer, according to data from the phase III EMBER-3 trial, presented by Komal Jhaveri, MD,...

Breast Cancer

Novel Prognostic Tool in Hormone Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative, Node-Positive Breast Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Pusztai et al developed the RSClinN+ tool—an integration of the 21-gene Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score (RS) test and clinicopathologic factors (tumor grade, tumor size, age)—that improved prognosis for invasive disease–free survival vs RS alone...

Issues in Oncology

Surgeon General’s Report Calls for Cancer Warning Labels on Alcoholic Beverages

Today, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory citing scientific studies linking alcoholic beverages and an increased risk of at least seven cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers, and called for alcoholic beverages to carry cancer warning labels.

Health warning labels on...

Breast Cancer

New Research Approaches to Metastatic Breast Cancer

Tumor cells circulating in the blood are the germ cells of breast cancer metastases. They are rare and could not be propagated in the culture dish until now. A team from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Stem Cell Institute HI-STEM, and the NCT Heidelberg has now succeeded...

Skin Cancer
Immunotherapy

Novel Combination Regimen May Prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A recent study by Demehri et al of Mass General Brigham investigates whether calcipotriol—a vitamin D analog—plus fluorouracil may prevent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with benefits lasting 5 years after treatment. This combination therapy is the first to activate specific components of the...

Hepatobiliary Cancer

Addition of Nab-Paclitaxel to Gemcitabine/Cisplatin in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancers

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Shroff et al, the phase III SWOG S1815 trial showed that nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine/cisplatin (GAP regimen) did not significantly improve overall survival vs gemcitabine/cisplatin alone in newly diagnosed patients with advanced biliary tract...

Kidney Cancer

Nuclear Speckle Signatures in Clear Cell RCC

Researchers have found a possible source of the variability in patterns of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common kidney cancer diagnosed in adults. Katherine Alexander, PhD, Assistant Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and Shelley Berger, PhD, Professor at the University...

Maintenance Therapy After Induction With RVd With or Without Isatuximab in Transplant-Eligible Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Mai et al, the German phase III GMMG-HD7 trial (Part 1) showed that the addition of isatuximab (Isa) to standard-of-care lenalidomide/bortezomib/dexamethasone (RVd) improved progression-free survival irrespective of maintenance therapy strategy in...

FDA Approves Nivolumab and Hyaluronidase-nvhy for Subcutaneous Injection

On December 27, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy (Opdivo Qvantig) for subcutaneous injection across approved adult, solid tumor nivolumab indications as monotherapy, monotherapy maintenance following completion of nivolumab plus ipilimumab...

Leukemia

NPM1 Genotypes and Outcomes in AML

In an AIEOP-BFM and COG-SWOG intergroup collaborative study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Tregnago et al found that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with NPM1 type D variants had significantly poorer event-free and overall survival vs those with non-D variants.

Study...

Gynecologic Cancers

AI May Improve Ovarian Cancer Diagnoses

A new international study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that AI-based models can outperform human experts at identifying ovarian cancer in ultrasound images. The study is published in Nature Medicine.

“Ovarian tumors are common and are often detected by chance,” said...

Leukemia
Issues in Oncology

Combination of Two Oral Agents May Improve Progression-Free Survival in Patients With Previously Untreated CLL

A combination of the oral drugs acalabrutinib and venetoclax may be more effective at improving progression-free survival and minimizing serious adverse events in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) compared with one of two standard multidrug treatment regimens,...

Primary Analysis of ZUMA-2: Treatment of BTK Inhibitor–Naive Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

A primary analysis of ZUMA-2, reported at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, demonstrated durable responses to brexucabtagene autoleucel in patients with Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor–naive mantle cell lymphoma. The findings from cohort 3 of...

Lymphoma

Primary Analysis of ZUMA-2: Treatment of BTK Inhibitor–Naive Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

A primary analysis of ZUMA-2, reported at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, demonstrated durable responses to brexucabtagene autoleucel in patients with Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor–naive mantle cell lymphoma. The findings from cohort 3 of...

Colorectal Cancer

FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Encorafenib Combination for BRAF V600E–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to encorafenib (Braftovi) in combination with cetuximab and modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected...

Lymphoma
Hematologic Malignancies

SEQUOIA 5-Year Follow-up: Zanubrutinib vs Bendamustine/Rituximab in Treatment-Naive CLL/SLL

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Shadman et al, 5-year follow-up of the phase III SEQUOIA trial demonstrated that zanubrutinib continued to show a progression-free survival benefit over bendamustine plus rituximab in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic...

Hematologic Malignancies
Lymphoma

CTX130 CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory T-Cell Lymphoma

In a phase I dose-escalation study (COBALT-LYM) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Iyer et al found that CTX130 (volamcabtagene durzigedleucel)—a CD70-directed, allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy manufactured from healthy donor T cells—had a manageable safety profile and showed...

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