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Solid Tumors
Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Supportive Care

Quantifying the Benefit of Smoking Cessation Within 6 Months of a Cancer Diagnosis

Quitting smoking within 6 months of receiving a cancer diagnosis could add an average of 2 years to a patient’s life, according to a recent study published by Cinciripini et al in JAMA Oncology. The findings demonstrated a broad survival benefit of using evidence-based smoking cessation to help...

Hematologic Malignancies
Issues in Oncology

NCCN Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa: Experts Convene in Ghana to Update Cancer Treatment Guidelines

An international team of oncology experts gathered in Accra, Ghana, for a series of meetings to update cancer treatment recommendations in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Harmonized Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background

The NCCN Harmonized Guidelines offer color-coded tiers ...

Palliative Care

How End-of-Life Dreams and Visions Are Bringing Comfort to Dying Patients

Just weeks or even days or hours away from death, the majority of conscious terminally ill patients often experience growth and meaning in their lives and the absence of fear through end-of-life dreams and visions, according to research by Christopher W. Kerr, MD, PhD. Dr. Kerr is Chief Executive...

Leukemia

Inotuzumab Ozogamicin With Low-Intensity Chemotherapy in Older Patients With CD22-Positive Philadelphia Chromosome–Negative B-Cell Precursor ALL

In a phase II trial (EWALL-INO) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Chevallier et al found that inotuzumab ozogamicin combined with low-dose chemotherapy was active in the first-line treatment of older patients with newly diagnosed CD22-positive Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-cell...

Gastroesophageal Cancer

DKN-01 With Tislelizumab and Chemotherapy in Advanced Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma

In a phase IIa study (DisTinGuish) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Klempner et al found that use of the DKK1-neutralizing antibody DKN-01 in combination with tislelizumab and chemotherapy showed activity in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal ...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

CDK4/6 Inhibition in Peritoneal Mucinous Carcinomatosis With GNAS Mutation

In a single-institution study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Weitz et al found that the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib was active as a novel treatment in patients with peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with GNAS mutation.

As stated by the investigators: “Mucinous neoplasms of the...

Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Using AI to Measure Prostate Cancer Lesions Could Aid Diagnosis and Treatment

Researchers have trained and validated an artificial intelligence (AI) model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to develop a consistent method of estimating prostate cancer lesion size, according to a recent study published by Yang et al in Radiology. The findings could aid physicians...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Weighing Blood-Based vs Standard Colorectal Cancer Screening Options

Because colonoscopies and more established stool-based tests are more effective at detecting early cancers and precancerous polyps compared with emerging blood-based tests, their long-term impact is projected to be substantially greater than that of blood-based tests, according to a recent study...

Leukemia

Outcomes With Brexucabtagene Autoleucel as Standard Therapy for Adults With Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

In an analysis reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Roloff et al found that use of brexucabtagene autoleucel as standard therapy in adults with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) was associated with a high rate of measurable residual disease (MRD)-negative...

Bladder Cancer

Adjuvant Nivolumab in High-Risk Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Galsky et al, extended follow-up of the phase III CheckMate 274 trial supported the efficacy of adjuvant nivolumab in patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma at high risk of recurrence after radical resection.

Study Details

In the...

Lung Cancer

TROPION-Lung01 Update: Dato-DXd Shows Activity in Previously Treated Advanced Nonsquamous NSCLC

The novel trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) vs docetaxel conferred a numerical improvement in overall survival in previously treated patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to the phase III,...

Lung Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Lung Cancer Screening Model May Remove Barriers for Vulnerable Patients Residing in Central Texas

A new lung cancer screening initiative may help to overcome barriers to care among low-income, uninsured, and minority patients residing in Central Texas, according to a recent study published by Pignone et al in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The findings represented a critical step...

Breast Cancer
Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology

New Computational Tool May Predict Immunotherapy Outcomes in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Using computational tools, researchers have developed a novel method to assess which patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer may benefit from immunotherapy, according to a recent study published by Arulraj et al in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

...

Sarcoma

Addition of Lenvatinib to Ifosfamide/Etoposide in Children and Young Adults With Relapsed Osteosarcoma

In a phase II study (OLIE) reported in JAMA Oncology, Gaspar et al found that the addition of lenvatinib to ifosfamide/etoposide did not significantly improve progression-free survival in children or young adults with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma.

Study Details

In the global open-label...

Gynecologic Cancers

Addition of Cadonilimab to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Cervical Cancer

In interim analyses of a Chinese phase III trial (COMPASSION-16) reported in The Lancet, Wu et al found that the addition of cadonilimab, a bispecific antibody targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4, to platinum-based chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab significantly improved progression-free and overall...

Lung Cancer

Use of Aumolertinib Extends Progression-Free Survival in Stage III EGFR-Mutated NSCLC

Aumolertinib, a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown efficacy as maintenance therapy for patients with unresectable stage III non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations, according to data presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer...

Leukemia

FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Asciminib for Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to the BCR::ABL1 kinase inhibitor asciminib (Scemblix) for adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph-positive CML) in chronic phase. The FDA approval was granted on...

Breast Cancer

Distant Recurrence Risk Among Women With Early Breast Cancer Enrolled in Clinical Trials Between 1990 and 2009: EBCTCG Analysis

In an analysis by the Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG) reported in The Lancet, Hills et al found that risk of distant recurrence declined over time among women with early breast cancer enrolled in clinical trials between 1990 and 2009.

Study Details

The pooled analysis...

Hepatobiliary Cancer

Association Between Pathologic Response and Relapse-Free Survival With Neoadjuvant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In an analysis reported in The Lancet Oncology, D’Alessio et al found that major pathologic response and complete pathologic response to neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy was associated with improved relapse-free survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Study Details

The...

Issues in Oncology

Ensuring an Inclusive Environment for Female Minority Oncologists

ASCO’s 2022 State of the Oncology Workforce in America report presented a dismal picture of the representation of Hispanic/Latinx oncologists in the field. According to the report, despite initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in the nearly 13,400 oncology workforce, which includes about 36%...

Breast Cancer
Health-Care Policy
Issues in Oncology

Medicaid Expansion May Improve Cancer Care, Survival Among Patients With Hormone Receptor–Negative, HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Patients with newly diagnosed hormone receptor–negative, HER2-positive breast cancer were more likely to receive timely, guideline-concordant treatment and experience longer survival in states participating in Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, according to a recent study published...

Hepatobiliary Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Immunotherapy

New Marker for Immunotherapy Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A newly described stage of lymph node–like structures, known as tertiary lymphoid structures, identified in hepatic tumors following presurgical immunotherapy may be vital to successfully treating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Shu et al in Nature...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, Caris Life Sciences Partner to Learn More From TAILORx Trial

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group and Caris Life Sciences announced a new multiyear research collaboration that will begin with the interrogation of the TAILORx trial.

Background

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer type in the United States, with approximately 310,720 new cases per...

Bladder Cancer

Early Results Show Novel Agent Has Clinical Activity in FGFR3-Driven Advanced Bladder Cancer

In a phase I clinical trial (SURF301) investigating the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) oral inhibitor TYRA-300 in patients with advanced bladder cancer, the drug showed early antitumor activity and produced lower rates of significant adverse events compared with pan-FGFR inhibitors....

Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology
Solid Tumors

Scientists Develop a ‘Digital Twin’ Model to Predict Cancer Treatment Responses

Researchers have created a “digital twin” model constructed from the clinical and molecular profiles of patients with cancer that accurately predicted how a patient is likely to respond to a specific chemotherapy. The approach optimizes the treatment choice for patients using available clinical...

Gynecologic Cancers

Addition of Induction Chemotherapy to Standard Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

As reported in The Lancet by McCormack et al, the phase III INTERLACE trial has shown improved progression-free and overall survival with the addition of induction chemotherapy to standard chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.

Study Details

In the open-label trial,...

Thyroid Cancer
Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy Plus Targeted Therapy for Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

Researchers have demonstrated that anti–PD-L1 immunotherapy combined with mutation-directed targeted therapy may improve overall survival in patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Cabanillas et al in JAMA Oncology.

Background

Anaplastic thyroid...

Solid Tumors
Hematologic Malignancies

National Academy of Medicine Elects 100 New Members

The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the election of 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting.

Background

Established originally as the Institute of Medicine in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences, NAM addresses critical issues in health, science, ...

Prostate Cancer

SBRT vs Conventional Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by van As et al, the phase III PACE-B trial has shown noninferiority of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) vs conventionally fractionated radiotherapy in biochemical or clinical failure in patients with low- to intermediate-risk localized...

Bladder Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Mutations and DNA Structures May Drive Urothelial Carcinoma

Researchers may have uncovered how urothelial carcinoma originates and progresses, according to a novel study published by Nguyen et al in Nature. The findings provided insights into the biology of urothelial carcinoma and may point to new therapeutic strategies for this difficult-to-treat cancer...

Breast Cancer

Impact of Hormonal Contraception on Breast Cancer Risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Germline Mutation Carriers

In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Phillips et al found that carriers of BRCA1—but not BRCA2—germline mutations who used hormonal contraception were at increased risk for developing breast cancer.

Study Details

The investigators used pooled data from four prospective cohort...

Breast Cancer

I-SPY2.2: Dato-DXd Plus Durvalumab Yields High Pathologic Response Rate in Breast Cancer Subset

In the neoadjuvant I-SPY2.2 trial, a treatment strategy including the antibody-drug conjugate datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd), partnered with the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab, yielded a high pathologic complete response rate, especially in immune-positive and “all-negative” subtypes.1

...

Survivorship

Risk of Subsequent Neoplasms in Survivors of Childhood Neuroblastoma

In a Dutch study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Westerveld et al identified long-term risks of subsequent neoplasms in 5-year survivors of childhood neuroblastoma.

Study Details

The study included data from 563 survivors in the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study–LATER cohort...

Lung Cancer

Preoperative Chemotherapy and Perioperative Nivolumab in NSCLC

As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Provencio et al, analysis of a Spanish phase II trial (NADIM) showed good long-term outcomes with preoperative chemotherapy and perioperative nivolumab in patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Study Details

In the multicenter trial, 46...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

New $3.3 Million NCI Grant May Facilitate Development of More Accurate, Comfortable Breast Cancer Screening Technology

The University of Arizona Health Sciences announced that it has received a $3.3 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health to continue testing a novel imaging method for breast cancer detection that could provide an alternative to the mammogram.

...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

MRI May Help Prevent Unnecessary Surgery in Patients With Rectal Cancer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help patients with rectal cancer avoid invasive surgery and its potentially lifelong side effects, according to a recent study published by Williams et al in Radiology.

Background

“After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for rectal cancer, patients are...

Breast Cancer

HypoG-01 Trial: Reducing the Treatment Time for Breast Cancer Nodal Irradiation

A 3-week moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen has been found to be noninferior to the 5-week fractionation when irradiating nodal areas in patients with breast cancer, according to data presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024.1 The 5-year results of...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Health-Care Policy
Legislation

ACA May Increase Access to Colorectal Cancer Care Among Underserved Groups

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has increased guideline-concordant care for colorectal cancer among non-White patients, those from rural areas, and those from the most deprived neighborhoods in Pennsylvania, according to new findings presented by Kudaravalli et al at the 2024 American Association for ...

Solid Tumors
Supportive Care
Integrative Oncology

Listening to Music May Accelerate Postsurgical Recovery

Listening to music may accelerate postsurgical recovery, according to recent findings presented by Raees et al at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2024.

Background

“When patients wake up after surgery, sometimes they feel really scared and don’t know where they are,”...

Breast Cancer

Cosmetic Outcomes With Two Schedules of Partial-Breast Irradiation in Early Breast Cancer

In the Canadian phase II OPAR trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Kim et al found no difference in adverse cosmesis with partial breast irradiation (PBI) in five daily fractions of 30 Gy vs 27.5 Gy given over 1 week in patients with early breast cancer. The aim of the trial was to...

Skin Cancer

Outcomes With Adjuvant ICI Treatment in Resected Stage III/IV Melanoma

In an analysis of two clinical trials reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Weber et al identified “cure rates” with adjuvant nivolumab, ipilimumab, and placebo in patients with resected stage III/IV melanoma.

Study Details

The analysis used mixture cure models (MCMs) to estimate cure...

Solid Tumors
Cardio-oncology
Issues in Oncology

Heart Failure and Cancer: New Insights Into Reciprocal Relationship

Investigators have highlighted a critical connection between heart failure and cancer, demonstrating how shared mechanisms may contribute to the incidence and progression of both diseases, according to a recent scientific statement published by Bloom et al in the Journal of Cardiac Failure.

...

Lung Cancer

CARMEN-LC03: Tusamitamab Ravtansine vs Docetaxel in Previously Treated Advanced Nonsquamous NSCLC

The multicenter phase III CARMEN-LC03 trial did not meet its dual primary endpoints of progression-free and overall survival with the CEACAM5-directed antibody-drug conjugate tusamitamab ravtansine vs standard chemotherapy with docetaxel in previously treated patients with advanced nonsquamous...

Lung Cancer

Patient-Level Data Support Perioperative Use of Nivolumab in Resectable NSCLC

An examination of patient-level data from the phase III CheckMate 816 and CheckMate 77T trials supports the perioperative use of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab plus chemotherapy, as compared with the neoadjuvant use of nivolumab plus chemotherapy without adjuvant therapy, in resectable non–small...

Bladder Cancer

Accelerated Approval for Bladder Cancer Drug to Be Withdrawn After Negative Trial

On October 18, Gilead Sciences announced its plans to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval for sacituzumab govitecan-hziy (Trodelvy) for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who have previously received a platinum-containing...

Solid Tumors
Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Cost of Care

Cancer Diagnoses May Be Linked to Lasting Financial Challenges

Researchers have found that financial fallout can follow patients with cancer and their families as financial bankruptcy, lower credit scores, and other types of financial challenges in the years following a cancer diagnosis, according to two new studies presented by Gomez-Mayorga et al and

Bladder Cancer

Rogaratinib/Atezolizumab in Cisplatin-Ineligible FGFR mRNA-Overexpressing Urothelial Cancer

In the phase Ib FORT-2 trial reported in JAMA Oncology, Sweis et al found that the combination of the pan-FGFR inhibitor rogaratinib and atezolizumab was active in cisplatin-ineligible patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer overexpressing FGFR mRNA.

Study Details

The study ...

Geriatric Oncology
Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

ACS Program May Reduce Postsurgical Mortality, Improve Care Among Older Patients

Implementing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Geriatric Surgery Verification program may reduce rates of postsurgical mortality and increase the proportion of patients with documentation standards such as advanced care directives, according to two new studies presented by Horattas et al and

Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastroesophageal Cancer

Regorafenib in Refractory Advanced Gastric Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Pavlakis et al, the phase III INTEGRATE IIa study showed improved overall survival with regorafenib plus best supportive care vs placebo vs best supportive care in patients with refractory advanced gastric/esophagogastric junction cancer.

Study...

Gastroesophageal Cancer

FDA Approves Novel Combination for Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved zolbetuximab-clzb (Vyloy), a claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2)-directed cytolytic antibody, with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic human epidermal ...

Colorectal Cancer

What Is the Impact of a Colon or Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis on Younger Adults vs Older Adults?

Younger adults with colon cancer tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and have more aggressive types of tumors. Additionally, young patients living with colorectal cancer have long-term, adverse consequences on their lives, which are different from the impact the disease has on older adults,...

Issues in Oncology

Do Social Support Measures Improve Uptake of Cancer Screening?

Although improving cancer screening participation in the United States is central to the country’s national goals for reducing disability and death, currently, participation is lagging behind the Healthy People 2030 targets set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A study by the...

Thyroid Cancer
Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Risk After Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Thyroid Cancer

In a study reported in a research letter in JAMA Network Open, Rezaei et al found that risk of melanoma and other nonkeratinocyte skin cancers was elevated in patients who had received radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer.

Study Details

The study involved data from 17 Surveillance,...

Gastroesophageal Cancer
Lung Cancer
Issues in Oncology

STS Launches Two New Thoracic Surgery Risk Calculators

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) announced the introduction of two new risk calculators to inform physician-patient decision-making in thoracic surgery.

Engineered using contemporary data from the STS General Thoracic Surgery Database, the interactive tools may provide surgeons with...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Large Proportion of Postmenopausal Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancers May Be Linked to Excess Body Fat

Investigators have found that about 40% of postmenopausal hormone receptor–positive breast cancer cases may be linked to excess body fat, according to a recent study published by Cubelos-Fernández et al in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.

Background

Using the widely used...

Survivorship
Issues in Oncology
Solid Tumors

Large Proportion of Childhood Cancer Survivors May Experience Significant Fear of Cancer Recurrence

Investigators have found that one-third of adult survivors of childhood cancers may experience a severe fear of cancer recurrence that impacts their daily lives, according to a recent study published by Pizzo et al in JAMA Network Open.

Background

Although the number of survivors of childhood...

Lymphoma
Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology

New Data From SWOG S1826 Trial May Confirm Benefit of Nivolumab Plus AVD in Patients With Hodgkin Lymphoma

Researchers have found that the combination of nivolumab plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) may reduce the risk of cancer progression and mortality in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma compared with standard treatment, according to a recent study published by Herrera et al in The New ...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Association of TERT Expression and Survival in Pulmonary Carcinoids

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Werr et al, high telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression has been found to be associated with poorer survival in patients with pulmonary carcinoids.

As stated by the investigators: “The clinical course of pulmonary carcinoids ranges...

Lung Cancer

Addition of Thoracic Radiotherapy to First-Line Treatment of EGFR-Mutated Metastatic NSCLC

In a Chinese phase III trial (Northern Radiation Oncology Group of China-002) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Sun et al found that the addition of thoracic radiotherapy to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment improved progression-free survival in first-line treatment of...

Issues in Oncology

Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through a Challenging Policy Landscape

Among most members of the health-care and oncology workforces, the lofty goals of the organizational framework of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) seem to be clear and indisputable: to promote the fair treatment and full participation of all people, particularly groups who have historically...

Lung Cancer

Tumor Treating Fields Therapy Receives FDA Approval in Metastatic NSCLC

Yesterday, Novocure announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Optune Lua® for concurrent use with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or docetaxel for the treatment of adults with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have experienced disease progression on or after a...

Lung Cancer

Addition of Ramucirumab to Osimertinib in TKI-Naive EGFR-Mutant Metastatic NSCLC

In an interim analysis of the phase II RAMOSE trial, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Le et al found that the addition of ramucirumab to osimertinib significantly prolonged progression-free survival as initial treatment in patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-naive...

Bladder Cancer

Standard vs Extended Lymphadenectomy in Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Lerner et al, the phase III SWOG S1011 trial showed no disease-free survival benefit for extended vs standard lymphadenectomy in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing radical cystectomy.

Study Details

In the trial, 592...

Head and Neck Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials May Be Becoming Less Diverse, Despite National Efforts

Many patients with head and neck cancer may lack equal opportunity to access experimental treatments in clinical trials or receive treatments that were shown to be effective in similar patients, according to a recent study published by Zuckerman and Edwards in Head & Neck.

Background

Millions ...

Lung Cancer

AEGEAN Update Confirms Benefit of Perioperative Durvalumab in Resectable NSCLC

The second planned interim analysis of the global phase III AEGEAN trial—reported by John V. Heymach, MD, PhD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, and colleagues at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Cancer Clinical Trials May Continue to Be Inaccessible for Many Patients

Millions of U.S. patients with cancer may face barriers to accessing some of the most advanced treatments being tested in clinical trials for their disease, according to a recent study published by Kirkwood et al in JCO Oncology Practice.

Background

“We need to support bringing clinical trials to ...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Patients With Multiple Sclerosis May Have an Increased Risk of Certain Types of Cancer

Some cancer types may be slightly more prevalent among patients with multiple sclerosis compared with those without the condition, according to a recent study published by Pierret et al in Neurology.

Background

In multiple sclerosis, the body’s immune system attacks myelin, the fatty white...

Lung Cancer

Capmatinib in MET Exon 14–Mutated NSCLC

As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Wolf et al, the final results of the phase II GEOMETRY mono-1 trial support the activity of the kinase inhibitor capmatinib in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14–skipping mutation (METex14).  

Study Details

The multicohort trial ...

Survivorship

Association of Excess Body Weight and Risk of Second Primary Cancers Among Survivors of First Primary Cancers

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Bodelon et al found that survivors of first primary cancers with overweight or obesity were at increased risk for second primary cancers, particularly obesity-related cancers.

Study Details

The study focused on data from the Cancer Prevention Study II...

Prostate Cancer

Updated Findings in Prostate Cancer Screening With Systemic Biopsy vs MRI-Targeted Biopsy

Updated results of a Swedish screening study (GOTEBORG-2), reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Hugosson et al, indicate that omitting biopsy among individuals with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results eliminated a high proportion of diagnoses of clinically insignificant...

Breast Cancer

Radiation-Associated Secondary Cancers in Breast Cancer Harboring TP53 Germline Pathogenic Variants

In a study published as a research letter in JAMA Oncology, Cederquist et al found that patients with breast cancer who received adjuvant radiation therapy and harbored likely pathogenic TP53 germline variants were at increased risk of developing secondary in-field sarcoma during follow-up.

Study...

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

African Men May Have Higher Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer Earlier

Researchers have identified genetic risk factors that may contribute to prostate cancer in a diverse group of African men, according to a recent study published by Janivara et al in Nature Genetics. The findings could uncover new treatment options in this patient population.

Background

Certain...

Hepatobiliary Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Higher Dosage of Radioembolization With Y-90 Therapy May Improve Survival Rates and Facilitate Curative Treatment in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Researchers found that a higher dosage of radioembolization treatment using yttrium (Y)-90 microspheres than previously recommended may benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Chen et al in Liver Cancer. The findings could be practice-changing.

...

FDA Approves Inavolisib Combination in PIK3CA-Mutated, HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the PI3K inhibitor inavolisib (Itovebi) with the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib and fulvestrant for adults with endocrine-resistant, PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as...

Gynecologic Cancers

Sintilimab/Bevacizumab in Relapsed or Persistent Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma

In a Chinese phase II trial (INOVA) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Peng et al found that the combination of sintilimab and bevacizumab showed activity in patients with relapsed or persistent ovarian clear cell carcinoma.

Study Details

In the multicenter trial, 37 evaluable patients with...

Issues in Oncology
Global Cancer Care

Global Disparities May Exist in Availability, Timeliness of New Cancer Drugs

Despite considerable progress in the discovery and development of new cancer drugs between 1990 and 2022, there may be disparities in both the availability and timeliness of these treatment options globally, particularly among lower-income countries, according to a recent study published by Li et...

Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Two Universities to Develop Incisionless Prostate Cancer Surgery Using MRI and Robotics

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Vanderbilt University have received a $3.7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to pioneer a novel approach to prostate cancer surgery that combines advanced robotics and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.

Overview...

Issues in Oncology

ASHP Offers New Guidance for Managing IV Fluid Shortages

The American Society for Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the University of Utah announced updated recommendations for managing intravenous fluid shortages and conserving supply after Hurricane Helene forced the closure of a critical manufacturing plant in North Carolina. 

The management and...

Gynecologic Cancers
Issues in Oncology

One-Dose HPV Vaccination Approach May Help to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

Canadian vaccination programs may switch to a one-dose, gender-neutral human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination approach to eliminate cervical cancer, according to a recent study published by Drolet et al in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Background

HPV is known to cause cervical cancer...

Prostate Cancer

Can Blood Test Predict Survival in Metastatic Prostate Cancer?

A recent study found that measuring circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a reliable way to predict later treatment response and survival prospects in men when metastatic prostate cancer is first diagnosed. The test may help providers to decide which patients should receive standard treatment vs who...

Issues in Oncology

Bridging the Gap in Cancer Clinical Trial Funding

In a Journal of Clinical Oncology editorial, Yara Abdou, MD, and Norman E. Sharpless, MD, responded to a recent study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle that found enrollment in industry-sponsored cancer clinical trials doubled between 2008 and 2022, whereas federally supported trial ...

Lung Cancer

Stereotactic vs Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Inoperable Stage I NSCLC

As reported in JAMA Oncology by Swaminath et al, the Canadian phase III LUSTRE trial has shown no significant benefit in local tumor control with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) vs hypofractionated conventional radiotherapy (CRT) in patients with inoperable stage I non–small cell lung cancer...

Issues in Oncology
Supportive Care

Exercise Linked to Fewer Falls in Older Adults With Cancer

A recent study suggests that for people older than age 65 who have cancer, physical activity may be key to reducing the chances of a dangerous fall. People with lung cancer, colorectal cancer, or prostate cancer, in particular, had a lower risk of falling when they talked with their doctor...

Leukemia
Immunotherapy

Novel Cell Therapy May Offer Benefit in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory T-Cell ALL

A novel cell therapy targeting CD7 on leukemia cells may provide an effective treatment option for patients with refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), according to a recent study published by Oh et al in Nature Medicine. The findings highlighted the effectiveness of a new chimeric...

Prostate Cancer

Transperineal vs Transrectal Prostate Biopsy for Suspicion of Prostate Cancer

In the PREVENT trial, reported as a research letter in JAMA Oncology, Hu et al found that transperineal prostate biopsy resulted in less risk of infection than transrectal biopsy in patients with suspicion of prostate cancer, with no difference between methods observed in detecting high-grade...

Gynecologic Cancers

Sexual Health and Quality of Life With Simple vs Radical Hysterectomy in Low-Risk, Early-Stage Cervical Cancer

In an analysis from the phase III SHAPE trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Ferguson et al found that simple hysterectomy was associated with a reduced risk of sexual dysfunction vs radical hysterectomy in patients with low-risk, early-stage cervical cancer. The trial showed...

Breast Cancer
Survivorship
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Common Breast Cancer Treatments May Speed Aging Process

Researchers have found that common breast cancer treatments—including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—may accelerate the biological aging process among breast cancer survivors, according to a new study published by Carroll et al in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The findings...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Health-Care Policy
Survivorship

ACA’s Dependent Coverage Expansion May Have Benefited Young Adult Patients Diagnosed With Cancer

Investigators have uncovered that during the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) first decade, the survival rates of Dependent Coverage Expansion–eligible young adult patients with cancer may have improved, according to a recent study published by Roth et al in Cancer.

The federal...

Hepatobiliary Cancer

Addition of Liver Transplantation to Chemotherapy for Permanently Unresectable Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases

In the European TransMet trial, reported in The Lancet, Adam et al found that liver transplantation plus chemotherapy improved overall survival vs chemotherapy alone in patients with permanently unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.

Study Details

In the open-label trial, 94 patients...

Genomics/Genetics

Two U.S. Scientists Named Recipients of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded jointly to two U.S. scientists: Victor Ambros, PhD, and Gary Ruvkun, PhD, for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The recipients were named in a news release issued by The Nobel Assembly...

Pancreatic Cancer

Certain KRAS Gene Mutations Linked to Improved Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer

A common mutation in the KRAS gene seems to be associated with improved overall survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared with other variants, in part because the mutation appears to lead to less invasiveness and weaker biological activity, according to a recent study published in

CNS Cancers
Issues in Oncology

Radiopharmaceutical Therapy May Offer Benefit in Patients With Refractory Meningioma

A radiopharmaceutical therapy has demonstrated early efficacy in patients with difficult-to-treat meningioma, according to new findings presented by Merrell et al at the 2024 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting (Abstract 2) and simultaneously published in the

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

AI Language Models May Generate Effective Physician's Letters

An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm may be effective at writing physician’s letters, according to a recent study published by Heilmeyer et al in JMIR Medical Informatics.

Background

According to recent surveys, physicians may spend almost 3 hours per day on documentation activities.

“The...

CNS Cancers
Issues in Oncology

ChatGPT May Demonstrate Human-Level Assessment of Brain Tumor MRI Reports

In the field of radiology, where a correct diagnosis is critical to ensure proper patient care, large language models such as ChatGPT may improve accuracy or offer a second opinion in assessing brain tumor magnetic response imaging (MRI) reports, according to a recent study published by Mitsuyama...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Spiritual Themes, Distrust May Factor Into Black Patients’ Reluctance to Participate in Cancer Clinical Trials

Spiritual beliefs and a historically based distrust of clinical research may influence Black patients’ decisions about whether to participate in cancer trials, according to new findings presented by Gomez et al at the 2024 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting (Abstract...

Novel Radioconjugate or Conventional Care Prior to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Relapsed/Refractory AML

As reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology by Gyurkocza et al, the phase III SIERRA trial has shown higher rates of durable complete remissions with the anti-CD45 radioconjugate iodine-131–apamistamab vs conventional care followed by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in...

Gynecologic Cancers

Atezolizumab Plus Platinum Doublet and Maintenance Niraparib for Late-Relapsing Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by González-Martín et al, a phase III trial (ENGOT-OV41/GEICO 69-O/ANITA) has shown no progression-free survival benefit with the addition of atezolizumab to a carboplatin doublet and maintenance niraparib in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer...

Lymphoma

Autologous vs Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Younger Patients With Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: 7-Year Follow-up

In an analysis reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Tournilhac et al identified 7-year outcomes of the phase III AATT trial evaluating autologous vs allogeneic transplantation in younger patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Study Details

In the trial, 103 patients (aged 18–60) from...

Solid Tumors
CNS Cancers
Issues in Oncology

Strategies for Recovering Neurocognitive Function After Cranial Radiation Therapy

A substantial number of patients with brain metastases who experience cognitive side effects after radiation therapy may fully regain cognitive function, according to recent findings presented by Cherng et al at the 2024 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting (Abstract 150). ...

Issues in Oncology

Conversations on Cancer: Exploring Religious Literacy and Spirituality in Cancer Care

OCE Insights is an occasional department developed for The ASCO Post by members of the Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this installment, the OCE’s Steven Clark Cunningham, MD, MLA, FACS, Clinical Reviewer on the Gastrointestinal Cancers...

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