December 25, 2019 (View All Issues)
Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate Shows Efficacy in Women With Pretreated, Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
The novel antibody-drug conjugate [fam-] trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) achieved high response rates and durable responses in heavily pretreated patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, according to results of the phase II DESTINY-Breast 01 trial presented at the 2019 San Antonio...
ASH 2019: Early Data Signal Potential for Bispecific Antibody in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
The investigational bispecific antibody mosunetuzumab is showing activity in preliminary studies of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including those who are refractory to or relapsed after third-line chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. If preliminary findings are validated by...
Time to Treatment Is a Priority
Dr. Smith called us on a Tuesday afternoon. “I have a patient who has an abnormal mammogram showing a large mass. I’m suspecting cancer and am referring her to you for diagnosis and treatment. She’s very anxious. I hope you can help.”
We were able to get Dr. Smith’s patient in the next day for ...
Phase Ib/II Studies Explore Next-Generation BCMA-Targeted CAR T-Cell Therapies in Multiple Myeloma
In patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, two novel dual-target chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell strategies are yielding early and durable responses, with seemingly less cytokine-release syndrome and neurotoxicity than first-generation CAR T-cell products, according to the...
Veliparib/Chemotherapy Combination Active in HER2-Negative BRCA-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer
The addition of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor veliparib to carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer and germline BRCA mutation compared with placebo plus chemotherapy, according to...
Stephen Hahn, MD, Confirmed as FDA Commissioner by Senate
On December 12, the United States Senate voted 72–18 to confirm Stephen Hahn, MD, as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A radiation oncologist, Dr. Hahn was previously the Chief Medical Executive and Gilbert H. Fletcher Distinguished Memorial Chair and Professor of...
RSNA 2019: MRI-Guided Ultrasound Treatment for Localized Prostate Cancer
A novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided procedure that uses therapeutic ultrasound may effectively treat prostate cancer with minimal side effects, according to a new study presented at the 2019 annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) (Abstract SSC07-07)....
Improved Prevention of Graft-vs-Host Disease Reported With Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide
Following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cyclophosphamide significantly reduced grades II to IV acute and chronic extensive graft-vs-host disease compared with conventional immunosuppression, investigators reported during the Plenary Session at the 2019 American Society of...
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and ASH Team Up to Connect Patients With Blood Cancer to Clinical Trials
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) recently announced a collaboration to expand access to LLS’s free service that provides clinical trials navigation and support to patients with hematologic malignancies and their families. With approximately 5%...
Pembrolizumab vs Cetuximab Plus Chemotherapy in Recurrent or Metastatic Head/Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
As reported in The Lancet by Barbara Burtness, MD, of the Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, and colleagues, the phase III KEYNOTE-048 trial has shown improved overall survival with first-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy vs cetuximab plus chemotherapy among patients...
Immunotherapy for Head/Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Questions Raised by KEYNOTE-048
There is a new first-line treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed, recurrent, or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. As reported by Burtness et al in The Lancet, pembrolizumab improved overall survival vs the standard-of-care regimen of cetuximab and platinum-based...
New Award and Grant to Support Pediatric Cancer Research
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation announced the creation of the AACR–St. Baldrick’s Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in Pediatric Cancer Research. The award includes a grant to provide support for a junior faculty investigator to...
Oncology Analytics Appoints Lee Newcomer, MD, as Strategic Advisor
Oncology Analytics, a technology-enabled service company that provides health plans, providers, and patients with an evidence-based, analytics-focused approach to utilization management, purpose-built for oncology, has announced the appointment of Lee Newcomer, MD, as a strategic advisor. Dr....
Pembrolizumab in Relapsed or Refractory Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma: KEYNOTE-013 and KEYNOTE-170
Findings in the phase Ib KEYNOTE-013 and phase II KEYNOTE-170 trials, reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Philippe Armand, MD, PhD, of DanaFarber Cancer Institute, and colleagues, indicate that pembrolizumab is active in relapsed or refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell...
KEYNOTE-013 and KEYNOTE-170: Improving the Precision of Checkpoint Blockade in Patients With Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma is an uncommon but distinct clinicopathologic variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that typically presents with an aggressive mediastinal mass and invasion of local structures. Most patients are young, typically in their 20s and 30s, and there is a...
Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma Outcomes Improving Exponentially
Emerging treatments for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma include options beyond triplet regimens, including immunotherapy and mutation-driven therapy. Several exciting drugs are poised to be available in the clinic in 2020, according to speakers at the recent JADPRO Live, the annual...
Taking a Reasonable Approach to Treating Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of terminally differentiated plasma cells within the bone marrow. Although it leads to a host of different issues within the body, overall survival has steadily improved in recent years. “This is largely because of better...
A Systematic Approach to Identifying the Molecular Factors That Lead to Cancer Progression
Although gene mutations are the primary drivers of carcinogenesis, an array of complex and tumor-specific molecular interaction networks determine cancer cell behavior. To learn more about this line of inquiry, The ASCO Post recently spoke with Andrea Califano, Dr., Professor of Chemical Biology...
Rituximab-abbs: Biosimilar to Rituximab for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
In the Clinic provides overviews of novel oncology agents, addressing indications, mechanisms of action, administration recommendations, safety profiles, and other essential information needed for the appropriate clinical use of these drugs.
Late in 2018, rituximab-abbs was approved as the first ...
Targeted Triplet Therapy Improved Overall Survival in BRAF-Mutated Colorectal Cancer
For patients with metastatic colorectal cancer harboring BRAF V600E mutations, three drugs seem to be better than two, the most recent analysis of the phase III BEACON CRC study has shown.1 The results, presented at the 2019 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, were concurrently...
Study Links Sustained Weight Loss to Reduced Breast Cancer Risk
A new study finds that women who lost weight after age 50 and kept it off had a lower risk of breast cancer than women whose weight remained stable, helping answer a vexing question in cancer prevention.1 The reduction in risk increased with the amount of weight lost and was specific to women not...
V. Craig Jordan, PhD, DSc, Receives Award at Buckingham Palace
V. Craig Jordan, CMG, OBE, PhD, DSc, was presented with his Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) for services to women’s health. Prince William presented the award on November 5. Dr. Jordan was recognized for his discovery and development of selective...
ASCO’s National Cancer Opinion Survey Finds Gaps in Knowledge on Cancer Prevention and the Dangers of E-Cigarettes
As in the previous 2 years, the results from ASCO’s 2019 Cancer Opinion Survey revealed some startling answers about the public’s understanding of cancer, its risk factors, and strategies to prevent the disease. Although a majority of Americans (57%) said they were concerned about developing...
ASCO/NCODA Release Standards for Medically Integrated Dispensing of Oral Anticancer Drugs
ASCO and the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) have published recommended standards for medically integrated dispensing of oral anticancer therapies and supportive care medications in the oncology clinic.1
“The NCODA created quality standards 6 years ago and recognized...
Acalabrutinib for Adult Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
On November 21, 2019, the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor acalabrutinib was approved for the treatment of adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL).1,2 The review resulting in approval was conducted under Project Orbis, an initiative of the U.S....
Ashwani Rajput, MD, Named Director of Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center for Washington, DC, Region
Ashwani Rajput, MD, a surgical oncologist and researcher, has been appointed Director of the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins for the Washington, DC, region. Dr. Rajput assumed his new role in November 1 and is based at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC. Dr. Rajput specializes in...
J. Jack Lee, PhD, of MD Anderson Cancer Center Earns Election as AAAS Fellow
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has announced that J. Jack Lee, PhD, has been named a Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Dr. Lee is Associate Vice President of Quantitative Sciences and Biostatistics at MD Anderson and a leader in the...
New Cancer Center and Partnership With Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, a leading rural health-care organization, is proud to announce its new cancer center and partnership with Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health, a leader in world-class cancer care, and HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest health network and...
ACCC Project Focuses on Multidisciplinary Care of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Due to the rarity of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, staying current with the latest information on diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with this diagnosis can be challenging for clinicians who do not often encounter it in practice. To support the multi-disciplinary cancer...
Coexisting With Cancer and Depression
Among the highlights at the 2019 Supportive Care in Oncology Symposium in October was the keynote address by Thomas J. Smith, MD, FACP, FASCO, FAAHPM, the Harry J. Duffey Family Professor of Palliative Medicine and Director of Palliative Medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Professor of...
How to Give Effective Presentation Feedback
Giving an effective scientific presentation, like all public speaking, is an acquired skill that takes practice to perfect. When delivered successfully, an oral presentation can be an invaluable opportunity to showcase your latest research results among your colleagues and peers. It can also...
Grief Symptom Levels in Parents of Children Who Have Died of Cancer
In a Swedish study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Pohlkamp et al identified factors associated with levels of prolonged grief symptoms in parents of children who have died of cancer, with factors being found to differ between mothers and fathers.1
As stated by the investigators,...
Long-Term Data on Brigatinib in First-Line Setting of ALK-Positive Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Updated data from the phase III ALTA-1L trial were presented by D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, during the Presidential Session at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress 2019 in Singapore.1 The trial evaluated brigatinib vs...
Mobile App Designed to Match Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer With Clinical Trials
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance (MBCA), the largest coalition of nonprofit breast cancer organizations, pharmaceutical/biotech companies, and patient advocates in the United States, recently announced the release of MBC Connect 2.0. MBC Connect is an interactive, Web- and mobile-friendly...
Early Research Shows Potential New Targets in Treating Glioblastoma, Colorectal Cancer, and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Glioblastoma multiforme, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma represent some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers and collectively cause more than 114,000 deaths each year in the United States. A trio of recently published basic research studies in these cancers have found...
Pembrolizumab in Adjuvant Treatment of Melanoma With Involvement of Lymph Nodes After Complete Resection
In early 2019, pembrolizumab was approved for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph node(s) following complete resection.1,2
Supporting Efficacy Data
Approval was based on findings in the double-blind EORTC 1325/KEYNOTE-054 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier ...
Lung Cancer Expert Julie R. Brahmer, MD, MSc, Was an Early Believer in Immunotherapy—and Still Is
Lung cancer specialist Julie R. Brahmer, MD, MSc, comes from a long line of Midwest farmers who still run a family operation. “I’m originally from what I would call the middle of nowhere in Nebraska. My father is a sixth-generation farmer, and my mother is a nurse. I was inclined toward medicine at ...
The WHO Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues
The ASCO Post is pleased to present Hematology Expert Review, an ongoing feature that quizzes readers on issues in hematology. In this installment, Syed Ali Abutalib, MD, and L. Jeffrey Medeiros, MD, explore the updated World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic and...
Selected Abstracts From the 2019 ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition
To complement The ASCO Post’s comprehensive coverage of the 2019 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, here are several abstracts selected from the meeting proceedings focusing on novel therapeutic regimens for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For full details of these...
Gilteritinib for Relapsed or Refractory AML With FLT3 Mutation
Late in 2018, the FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib was approved for the treatment of adult patients who have relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a FLT3 mutation, as detected by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test.1,2 The FDA also approved an expanded indication...
American Cancer Society and Flatiron Health Launch Real-World Data Impact Award
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and Flatiron Health has announced the launch of the American Cancer Society & Flatiron Health Real-World Data Impact Award. This joint grant-making program supports both organizations’ goals of accelerating cancer research and improving treatment and care...
Companion Diagnostic Approved for Alpelisib/Fulvestrant Therapy
On December 4, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved FoundationOne CDx to be used as a companion diagnostic for alpelisib in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of postmenopausal women as well as male patients with hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative, PIK3CA-mutated,...
Global Survey Shows Misperceptions About Lung Cancer Among the General Public
Only one in five people (22%) disagrees with the statement “generally, patients with lung cancer have caused their illness through their lifestyle choices and behaviors,” according to a global, omnibus survey conducted by Ipsos MORI and sponsored by the Lung Ambition Alliance. The results were...
Dana-Farber Researcher Receives Victoria Mock New Investigator Award From ONS
Robert Knoerl, PhD, RN, an Instructor in Medicine and Nurse Scientist in the Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has been awarded the 2020 Oncology Nursing Society’s Victoria Mock New Investigator Award.
Dr. Knoerl was...
The Antiseptic Era: 1876–1900
The text and photographs here are excerpted from a four-volume series of books titled Oncology: Tumors & Treatment, A Photographic History, The Antiseptic Era: 1876–1900 by Stanley B. Burns, MD, FACS, and Elizabeth A. Burns. The photographs appear courtesy of Dr. Burns and The Burns Archive. To ...
The Rise and Fall of Tobacco Products in the United States
It was a press conference on a cold Saturday in January 1964 that had garnered international attention, but the trappings were those of a secret government meeting, behind locked doors secured by uniformed guards. To the chagrin of the reporters, “no smoking” signs had been hastily posted around...
Incidence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus Has ‘Increased Dramatically’ in Older Women and Young Black Men
“Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus incidence has increased dramatically in elderly women and young black men,” according to a study of recent trends in incidence and mortality. “Advanced-stage [anal squamous cell carcinoma] incidence tripled with a prominent rise in … mortality,” researchers...
Study Suggests Association Between Increased Risk of Breast Cancer and Use of Chemical Hair Products
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that women who use permanent hair dye and chemical hair straighteners may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not use these products. The study, published by Eberle et al in the International Journal of Cancer, ...
Does the Addition of Ramucirumab to Docetaxel Improve Overall Survival in Previously Treated Urothelial Carcinoma?
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Daniel P. Petrylak, MD, and colleagues, the phase III RANGE trial has shown no significant improvement in overall survival with the addition of ramucirumab to docetaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma previously treated...
Sequencing of Enzalutamide and Abiraterone Acetate in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
In a Canadian phase II crossover trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Kim N. Chi, MD, and colleagues found that time to second prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression from start of treatment was longer with crossover from abiraterone acetate/prednisone to enzalutamide vs the reverse...
Swedish Study of Risk-Adapted Screening Starting Ages for Relatives of Patients With Breast Cancer
In a study reported in JAMA Oncology, Trasias Mukama, MPH, and colleagues identified risk-adapted screening starting ages for relatives of patients with breast cancer according to the number of affected first-degree and second-degree relatives and the age at diagnosis of affected relatives.
The...
Breast-Conserving Surgery and Partial-Breast Reirradiation in Patients With Ipsilateral Disease Recurrence
Findings from the phase II NRG Oncology/RTOG 1014 trial, reported in JAMA Oncology by Douglas W. Arthur, MD, and colleagues showed that partial-breast reirradiation after second lumpectomy for recurrence of ipsilateral breast cancer following previous whole-breast irradiation was an effective...
My Dream Is That Multiple Myeloma Will One Day Be in My Past and No Longer a Part of My Future
A year before my diagnosis of multiple myeloma, in 2010, my husband Paul and I moved with our six children to Monterrey, Mexico, where Paul was helping to create a venture capital industry. We were so busy settling into a new country and getting our children integrated into school that when I...
Edmondo Robinson, MD, MBA, FACP, Joins Moffitt as Chief Digital Innovation Officer
Edmondo Robinson, MD, MBA, FACP, has joined Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Innovation Officer. This newly created position will be critical to Moffitt’s success and navigating a continually evolving health-care industry.
Dr. Robinson brings over ...
Professor Jean-Charles Soria Appointed General Director of Gustave Roussy
In a statement from Gustave Roussy on December 16, 2019, the following news was released:
“By an order, the Minister of Health and Solidarity, Madame Agnès Buzyn, appointed Professor Jean-Charles Soria as General Director of Gustave Roussy for a term of 5 years. He will assume his responsibilities ...
Trastuzumab and Hyaluronidase-oysk for Subcutaneous Use in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Early in 2019, trastuzumab and the endoglycosidase hyaluronidase-oysk for subcutaneous injection was approved in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.1,2 The agent is indicated for adjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-overexpressing node-positive or node-negative (estrogen...
ASCO and IASLC Collaborate to Improve the Quality of Lung Cancer Care in Brazil
Medical oncologists in Brazil are being encouraged to take advantage of a new measure set for assessing the quality of care they provide to patients with lung cancer.
Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly types of cancer in Brazil.1 Providing a platform for health-care providers to...
CMS Finalizes Updates to E&M Codes, Establishes MIPS Value Pathways
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule for the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and other changes to Medicare Part B reimbursement policies, including proposals related to the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
The estimated impact of the final MPFS...
Spotlight on Women Who Conquer Cancer
Women Who Conquer Cancer (WWCC) is a groundbreaking program that is committed to supporting early-career women researchers by funding research grants through Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation. Since its inception 6 years ago, the program has raised over $4 million, funded 21 Young Investigator...
Highlights From the 2019 ASCO Research Community Forum Annual Meeting
Researchers from around the country joined together for learning and collaboration at the 2019 ASCO Research Community Forum (RCF) Annual Meeting in September.
During the meeting, Aisha Peterson Johnson, MD, MPH, MBA, of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Compliance, delivered a ...
Make a Holiday Gift to Conquer Cancer,® the ASCO Foundation
Help fund breakthrough cancer research on behalf of someone you love this holiday season. Make a gift in honor or in memory of a loved one, and then send an e-card or mailed notification of your tribute.
For many families, this time of year is marked by worry or grief rather than joy. With your...
Preliminary Study Finds ASCO Decision Aid May Improve Quality of Serious Adverse Events Reporting
Sponsors of clinical trials conducted under investigational new drug (IND) applications are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to report serious adverse events that are unexpected and suspected to be related to the drug. However, contrary to FDA guidance, investigators often...
Final Answers
Emily Johnston, MD, MS, thinks about death a lot.
“I wish we would stop saying people ‘lost a battle’ with cancer when someone dies,” she said.
Dr. Johnston specializes in pediatric oncology at Children’s of Alabama hospital. Conquering cancer, she believes, doesn’t simply mean surviving it—it...
Help Patients Learn How to Manage Pain Effectively
Nearly all cancer-related pain can be successfully managed. Give your patients the ASCO Answers Managing Cancer-Related Pain booklet, which explains the importance of pain relief, including its causes; how it is diagnosed; types of pain relief strategies; and a tracking sheet to help patients...
Your Stories Podcast to Return in 2020 With New Episodes
A new season of Your Stories, the popular podcast series from Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, will premiere in 2020. New episodes will be released bimonthly and will feature candid conversations among doctors, patients, caregivers, and research pioneers on their experiences conquering...
