March 25, 2025 (View All Issues)
Exploratory Post Hoc Analysis of DUO-E Reveals Olaparib’s Benefit in Endometrial Cancer Subsets
The phase III DUO-E study evaluated the addition of the monoclonal antibody durvalumab to chemotherapy, and the benefit of maintenance durvalumab, with and without the PARP inhibitor olaparib, in advanced endometrial cancer. As reported this past year,1 the inclusion of durvalumab reduced the risk...
Two Decades of Collaboration: The Accelerating Anticancer Agent Development and Validation (AAADV) Workshop
Over the past 20 years, the investment in research and development of cancer therapies has been unprecedented, and the pace of new drug development has been accelerating. To illustrate this trajectory, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 71 treatments for solid cancers in adults...
The Importance of Diversity in Clinical Research
The Cancer Drug Development Forum (CDDF) held its annual conference in the Netherlands from February 3–5, 2025. Under the title “Challenges, Advances, and Open Questions in Global Cancer Drug Development and Clinical Trials,” the workshop focused on diversity and real-world evidence in anticancer...
Testosterone Recovery After Androgen-Deprivation Therapy Linked to Improved Survival in High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Testosterone recovery to normal levels after long-term term androgen-deprivation therapy and radiotherapy significantly improved overall survival in patients with high-risk prostate cancer, according to data presented at the 2025 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.1
Long-term data from the phase ...
Nivolumab Plus Cabozantinib Continues to Show Superior Long-Term Outcomes in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
The PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab plus the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib continues to demonstrate a significant survival advantage over sunitinib alone in patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma, according to data presented at the 2025 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers...
Enfortumab Vedotin Plus Pembrolizumab Continues to Show Benefit in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
In previously untreated patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, use of the antibody-drug conjugate enfortumab vedotin-ejfv in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab continues to demonstrate a significant survival benefit over chemotherapy, according to updated...
Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel Combination Regimen Improves Overall Survival in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Adding intraperitoneal (IP) paclitaxel to standard intravenous (IV) paclitaxel plus S-1 (oral fluoropyrimidine derivative) significantly extended overall survival for patients with gastric cancer peritoneal metastases, according to data presented at the 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers...
Advancing Clinical Decisions With Circulting Tumor DNA: Insights From Recent Clinical Trials
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has evolved from an experimental biomarker to an increasingly actionable tool, informing treatment decisions throughout colorectal cancer care. Whether guiding adjuvant therapy intensification or de-escalation, refining organ-preservation strategies in rectal cancer,...
Recent FDA Approvals in Lymphoma and in Rarer Tumors
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) in combination with lenalidomide and a rituximab product for adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)—including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, DLBCL arising ...
Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, Joins Friends of Cancer Research Board of Directors
Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) is honored to announce the addition of former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, to its Board of Directors.
“Dr. Bertagnolli has built her incredible career around improving the lives of patients through...
Douglas Hanahan, PhD, FAACR, to Be Honored at 2025 AACR Annual Meeting
The Pezcoller Foundation–American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research will be presented to Douglas Hanahan, PhD, FAACR, during the upcoming 2025 AACR Annual Meeting, to be held April 25–30 at the McCormick Place Convention...
In Case You Missed It: Abstracts on Novel Therapies in Gastrointestinal Cancers
The 2025 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium once again delivered a slate of high-impact studies spanning esophageal, gastric, hepatocellular, pancreatic, biliary tract, and colorectal malignancies. Experts in the field offered fresh perspectives on evolving standards of care, and investigators ...
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Plus Immunotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Neoadjuvant therapy that combines chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the investigational PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab led to a significantly higher pathologic complete response rate in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, according to data presented at the 2025 ASCO...
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 conducted by Professor Jon S. Patricios, MBBCh, of the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, and colleagues and published in the...
Partial-Gland Removal May Be an Option for Many Men With Prostate Cancer
A 5-year study on men that had primary partial-gland cryoablation shows that the procedure averted cancer recurrence in most patients while preserving urinary and sexual function.
Led by researchers at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, the study tracked the patient outcomes after...
Influencing Geriatric Oncology Practice Worldwide: 2024 International Society of Geriatric Oncology Conference
The Annual Meeting of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) was held from October 17–19, 2024, in Montreal. The conference theme was “Promoting Equity and Enhancing Optimal Care Delivery.” The conference chairs were Shabbir Alibhai, MD, MSc, FRCPC, and Martine Puts, RN, PhD, FAAN,...
In Case You Missed It: Additional Studies of Interest From ASH 2024
A record-breaking number of abstracts were submitted for the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, and nearly 8,000 were accepted. The ASCO Post strives to provide in-depth coverage of those with the greatest impact. Here, we offer snapshots of others of...
inMIND Trial: Tafasitamab Plus Lenalidomide and Rituximab in Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma
The addition of tafasitamab, a CD19 monoclonal antibody, to the commonly used lenalidomide and rituximab backbone significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, according to data presented during the 2024 American Society of Hematology...
Early Research Evaluates Association Between Diet and Lung Cancer Risk
The long-term impact of diet on health has been well studied, leading to guidance about limiting the consumption of red meat, alcohol, and other foods associated with an increased risk of malignancies such as colorectal, breast, and liver cancers. Researchers at the University of Florida Health...
Discussing Breast Density With Patients Following the FDA Mammography Quality Standards Act Mandate
In JAMA, Lee et al provided a concise, evidence-based summary to help clinicians discuss information regarding breast density and implement shared decision-making with patients following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Mammography Quality Standards Act mandate. Since September 2024,...
New ASCO Guideline Addresses Germline and Somatic Genomic Testing in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Prostate carcinoma is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States, accounting for more than 299,000 estimated new cases and approximately 35,000 new deaths in 2024.1 A new ASCO guideline based on findings from a systematic review indicates that in metastatic cases of prostate...
New Guideline Supports Transoral Robotic Surgery in the Multidisciplinary Management of Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) can offer patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) improved survival while minimizing or avoiding late toxicities associated with the standard of care of radiation with cisplatin chemotherapy, according to a recent ASCO guideline.1
“We show in...
Confronting the Growing Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance in Cancer Care
The dire warnings about the lethal consequences of unchecked antimicrobial resistance are getting louder and becoming more urgent. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has called antimicrobial resistance “one of the most important health security threats of our time,” with at least 2.8...
Ageism and Its Role in the Treatment of Cancer
Age discrimination, often referred to as ageism, is an increasingly pressing issue within society. Although it can impact individuals across all age groups, older adults are particularly vulnerable. According to the U.S. Census Bureau projections, by 2040, individuals aged 65 and older will...
Stem Cell Transplant May Not Be Necessary in First Remission for Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Undetectable MRD
Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) does not improve survival outcomes for patients with mantle cell lymphoma who achieve a deep first complete remission with undetectable measurable residual disease (MRD) after induction therapy, according to data presented during the 2024 American Society ...
Conexiant Signs Partnership Deal With Elsevier to Enhance Society Marketing and Member Engagement Solutions
Conexiant has partnered with Elsevier to deliver world-class solutions and sales execution to more than 100 global societies and associations covering more than 25 core specialties in the health-care space. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in delivering innovative advertising,...
Digital Integrative Medicine Intervention for Patients Undergoing Active Cancer Treatment
Cancer and its treatments often contribute to burdensome symptoms that negatively impact patients’ quality of life and treatment outcomes, including fatigue, anxiety, and depression.1 Many patients experience multiple symptoms concurrently2 that can disrupt their treatments and lead to unplanned...
Benefit Suggested for Early Treatment of Advanced-Stage, Very Low–Tumor Burden Follicular Lymphoma
In the phase III JCOG1411/FLORA trial of patients with untreated advanced-stage, very low–tumor burden follicular lymphoma, rituximab induction delayed disease progression to high–tumor burden follicular lymphoma and delayed the initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy, according to Japanese...
Top Picks From SABCS 2024
Among the high-quality abstract presentations at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), a few always stand out as particularly meritorious. Each year, The ASCO Post asks our Deputy Editor, breast cancer specialist Jame Abraham, MD, FACP, to give us his picks. Dr. Abraham is Chairman...
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
“Care more particularly for the individual patient than for the special features of the disease.”
—Sir William Osler
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western hemisphere. The majority of patients who require treatment are older...
Bringing Palliative Care to Every Patient With Cancer
Janet L. Abrahm, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, FASCO, has spent more than half of her oncology career as a palliative care physician. After receiving her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in 1973, Dr. Abrahm completed her internship and residency at Massachusetts General ...
CMS Expects Between 750,000 to 2 Million to Lose Coverage If ACA Proposal Is Implemented
On March 10, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule aimed at addressing improper enrollments in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace. This is the first proposed rule released under the new ...
Screening Was Key to the Early Detection of My Prostate Cancer
As a Native American and former president of the Seneca Nation of Indians, I am keenly aware of the disparities in cancer care we face in accessing screening and treatment, which results in worse survival rates compared with those of racial and ethnic populations.1 Native American and Alaska Native ...
Results Announced From Phase II VERITAC-2 Clinical Trial in Breast Cancer
Arvinas, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. recently announced results from the randomized phase III VERITAC-2 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05654623) evaluating vepdegestrant monotherapy vs fulvestrant in adults with estrogen receptor–positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast...
Study Finds No Clear Evidence That Red Wine Mitigates Cancer Risk
The consumption of alcohol has been associated with increased cancer risk, but red wine has been perceived by some as a healthier choice compared to white wine and other types of alcohol. Investigators evaluated whether the anticancer properties of red wine were greater in a recent study published...
New Reports Assess Oncology Workforce Well-Being, Propose Solutions to Address Burnout
Physician burnout has increased significantly in the past decade, and organizational strategies are vital to improve physician well-being, according to new research from ASCO. This compilation includes reports on the state of professional well-being among oncologists in 2023, burnout trends among...
