Formal discussant of the ­FOENIX-CCA2 trial, Ezra E.W. Cohen, MD, of the University of California San Diego and Moores Cancer Center, was encouraged by the findings with highly selective targeted agents such as futibatinib and emphasized the importance of molecular profiling.

Ezra E.W. Cohen, MD

“The molecular profiling of cancers must become universally available. This is no longer a question of if but how we do it in each patient and which methodology is best. We need to develop health policies and guidelines that accommodate universal testing. [Targeted] agents are tremendously effective, but in small numbers of patients. We need to identify which patients will benefit,” Dr. Cohen said.

“Selectivity appears to beat promiscuity. The more selective the agent, the higher the efficacy. Resistance will always emerge. Preclinical modeling has utility, and we need to think about proactive approaches. Finally, toxicity profiles among classes are unique, and education of providers is essential,” he stated. 

DISCLOSURE: Dr. Cohen has served as a consultant or advisor to Bayer, ­BioNTech, Eisai, Gilead, Merck, MSD, and Regeneron.