October 10, 2017 (View All Issues)
Can We Have a Successful Vaccine Against Cancer?
EARLY IN our careers, few of us imagined that a vaccine could one day prevent cancer. Now, there is a vaccine that keeps the risks from human papillomavirus (HPV) at bay, and yet universal adoption of the HPV vaccine has been incomplete. As a result of misinformation about the vaccine—and its...
Abemaciclib Plus Endocrine Therapy Extends Progression-Free Survival in First-Line Therapy for Advanced Breast Cancer
THE VALUE OF cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors in advanced breast cancer became ever more certain with the announcement of interim data from MONARCH 3, which evaluated abemaciclib in combination with endocrine therapy as first-line therapy for hormone receptor–positive/HER2-negative ...
MSLT-II Completion Lymph Node Dissection Trial: Practice Changing but Not Likely Practice Abandoning
PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT advance in the treatment of newly diagnosed primary melanoma has been the incorporation of sentinel lymph node biopsy as part of initial surgical management. The routine use of sentinel lymph node biopsy, often termed “sentinel lymphadenectomy,” in appropriately...
Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab vs Sunitinib Alone as First-Line Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
A CHANGE IN PARADIGM may be on the horizon for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. According to the results of CheckMate 214, the combination of ipilimumab (Yervoy) plus nivolumab (Opdivo) outperformed the standard of care—sunitinib (Sutent)—for first-line treatment, with...
Expert Point of View: Manuela Schmidinger, MD
FORMAL DISCUSSANT, Manuela Schmidinger, MD, of the Medical University of Austria, Vienna, commented on the CheckMate 214 findings. “We have just seen a change in the paradigm in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer.”
“More than a decade ago, VEGF [vascular endothelial growth factor]...
‘Clinically Meaningful’ Results With First-Line Osimertinib in EGFR–Positive NSCLC
OSIMERTINIB (TAGRISSO) showed encouraging results as first-line therapy for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–mutated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the phase III FLAURA trial, according to results presented at the 2017 European Society for Medical Oncology...
Relapsed Mesothelioma Controlled by Checkpoint Inhibition
IN PATIENTS with malignant pleural mesothelioma, combination immunotherapy with two checkpoint inhibitors in the second or third line of treatment extended survival to at least 15 months in the MAPS2 trial,1 sponsored by the Intergroupe Francophone de Cancérologie Thoracique (IFCT) and...
Expert Point of View: Paul Baas, MD, PhD
INVITED DISCUSSANT Paul Baas, MD, PhD, of The Netherlands Cancer Institute, called the MAPS2 trial an “excellent example of how studies in mesothelioma should be run.”
As Dr. Baas pointed out, both arms performed well as second- and third-line treatment, with median progression-free survival...
Journal of Clinical Oncology Literature Update
STAYING UP-TO-DATE in the fast-paced world of oncology literature is a daunting task at best. To assist with that task, The ASCO Post has assembled an assortment of studies recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Sorafenib Dosing and Outcomes in Hepatocellular Cancer
IN A...
FDA Approves Copanlisib for Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma
THE U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) has granted accelerated approval to copanlisib (Aliqopa) for the treatment of adults with relapsed follicular lymphoma who have received at least two prior systemic therapies.
Copanlisib is a kinase inhibitor that works by blocking several enzymes that...
Strong Showing for Rucaparib Maintenance Therapy for Platinum-Sensitive Ovarian Cancer
EVIDENCE CONTINUES to mount for the benefits of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition in ovarian cancer. Rucaparib (Rubraca) maintenance therapy after response to platinum-containing therapy significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer compared ...
Expert Point of View: Sandro Pignata, MD
FORMAL DISCUSSANT of ARIEL3, Sandro Pignata, MD, of the IRCCS National Cancer Institute, “Fondazione G. Pascale,” Naples, Italy, said: “This is new evidence for maintenance therapy with rucaparib [Rubraca]. These results are extraordinary, particularly in the BRCA mutation patients, but also in...
Selective PI3K Inhibitor Boosts Effect of Letrozole in Neoadjuvant Setting
FOR THE first time, an inhibitor of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway (taselisib) used in combination with endocrine therapy in the neoadjuvant setting improved response rates over endocrine therapy alone—with good tolerability—in women with early breast cancer, according to the phase...
Expert Point of View: Nadia Harbeck, MD, PhD, and Sibylle Loibl, MD
NADIA HARBECK, MD, PhD, of the Breast Center at the University of Munich, Germany, said the findings of LORELEI are among a growing list of indications that “the future is bright for endocrine-based therapy.”
Although the results were hypothesis-generating and not yet practice-changing, she...
Blood-Based Biomarker: Predicting Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Patients With Melanoma
IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE the largest blood-based biomarker study of a checkpoint inhibitor, an RNA transcript–based gene classifier was able to predict for melanoma patients’ response to tremelimumab. The study was recently published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer.1
“Our study, in many ...
Overview of the Phase III MSLT-II Trial
THE PHASE III MSLT- II TRIAL showed that completion dissection was not associated with improved melanoma-specific overall survival vs observation in patients with sentinel-node metastasis, although a benefit was observed in regional disease control. The findings were reported in The New England...
Cord Blood Transplantation Proves Beneficial in High-Risk Patients With Leukemia
Studies show that only about one-third of patients with acute myeloid leukemia who have detectable amounts of cancer cells in their blood at the time of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation will be alive 3 years later, compared with nearly three-quarters of those patients without minimal ...
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Nivolumab for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Previously Treated With Sorafenib
ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to nivolumab (Opdivo) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who have been previously treated with sorafenib (Nexavar).
CheckMate 040
APPROVAL WAS BASED on a 154-patient subgroup ...
Nivolumab in Advanced DNA Mismatch Repair–Deficient or Microsatellite Instability–High Colorectal Cancer
THE PHASE II CHECKMATE 142 TRIAL has shown that nivolumab (Opdivo) produces durable responses in previously treated recurrent or metastatic DNA mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR)/ microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer. These study findings were reported in The Lancet...
Immunotherapy for Metastatic Mismatch Repair–Deficient Colorectal Cancer: Game-Changer for Small Group of Patients
PATIENTS WITH DNA mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer display a high level of microsatellite instability (MSI-H)1 and demonstrate poor chemosensitivity and shorter overall survival than patients with mismatch repair–proficient (pMMR) metastatic metastatic colorectal...
Nivolumab in MSI-H or dMMR Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
ON JULY 31, 2017, nivolumab (Opdivo) was granted accelerated approval for treatment of patients 12 years and older with DNA mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instability– high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer progressing following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine,...
For Breast Cancer Specialist Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, Medicine Is a Family Tradition
Breast cancer specialist Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, was born in Manhasset, Long Island, and grew up several miles east in Muttontown, New York. Since tiny Muttontown didn’t have its own school system, Dr. Partridge went to high school in nearby Locust Valley, a town on Long Island’s North Shore,...
AMA Awards Research Grants to Advance the Study of Women in Medicine
THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA) recognizes influential female physician leaders as part of Women in Medicine Month each September. To showcase the accomplishments of these leaders, the AMA Women Physicians Section and the AMA Foundation recently announced the winners of the 2017 Joan...
Dana-Farber Opens New Facility for Integrative Therapies
DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE has announced the opening of the new Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living.
Increasing data have indicated that integrative therapies can help alleviate the side effects of cancer therapy. The Zakim Center, as it is commonly referred to, ...
Treating Breast Cancer During Pregnancy Calls for Careful Timing of Therapies and Sensitive Discussions With Patients
Breast cancer during pregnancy is relatively uncommon; however, it poses a significant clinical challenge to the patient and her multidisciplinary care team. To shed light on this difficult issue, The ASCO Post spoke with Carey K. Anders, MD, a medical oncologist and researcher at the University...
FDA Expands Approval of Ipilimumab to Pediatric Patients 12 Years and Older
On July 24, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for ipilimumab (Yervoy) injection for intravenous use now to include the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Ipilimumab was evaluated in 2 trials of...
Clinical Trials Actively Recruiting Patients With Breast Cancer
The information contained in this Clinical Trials Resource Guide includes actively recruiting clinical studies focused on patients with breast cancer. These studies highlight neoadjuvant combination therapy, cell vaccines, novel imaging techniques, radiotherapy, and more. All of the studies are...
CCF Researcher Spotlight: Rizwan Romee, MD
RIZWAN ROMEE, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine & Clinical Director,
Haploidentical Transplant Program
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, is the most common type of acute blood cancer in the adult population and can be very difficult to...
Spotlight on Women Who Conquer Cancer
Women Who Conquer Cancer is a group dedicated to advancing cancer research by supporting young female researchers early in their careers through Conquer Cancer Foundation (CCF) Young Investigator Awards (YIAs). These 1-year grants give promising researchers the boost they need to get started on...
Educate and Support Your Patients With ASCO Answers Materials
Provide your patients with ASCO-approved information on cancer.
ASCO Answers materials are available as fact sheets and booklets, covering many types of cancer as well as treatments and side effects.
Order printed copies online today through the ASCO Bookstore at www.cancer.net/estore. Enjoy...
ASCO’s QOPI Certification Program™ Recognizes Three Oncology Practices in Spain
ASCO has announced that the first three practices in Spain have received Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) certification through the QOPI Certification Program™, LLC (QCP). The accreditations were given on September 8, at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017 Congress in...
ASCO Concerned With MIPS Part B Reimbursement Assessments in QPP Proposal
ASCO submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its proposed rule outlining changes to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) for 2018. In a letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma, ASCO President Bruce E. Johnson, MD, FASCO, made recommendations regarding the two...
ASCO and Friends of Cancer Research Release Comprehensive Recommendations to Broaden Eligibility Criteria for Cancer Clinical Trials
ASCO and Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) are calling for the use of more inclusive eligibility criteria for cancer clinical trials in a new Special Series in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). The series provides a comprehensive examination of eligibility criteria for cancer clinical...
Obtaining a Second Graduate Degree During Fellowship: Things to Consider
KAH POH (MELISSA) LOH, MBBCh BAO
Institution: Fellow, University of Rochester Medical Center
Member since: 2013
ASCO activities: Trainee Council
Hematology and oncology fellowship training requires at least 3 years to complete. For fellows who wish to single board in either hematology or...
Cancer Policy Priorities Front and Center on Capitol Hill
On September 27 and 28, more than 100 ASCO volunteers headed to Capitol Hill to participate in the 2nd Annual ASCO Advocacy Summit. During the Summit, advocates met with members of Congress and staff to educate them on critical issues affecting patients and providers and to encourage policymakers...
Recognizing the Importance of a Work-Life Balance in Oncology
The ASCO Post introduces this new department, Living a Full Life, in which we will share insightful narratives of oncology professionals highlighting personal aspects of these clinicians’ lives separate from the world of oncology. We also intend to open a dialogue about the challenges that today’s...
With Financial Toxicity in Oncology Care on the Rise, Providers Need to Help Address Patients’ Financial Issues
At the 2017 ASCO Quality Care Symposium, Dan Sherman, MA, LPC, discussed potential solutions to the persistent challenge of financial toxicity in the oncology setting. Mr. Sherman is a clinical financial consultant and Founder and President of The Navectis Group, Caledonia, Michigan. Rather than...
Adjuvant Pertuzumab in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Value Yet to Be Demonstrated
The ASCO Post issue of June 25, 2017, did an excellent job of summarizing the results and controversy generated by the initial results of the APHINITY trial, reported at the 2017 ASCO Annual Meeting and published simultaneously online in The New England Journal of Medicine.1 With a median follow-up ...
Endocrine Society Names V. Craig Jordan, OBE, PhD, 2018 Laureate
V. Craig Jordan, OBE, PhD, has been recognized by the Endocrine Society as the 2018 Laureate of the Gerald D. Aurbach Award for Outstanding Translational Research. Dr. Jordan is the Dallas/Fort Worth Living Legend Chair of Cancer Research in the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at The...
Combination of Rituximab and Hyaluronidase Human for Subcutaneous Use in Lymphoma and Leukemia
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.
On June 22, 2017, the combination of rituximab (Rituxan) ...
National Committee for Quality Assurance Recognizes Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson
The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center of the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia has announced the receipt of two accolades by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Jefferson Oncology Medical Associates has been recognized by the NCQA for patient-centered specialty practice (PCSP)...
Increasing Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Oncology Workforce
Although significant progress has been made in cancer incidence and mortality in the United States over the past 2 decades—the death rate fell 23% between 1991 and 20121—not everyone is benefiting equally. According to the American Cancer Society, blacks have the highest death rate and shortest...
Durvalumab in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Progressing After Platinum Therapy
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.
On May 1, 2017, durvalumab (Imfinzi) was granted...
Avelumab in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
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.
On May 9, 2017, avelumab (Bavencio) was granted...
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Pembrolizumab for Advanced Gastric Cancer
On September 22, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic, gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma whose tumors express programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)...
Epithelioma Tubule De Nez, Albumen Print Paris, 1872
The text and photograph on this page are excerpted from a four-volume series of books titled Oncology Tumors & Treatment: A Photographic History, by Stanley B. Burns, MD, FACS, and Elizabeth A. Burns. The photo below is from the volume titled “The Anesthesia Era: 1845–1875.” The photograph...
Cancer Has Plagued My Family
My father, who was a physician, taught me at an early age to pay attention to any changes in my body. His advice has stood me in good stead for more than 83 years and probably saved my life more than once.
In 1984, just before I turned 50, something was bothering me about my right breast. I could...
Shorter Course of Radiation Therapy Safe for Younger Women With Breast Cancer
A higher-dose, shorter form of radiation is safe, effective, and no more damaging to the breast tissue or skin of women with breast cancer under age 50 than it is in older patients, according to findings led by researchers from Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, and presented at the...
Adding Sorafenib to Transarterial Chemoembolization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
As reported in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology by Tim Meyer, MBBS, of the University College London, and colleagues, the UK phase III TACE 2 trial has shown no progression-free survival benefit with the addition of sorafenib (Nexavar) to transarterial chemoembolization in patients...
Performance Measures for Cervical Cancer Screening
Health-care systems use performance measures for cervical cancer screening based on guidelines from such organizations as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to monitor the appropriateness of cervical cancer screening. According to the performance measure in the Healthcare...
Adjuvant Nivolumab vs Ipilimumab in Resected Stage III or IV Melanoma
The phase III Checkmate 238 trial has shown improved recurrence-free survival with adjuvant nivolumab (Opdivo) vs ipilimumab (Yervoy) in patients with resected advanced melanoma. The findings were reported by Jeffrey Weber and colleagues in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Study Details
In...
Association Between Vasectomy and Prostate Cancer
A systematic review and meta-analysis has found no association between vasectomy and high-grade, advanced, or fatal prostate cancer but a weak association with any prostate cancer. These findings were reported in JAMA Oncology by Bimal Bhindi et al. R. Jeffrey Karnes, MD, of the Mayo Clinic,...
Addition of Cetuximab to Concurrent Chemoradiation in Esophageal Cancer
The phase III NRG Oncology RTOG 0436 trial has shown no survival benefit of adding cetuximab (Erbitux) to paclitaxel/cisplatin and radiation therapy in patients with esophageal cancer treated without surgery. These results were reported by Mohan Suntharalingam, MD, MBA, of the Marlene and Stewart ...
Biden Cancer Initiative: Accelerating Progress in Cancer Research
Earlier this year, at the Alexandria Center for Life Science, former Vice President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, PhD, launched the Biden Cancer Initiative, their new venture to continue the fight to make progress in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and care.
The Biden Cancer Initiative...
