Pausing vs Continuing BTK Inhibitors at Time of COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients With CLL
Researchers have found that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) should continue to receive Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors while being vaccinated against COVID-19 infections, according to a recent study published by Cook et al in The Lancet Haematology.
Background
CLL is the...
Neoantigen-Selected TILs Boost Response to Immunotherapy in Heavily Pretreated GI Cancers
Neoantigen-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab led to responses among patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancers, according to the results of a study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health published in Nature...
Low-Dose vs Regular-Dose Apixaban for Prevention of VTE Recurrence in Patients With Cancer
Patients with active cancer who developed venous thromboembolism (VTE) and were treated with anticoagulants for at least 6 months, followed by an additional 12 months of low-dose apixaban, experienced similar VTE recurrences and less bleeding as similar patients who received a full dose of the oral ...
FDA Approves Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab for Unresectable or Metastatic HCC
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved nivolumab (Opdivo) with ipilimumab (Yervoy) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Efficacy was evaluated in CheckMate-9DW (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier...
Novel BTK and BCL2 Inhibitors Redefine CLL Treatment Across Front-Line and Relapsed Settings
Two pivotal phase III trials presented at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition mark a significant shift toward chemotherapy-free approaches in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), offering potentially more effective and tolerable treatment options for both...
Invitation to Colonoscopy vs Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening for Colorectal Cancer
In a Spanish study (COLONPREV) reported in The Lancet, Castells et al found that invitation to fecal immunochemical test (FIT) vs colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer was associated with noninferiority in colorectal cancer mortality.
Study Details
In the multicenter study, eligible...
Study Illuminates Disparities in Treatment, Survival in Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Investigators may have uncovered factors that may impact the quality of cancer care and outcomes among patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, according to a recent study published by Tsilimigras et al in JNCCN–Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Study Methods...
American Cancer Society Launches CEO Search
The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) announced the launch of a nationwide search to find the organizations’ next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In November, the ACS Board of Directors appointed Wayne A.I. Frederick, MD, MBA, to serve as...
Frailty Following Chemotherapy May Be Linked to Poorer Survival in Older Women With Breast Cancer
The results of a longitudinal cohort study published in JAMA suggest that frailty following adjuvant chemotherapy may be associated with long-term survival among older women with nonmetastatic breast cancer.
Women who experienced rapid frailty progression, or nonresilience, following their...
Prostate Cancer: Biomarker Test May Predict GU Toxicity From SBRT
Researchers have developed, and now validated, a biomarker test to predict for genitourinary (GU) adverse events induced by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with prostate cancer, according to the results of a study published by Kishan et al in Clinical Cancer Research.
The test,...
Addition of ADT to SBRT in Hormone-Sensitive Oligorecurrent Prostate Cancer
In an Italian single-center phase II trial (RADIOSA) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Marvaso et al found that the addition of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) to stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) improved progression-free survival in patients with hormone-sensitive oligorecurrent prostate...
Crossing State Borders: Addressing Residential Barriers to Cancer Care
A high proportion of Medicare beneficiaries cross state borders to access cancer care, particularly patients residing in rural areas, according to a recent study published by Moen et al in JAMA Network Open. The findings have significant implications for telehealth policies and physician licensure, ...
FDA Approves Nivolumab With Ipilimumab for Unresectable or Metastatic MSI-H/dMMR Colorectal Cancer
On April 8, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo) with the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab (Yervoy) for adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H) or mismatch...
Rescue Therapy for Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Osteosarcoma
In a Japanese trial (JCOG0905) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Hiraga et al found no disease-free survival benefit with the addition of a higher dose of ifosfamide to methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (MAP) in patients with newly diagnosed high-grade osteosarcoma with poor...
Talazoparib Plus Enzalutamide in Advanced Prostate Cancer: Patient-Reported Outcomes
In an analysis from the phase III TALAPRO-2 trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Matsubara et al found that first-line talazoparib plus enzalutamide was associated with prolonged time to definitive deterioration in global health status/quality of life (GHS/QOL) vs placebo plus enzalutamide in...
NK Cells Complexed With Bispecific Antibody May Be of Benefit to Patients With Lymphoma
A novel cell therapy approach using cord blood–derived natural killer (NK) cells precomplexed with the CD30/CD16A bispecific antibody AFM13 may be safe and generate responses in patients with refractory CD30-positive lymphomas, according to a recent study published by Nieto et al in Nature...
Preclinical Study Finds FGFR2 Inhibition May Prevent Some KRAS-Expressing Pancreatic Cancers
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is also among the most deadly, with an average 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. The malignancy is often preceded by precancerous lesions. Traditional treatments of the cancer, including chemotherapy, surgery, and...
Patient-Reported Outcomes With Mirvetuximab Soravtansine vs Chemotherapy in FRα-Positive, Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
In an analysis from the phase III MIRASOL trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Van Gorp et al found no significant difference in quality of life between patients receiving mirvetuximab soravtansine vs chemotherapy for folate receptor–alpha (FRα)-positive, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
In...
Patterns of ICI Use and Survival Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
In a U.S. population–based cohort study reported in JAMA Network Open, Bari et al identified patterns of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use and survival outcomes among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer seen in routine clinical practice.
The investigators stated: “…ICIs have been...
Study Identifies Biologic Reasons for Selective Benefit of PARP Inhibitors
A newfound role for the cancer gene BRCA2 suggests why only select patients have benefited from treatment with PARP1 inhibitors to date. The results of a study by investigators at NYU Langone Health were recently published in the journal Nature.
In brief, PARP inhibitors act by impairing...
Radiation Therapy: Hypofractionation vs Conventional Fractionation in Patients With Breast Cancer Planning Breast Reconstruction
Postmastectomy radiation therapy may be significantly shortened for many patients planning breast reconstruction, according to data from a large phase III trial (RT CHARM, Alliance A221505).1 Investigators reported that hypofractionated (short-course) radiation therapy was found to be noninferior...
Rates of Breast, CRC Screenings Almost Four Times Higher Than Lung Cancer Screenings
Many patients who are eligible for lung cancer screening do not receive it, but do receive preventative screenings for other cancer types, according to the results of a new study published by Potter et al in JAMA.
Background
Although lung cancer screening is recommended for certain individuals...
Comparing Biopsy Techniques for Prostate Cancer Detection
In a U.K. trial (TRANSLATE) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Bryant et al found that local anesthetic transperineal (LATP) prostate biopsy detected more Gleason Grade Group (GGG) ≥ 2 prostate cancer compared with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy in previously biopsy-naive individuals who ...
Characteristics of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in the United States
In a single-center study reported in JAMA Network Open, Alsavaf et al attempted to identify patient characteristics and treatment outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the United States, a nonendemic region of the disease.
Study Details
The retrospective cohort study included patients with...
Grocery Store Choice Could Impact Obesity-Related Cancer Mortality
A novel tool could help elucidate consumer behaviors at the county level as well as the relationship between the location where individuals shopped for their food and their risk of obesity-related cancer mortality, according to a recent study published by Lin et al in BMC Medicine.
Background
Over...
Proton Therapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer
Proton beam therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were found to offer equivalent quality-of-life outcomes for patients with localized prostate cancer, according to data from the PARTIQoL trial. This phase III trial showed no measurable differences between the two approaches in...
Local Excision May Be Feasible in Patients With Low Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Chemotherapy followed by local excision may be effective in patients with node-negative low rectal adenocarcinoma, according to new findings presented by Buettner et al at the 2025 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Annual Meeting.
Background
The current standard of care among most patients with...
Is Surgery Necessary to Treat Invasive Breast Cancer?
Surgery may not be necessary for patients with early-stage breast cancer who had a complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and standard radiation treatment, according to new data from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Five-year results from the phase II...
Smoking Status of the U.S. Cancer Population
In a study reported as a research letter in JAMA Oncology, Caturegli et al attempted to identify smoking status of patients diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2023.
Study Details
In the cross-sectional study, the smoking status of patients diagnosed with cancer in 2023 was collected by ...
Awareness of Alcohol-Related Cancer Risks May Be Growing
An increasing proportion of the U.S. public may be aware of the link between consuming alcohol and the elevated risk of later developing cancer, according to a recent survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC).
Background
On January 3, 2025, Vivek...
Machine Learning Program May Enhance Transplantation Risk Assessment in Patients With Myelofibrosis
A novel machine learning model may outperform standard statistical models in identifying and stratifying transplantation risk among patients with myelofibrosis, according to a recent study published by Hernández-Boluda et al in Blood.
Background
Although there are several therapies available to...
Exploring Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Colorectal Cancer Screening, Diagnosis
Two recent studies have elucidated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer screenings and diagnostic colonoscopies in Central Indiana. The findings—reported by Kumar et al in PLOS One and Richter et al in Preventive Medicine Reports—contribute to the compendium of knowledge on...
Patterns in Adherence to USPSTF Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines
In a study reported as a research letter in JAMA Oncology, Rolle et al found increased overall adherence to the 2021 updated U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lung cancer screening guidelines vs the prior guidelines. In 2021, the USPSTF updated lung cancer screening guidelines by...
AI Integration in Global Programs of CT Screening for Lung Cancer and Other Tobacco-Related Illnesses
A new consortium, the Alliance for Global Implementation of Lung and Cardiac Early Disease Detection and Treatment (AGILE), has proposed a public health program of longitudinal chest computed tomography (CT) screenings among a global high-risk population of tobacco-exposed individuals utilizing...
Neoadjuvant Durvalumab Plus Chemotherapy for High-Risk Upper-Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
In a French phase II trial (iNDUCT-GETUG V08) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Houédé et al found evidence of activity of neoadjuvant durvalumab plus chemotherapy in patients with high-risk, upper-tract urothelial carcinoma.
Study Details
In this multicenter open-label trial, 45...
Combination Therapy for Newly Diagnosed, BRCA-Nonmutated, Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
The outcomes from the phase III ENGOT-OV43/GOG-3036/KEYLYNK-001 trial in advanced BRCA-nonmutated ovarian cancer indicate a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit for the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab and chemotherapy, followed by pembrolizumab plus maintenance with the PARP...
Treatment Discontinuation in Patients With CML: Role of Digital PCR
The clinical application of BCR::ABL1 digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may reliably quantify stable deep molecular remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which could help determine when maintenance therapy may be discontinued successfully, according to a recent...
Breast Shrinkage Following Breast-Conserving Therapy
Breast-conserving therapy, including radiation therapy, could lead to a progressive reduction in breast size over time among women with early-stage breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Becker et al in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Background
Breast-conserving...
Accelerated Onset of Aging-Related Diseases in Childhood Cancer Survivors?
In a study reported in JAMA Oncology, Yeh et al found evidence of accelerated aging in survivors of childhood cancers through the observed increased risk and early onset of age-related diseases.
Study Details
The study focused on data from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and national...
Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer in a High-Risk Population
In a UK prospective longitudinal cohort study (SUMMIT) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Bhamani et al found that large-scale, low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer is effective and “can be delivered efficiently” in a diverse high-risk population.
As stated by the...
TB Vaccination Could Enhance BCG Response in Patients With Non–Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer, Study Finds
Two doses of a simple tuberculosis (TB) vaccination after surgery helps the immune system fight cancer cells and may improve patient outcomes among those with non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, according to a pilot study of 40 patients. Initial results from the RUTIVAC-1 Trial were presented by...
Study Finds Standard Chemoradiation Therapy Superior to Deintensification Approaches for HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer
Current standard chemoradiation therapy remains the most effective treatment for selected patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer, based on the results of the NRG-HN005 trial. Researchers have halted this large, randomized phase II/III trial after patients in the...
Daily Physical Activity—Even at Light Intensities—May Reduce Cancer Risk
Investigators found that individuals who engaged in light- and moderate-to-vigorous–intensity physical activity daily had a lower risk of developing cancer compared with those who were more sedentary, according to a recent study published by Shreves et al in the British Journal of Sports Medicine....
Could Brain Imaging Plus VR Minimize Cancer-Related Pain?
A novel method involving noninvasive brain imaging technology and a nondrug treatment that incorporates virtual reality (VR) may aid in objectively measuring cancer-related pain and treating it effectively without opioids in patients with cancer, according to a recent study published by Shafiei et...
Presymptomatic Awareness of BRCA1/BRCA2 Status and Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer
In an Israeli retrospective cohort study reported as a research letter in JAMA Network Open, Armon et al found that presymptomatic awareness of BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variant carrier status was associated with better outcomes in several measures in women with ovarian cancer.
Study Details
The...
Active Surveillance vs Standard Surgery After Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Cancer
In a Dutch noninferiority phase III trial (SANO) reported in The Lancet Oncology, van der Wilk et al found that active surveillance was noninferior to standard surgery in terms of 2-year overall survival among patients with esophageal cancer who had a clinical complete response after neoadjuvant...
Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy Names New CEO
The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy announced the appointment of Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the institute. A visionary leader in oncology, health-care delivery, scientific innovation, and strategic transformation, Dr. Knudsen will take on her...
FDA Expands Indication for Lu-177 Vipivotide Tetraxetan in mCRPC
On March 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for lutetium Lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan (Pluvicto) to include adults with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have been treated with androgen ...
FDA Approves Perioperative Durvalumab for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
On March 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab (Imfinzi) with gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by single-agent durvalumab as adjuvant treatment following radical cystectomy, for adults with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
...
Tobacco Control May Have Prevented Millions of Premature Lung Cancer Deaths in United States
Tobacco control–driven reductions in smoking prevalence may have helped avert over 3.8 million lung cancer–related deaths and gain just over 76 million years of life between 1970 and 2022 in the United States, according to a recent study published by Islami et al in CA: A Cancer Journal for...
Neoadjuvant Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy and Response-Stratified CRT in HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer
In a single-center phase II trial (DEPEND) reported in JAMA Oncology, Rosenberg et al found that the combination of neoadjuvant nivolumab and chemotherapy followed by response-stratified chemoradiation (CRT) was active in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative stage IVa/b head and neck squamous cell...
Health-Related QOL With Belzutifan vs Everolimus in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
In a health-related quality-of-life (QOL) analysis reported in The Lancet Oncology, Powles et al found that belzutifan had better QOL on patient-reported outcomes vs everolimus in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in the phase III LITESPARK-005 trial.
Study Details
Belzutifan is...
Advances in Endometrial Cancer Detection, Treatment
Two novel studies may provide insights into advancements in the detection and treatment of endometrial cancer, according to new findings presented by Moore et al and Nolin et al at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer.
Together, the two studies...
Radiotherapy Alone Following Radical Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer: Should It Remain the Standard of Care?
Results from the phase III NRG Oncology GOG-0263 trial—which tested the addition of cisplatin-based chemotherapy to adjuvant radiotherapy following radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for patients with early-stage, intermediate-risk cervical carcinoma—indicated that the addition of...
Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy: New Standard of Care in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer?
Updated findings from the second planned interim analysis of the phase III ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047/KEYNOTE-A18 study solidify the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by pembrolizumab maintenance, as the upfront standard of care for high-risk, locally advanced...
Novel Limonene-Lipid Formulation May Help Alleviate Xerostomia in Patients With Cancer
When combined with a novel lipid formulation, a natural citrus essential oil from oranges, lemons, and limes—known as limonene—may prove to be effective in relieving xerostomia without significant adverse effects among patients with cancer, according to a recent study published by Wright et al in...
Prevalence of Genetic Testing in Women With Ovarian Cancer
Investigators have found that nearly 50% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer may not be receiving the genetic testing that could help guide their treatment and potentially improve outcomes, according to a recent report conducted by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) and Komodo Health....
Early-Stage NSCLC: Geographic Access to Cancer Care and Outcomes
In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Shrestha et al found that receipt of recommended care and treatment outcomes were associated with geographic access to care in U.S. patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Study Details
The study involved data from the Surveillance,...
Age, ET Persistence, and Disease-Free Survival in HR-Positive Early Breast Cancer
In a French study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Dumas et al found that improved endocrine therapy (ET) persistence among young patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive early breast cancer would likely lead to improved disease-free survival.
Study Details
The study used data...
Interventions to Improve Uptake of FIT Colorectal Cancer Screening in Scotland
In a Scottish study (TEMPO) reported in The Lancet, Robb et al found that a behavioral intervention adding a deadline for fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) return in the invitation letter to FIT colorectal cancer screening resulted in superior uptake of testing.
Study Details
In the trial,...
Building and Sharing Dietary Evidence in Cancer Care
Guest Editor’s Note: Several epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns and the risk of chronic diseases including cancer. Patients are often interested in exploring different dietary interventions throughout the cancer continuum. However, concrete...
Enfortumab Vedotin–Based Approaches to Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
In a systematic review and meta-analysis reported in JAMA Network Open, Yajima et al found that both pembrolizumab plus enfortumab vedotin-ejfv and enfortumab vedotin alone were active in the first-line setting and later lines of therapy, respectively, in metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
Study...
Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy vs Radiotherapy Alone in Intermediate-Risk Cervical Cancer
In a study reported in JAMA Oncology, Agusti et al found that the addition of chemotherapy to adjuvant radiotherapy was not associated with improved overall survival in patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer.
Study Details
The study involved National Cancer Database data on patients with ...
Lifetime Body Weight Patterns Could Affect Risk of Developing Renal Cell Carcinoma
Weight patterns throughout life may affect an individual’s likelihood of developing renal cell carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Deng et al in Cancer.
Study Methods and Results
In the study, investigators used data from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study to assess weight...
Delays in Breast Cancer Surgery Could Raise Mortality Risk for Certain Subtypes
Waiting more than 42 days postdiagnosis to undergo surgery could increase the risk of cancer-related mortality among patients with certain breast cancer subtypes, according to a recent study published by Salewon et al in Breast Cancer Research.
Background
Hormone receptor–positive and...
HER2-Selective TKI in Advanced Solid Tumors with HER2 Alterations
In a phase Ia/Ib study (Beamion LUNG-1) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Heymach et al evaluated the safety profile and activity of zongertinib in patients with HER2-altered solid tumors. Zongertinib is a novel HER2-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that spares EGFR, thereby...
Are New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity-Related Cancers Linked?
A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may be linked to a subsequent increased risk of developing some obesity-related cancers, according to new findings presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025.
Background
Previous research has uncovered associations between type 2 diabetes and a...
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer
In an individual patient data meta-analysis reported in The Lancet Oncology, Kishan et al found that isodose and dose-escalated moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy exhibited similar efficacy vs conventionally fractionated radiotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. They also...
Sex Differences in Waist Circumference vs BMI as Risk Factors for Obesity-Related Cancers
Waist circumference may be a more effective risk marker for the development of obesity-related cancers than body mass index (BMI) in male but not female patients, according to new findings presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025.
Background
Body size and excess...
FDA Approves Cabozantinib for pNET and epNET
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cabozantinib (Cabometyx) for adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors...
Microultrasound- vs MRI-Guided Biopsy for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Biopsies guided by high-resolution ultrasound may be as effective as those using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing prostate cancer, an international clinical trial has shown. The technology, called micro-ultrasound, is cheaper and easier to use than MRI. It could significantly speed up ...
Can a Urine Test Minimize Postoperative Scans for RCC Recurrence?
A simple urine test could accurately detect clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) recurrence at an early stage, potentially sparing patients from undergoing invasive scans and enabling quicker access to treatment, according to new findings presented by Dabestani et al at the European Association of ...
Novel Strategy Could Help Recover Erectile Function Following Prostate Cancer Surgery
A novel technique designed to improve the precision of prostate cancer surgery could preserve erectile function in nearly twice as many men compared with standard surgery, according to new findings presented by Almeida-Magana et al at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress 2025 (
Virtual Reality Therapy May Improve Chemotherapy-Associated Side Effects
A study conducted by Stansel et al, which was published in the journal Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, highlighted the potential of virtual reality therapy to reduce patient stress, pain, and negative affect during chemotherapy sessions. The findings also appeared to support its delivery and...
Conundrums in Treating HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer
Today’s oncologists are blessed with an abundance of therapies for HER2-positive early breast cancer, but this comes with the challenge of selecting among them. At the 2025 Miami Breast Cancer Conference, Sara A. Hurvitz, MD, FACP, offered insight on common clinical scenarios. Dr. Hurvitz is...
High Levels of PTSD May Exist Among Caregivers of Adult Patients With Cancer
Investigators looked into the toll that caregiving for adult patients with cancer may take on the mental health of caregivers, according to a recent study published by Klekovkina et al in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus.
Background
Millions of family members and friends provide care...
Colorectal Cancer May Be Linked to Heightened Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality
The risk of death from cardiovascular causes may be higher among patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared with the general population, according to new findings presented by Ayaz et al at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Annual Scientific Session 2025.
Background
Cardiovascular...
Can Adding Antihistamines to Second-Line Therapy Improve Outcomes in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma?
As reported in the journal Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations by Fallara et al, an analysis of individual patient data from the IMvigor210 and IMvigor211 trials revealed that concomitant second-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma with...
Advanced Refractory Melanoma: Addition of Tilsotolimod to Ipilimumab
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Adi Diab, MD, and colleagues, the phase III ILLUMINATE trial showed adding the Toll-like receptor-9 agonist tilsotolimod to ipilimumab in patients with advanced refractory melanoma produced no benefit.
Study Details
Four hundred and eighty-one...
AI Tool May Help to Predict Which Patients With Prostate Cancer May Benefit From Focal Therapy
A novel artificial intelligence (AI) tool, called Unfold AI, may help to determine which men with prostate cancer are most likely to benefit from partial gland cryoablation, according to a recent study published by Brisbane et al in BJUI Compass. The findings may play a key role in improving...
Misconceptions Regarding Skin Cancer Risk in the United States
Investigators may have uncovered associations between the reported number of sunburns and sociodemographic characteristics as well as the prevalence of protective skin behaviors adopted by U.S. adults, according to a recent study published by Etzel et al in the American Journal of Lifestyle...
Advanced PD-L1–Positive NSCLC: Ivonescimab vs Pembrolizumab
In an interim analysis of a Chinese phase III trial (HARMONi) reported in The Lancet, Xiong et al found that ivonescimab—a bispecific antibody against PD-1 and VEGF—significantly improved progression-free survival vs pembrolizumab in the first-line setting for patients with advanced PD-L1–positive...
FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for HER2-Positive Gastric or GEJ Cancer Expressing PD-L1
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted traditional approval to the PD-L1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda) with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine-, and platinum-containing chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic...
Techniques for Preventing Taxane-Induced Neuropathy in Breast Cancer
In a German single-center trial (POLAR) reported in JAMA Oncology, Michel et al found that hand cooling and hand compression were associated with a reduced risk of taxane-induced neuropathy in women with primary breast cancer.
Study Details
In the trial, 101 patients enrolled at the National...
Is Active Monitoring a Safe Option for Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ?
With right-sizing treatment an aim of many treatment approaches in breast cancer today, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), as well as its overtreatment, has become a potential target of change. Which patients, however, might safely forgo the current recommendations and be safely followed with active...
Exercise Intervention May Improve Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Prostate Cancer
Erectile dysfunction could be improved through regular exercise in men with prostate cancer, according to a recent study published by Galvão et al in JAMA Network Open.
Background
Sexual dysfunction is a critical adverse effect of prostate cancer treatment and a major survivorship issue among...
Checking PSA Levels Too Soon After Prostatectomy May Lead to Overtreatment, Says Study
In a paper published in JAMA Oncology, Tilki et al reported that the current standard monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following radical prostatectomy—1.5 to 2 months—is too short to accurately identify recurrence and inform treatment decisions. Rather, PSA levels should be measured...
Definitive Radiation Therapy Effectively Treats Locally Advanced BCC
Definitive radiation therapy offers a high degree of locoregional control in large, locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCC), according to results from a recent multi-institutional research study published by Su et al in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology · Biology · Physics. One...
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Neoadjuvant Nivolumab Initiation
In the phase II Neo-N trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Zdenkowski et al found no apparent advantage of lead-in nivolumab in neoadjuvant therapy comprised of nivolumab/carboplatin/paclitaxel for patients with early triple-negative breast cancer.
Study Details
In the investigator-initiated,...
Race-Associated Molecular Differences and Treatment Response in Pancreatic Cancer
Investigators studied race-associated molecular differences in the pancreatic tumors of Black and White patients to determine whether such differences were associated with response to immunotherapy. The findings were published recently by Mandal et al in Cancer Research Communications and reinforce ...
Trastuzumab Rezetecan in Advanced HER2-Positive NSCLC
In a Chinese phase II trial (HORIZON-Lung) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Li et al found that trastuzumab rezetecan, a novel antibody-drug conjugate, showed activity in patients with advanced HER2-positive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Trastuzumab rezetecan consists of a HER2-directed...
The Real Cost Campaign May Have Prevented Thousands of Youths From Initiating E-Cigarette Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) youth e-cigarette prevention campaign, known as The Real Cost, may have successfully reduced e-cigarette use among youth, according to a recent study published by MacMonegle et al in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Background
The Real...
Receipt of Guideline-Concordant Care in Patients With Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Investigators may have uncovered the proportion of patients with inflammatory breast cancer who receive guideline-concordant care, according to a recent study published by Tadros et al in JAMA Network Open.
Background
Clinical practice guidelines currently recommend neoadjuvant systemic therapy...
High-Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma: Long-Term Outcomes With Maintenance Chemotherapy
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Gianni Bisogno, MD, PhD, and colleagues, long-term follow-up of the European Paediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group RMS2005 trial showed significant survival advantages with the use of maintenance chemotherapy in pediatric patients with...
Cervical Cancer Outcomes According to Urban vs Rural Residence
In a study reported as a research letter in JAMA Network Open, Amboree et al found that women with cervical cancer living in rural U.S. counties had poorer outcomes than those living in urban counties.
Study Details
The trial used data from the National Program of Cancer Registries and...
BVAC-C Plus Durvalumab May Show Potential in Patients With Recurrent Cervical Cancer
A novel treatment approach may improve outcomes in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, according to new findings presented by Choi et al at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer.
Recurrent cervical cancer remains a significant challenge, ...
MRD and Adjuvant Osimertinib in Resected EGFR-Mutated Stage IB–IIIA NSCLC
The ADAURA trial findings showed a significant benefit in disease-free survival with the EGFR inhibitor osimertinib, compared to placebo, making it the recommended standard of adjuvant treatment in patients with EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for up to 3 years after surgery.
In a...
Pembrolizumab and Bevacizumab in Untreated Melanoma Brain Metastases
In a phase II trial reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Weiss et al found that the combination of pembrolizumab and bevacizumab was active in patients with previously untreated melanoma brain metastases.
Study Details
In the trial, 37 patients, enrolled at Yale Cancer Center and Moffitt...
Do Congenital Heart Defects Affect Cancer Risk in Newborns and Their Mothers?
Newborns with congenital heart defects may have a higher risk of developing childhood cancer compared to children born without a heart abnormality. Further, congenital heart defects in newborns may also signal an elevated cancer risk for their mothers. These findings were published recently by Huh...
Atezolizumab Plus Carboplatin/Paclitaxel in Advanced Thymic Carcinoma
In a Japanese phase II trial (MARBLE) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Shukuya et al found that atezolizumab plus carboplatin/paclitaxel showed promising results in patients with recurrent or metastatic thymic carcinoma.
Study Details
In the multicenter trial, 48 patients enrolled between June...
