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Leukemia
Issues in Oncology

Combination of Two Oral Agents May Improve Progression-Free Survival in Patients With Previously Untreated CLL

A combination of the oral drugs acalabrutinib and venetoclax may be more effective at improving progression-free survival and minimizing serious adverse events in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) compared with one of two standard multidrug treatment regimens,...

Primary Analysis of ZUMA-2: Treatment of BTK Inhibitor–Naive Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

A primary analysis of ZUMA-2, reported at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, demonstrated durable responses to brexucabtagene autoleucel in patients with Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor–naive mantle cell lymphoma. The findings from cohort 3 of...

Lymphoma

Primary Analysis of ZUMA-2: Treatment of BTK Inhibitor–Naive Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma

A primary analysis of ZUMA-2, reported at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition, demonstrated durable responses to brexucabtagene autoleucel in patients with Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor–naive mantle cell lymphoma. The findings from cohort 3 of...

Colorectal Cancer

FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Encorafenib Combination for BRAF V600E–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

On December 20, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to encorafenib (Braftovi) in combination with cetuximab and modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected...

Lymphoma
Hematologic Malignancies

SEQUOIA 5-Year Follow-up: Zanubrutinib vs Bendamustine/Rituximab in Treatment-Naive CLL/SLL

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Shadman et al, 5-year follow-up of the phase III SEQUOIA trial demonstrated that zanubrutinib continued to show a progression-free survival benefit over bendamustine plus rituximab in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic...

Hematologic Malignancies
Lymphoma

CTX130 CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory T-Cell Lymphoma

In a phase I dose-escalation study (COBALT-LYM) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Iyer et al found that CTX130 (volamcabtagene durzigedleucel)—a CD70-directed, allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immunotherapy manufactured from healthy donor T cells—had a manageable safety profile and showed...

Pancreatic Cancer

Long-Term Overall Survival With Adjuvant Gemcitabine/Capecitabine vs Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

In a long-term analysis of the phase III ESPAC4 trial reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Palmer et al found adjuvant gemcitabine/capecitabine (Gem/Cap) was associated with prolonged overall survival vs gemcitabine monotherapy in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Study Details   

In...

Multiple Myeloma

Study Finds Daratumumab Monotherapy Prevented or Delayed Progression From Smoldering to Active Multiple Myeloma

An analysis of the results from the ongoing randomized phase III AQUILA study found that daratumumab monotherapy was well tolerated and demonstrated a clinically meaningful and significant benefit in preventing or delaying progression to active multiple myeloma compared with active monitoring in...

Hematologic Malignancies
Leukemia
Genomics/Genetics

Study Finds Genetic Changes, Elevated Leukemia Risk in Ground Zero First Responders

First responders who worked at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City were three times more likely to have genetic changes associated with an increased risk of leukemia compared with other first responders or members of the public who were not...

Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

MRI-First Strategy May Be Safe for Prostate Cancer Detection

Researchers have examined whether a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-first approach is safe for prostate cancer detection over the long term, according to a recent study published by Hamm et al in JAMA Oncology.

Background

Several strategies may be deployed for the early detection of prostate...

Hepatobiliary Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Addition of SBRT to Systemic Therapy May Improve Outcomes in Select Patients With Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The addition of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to systemic therapy with sorafenib may improve progression-free survival and time-to-progression in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma compared with sorafenib alone, according to a novel study published by Dawson et al in...

Hematologic Malignancies
Leukemia

Epcoritamab Monotherapy for Pretreated Relapsed or Refractory CLL

At the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting & Exposition (Abstract 883), Alexey Danilov, MD, PhD, of the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation at City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, reported that single-agent epcoritamab led...

Leukemia
Hematologic Malignancies

Use of Ibrutinib in Early-Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

In a German phase III trial (CLL12), reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Langerbeins et al found that ibrutinib prolonged the time to symptomatic disease in patients with early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) vs placebo. However, no differences in overall survival were observed.

...

Gastroesophageal Cancer

Ramucirumab/Paclitaxel as Switch Maintenance in Advanced HER2-Negative Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer

In an Italian phase III study (ARMANI) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Randon et al found that switch maintenance with ramucirumab/paclitaxel was associated with significantly improved progression-free survival vs continuation of first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced...

Geriatric Oncology
Issues in Oncology
Solid Tumors

Influence of Social Networks Among Older Patients With Cancer

Researchers have received a $3.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to examine the impact of social networks on the decision-making process among older patients with cancer.

Background

Many individuals have social networks, which includes those who offer a connection and have similar...

Immunotherapy

Mesenchymal Cell Therapy Approved for Steroid-Refractory Acute GVHD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved remestemcel-L-rknd (Ryoncil), an allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for steroid-refractory acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in pediatric patients 2 months of age and older. The application received Orphan...

Issues in Oncology

ASCO Elects 2026–2027 President, Six New Members of Board of Directors, Nominating Committee

ASCO announced the election of Elizabeth A. Mittendorf, MD, PhD, MHCM, FASCO, to lead as its President beginning in June 2026, as well as an additional six ASCO members to serve on its Board of Directors and Nominating Committee.

2026–2027 ASCO President-Elect

Dr. Mittendorf, a long-time ASCO...

Hematologic Malignancies
Genomics/Genetics

Detection of Occult Maternal Cancer Through Prenatal Cell-Free DNA Sequencing

In the IDENTIFY study, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Turriff et al found a high incidence of maternal occult cancer associated with unusual or nonreportable prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) findings in fetal aneuploidy screening.

Study Details

In the ongoing study, performed at the ...

Breast Cancer

Alpelisib Plus Fulvestrant in PIK3CA-Mutated, Hormone Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer After Previous Therapy

In a cohort of a phase II study (BYLieve) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Rugo et al found that the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib plus the hormone therapy fulvestrant showed activity in patients with PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer after disease...

Lung Cancer

FDA Approves Ensartinib for ALK- Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor ensartinib (Ensacove) for adults with ALK-positive locally advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not previously received an ALK inhibitor. For full...

CAR T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma: ZUMA-2

Long-term follow-up of patients in ZUMA-2 cohorts 1 and 2 showed that 39% of patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma were alive after 5 years; patients in these cohorts received brexucabtagene autoleucel, the only chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to have 5-year...

Leukemia
Lymphoma
Issues in Oncology

Pirtobrutinib May Improve Survival Outcomes in Pretreated Patients With CLL or SLL

Researchers have found that the noncovalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTK) pirtobrutinib may offer superior progression-free survival in adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), according to recent findings presented by Sharman et al at the 2024...

Global Cancer Care
Issues in Oncology
Solid Tumors

UICC, ICCP: Landmark Review of National Cancer Strategies Illuminates Progress, Persistent Challenges

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has examined the National Cancer Control Plans and reported their findings in a new comprehensive global review published by Romero et al in The Lancet Oncology. The findings will be presented at the Cancer Planners Forum in May 2025 in Geneva,...

Hematologic Malignancies
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology

Researchers May Have Uncovered Protein That Helps Cancer Cells Dodge CAR T-Cell Therapy

Researchers may have discovered a factor contributing to cancer cell evasion of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, according to a recent study published by Chen et al in Cell. The findings could lead to more personalized therapies that improve survival among patients with cancer.

...

Sarcoma

Larotrectinib in Newly Diagnosed Infantile Fibrosarcoma and Other Pediatric NTRK Fusion–Positive Solid Tumors

In a Children’s Oncology Group study (ADVL1823) reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Laetsch et al found that larotrectinib was highly active in patients with newly diagnosed infantile fibrosarcoma and other pediatric NTRK fusion–positive solid tumors.

Study Details

The U.S. multicenter...

Supportive Care
Symptom Management

Novel Formulation Used in Preventing Cisplatin-Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

In a Chinese phase III trial (PROFIT) reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Zhou et al found that mixed-formulation fosrolapitant/palonosetron (HR20013) plus dexamethasone was noninferior to individually dosed fosrolapitant plus palonosetron plus dexamethasone in preventing chemotherapy-induced ...

Lung Cancer

Primary Lung Tumor SBRT Followed by Concurrent Mediastinal Chemoradiotherapy and Immunotherapy Consolidation in Locally Advanced NSCLC

In a phase II trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Heinzerling et al found evidence of efficacy of primary lung tumor stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) followed by concurrent mediastinal chemotherapy and consolidative immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer...

Breast Cancer
Supportive Care
Issues in Oncology

CBD May Not Reduce Scan-Related Anxiety in Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer

Cannabidiol (CBD) may not significantly change scan-related anxiety compared with placebo in patients with advanced breast cancer but may result in lower overall anxiety levels, according to a recent study published by Nayak et al in JAMA Network Open.

Background

Anxiety is common among adult...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Generic Platinum Chemotherapy Shortages May Not Have Increased Mortality

During a shortage of the generic platinum chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and carboplatin that began in early 2023, investigators found no difference in mortality rates among patients with advanced cancer compared with the previous year, according to a recent study published by Reibel et al in the...

Breast Cancer

Anthracyclines Plus Taxane-Based Chemotherapy for Certain Patients at High Risk for Breast Cancer Recurrence

Patients with early-stage, node-negative, hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who have a high risk of recurrence based on the OncotypeDX genomic test had better outcomes when treated with adjuvant anthracycline plus taxane-based chemotherapy regimens compared with those...

Gynecologic Cancers

HIPEC in Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

In an Italian phase III trial (HORSE; MITO-18) reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Fagotti et al found that the addition of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) to secondary cytoreductive surgery without neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not improve progression-free survival vs no...

Supportive Care

Managing Comorbidities in Oncology: Practical Strategies for Optimized Patient Care

Cancer care is increasingly complicated by the presence of comorbidities, which affect nearly two-thirds of patients at the time of diagnosis and can influence treatment decisions, participation in clinical trials, and overall outcomes. During 2024 JADPRO Live, M. Edie Brucker, DNP,...

Supportive Care
Pain Management

Balancing Pain Management and Addiction Risks in Oncology

Managing cancer pain in patients with substance use disorder presents a unique challenge for oncologists, requiring a balance between effective symptom management and mitigation of the risks of substance misuse. During the 2024 JADPRO Live, Antonia Corrigan, MSN, ANP-C, ACHPN,...

Breast Cancer

Effectiveness of Multimodal Machine-Learning Model in Predicting Response to Treatment in Breast Cancer Subtype

A machine-learning model incorporating both clinical and genomic factors outperformed models based solely on either clinical or genomic data alone in predicting which patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer would have better outcomes from adding CDK4/6...

Hepatobiliary Cancer
Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology

Improving Hepatocellular Carcinoma Outcomes Through Enhanced Immunotherapy

A novel strategy may increase the activity of dendritic cells and improve immunotherapy outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Morita et al in Cancer Immunology Research.

Background

Hepatic cancer is a disease with a poor prognosis. Despite...

Prostate Cancer
Integrative Oncology
Supportive Care

Low Omega-6/High Omega-3 Diet and Fish Oil Supplementation May Help Slow Prostate Cancer Growth

Researchers have found that dietary changes may help reduce cancer cell growth in patients with prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance, according to a recent study published by Aronson et al in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The findings demonstrated that a diet low in omega-6 and high...

Breast Cancer

Learning From the ZEST Trial in Using ctDNA to Predict Breast Cancer Recurrence

The phase III ZEST clinical trial, designed to evaluate the PARP inhibitor niraparib for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence in patients with circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), failed to accrue enough patients positive for ctDNA, according to results presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast...

Skin Cancer

Cosibelimab-ipdl Approved by FDA for Treatment of Metastatic or Locally Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cosibelimab-ipdl (Unloxcyt), a PD-L1–blocking antibody, for adults with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation therapy. The approval was granted on December 13,...

Colorectal Cancer

Negative Colonoscopy Screening Results and Risk for Colorectal Cancer and Mortality

In a study reported in JAMA Oncology, Knudsen et al found evidence supporting the consideration of extending the rescreening intervals after a negative colonoscopy screening result beyond the currently recommended 10 years, particularly among individuals with a low-risk profile.

Study Details

The ...

Issues in Oncology

My Cancer Diagnosis and Renewed Commitment to Fight for Patients

Over 40 years ago, I lost my dear sister, Gale, to cancer. She left behind a beautiful 4-year-old daughter and a grieving family. Driven by this profound loss, I was determined to ensure that no other family would face that same heartbreak. That resoluteness led to the founding of Friends of...

Geriatric Oncology
Solid Tumors
Supportive Care

Geriatric Surgery Verification Program May Improve Outcomes in Older Patients With Cancer in Community Hospitals

Implementing the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Geriatric Surgery Verification program may help to improve postoperative outcomes and preserve independence in older patients with cancer undergoing major abdominal procedures, according to a recent study published by Jimenez et al in the Journal...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Trastuzumab Deruxtecan vs Chemotherapy in Advanced Breast Cancer

Researchers have examined whether the antibody-drug conjugate fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd) may improve progression-free survival in patients with advanced breast cancer who have undergone prior hormone-based therapies, according to recent findings presented by Bardia et al at the 2024...

Breast Cancer

Adjuvant Tamoxifen May Reduce Recurrence Risk for Patients With ‘Good-Risk’ DCIS Who Forgo Radiation

For patients with “good-risk” ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent breast-conserving surgery and did not receive radiotherapy, tamoxifen significantly decreased the risk of recurrence in the same breast, according to results presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (

Breast Cancer

Most Patients With Intermediate-Risk Breast Cancer May Safely Avoid Chest Wall Irradiation After Mastectomy

Patients with intermediate-risk breast cancer had similar rates of 10-year overall survival whether or not they underwent chest wall irradiation after mastectomy, according to results from the BIG 2-04 MRC SUPREMO clinical trial, presented by Ian Kunkler, MA, MB BChir, of the University of...

Colorectal Cancer

Intermittent or Continuous Panitumumab Plus FOLFIRI in First-Line Treatment of RAS and BRAF Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

In an Italian phase II trial (IMPROVE) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Avallone et al found that intermittent panitumumab and FOLFIRI (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) was associated with promising progression-free survival as first-line treatment in patients with RAS/BRAF...

Breast Cancer

Quality of Life Similar Among Patients With Low-Risk DCIS Whether They Received Active Monitoring or Surgery

Patients with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent active monitoring and those who received upfront treatment reported comparable physical, emotional, and psychological outcomes, according to results from the COMET trial presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (

Lymphoma
Issues in Oncology

Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation May Not Improve Survival in Patients With MCL and Undetectable Minimal Residual Disease

Researchers have revealed that high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation may not benefit patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who are in remission following initial treatment, according to new findings presented by Fenske et al at the 2024 American Society of...

Leukemia
Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology

Blinatumomab in Combination With Chemotherapy May Improve Survival in Pediatric Patients Newly Diagnosed With B-Cell Precursor ALL

The addition of blinatumomab to chemotherapy may improve disease-free survival in pediatric patients newly diagnosed with National Cancer Institute (NCI) standard-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at average or high risk of relapse, according to new findings presented by Rau et al at...

Leukemia

Bicistronic CAR T-Cell Therapy Achieved Durable Remissions in Children With Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell ALL

A follow-up study investigating the coadministration of CD19- and CD22-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in children with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) found the therapy is safe and effective and achieved durable remissions in these patients, ...

Breast Cancer

Active Monitoring May Be a Viable Option for Some Patients With Low-Risk DCIS

Among patients with hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative, low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), those who underwent active monitoring had similar 2-year invasive ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence rates as those who underwent guideline-concordant treatment, according to results from the...

Colorectal Cancer

Nivolumab/Ipilimumab vs Chemotherapy With or Without Targeted Agents in MSI-H or dMMR Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Andre et al, interim analysis of the phase III CheckMate 8HW trial has shown that nivolumab plus ipilimumab prolonged progression-free survival vs chemotherapy with or without targeted agents in patients with  microsatellite instability–high...

Breast Cancer

Imlunestrant, Alone and Combined With Abemaciclib, Effective in ESR1-Mutated Breast Cancer

Imlunestrant, an investigational next-generation oral selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), significantly improved progression-free survival vs standard of care in patients with ESR1-mutated breast cancer, according to data from the phase III EMBER-3 trial, presented by Komal Jhaveri, MD,...

Breast Cancer

BRCA-Mutation Carriers With Prior Diagnosis of Early-Onset Breast Cancer May Benefit From Risk-Reducing Surgery

Patients with germline BRCA gene mutations and a history of early-onset breast cancer who underwent a bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy and/or a risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy had lower rates of recurrence, secondary breast and/or ovarian malignancies, and death than those who did not...

Hematologic Malignancies

Fiber-Rich Diet May Help Prevent Complications After Stem Cell Transplant

Consuming a high-fiber diet after undergoing stem cell transplantation may help to reduce the risk of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) by cultivating a healthy gut microbiome, according to research presented by Paredes et al at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting &...

Multiple Myeloma

High-Fiber Diet May Slow Disease Progression to Multiple Myeloma

Recent data suggest that a plant-based diet rich in fiber may help to improve the outlook for people with precursor conditions that can lead to multiple myeloma. The research, which involved a 12-week controlled diet with additional health coaching for 20 patients as well as experiments in mice, is ...

Symptom Management
Supportive Care

Rilzabrutinib Found Safe and Effective for Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenia

The experimental drug rilzabrutinib was well tolerated and generated an increase in platelet counts among some adults with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who had not experienced lasting improvements with other available ITP treatments, according to the results of a phase III trial. These findings...

Leukemia

Lower Socioeconomic Status Impacts AML Patients’ Ability to Receive Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

A large prospective observational study of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has found that lower socioeconomic status is a barrier to accessing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) but does not affect posttransplant outcomes. Interventions that address financial issues, improve...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Common Bacterial Toxin May Speed Up Colorectal Cancer Metastasis

A bacterial toxin may accelerate the spread of colorectal cancer to other parts of the body, according to a recent study published by He et al in Cell Host & Microbiome. The findings could pave the way for novel tools to detect metastatic colorectal cancer early and determine which patients may ...

Lymphoma
Issues in Oncology

Loncastuximab Tesirine May Improve Outcomes in High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma, Marginal Zone Lymphoma

The antibody loncastuximab tesirine may offer a benefit in patients with high-risk follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma, according to the findings of two clinical trials presented by Alderuccio et al and Lossos et al at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting &...

Lymphoma
Immunotherapy

Preclinical Findings Show Ketogenic Diet Enhances CAR T-Cell Function, Improves Tumor Control

Findings from a series of studies conducted in mice, human tissues, and healthy volunteers suggest that a ketogenic diet may enhance the effectiveness of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. The results point to β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a substance produced when a ketogenic diet is...

Breast Cancer

Trastuzumab Duocarmazine in Previously Treated HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

In the phase III TULIP trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Turner et al found that the third-generation HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab duocarmazine (T-Duo) improved progression-free survival vs physician's choice (PC) of treatment in patients with previously...

Issues in Oncology

Impact of Prevention and Screening on Mortality From Five Common Cancers

Improvements in cancer prevention and screening have averted more deaths from five cancer types combined over the past 45 years than treatment advances, according to a modeling study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The study, published by Goddard et al in JAMA...

Issues in Oncology

Cancer Risk Associated With Use of Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Sendaydiego et al identified the risks associated with use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in U.S. patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As noted by the investigators, a previous study has shown increased risk of cancer with use of...

Bladder Cancer

Novel Oncolytic Immunotherapy Yields Durable Responses in High-Risk Bladder Cancer

A novel immunotherapy may offer a new option for patients with bladder cancer who no longer respond to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), according to a study presented on December 5 at the 2024 Society of Urologic Oncology Annual Meeting in Dallas.

The therapy, cretostimogene grenadenorepvec, is an...

Breast Cancer
Immunotherapy
Genomics/Genetics

Novel Immunotherapy May Offer Benefit in Early Clinical Trial for Breast Cancer

A novel cell-based immunotherapy may enhance treatment responses and reduce the need for conventional chemotherapy and its associated toxicities in patients with breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Han et al in JAMA Oncology.

Study Methods and Results

In the phase I clinical...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Self-Pay, AI-Based Program May Help Boost Mammogram Findings

A self-pay, artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced breast cancer screening program could help improve breast cancer detection rates, according to new findings presented by Sorensen et al at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2024 Annual Meeting (Abstract R5B-SPBR-4).

Background

...

Colorectal Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Potential Cancer Vaccine Target Uncovered in E coli Bacteria

Targeting certain bacterial strains linked to cancer with treatments or vaccines may help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, urothelial carcinoma, and prostate cancer, according to a novel study published by Mäklin et al in The Lancet Microbiome.

Background

The bacterium Escherichia coli is ...

FDA Approves Durvalumab for Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

On December 4, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) for adults with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Efficacy was evaluated in ADRIATIC...

Lung Cancer

SITC: Study Finds IO102-IO103 Vaccine Plus Pembrolizumab Active in Patients With Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

A phase II study by Riess et al investigating the IO102-IO103 vaccine plus pembrolizumab as first-line treatment in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed “promising” overall response rates and 6-month progression-free survival, with an acceptable safety profile. The study (

Neuroendocrine Tumors

Alkylating Agent–Based Treatment in Neuroendocrine Tumors According to MGMT Status

In a French phase II trial (MGMT-NET) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Walter et al found evidence of activity of alkylating agent–based therapy among patients who have neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with MGMT-deficient (dMGMT) status.

Study Details

In the multicenter open-label trial, ...

Breast Cancer

De-escalated Neoadjuvant Treatment Adding Nab-Paclitaxel or Docetaxel/Carboplatin to Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab in HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer

In a Chinese phase III trial (HELEN-006) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Chen et al found that the de-escalated neoadjuvant treatment with the addition of nab-paclitaxel to trastuzumab/pertuzumab produced a higher pathologic complete response rate (pCR) vs docetaxel/carboplatin plus...

Solid Tumors
Health-Care Policy
Legislation

Prior Authorization Delays May Lead to Severe Consequences for Patients With Cancer

A recent nationwide survey has confirmed that prior authorization may cause treatment delays, abandoned treatments, hospitalizations, and deaths among patients with cancer, according to an executive summary published by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The findings may reinforce ...

Lung Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer

FDA Grants Approval to New Bispecific Antibody for NSCLC and Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

On December 4, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to the HER2 × HER3 bispecific antibody zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri) for adults with the following types of lung and pancreatic cancers:

  • advanced, unresectable, or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer...

Gynecologic Cancers
Cardio-oncology

Prophylactic Surgical Menopause for Women With Familial Risk of Ovarian Cancer: Impact on Coronary Artery Calcium Development

The results of the HARMOny study published in JACC: CardioOncology by Beekman et al did not reveal a long-term adverse effect of prophylactic surgical menopause on the development of coronary artery calcium—a marker of cardiovascular disease risk—in women with a high familial risk of ovarian...

Breast Cancer

Impact of Menopausal Status on Long-Term Benefit From Antihormonal Treatment in Women With Breast Cancer

New research has shown that postmenopausal women with low-risk tumors have a long-term benefit for at least 20 years, whereas the benefit was more short-term for younger women with similar tumor characteristics who had not yet gone through menopause. The results were reported in the Journal of...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Lung Cancer

Regional, Racial, Economic Disparities in Air Pollution–Related Cancer Risk May Be Improving but Still Persist

Investigators report they have uncovered patterns in the risk of cancer associated with lifetime exposure to air pollution and how this risk may have changed over time, in a recent study published by Hurbain et al in Environmental Science & Technology. The findings could build on the scientific ...

Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology
Solid Tumors
CNS Cancers
Skin Cancer
Gynecologic Cancers

Challenges, Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy

Investigators have assessed the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells in cancer treatment in a new review published by Minev et al in Oncotarget.

Study Overview and Implications

The investigators found that mesenchymal stem cells can naturally target tumors and deliver therapeutic agents...

Gynecologic Cancers

Lenvatinib/Pembrolizumab vs Chemotherapy in Advanced Endometrial Cancer

As reported in Journal of Clinical Oncology by Marth et al, the phase III European Network of Gynaecological Oncological Trial-en9/LEAP-001 study showed no significant differences in progression-free or overall survival with first-line lenvatinib/pembrolizumab vs chemotherapy in patients with...

Lung Cancer

Toripalimab Plus Chemotherapy in First-Line Therapy for Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

In a Chinese phase III trial (EXTENTORCH) reported in JAMA Oncology, Cheng et al reported that the addition of the immunoglobulin G4 PD-1–blocking antibody toripalimab to first-line chemotherapy with etoposide plus cisplatin or carboplatin (EP) improved progression-free survival among patients with ...

Leukemia

Obecabtagene Autoleucel in Adults With B-Cell ALL

A second-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy may offer a new option for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), an aggressive blood cancer with few treatment options.

Results from the phase Ib/II FELIX trial, published by Roddie et al...

Gastrointestinal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Gastroesophageal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer

Poor Diets May Increase Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancer

New research may expand on existing evidence that a healthy diet may protect against gastrointestinal cancers and improve disease outcomes, according to a recent study published by Abebe et al in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Background

Gastrointestinal cancers including esophageal, gastric, ...

Lung Cancer
Cardio-oncology
Issues in Oncology

Lung Cancer CT Screening May Help to Detect Coronary Artery Disease

Lung cancer screening with low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) may be capable of identifying coronary artery calcium in patients without cardiac symptoms, according to a recent study published by Caires et al in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Background

Lung cancer is currently one ...

Cardio-oncology

Evidence-Based Recommendations and Knowledge Gaps Regarding Cardio-Oncology

A recent report highlighted evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, detection, and management of cancer therapy–related cardiovascular toxicity and cardiovascular events in patients with cancer, as well as knowledge gaps. Select considerations are summarized herein.

“The European...

Lung Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Aumolertinib, Osimertinib, Gefitinib, and Their Major Metabolites in NSCLC

Researchers may have established an accurate ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for comparing the pharmacokinetic properties of three epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and their major metabolites in mouse...

Leukemia

MRD-Guided Chemotherapy Intensification After Induction in Fit Older Patients With AML

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Russell et al, the NCRI AML18 trial has shown survival benefit with treatment intensification in fit older patients with measurable residual disease (MRD)-positive response after first induction for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Study Details

In...

Immunotherapy
Issues in Oncology

Study May Illuminate Cause of Common Checkpoint Inhibitor Adverse Effect

Researchers may have uncovered the factors contributing to an increased susceptibility to common infections among patients with cancer receiving checkpoint inhibitors, according to a recent study published by Ogishi et al in Immunity. The findings may provide new insights into immune responses and...

Head and Neck Cancer

Radiotherapy With Durvalumab or Cetuximab in Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer With Contraindication for Cisplatin

As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Mell et al, the phase II/III NRG-HN004 trial of radiotherapy with durvalumab or cetuximab in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and contraindications for cisplatin was stopped for futility during phase II; the phase III...

CNS Cancers

Mirdametinib in Adults and Children With Symptomatic Neurofibromatosis Type 1–Associated Plexiform Neurofibroma

In a phase IIb trial (ReNeu) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Moertel et al found that the CNS-penetrant small molecule MEK1/2 inhibitor mirdametinib showed activity in adults and children with symptomatic neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibroma (NF1-PN).

Study...

Colorectal Cancer
Issues in Oncology

At-Home Testing Kits, Coordinated Outreach May Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates

Researchers have demonstrated that a targeted intervention may increase screening rates in patients who do not adhere to current colorectal cancer screening recommendations, according to a recent study published by Reuland et al in JAMA Network Open.

Background

Colorectal cancer screening is...

Supportive Care
Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Peer Support Intervention May Help Improve Psychological Outcomes Among Patients With Cancer in Low-Resource Settings

Researchers have found that the cancer peer support program Stronger Together may provide critical social support to patients with cancer, particularly in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries, according to a recent study published by Le et al in JCO Global Oncology.

Background

...

Leukemia
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Gastroesophageal Cancer
Solid Tumors
Hematologic Malignancies

FDA Approves Oral Liquid Imatinib to Treat Patients With Leukemia and Other Cancer Types

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of imatinib (Imkeldi) oral solution, the first oral liquid formulation of the drug to treat certain types of leukemias and other cancers.

Background

In 2024, an estimated 9,280 patients will be diagnosed with chronic myeloid...

Lung Cancer

Prognostic Factors in Limited-Stage SCLC Treated With Escalated Radiotherapy Doses

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Farris et al identified prognostic factors in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) receiving radiotherapy at two dose schedules in the CALGB 30610–RTOG 0538 trial.

Study Details

In the trial, 638 patients were randomly assigned...

Multiple Myeloma

Effect of Myeloma Therapy in a Patient With Monoclonal Gammopathy of Thrombotic Significance

In a letter to the editor in The New England Journal of Medicine, Salmasi et al described identification of monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS) in a patient with coronary artery disease and its successful treatment with daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DVd). 

As...

CNS Cancers
Issues in Oncology

Adding Temozolomide to Radiation Therapy May Improve Survival in Adults With Low-Grade Gliomas

Both radiation and temozolomide may have meaningful single-modality antitumor activity against slow-growing, low-grade gliomas, according to recent findings presented by Schiff et al at the 2024 Society for Neuro-Oncology Annual Meeting (Abstract LTBK-07) and simultaneously published in

CNS Cancers

Novel Hypofractionated Proton-Beam Therapy for Older Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma

In a phase II trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Vora et al found that short-course hypofractionated proton-beam therapy guided by 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[F-18]fluoro-L-phenylalanine (F-18–DOPA) positron-emission tomography (PET) and contrast-enhanced MRI produced good outcomes in patients aged ≥ 65...

Lymphoma

Glofitamab or Rituximab Plus Gemcitabine/Oxaliplatin in Relapsed/Refractory DLBCL

As reported in The Lancet by Abramson et al, the phase III STARGLO trial has shown significantly improved overall survival with glofitamab plus gemcitabine/oxaliplatin vs rituximab plus gemcitabine/oxaliplatin in patients with transplant-ineligible relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell...

Hepatobiliary Cancer

Penpulimab Combination Therapy for First-Line Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has accepted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for penpulimab, a differentiated PD-1 monoclonal antibody, in combination with the multikinase inhibitor anlotinib for the first-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma...

CNS Cancers

Global Adaptive Platform Trial for Glioblastoma to Evaluate Novel ATM Kinase Inhibitor

The Global Coalition for Adaptive Research (GCAR) announced an agreement to evaluate AZD1390, an ataxia telangiectasia mutant (ATM) kinase inhibitor developed by AstraZeneca, in GCAR’s Glioblastoma Adaptive Global Innovative Learning Environment trial (GBM AGILE; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

Healthy Women May Have Aneuploid Epithelial Cells Resembling Breast Cancer

Researchers have found that in healthy women, some breast cells that otherwise appear normal may contain chromosome abnormalities typically associated with invasive breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Lin et al in Nature. The findings challenged conventional thinking on the...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Firefighters May Be Exposed to Chemicals Associated With Breast Cancer

Investigators have found that firefighters may face occupational exposures to multiple chemicals that could increase their risk of developing breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Cardona et al in Toxics.

Background

Prior research has revealed that firefighters have...

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