Use of Statins in CLL/SLL
Statin use during targeted therapy treatment led to a 61% improvement in the risk of dying of cancer for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), according to the results of a study published in Blood Advances. The investigators sought to determine the...
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 ...
Omission of Endocrine Therapy in Estrogen Receptor–Low, Early-Stage Breast Cancer
In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Choong et al found that omission of endocrine therapy in patients with estrogen receptor–low (1%–10% on immunohistochemistry), early-stage breast cancer was not associated with improved survival outcomes. The study used National Cancer...
Childhood Exposure to Bacterial Toxin May Trigger Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Researchers may have identified the bacterial toxin colibactin as a potential factor contributing to the concerning rise in early-onset colorectal cancer, according to a novel study published by Díaz-Gay et al in Nature. The findings demonstrated a substantial enrichment of colibactin-related...
WHI Funding Future Unclear
Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) investigators were informed on April 21 that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will terminate WHI Regional Center (RC) contracts at the end of the current fiscal year (September 2025). The WHI Clinical Coordinating Center (CCC) will continue...
FDA Approves Anti–PD-1 Antibody for Nasopharyngeal Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the humanized IgG1 monoclonal anti–PD-1 antibody penpulimab-kcqx with cisplatin or carboplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of adults with recurrent or metastatic nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The FDA also...
W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, FASCO, Named CEO of The Ohio State’s James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
Following a comprehensive national search, W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, FASCO, former Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J....
Polygenic Risk Score for Prostate Cancer Screening
In a U.K. study (BARCODE1) reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, McHugh et al found that screening for prostate cancer with a polygenic risk score was more accurate in diagnosis than screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Study Details
In...
Is This the End of Cancer Research as We Know It?
Ongoing efforts to rein in government spending have been described as a “chainsaw for bureaucracy.” It’s an apt metaphor for the haphazard budget cuts that many federal agencies are still experiencing.
On February 7, 2025, the chainsaw made its way to facilities and administrative (F&A)...
Benefits of Walnut Consumption: Curbing Inflammation, Colorectal Cancer Risk
Researchers have uncovered that eating walnuts may improve systemic inflammation and reduce the risk for colorectal cancer, according to a recent study published by Moussa et al in Cancer Prevention Research.
Background
Ellagitannins—plant-derived polyphenol compounds found in walnuts—have been...
Addition of Daratumumab to Treatment Regimen in Transplant-Ineligible, Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Mateos et al, the final results of the phase III ALCYONE trial showed persistent benefit with the addition of daratumumab to bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (D-VMP) in transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The primary...
Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Not Affected by Age
Older patients with a solid tumor responded with similar clinical outcomes to younger patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, the results of a study published in Nature Communications showed. However, older patients did have divergent immune phenotypes compared with younger patients,...
Medicare Claim Denials for Cancer-Related NGS Testing Show Uncertainty of Coverage
More than 20% of cancer-related claims for next-generation sequencing (NGS) from Medicare beneficiaries were denied between 2016 and 2021. Findings from a cohort study published in JAMA Network Open suggested that there is continued uncertainty about the boundaries of coverage for NGS, even with...
Reduced Elective Dose in Definitive Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
In a Dutch trial (UPGRADE-RT) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, van den Bosch et al found that definitive radiotherapy with reduced-dose elective neck irradiation was safe and effective compared with standard-dose elective neck irradiation in patients with head and neck squamous cell...
Extended Follow-up of Belzutifan Treatment for von Hippel–Lindau Disease–Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma
In extended follow-up of the phase II LITESPARK-004 trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Srinivasan et al found that use of the hypoxia-inducible factor-2α inhibitor belzutifan was associated with maintained benefit in patients with von Hippel–Lindau disease–associated renal cell carcinoma.
The...
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...
Role of Pathologists in Improving Access to Safer, More Effective Allogeneic Cell Therapies
Researchers are working to accelerate the clinical adoption of novel allogeneic cell therapies to improve cancer care and treatment, according to a new report from the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Background
Allogeneic cell therapy—which uses cells from a healthy donor rather than a...
Detecting Invasive Nodules Could Be Key to Preventing Unnecessary Pancreatic Cancer Surgery
Some pancreatic cysts may be benign, whereas others have the potential to develop into pancreatic cancer. A recent Japanese study followed 257 patients for an average of 5 years and evaluated the presence or absence of invasive nodules in pancreatic cysts and whether these cysts are benign or...
Insights From Annual Report on Cancer Statistics
Overall deaths from cancer over the past 2 decades have steadily declined in both men and women in the United States, according to the 2024 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, published today by Sherman et al in Cancer. The report also found that although the incidence of cancer...
Adaptive Manufactured Lentiviral Anti-CD20/Anti-CD19 CAR T Cells in Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma
In a single-center phase I/II study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Shah et al found that adaptive manufactured lentiviral anti-CD20/anti-CD19 (LV20.19) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment was highly active in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma.
Study Details
...
Therapy With a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for EGFR-Variant Lung Adenocarcinoma: Lessons From Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?
There has been remarkable progress in treating EGFR-variant lung adenocarcinoma with tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib, erlotinib, osimertinib, and afatinib. However, several important issues remain unresolved, including whether there remains a role for chemotherapy, who should receive a ...
Updated CAP Guideline Aims to Address Rising Rates of HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinomas
The College of American Pathologists (CAP) updated its testing guideline to capture new research and emerging technologies to improve the diagnostic accuracy of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, according to a guideline update published by Lewis et al in...
Patient Support Found for AI Use as Second Reader of Mammograms
A survey study has shown cautious patient support for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a second reader in screening mammograms, according to results published in Radiology: Imaging Center.
The study authors sought to determine the sentiments of patients regarding AI use in mammogram...
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...
Early-Life Exposure to Environmental Carcinogens May Increase Risk of Pediatric Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Perinatal and early-life exposure to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) and outdoor artificial light at night (O-ALAN) may be associated with a statistically significant increased risk of papillary thyroid cancer in children and young adults up to 19 years old, according to the...
Metabolic Syndrome May Increase Risk of Cancer Recurrence, Subsequent Mortality Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Breast cancer survivors with metabolic syndrome may have an elevated likelihood of breast cancer recurrence and subsequent breast cancer–related mortality, according to new findings to be presented by Harborg et al at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025, taking place between May 11 and 14...
Activity of ROS1 TKI in NSCLC
In a pooled analysis of the phase II TRUST-I and TRUST-II trials reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Pérol et al found that the oral, potent, CNS-active, selective, next-generation ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) taletrectinib was highly active in ROS1-positive advanced or metastatic ...
Some Patients With Advanced NSCLC Experience Durable Disease Control After Immunotherapy Discontinuation
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape over the last decade for patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the agents can also stimulate uncontrolled immunity against normal tissues and organs, leading to a cascade of immune-related adverse...
CAP Issues New and Updated Cancer Protocols
New protocols for endocrine tumors and updated existing protocols for breast cancer diagnoses are now available from the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
These and other updates to protocols reflect the latest scientific advancements, ensuring that pathology reports provide oncologists with ...
Renowned Breast Cancer Physician-Scientist Hope S. Rugo, MD, FASCO, to Lead Women’s Cancers Program at City of Hope
City of Hope has announced that Hope S. Rugo, MD, FASCO, has joined the organization to serve as Director of its Women’s Cancers Program; new Division Chief, Breast Medical Oncology; and Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research.
In this role, Dr. Rugo will lead ...
Poor Agreement Reported Among Diagnostic Tests for Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema
Various tests, ranging from a tape measure to sophisticated imaging technology, show low to moderate agreement in diagnosing breast cancer–related lymphedema, according to a recent study published by Brunelle et al in Rehabilitation Oncology.
Background
Breast cancer–related lymphedema is...
How Does Medicaid Expansion Affect Access to Care in Patients With NSCLC?
A recent study published by Hooda et al in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery suggests that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has significantly improved access to timely treatment and high-volume hospitals for patients with early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These findings...
Advanced Esophageal Cancer: NOTCH1 Mutation and Efficacy of Tislelizumab
In an analysis from the phase III RATIONALE-302 trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Lu et al found that the presence of NOTCH1 mutation was associated with improved overall survival in patients receiving second-line tislelizumab vs investigator’s choice of chemotherapy for advanced...
Dual Use of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes on Par With Sole Cigarette Use in Terms of Toxic Exposure
Individuals who reported exclusive use of combustible cigarettes as well as those who reported dual use of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes showed similarly high toxicant exposure, according to the results of a study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research. Both groups of smokers showed higher ...
Germline Variants May Impact Unique Nature of a Patient’s Cancer, Study Shows
Research into germline genetic variants has identified ways that an individual’s genetic makeup can shape the biology of their cancer. The report, published in Cell, shows how these findings could potentially be applied to future treatment strategies to make cancer treatment more personalized.
A ...
Can ctDNA Monitoring Help to Predict Melanoma Recurrence?
A new study showed that approximately 80% of patients with stage III melanoma who had detectable levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) before they started treatment to suppress their tumors went on to experience recurrence. Researchers also found that the disease returned more than four times...
Neoadjuvant Combination Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
A combination of two immunotherapies may improve treatment response among patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas compared with just one immunotherapy drug, according to a recent study published by Li et al in Cancer Cell.
Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas occur in...
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
In the French phase II PANACHE01-PRODIGE48 trial, researchers found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFIRINOX (modified leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) was feasible and active in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Schwarz et al published these findings...
Parasitic Infection and Its Treatment Linked to Cancer-Related Gene Activity in the Cervix
New research has revealed that Schistosoma haematobium, a parasitic infection affecting millions globally, can trigger cancer-related gene activity in the cervical lining, with changes becoming even more pronounced after treatment. Presented at ESCMID Global 2025, this pivotal study sheds new light ...
Novel Drug/Device Combination May Improve Outcomes in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Percutaneous hepatic perfusion using a melphalan hepatic delivery system (melphalan/HDS) may be an effective treatment option in patients with unresectable uveal melanoma that has metastasized to the liver, according to a recent study published by Zager et al in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.
...
ADAR1 Gene and Response to Lenalidomide in Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Investigators have identified a key component inhibiting responses to lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma, according to the results of a study recently published in Blood. They identified adenosine deaminase acting on RNA1 (ADAR1) as a novel driver of acquired resistance to lenalidomide...
Pediatric ALL or Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: Reduced Induction Dexamethasone and High-Dose Methotrexate
In a UK phase III trial (UKALL 2011) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Kirkwood et al found that a shorter duration of induction dexamethasone did not reduce steroid-related toxicity and that high-dose methotrexate (HDM) did not reduce central nervous system (CNS) relapse among patients ...
Incidence Rates of Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancers Are Rising Most Among Young Adults
The incidence rates of colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinomas have risen the most among young adults over the past 2 decades, suggesting the need for heightened awareness among clinicians for these diseases in this patient population, according to a report published by Bussetty et al in JAMA...
Link Between CT Scans and Future Cancer Incidence?
At current use and radiation dose levels, computed tomography (CT) scans may eventually account for 5% of all cancers annually, according to a recent modeling study published by Smith-Bindman et al in JAMA Internal Medicine. The danger is greatest for infants, followed by children and...
Immunotherapy, Radiosurgery Combination and Risk of Radiation Necrosis in Patients With Cancer Who Have Brain Metastases
Patients with melanoma and lung cancer who have brain metastases may experience severe inflammatory reactions after receipt of immunotherapy drugs combined with radiation therapy, according to a recent study published by Vaios et al in JAMA Network Open.
Study Methods and Results
In this study,...
Most Pediatric Cancer Deaths Occur in Regions of Conflict
Almost 60% of all deaths from pediatric cancers occur in regions of armed conflict, according to the results of a study published in The Lancet Oncology.
Investigators from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Duke University, and other institutions sought to reveal the relationship between...
FDA Approves Bevacizumab Biosimilar
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bevacizumab-nwgd (Jobevne), a biosimilar to bevacizumab (Avastin), for intravenous use. Bevacizumab-nwgd is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody and a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor that binds with VEGF and blocks...
Ideal Apixaban Dose for Cancer-Associated VTE
In the API-CAT trial—results of which were reported in The New England Journal of Medicine—Mahé et al found that use of reduced-dose apixaban was noninferior to full-dose apixaban in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with active cancer.
Study Details
In the...
Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Immune-Modulating ADC Targeting CD46
In a phase I study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Aggarwal et al reported activity with the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) FOR46 in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. As stated by the investigators, “FOR46, a fully human antibody conjugated to monomethyl...
Novel Strategy May Enhance Sensitivity, Accuracy of Monitoring Cancer in Blood Samples
A whole-genome sequencing–based, error-corrected method for detecting cancer from blood samples could be more sensitive and accurate in monitoring disease status posttreatment among patients with cancer compared with prior methods, according to a recent study published by Cheng et al in Nature...
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, ...
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
...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
