Novel MDM2 Inhibitor Shows Activity in Salivary Gland Cancers
A novel MDM2 inhibitor has demonstrated antitumor activity in progressive salivary cancer, particularly adenoid cystic carcinoma, according to data presented at the 2024 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium.
Results of the phase I/II trial showed an overall response rate of 13% and a...
Novel SPECT/CT Imaging Technique Under Study in Prostate Cancer
A novel single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) acquisition method using lead (Pb)-212–prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-based targeted alpha therapy may provide convenient detection of radiopharmaceutical biodistribution and could lead to improved practice ...
Functional Disability Among U.S. Cancer Survivors, 2017–2022
In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cao et al found that U.S. adult cancer survivors had higher levels of mobility disability and self-care disability than adults without a cancer diagnosis.
Study Details
The study focused on data from 47,768 adult cancer survivors (aged ≥ 18...
Professional Societies Introduce New Evidence-Based Guidelines on Testing Immunotherapy Biomarkers in NSCLC
The College of American Pathologists in collaboration with the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the Pulmonary Pathology Society, the Association for Molecular Pathology, and the LUNGevity Foundation have developed evidence-based recommendations on the use of certain...
Comparative Effectiveness of Acupuncture vs Massage for Relieving Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Pain, a debilitating consequence of cancer and its treatments, is highly prevalent among patients with advanced cancer.1 Often persistent and undertreated, it is associated with poor functional and emotional well-being and typically occurs along with insomnia and fatigue.2 The use of opioids,...
Risk of Second Primary Breast Cancer in Young Breast Cancer Survivors
In a study reported in JAMA Oncology, Kristen D. Brantley, PhD, MPH, and colleagues identified the risk of a second primary breast cancer among survivors of breast cancer diagnosed at age 40 or younger, including among women with and without germline pathogenic variants.
Study Details
The study...
Adagrasib Plus Cetuximab in KRAS G12C–Mutated Colorectal Cancer
The combination of the KRAS G12C inhibitor adagrasib and the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab showed clinical activity and promising survival outcomes in a cohort of patients with metastatic, heavily pretreated, KRAS G12C–mutated colorectal cancer, according to results from the phase I/II KRYSTAL-1...
Improving Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer in High-Risk Patients
Researchers have identified a novel strategy to screen for pancreatic cancer in high-risk patients, according to a recent study published by Zogopoulos et al in JNCCN–Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The findings demonstrated the feasibility of improving the early detection and ...
Survival Rates in Patients With Cancer and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Investigators have found a higher rate of mortality among patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities diagnosed with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or lung cancer, according to a recent study published by Hansford et al in the Canadian Journal of Public Health.
Study Methods and...
Immunotherapy Resistance and Response to Adoptive Therapy in Patients With Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Researchers may have uncovered the mechanisms behind conventional immunotherapy resistance as well as the efficacy of adoptive therapy in metastatic uveal melanoma, according to a recent study published by Leonard-Murali et al in Nature Communications. The findings demonstrated the potential to...
The Lancet Commission on Breast Cancer: Reducing Overlooked Inequities in Breast Cancer
Investigators have uncovered persistent inequities in breast cancer that may systematically leave many patients behind in spite of recent improvements in research, treatment, and survival, according to a recent report from The Lancet Breast Cancer Commission. These findings were published by Coles...
A Pioneering Female Oncologist in Morocco Helps Advance the Global Shift Toward Gender Equity in Academia
Success stories in research, advocacy, and education from low- and middle-income countries deserve international recognition to motivate the next generation of researchers and practitioners and enrich global oncology. I recently had the privilege to speak with Ouissam Al Jarroudi, MD, about her...
Cisplatin, Gemcitabine, and IMRT in Locally Advanced Vulvar Cancer
In a phase II trial (NRG Oncology/GOG Study 279) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Horowitz et al found that concurrent cisplatin, gemcitabine, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) produced a high rate of complete pathologic response in patients with locally advanced vulvar...
HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer: PET-Based, pCR-Adapted Strategy
In the phase II PHERGain trial reported in The Lancet, Pérez-García et al found that a positron-emission tomography (PET)-based, pathologic complete response (pCR)-adapted treatment strategy produced “excellent” 3-year invasive disease–free survival results in patients with HER2-positive early...
Progression-Free Survival Benefit Confirmed With Triplet Combination in BRCA Wild-Type, HRD-Positive Ovarian Cancer
The combination of immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy could be the new standard first-line treatment of patients with high-grade, advanced ovarian cancer with BRCA wild-type, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive tumors, according to data presented during the Society of...
ALK-Positive NSCLC: Adjuvant Alectinib vs Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Yi-Long Wu, MD, and colleagues, the phase III ALINA trial has shown significantly improved disease-free survival with adjuvant alectinib vs platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with resected ALK-positive NSCLC.
Study Details
In the...
Cabozantinib in Advanced Adrenocortical Carcinoma
In a single-center phase II trial reported in The Lancet Oncology, Campbell et al found that cabozantinib monotherapy showed activity in adult patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma.
Study Details
In the trial, 18 patients enrolled at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center...
Atezolizumab/Cabozantinib vs Docetaxel in Previously Treated Metastatic NSCLC
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Joel Neal, MD, PhD, and colleagues, the phase III CONTACT-01 trial has shown no significant improvement in overall survival with atezolizumab plus cabozantinib vs docetaxel after checkpoint inhibitor treatment and chemotherapy in patients with...
New Findings Suggest No Correlation Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Thyroid Cancer Risk
Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists may not be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to a recent study published by Pasternak et al in the BMJ.
Background
GLP-1 receptor agonists are designed to reduce blood sugar levels and appetite. They have become...
Study Identifies Genetic Variants Potentially Linked to Prevalent or Persistent HPV Infections
Investigators have uncovered genetic variants that may predispose certain female patients to prevalent or persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and increase their risk of developing cervical cancer, according to a recent study published by Adebamowo et al in the European Journal of Human ...
Exploring Geriatric Assessment Effectiveness: Insights From the 2023 International Society of Geriatric Oncology Conference
Geriatric assessment has emerged as a pivotal tool in optimizing cancer care for older patients, aiming to mitigate treatment toxicity, enhance treatment adherence, and improve quality of life. The recommended areas for evaluation in a geriatric assessment focus on identifying health issues that...
Illuminating a Potential Culprit in Melanoma Treatment Resistance
Researchers may have uncovered the mechanisms behind the development of targeted therapy resistance in melanoma, according to a recent study published by Aya Moreno et al in Cell Reports.
Background
The global incidence of melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer—is rising, making novel...
Oxaliplatin-Based Adjuvant Therapy in Older Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer
In a pooled analysis of data from clinical trials in the ACCENT/IDEA databases reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Claire Gallois, MD, and colleagues found that patients aged ≥ 70 years receiving oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer had a similar time to...
Newly Diagnosed Locally Advanced HNSCC: Adding Pembrolizumab to Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Jean-Pascal Machiels, MD, and colleagues, the phase III KEYNOTE-412 trial showed no significant improvement in event-free survival with the addition of pembrolizumab to concurrent chemoradiotherapy in newly diagnosed patients with high-risk locally advanced...
Breast Cancer With Sentinel Node Metastases: Axillary Dissection vs Sentinel Node Biopsy Alone
As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by de Boniface et al, the phase III SENOMAC trial showed noninferiority in recurrence-free survival with sentinel node biopsy alone vs completion axillary node dissection in patients with breast cancer and sentinel node metastases.
Study Details
In ...
Radon Gas Exposure May Be Linked to Increased Incidence of Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers
Long-term exposure to radon gas may be associated with a rise in nonsmoking lung cancer cases, according to a recent consumer survey conducted on behalf of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC–James).
...
Lung Cancer Screening Eligibility: Effect of Using History vs Pack-Year History of Smoking
In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Potter et al found that use of a smoking history of ≥ 20 years rather than the current 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guideline of ≥ 20 pack-years would increase the eligibility of Black individuals for lung cancer...
B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Extended Follow-up With Mosunetuzumab
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by L. Elizabeth Budde, MD, PhD, and colleagues, extended follow-up of the dose-escalation phase of a phase I/II trial showed that the CD20 x CD3 T-cell–engaging bispecific antibody mosunetuzumab-axgb—given as an off-the-shelf fixed-duration outpatient ...
Novel Urine Biomarker Test May Reduce Unnecessary Cystoscopies in Patients With Bladder Cancer
Researchers have found that a novel urine biomarker test may effectively halve the number of cystoscopies necessary in high-risk patients with bladder cancer, according to recent findings presented by Dreyer et al at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress 2024. The research also...
Longer Interval May Be Safe for Prostate Cancer Screening in Low-Risk Patients
Undergoing a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every 5 years may be adequate for screening low-risk men for prostate cancer, according to recent findings presented by Albers et al at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress 2024 and simultaneously published in European Urology.
...
The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer: Strategies to Prepare for Predicted Increases in Disease Burden by 2040
Investigators have projected impending increases in the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer—especially among individuals in low- and middle-income countries—and proposed new strategies to improve screening, awareness, research diversification, and treatment in a recent The Lancet...
Improving Adjuvant Treatment in Patients With Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma
Two recent studies have offered new insights into the treatment of muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma following cystectomy, according to findings presented by Powles et al and Galsky et al at the European Association of Urology Congress 2024. The research could allow physicians to target...
BAP1 Mutations May Increase Susceptibility to Asbestos-Induced Malignant Mesothelioma
Researchers have shown that even minimal exposure to chrysotile asbestos may increase susceptibility to the development of malignant mesothelioma in mice with BAP1 germline mutations, according to new findings presented by Kadariya et al at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual ...
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Ponatinib With Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome–Positive ALL
On March 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to the multitarget kinase inhibitor (Iclusig) with chemotherapy for adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
PhALLCON
Efficacy was evaluated in...
Blood-Based Machine-Learning Assay May Noninvasively Detect Early Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most-common cancer among women globally, and the eighth most-common cause of death from cancer worldwide. In the United States alone, in 2023, there were nearly 20,000 new cases of the cancer, and about 13,270 deaths from the disease. Ovarian cancer is largely...
Effect of Virtually Delivered CBT for Insomnia on Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment
In a Canadian study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Sheila N. Garland, PhD, and colleagues found that virtually delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improved perceived cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) vs waiting list controls in cancer survivors.
...
Educational Videos May Encourage Prostate Cancer Screening Among Black Patients
Use of culturally sensitive educational videos may boost knowledge and decrease uncertainty regarding prostate cancer and screening among Black individuals, according to new findings presented by Jones et al at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 (Abstract...
Anti-CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy for Richter Transformation
In a retrospective study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Kittai et al found that anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy showed activity in previously treated patients with Richter transformation.
Study Details
In the study, 69 patients who received CAR T-cell...
An Exosome-Based Liquid Biopsy for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
An investigational exosome-based liquid biopsy accurately detected 97% of stage I to II pancreatic cancers when combined with the biomarker CA 19-9, according to research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 (Abstract 3899).
“Pancreatic cancer is one ...
Proteogenomic Signatures May Help Identify Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression in Certain Populations
Certain proteogenomic signatures in the prostate cancers of men of African and European ancestries were associated with higher risk of metastasis and/or recurrence of the disease, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 (Abstract...
PARP1-Selective Inhibitor in HRR-Deficient Breast Cancer
The novel poly-ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1)-selective inhibitor saruparib demonstrated early efficacy and a favorable safety profile in patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR)-deficient breast cancer, according to new findings presented by Yap et al at the American Association for...
AACR Inaugurates New Leadership
The members of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) elected a new 2024 to 2025 President and President-Elect at the AACR’s Annual Business Meeting of Members during the AACR Annual Meeting 2024 in San Diego.
New President
The AACR welcomed Patricia M. LoRusso, DO, PhD (hc), FAACR,...
Investigational Personalized Vaccine in Resected Head and Neck Cancers
TG4050, a personalized neoantigen vaccine, induced tumor-specific immune responses and led to low rates of disease relapse in patients with surgically resected human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), according to results reported at the American Association...
ATM Kinase Inhibitor Plus Radiotherapy for Patients With Glioblastoma
AZD1390, an ataxia telangiectasia mutant (ATM) kinase inhibitor, demonstrated a manageable safety profile in patients with both recurrent and newly diagnosed glioblastoma when given in combination with standard-of-care radiotherapy and showed preliminary efficacy in patients with recurrent...
Novel CAR T-Cell Therapy May Show Benefit in Patients With Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
The CD70-targeted allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy CTX130 may be effective in patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma, according to findings presented by Srour et al at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 (Abstract CT002)...
Can a Personalized Antitumor Vaccine Plus Pembrolizumab Improve Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma?
Adding a personalized antitumor vaccine to the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab may be safe and about twice as effective at shrinking tumors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma compared with pembrolizumab alone, according to new findings presented by Yarchoan et al at the American Association for ...
Biologic Drug-Device Combination Immunotherapy in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
SYNC-T—an investigational therapy that combines a device-induced vaccination at the tumor site with an intratumoral infusion of a multitarget biologic drug—led to numerous clinical responses in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, according to results reported at the...
Immune Response to Investigational RNA Vaccine for Pancreatic Cancer Continues to Correlate With Clinical Benefit
An adjuvant treatment regimen that included autogene cevumeran, an investigational individualized neoantigen-specific mRNA vaccine, induced durable and functional T-cell responses that were associated with a reduced risk of disease recurrence in certain patients with resectable pancreatic cancer,...
Bispecific Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Improves Survival in Patients With Gastric Cancer, Regardless of PD-L1 Status
The PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody cadonilimab plus chemotherapy improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with untreated, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer—including those with PD-L1–low tumors—compared with...
RP1 Immunotherapy in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With Skin Cancer
A novel oncolytic immunotherapy may show antitumor activity in solid organ transplant recipients with skin cancer, according to new findings presented by Migden et al at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024 (Abstract CT003).
Background
"Organ transplant...
Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel and Idecabtagene Vicleucel Approved by the FDA for Pretreated Patients With Multiple Myeloma
On April 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ciltacabtagene autoleucel (Carvykti) for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, and...
Mirvetuximab Soravtansine Plus Pembrolizumab in Patients With Endometrial Cancer Subtype
The combination of the antibody-drug conjugate mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx and the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab showed notable activity in patients with recurrent or persistent microsatellite-stable endometrial cancer, according to new findings presented by Porter et al at the...
FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan-nxki for Unresectable or Metastatic HER2-Positive Solid Tumors
On April 5, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no...
Accelerated Aging May Be a Risk Factor for Early-Onset Cancers in Younger Generations
According to recent studies, the incidence of early-onset cancers—often defined as those diagnosed in individuals younger than age 50—is on the rise, and not just in the United States but globally as well. Research shows that between 1990 and 2019, the global incidence of early-onset cancer...
Fewer Than Half of Drugs Granted Accelerated Approval Demonstrated Benefit Within 5 Years
In 1992, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) instituted its Accelerated Approval regulations, which allow drugs that treat serious conditions and fill an unmet need to be approved early based on a surrogate endpoint. However, any drug approved under this pathway is still required to undergo ...
Pembrolizumab May Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes Regardless of Age or Menopausal Status
The addition of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to chemotherapy prior to and following surgery may lead to improved outcomes in patients with breast cancer regardless of their age or menopausal status, according to new findings presented by Cardoso et al at the 2024 European Breast Cancer...
American Cancer Society Releases Latest Global Cancer Statistics; Cancer Cases Expected to Rise to 35 Million Worldwide by 2050
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released Global Cancer Statistics 2022, an update of the organization’s report on global cancer facts and trends. According to the findings, an estimated 20 million cancer cases were newly diagnosed in 2022 and 9.7 million people died from the disease...
Distinct Microbial Signature Uncovered in KRAS-Mutated Colorectal Cancer
Researchers have identified microbiota signatures that are associated with KRAS mutations in patients with colorectal cancer, according to a recent study published by Huang et al in Microbiology Spectrum. The findings suggest that gut microbes may serve as a noninvasive biomarker for subtypes of...
Danicopan Approved as Add-On Therapy to Ravulizumab or Eculizumab for Extravascular Hemolysis in Adults With Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
On April 1, danicopan (Voydeya) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as add-on therapy to ravulizumab-cwvz or eculizumab for the treatment of extravascular hemolysis (EVH) in adults with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). VOYDEYA is a first-in-class, oral, Factor D...
Treating DCIS: To Escalate or De-escalate?
There is much debate about the necessity of treating women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) with surgery or radiotherapy.1,2 It is disconcerting to many that patients with DCIS are treated in the same way as are women with early-stage invasive breast cancer. Many patients with DCIS have...
Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Oncolytic Virus–Based Immunostimulatory Gene Therapy Plus Chemotherapy
In a single-center phase I/II study (LOKON001) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Musher et al found that treatment with an oncolytic virus–based immunostimulatory gene therapy (LOAd703) plus chemotherapy was feasible and safe in patients with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic ductal...
T-DXd in HER2-Overexpressing Unresectable or Metastatic NSCLC
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Egbert F. Smit, MD, and colleagues, primary analysis in the HER2-overexpressing unresectable or metastatic non–small cell cancer (NSCLC) cohorts of the phase II DESTINY-Lung01 trial show activity of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd) in this setting.
...
Rwanda’s Progress in Eradicating Hepatitis C Virus: A Feasible Approach to Reducing Liver Cancer Incidence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Of 58 million people worldwide living with hepatitis C virus (HCV), one-sixth of them are found in sub-Saharan Africa.1 Yet, in that region, direct access to diagnostic testing and treatment is limited to less than 5%. HCV carries significant downstream implications including cirrhosis...
Can Artificial Intelligence Predict Treatment Response and Outcomes in Breast Cancer?
Artificial intelligence (AI)—computational analytics with routine imaging via radiology or pathology—can advance precision medicine in breast cancer, specifically by predicting response to therapy and calculating prognosis, according to a pioneer in the field, Anant Madabhushi, PhD, of Emory...
Study Examines Shared Decision-Making Policies and Practices Around Lung Cancer Screening
A Medicare policy requiring shared decision-making between primary care physicians and patients regarding whether to proceed with lung cancer screening may require further examination, according to a recent study published by Kale et al in the Annals of Family Medicine. The findings indicated that...
Asking ChatGPT About Radiation Oncology Treatment
Researchers examined whether the artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbot ChatGPT can help provide answers to patients with cancer regarding radiation oncology treatment, according to a recent study published by Yalamanchili et al in JAMA Network Open.
Background
Over 60% (n = 500,000) of...
Feasibility of Ending Specialist Follow-up in Patients With Low-Risk CLL
A study published by Brieghel et al in Blood Advances showed that among patients in Denmark who had slow-growing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with no symptoms and a low risk for ever needing treatment, those who stopped seeing their doctors for specialized follow-up had fewer hospital visits, ...
HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: Treatment After Disease Progression on CDK4/6 and Aromatase Inhibitors
In the phase II PACE trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Erica L. Mayer, MD, MPH, and colleagues found no improvement in progression-free survival with the addition of palbociclib to fulvestrant—but a numeric improvement with the further addition of avelumab—in patients with hormone ...
Gedatolisib Plus Palbociclib and Endocrine Therapy in HR-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Layman et al, findings in dose-expansion groups of a phase Ib trial indicated activity of the pan-PI3K–mTOR inhibitor gedatolisib in combination with palbociclib and endocrine therapy in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative advanced...
One in Five People With Cancer Participate in Clinical Research, New Study Finds
New findings authored by Joseph M. Unger, PhD, and colleagues in the Journal of Clinical Oncology using Commission on Cancer data showed that when all types of cancer research studies are considered, at least one in five people with cancer in the United States—or 21.9%—participate in some form of...
Can TILs Help to Determine Outcomes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
High levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) within the tumors of patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer may be associated with a lower risk of cancer recurrence and greater rate of survival, even without chemotherapy, according to a recent study published by Leon-Ferre et...
Microwave Ablation vs Surgical Resection in Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Microwave ablation may offer comparable progression-free survival rates and fewer complications in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma compared with surgical resection, according to a recent study published by Zhao et al in Radiology.
Background
Papillary thyroid carcinoma—the most common...
Tuberculosis May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Various Cancer Types
The risk of certain types of cancer may be higher in patients currently or previously diagnosed with tuberculosis, according to new findings to be presented by Kim et al at the upcoming 2024 European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) annual congress.
Background
...
Benefit of Prostate MRI Plus PSA Density Test in Patients Suspected of Having Prostate Cancer
Investigators have found that combining a prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density test may help diagnose clinically significant prostate cancer and avoid unnecessary biopsies, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published...
Model for Predicting Recurrence-Free and Melanoma-Specific Survival After SLNB in Melanoma
In a study reported in The Lancet Oncology, Stassen et al developed a model for the prediction of recurrence-free and melanoma-specific survival after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with melanoma.
Study Details
The study involved a development cohort of 4,071 patients aged > 13...
T-Cell Therapy in Advanced Synovial Sarcoma and Myxoid Round Cell Liposarcoma
In a phase II trial (SPEARHEAD-1) reported in The Lancet, D’Angelo et al found that the T-cell therapy afamitresgene autoleucel showed activity in patients with previously treated HLA-A*02 and MAGE-A4–expressing advanced synovial sarcoma or myxoid round cell liposarcoma.
As related by the...
Advanced Anal Cancer: Addition of Atezolizumab to First-Line Modified Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and Fluorouracil
In a French noncomparative phase II study (SCARCE C17-02 PRODIGE 60) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Stefano Kim, MD, and colleagues found that the addition of atezolizumab to modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (mDCF) did not meet the 12-month progression-free survival primary...
ASCO Congratulates 2024 Special Awards Recipients
ASCO and Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, will recognize researchers, patient advocates, philanthropists, teachers, and global oncology leaders who have reshaped cancer care around the world with the Society’s highest honors at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting.
The 2024 Special Award Recipients...
NAPRC-Accredited Hospitals vs Nonaccredited Hospitals: Proctectomy Outcomes
Hospitals accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) may demonstrate lower mortality and complication rates in patients undergoing proctectomy compared with nonaccredited hospitals, according to a recent study published by Harbaugh...
Giredestrant in Previously Treated Patients With ER-Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer
In the phase II acelERA BC trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Miguel Martín, MD, PhD, and colleagues found that the selective estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist and degrader giredestrant did not significantly improve progression-free survival vs physician’s choice of endocrine...
Pazopanib in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma and No Evidence of Disease After Metastasectomy
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Leonard J. Appleman, MD, PhD, and colleagues, the phase II ECOG-ACRIN E2810 trial showed no significant improvement in disease-free survival with pazopanib vs placebo in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma with no evidence of disease...
Surveyed Oncologists’ Attitudes Toward Ethical Implications of AI in Cancer Care
Researchers surveyed oncologists for their perspectives on how artificial intelligence (AI) may be responsibly integrated into some aspects of cancer care as well as how to protect patients from the hidden biases of AI, according to a recent study published by Hantel et al in JAMA Network Open.
...
GU and GI Symptoms With Postprostatectomy Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
As reported in JAMA Oncology by Mark K. Buyyounouski, MD, MS, and colleagues, the phase III NRG-GU003 trial showed noninferiority of hypofractionated postprostatectomy radiotherapy (HYPORT) vs conventionally fractionated postprostatectomy radiotherapy (COPORT) for genitourinary (GU) and...
NSCLC: Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy vs Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
In a systematic review and meta-analysis reported in JAMA Oncology, Sorin et al found that neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy was associated with better outcomes than neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Study Details
A search of published studies reported...
Prolonged Use of Progestogens May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Brain Cancer
Prolonged use of selected progestogen agents may be associated with an increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma, according to a recent study published by Roland et al in the BMJ.
Background
Progestogens are similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which are widely used in...
Malpractice Risk With Active Surveillance for Patients With Low-Risk Cancer
Investigators have assessed medical malpractice trends related to active surveillance as a treatment strategy across different types of cancers, according to a recent study published by Chang et al in the Annals of Surgery.
Background
Active surveillance is a less invasive approach that reserves...
IKZF1 Genetic Variant May Contribute to Disparities in Risk of ALL in Pediatric Hispanic and Latino Patients
A genetic variant located on the IKZF1 gene may be responsible for disparities in the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among Hispanic and Latino children, according to a recent study published by de Smith et al in Cell Genomics. The findings offer insights into the causes of the disease...
Older Patients With AML: Does Stem Cell Transplant Improve Long-Term Outcomes?
Nearly 21,000 new cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are diagnosed each year in the United States, about 80% of which occur in individuals aged 60 years and older. The cancer has the highest mortality rate among the different types of leukemia, and, in 2024, it is predicted that about 11,220...
Chemoradiotherapy With or Without Pembrolizumab for Newly Diagnosed, High-Risk, Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Domenica Lorusso, MD, PhD, and colleagues, the phase III ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047/KEYNOTE-A18 trial has shown that the addition of pembrolizumab to chemoradiotherapy improved progression-free survival in patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk, locally advanced...
Eligibility for and Prevalence of Lung Cancer Screening in the United States in 2022
In a study reported in a research letter in JAMA Network Open, Henderson et al identified prevalence of lung cancer screening in the United States in 2022 using U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2021 and 2013 recommendations for screening eligibility.
The USPSTF 2013 guidelines...
Early Breast Cancer: Nurse-Led Follow-up Intervention and Quality of Life After Treatment
In a Danish single-institution phase III trial (MyHealth) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Saltbæk et al found that nurse-led individualized follow-up was associated with significantly better breast cancer–specific quality of life compared with usual care after completion of primary...
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin for Relapsed or Refractory Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
On March 6, 2024, inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa) was approved for pediatric patients aged 1 year or older with relapsed or refractory CD22-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.1
Supporting Efficacy Data
Approval was based on findings in the ITCC-059 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov...
Novel Drug Combination in Multiple Myeloma
Researchers have found that venetoclax in combination with azacitidine may be effective at treating patients with multiple myeloma, according to a recent study published by Flanagan et al in Haematologica.
Background
Despite recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma, the disease...
Amivantamab-vmjw in NSCLC With EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutations
On March 1, 2024, amivantamab-vmjw (Rybrevant) was approved for use with carboplatin and pemetrexed for first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved...
Eflornithine for Adult and Pediatric Patients With High-Risk Neuroblastoma
On December 13, 2023, eflornithine (Iwilfin), an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, was approved for adult and pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma with at least a partial response to prior multiagent, multimodality therapy including anti-GD2 immunotherapy.
This represents the first...
Belzutifan in Previously Treated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
On December 14, 2023, the hypoxia-inducible factor inhibitor belzutifan (Welireg) was approved for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma with disease progression on previous treatment with a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor and a vascular endothelial...
Pembrolizumab With Chemoradiotherapy for FIGO 2014 Stage III–IVA Cervical Cancer
On January 12, 2024, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) was approved for use with chemoradiotherapy for treatment of patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2014 stage III–IVA cervical cancer.1
Supporting Efficacy Data
Approval was based on findings in the double-blind...
Stage III Colorectal Cancer: Association of Immunoscore With Disease-Free Survival
In an analysis of two trials (SCOT and IDEA-HORG) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Domingo et al identified the predictive value of Immunoscore for disease-free survival in patients with stage III colorectal cancer treated with adjuvant mFOLFOX6 (modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, and...
Endoscopic Screening and Esophageal Cancer Incidence and Mortality
In an analysis of 9-year outcomes of a Chinese trial (ESECC) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Liu et al found that endoscopic screening for esophageal cancer was associated with numeric benefit vs no screening in terms of the incidence of esophageal cancer and esophageal cancer–related ...
Stopping TKI Treatment in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
In a report in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Francois-Xavier Mahon, MD, PhD, and colleagues provided the final analysis of the European Stop Kinase Inhibitors (EURO-SKI) study. The trial evaluated the effect of stopping tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in patients with chronic myeloid...
