Germline or somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene might not be key to the initiation of prostate cancer, as previously thought, suggests the first study of its kind, published in BMJ Oncology. If confirmed in further studies, the findings suggest that it may be time to reassess current treatment...
Study Finds About One in Six Chemotherapy Drugs in Sub-Saharan Africa Fails Quality Tests
About one in six tested chemotherapies in sub-Saharan Africa were found to have serious quality defects, according to the results of a study published in The Lancet Global Health.
Researchers assessed the appearance, packaging, and labeling of each cancer medication and measured the quantity of...
Partial-Breast Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery: 10-Year Outcomes
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Kirby et al, 10-year follow-up of the phase III UK IMPORT LOW trial has shown that partial-breast and reduced-dose radiotherapy continue to be associated with similar ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) outcomes compared with whole-breast radiotherapy...
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...
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...
Genitourinary Oncology Highlights: Treatment Advances in Renal Cell, Bladder, Urothelial, and Prostate Cancers
The 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting has officially concluded. Our sincere thanks to the global oncology community and ASCO for creating such a remarkable forum advancing cancer care. Here we highlight the most impactful updates in genitourinary tumors from this year’s meeting.
Kidney Cancer: Long-Term...
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...
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...
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...
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...
AACR 2025: Use of ctDNA-Based Liquid Biopsy Assay in Resectable Colorectal Cancer
Interim results from the VICTORI study showed that an ultrasensitive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based liquid biopsy assay was effective in detecting signs of cancer recurrence prior to imaging and provided prognostic value within 1 month after surgery in patients with colorectal cancer. The...
DDW 2025: 20-Year Screening Program Drives Down Colorectal Cancer Cases, Deaths
A 20-year initiative that offered flexible options for colorectal cancer screening at a major integrated health system doubled colorectal cancer screening rates, cut cancer incidence by a third, halved deaths, and brought racial differences in outcomes to nearly zero, according to a study that will ...
Cannabis Use Disorder Significantly Increases Mortality Risk in Colorectal Cancer
Patients with colorectal cancer and a history of cannabis use disorder had a more than 20 times higher risk of mortality within 5 years than those without cannabis use order, according to the results of a study published in Annals of Epidemiology.
The 5-year mortality rate in patients with a...
Five Major Advances in Radiotherapy for Anal and Rectal Cancer Presented at ESTRO 2025
Five pivotal studies presented at ESTRO 2025 showcase how radiotherapy is reshaping the landscape for anal and rectal cancers. From reduced-dose treatments to cutting-edge combinations with immunotherapy and chemotherapy, these innovations offer safer, more effective, and organ-preserving...
Retifanlimab-dlwr Approved for Anal Cancer
On May 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved retifanlimab-dlwr (Zynyz), a PD-1–blocking monoclonal antibody, with carboplatin and paclitaxel for the first-line treatment of adults with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC)....
Neoadjuvant Therapy for IBD-Related Rectal Cancer
Total neoadjuvant therapy of intensified chemoradiotherapy was shown to be less effective for treating patients with rectal cancer with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than those with sporadic rectal cancer, according to study findings presented during Digestive Disease Week 2025. However, there...
Reduced-Dose Chemoradiotherapy for Early-Stage Anal Cancer
In a UK phase II trial (PLATO-ACT4) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Gilbert et al evaluated whether short-term results showed good complete response rates with both standard-dose and reduced-dose chemoradiotherapy in patients with localized squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.
Study Details
In the ...
DOJ Finds Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices Lacking
An evaluation by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) colorectal cancer screening practices for inmates and their clinical follow-up for positive screenings found several serious operational and managerial deficiencies...
Online Genetic Testing Platform Demonstrates Notable Engagement Among Patients With Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Universal germline testing is essential for identifying hereditary cancer risk, especially for patients with young-onset colorectal cancer who were diagnosed before the age of 50. However, the implementation of universal germline testing has been hampered by increasing demand and limited physician...
Encorafenib/Cetuximab Plus Chemotherapy Improves Survival in BRAF V600E–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Results from an international phase III study showed that the targeted therapy combination of encorafenib and cetuximab with mFOLFOX6 (leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) chemotherapy may help patients with BRAF V600E–mutant metastatic colorectal cancer live longer. After early results from...
ASCO 2025: Adding Atezolizumab to Adjuvant Chemotherapy Improves Disease-Free Survival in dMMR Colon Cancer
Results from the international phase III ATOMIC study demonstrated that patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) colon cancer who receive atezolizumab in addition to adjuvant chemotherapy experience a 50% reduction in disease recurrence or death compared with chemotherapy alone. The findings...
ASCO 2025: Structured Exercise Program Improves Survival, Outcomes in Some Patients With Colon Cancer
A phase III study has found that a 3-year structured exercise program initiated soon after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy improves disease-free and overall survival, as well as patient-reported physical functioning and health-related fitness, in patients with stage III and high-risk stage II...
Addition of Retifanlimab to First-Line Chemotherapy in Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal
In a phase III trial (POD1UM-303/InterAACT-2) reported in The Lancet, Rao et al investigated the survival benefit of adding the PD-1 inhibitor retifanlimab to carboplatin-paclitaxel in patients with locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal.
Study Details
In the...
Married People May Have Better Colorectal Cancer Outcomes, Study Shows
Marital status significantly impacts survival rates for patients with colorectal cancer, according to a new Fox Chase Cancer Center study that was presented at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting (Abstract 3628). Married individuals were found to have better survival rates than single or separated and...
Anti-Inflammatory Diet Could Benefit Survival Following Stage III Colorectal Cancer
Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet could improve posttreatment survival among patients with colorectal cancer compared with following a proinflammatory diet, according to new findings presented by Char et al at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting (Abstract LBA3509). The findings suggested that engaging...
Frontline Triplet Regimens for Intensive Chemotherapy-Ineligible IDH-Mutant AML
In a single-center study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, DiNardo et al investigated whether frontline triplet regimens consisting of a hypomethylating agent, venetoclax, and an isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitor were active in intensive chemotherapy-ineligible patients with IDH-mutant ...
Reduced-Dose Chemoradiotherapy in Early-Stage Anal Cancer
In a UK phase II trial (PLATO-ACT4) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Gilbert et al compared short-term response rates with standard- vs reduced-dose chemoradiotherapy in patients with localized squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.
Study Details
In the multicenter, open-label, noncomparative trial,...
Colorectal Cancer Screening: CT Colonography vs Stool Testing
Computed tomography (CT) colonography demonstrated greater clinical efficacy and cost savings than stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening, according to results of a study published in Radiology.
"Among the safe, minimally invasive colorectal cancer screening options, CT colonography is ...
Order of CRC Diagnosis May Influence Survival in Patients With Multiple Malignancies
The order of colorectal cancer diagnosis seems to have a significant impact on outcomes in patients with multiple primary malignancies, according to the results of a study of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data. Findings from the study were published in the Journal of...
Predictive Biomarker Under Study in Colorectal Cancer
Researchers have uncovered a biomarker that may determine response to cytokine-induced killer-cell therapy and survival in patients with colorectal cancer, according to a recent study published by Li et al in The Journal of Immunology.
Background
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of...
ASTRO Updates Guideline on Radiation Therapy for High-Grade Diffuse Glioma
A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) focuses on the use of radiation therapy for adults with World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 diffuse gliomas, a category that includes some of the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumors. The...
Survival Benefit With Adjuvant Immunotherapy in Patients With Clear Cell RCC
The phase III KEYNOTE-564 study has reported that adjuvant pembrolizumab provides a significant improvement in overall survival for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma at high risk of recurrence after surgery. This study is significant, as it represents the first phase III study to show...
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Based Therapy May Have Comparative Efficacy in Black and White Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Immune checkpoint inhibitor–based therapy may be an equally effective front-line treatment in both Black and White patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, according to recent findings presented by Kaur et al at the 2024 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (Abstract 369).
Background
Race may ...
Subcutaneous vs Intravenous Nivolumab in Advanced Clear Cell RCC
In previously treated patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a subcutaneous formulation of nivolumab was found to be noninferior to the intravenous formulation, which is standard of care for nivolumab in renal cell carcinoma and other cancers. Compared with...
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...
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)...
Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Overall Survival in KEYNOTE-564
As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Toni K. Choueiri, MD, FASCO, and colleagues, the third prespecified interim analysis of overall survival in the phase III KEYNOTE-564 trial has shown a significant benefit with adjuvant pembrolizumab vs placebo in patients with clear cell renal...
Newly Identified Biomarkers May Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of RCC Subtypes
Researchers have identified novel biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma subtypes, according to a new study published by Li et al in Cell Reports Medicine. The findings may help identify therapeutic targets in non–clear cell renal cell carcinomas.
Background
Renal cell carcinoma is a diverse cancer...
Novel PET Agent May Accelerate Imaging in Patients With Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
The novel investigational positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging agent gallium (Ga)-68–DPI-4452 may offer rapid and accurate visualization of lesions in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Hofman et al in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The...
Marker for Distinguishing Renal Cell Carcinoma From Benign Renal Masses
In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Xu et al found that higher levels of preoperative plasma kidney injury molecule-1 (pKIM-1) distinguished renal cell carcinoma from benign renal masses.
As stated by the investigators, “Both clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma...
Previously Untreated Advanced Clear Cell RCC: Bempegaldesleukin/Nivolumab vs TKI Therapy
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Nizar M. Tannir, MD, FACP, and colleagues, the phase III PIVOT-09 trial has shown no objective response or overall survival benefit with bempegaldesleukin plus nivolumab vs tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment with sunitinib or cabozantinib in ...
Novel Biomarker May Be Predictive of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Recurrence
Researchers have discovered a biomarker that could help identify which patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma may be at greater risk of cancer recurrence, according to a recent study published by Mehra et al in JCO Precision Oncology.
Background
Approximately 3% to 5% of all cancer diagnoses ...
Perioperative Nivolumab in Renal Cell Carcinoma
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Allaf et al, a planned interim analysis of the phase III PROSPER ECOG-ACRIN EA8143 trial showed no recurrence-free survival benefit with perioperative nivolumab vs observation in patients undergoing nephrectomy for high-risk renal cell carcinoma.
Study ...
Adjuvant Everolimus in Localized Papillary and Chromophobe Non–Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
In a subgroup analysis of the EVEREST trial reported in JAMA Network Open, Gulati et al found that adjuvant everolimus did not improve recurrence-free survival vs placebo in patients with localized papillary or chromophobe non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Study Details
In the trial,...
Belzutifan vs Everolimus in Previously Treated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma
As reported in The New England Journal of Medicine by Choueiri and colleagues, the phase III LITESPARK-005 trial has shown improved progression-free survival with the hypoxia-inducible factor–2α inhibitor belzutifan vs everolimus in previously treated patients with advanced clear-cell renal cell...
FDA Amends Pembrolizumab’s Gastric Cancer Indication
On November 7, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised the existing indication of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine, and platinum-containing chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic...
Investigational Dual PD-1 and TIGIT Blockade in Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer
Early findings from the phase II EDGE-Gastric trial indicate the potential for two novel agents to make a difference in advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, according to findings reported at the ASCO Plenary Series: November 2023 Session by Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, Chief of the...
Perioperative Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Gastric/Gastroesophageal Cancer
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Kohei Shitara, MD, and colleagues, interim analyses of the phase III KEYNOTE-585 trial have shown that the addition of perioperative pembrolizumab to chemotherapy improved pathologic complete response, but did not significantly improve event-free survival, in...
Additional Analysis of MATTERHORN Confirms Global Benefit of Durvalumab Plus FLOT in Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
Subgroup analyses of the randomized double-blind phase III MATTERHORN trial continue to show the benefit of adding perioperative durvalumab to standard chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced, resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. Detailed findings on pathologic complete...
Fruquintinib Plus Paclitaxel as Second-Line Treatment for Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
The combination of fruquintinib and paclitaxel is a potential new second-line treatment for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer, according to data presented during the ASCO Plenary Series: February 2024 Session (Abstract 438780).
Results of the phase III FRUTIGA...
Adding First-Line Nivolumab to Chemotherapy in Advanced Gastric, Gastroesophageal Junction, and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, and colleagues, 3-year follow-up of the phase III CheckMate 649 trial has shown the continued benefit of the addition of nivolumab to chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of advanced gastric, gastroesophageal junction,...
Topical Diclofenac to Prevent Capecitabine-Associated Hand-Foot Syndrome
In an Indian single-center phase III trial (D-TORCH) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Santhosh et al found that topical diclofenac gel significantly reduced the risk of capecitabine-associated hand-foot syndrome vs placebo gel in patients with breast or gastrointestinal cancer who were ...
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...
Immunotherapy Plus FOLFIRI for Advanced Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
In a French noncomparative phase II trial (PRODIGE 59-FFCD 1707-DURIGAST) reported in JAMA Oncology, Tougeron et al found limited activity of FOLFIRI (leucovorin, fluorouracil, and irinotecan) plus durvalumab or durvalumab/tremelimumab in the second-line treatment of advanced...
FDA Approves Trastuzumab Biosimilar Trastuzumab-strf
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved trastuzumab-strf (Hercessi), a biosimilar to trastuzumab (Herceptin), for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer and gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Trastuzumab-strf is indicated for adjuvant treatment of...
Advanced Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: Addition of Relatlimab to Immunochemotherapy
In the phase II RELATIVITY-060 study, results of which were reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Susanna Hegewisch-Becker, MD, PhD, and colleagues found that the addition of the LAG-3–blocking antibody relatlimab to first-line nivolumab plus chemotherapy did not improve the objective...
Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors: Adding Lu-177 Dotatate to Standard First-Line Therapy
As reported in The Lancet by Simron Singh, MD, MPH, FRCPC, and colleagues, primary results of the international, multicenter, randomized phase III NETTER-2 study have shown significantly improved progression-free survival with the addition of the radioligand lutetium-177 dotatate (Lu-177 dotatate)...
Stiripentol Could Prolong Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Patients With Gastric Cancer
Targeting lactate with the epilepsy drug stiripentol may reverse chemotherapy resistance in patients with gastric cancer, according to a recent study published by Chen et al in Nature.
Background
Chemotherapy attacks cancer cells by damaging their DNA. The cancer cells then try to rapidly repair...
Advanced GIST: Long-Term Outcomes With Discontinuation vs Continuation of Imatinib
In a long-term follow-up of a French phase III trial (BFR14) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Jean-Yves Blay, MD, and colleagues found that discontinuation of imatinib in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) with at least stable disease was associated with markedly poorer...
The Evolving Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in Major Organ Sites
Based on a descriptive, U.S. population–based cohort study reported in JAMA Network Open by Alvarez et al, over the past 2 decades, the incidence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors in major organ sites has increased among several patient populations. The findings may assist in directing future...
Regorafenib in Refractory Advanced Gastric Cancer
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Pavlakis et al, the phase III INTEGRATE IIa study showed improved overall survival with regorafenib plus best supportive care vs placebo vs best supportive care in patients with refractory advanced gastric/esophagogastric junction cancer.
Study...
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,...
Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate in Advanced Gastric/Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
In a Chinese phase I trial (KYM901) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Ruan et al found that CMG901—a first-in-class claudin 18.2–targeting antibody-drug conjugate—had manageable toxicity and activity in patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. CMG901 comprises a...
Risks of Preterm Birth, Low Birth Weight, Birth Defects Among Children Born to Young Men With Cancer
The risk of having children who experience preterm birth and low birth weight—but not birth defects—may be increased among male adolescents and young adults with cancer, according to a recent study published by Murphy et al in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Background
Prior research...
Everolimus/Lanreotide vs Everolimus in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
A recent study found that a combination of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and the hormone-blocking drug lanreotide extended progression-free survival compared with everolimus alone for people with some types of neuroendocrine tumors in the pancreas or gastrointestinal tract. The research will be...
Anticancer Drug Pharmacokinetics May Differ by Sex
Investigators may have uncovered notable pharmacokinetic differences between male and female patients in at least 14 anticancer drugs, according to a recent study published by Delahousse et al in ESMO Open.
Background
Many cancer drugs have a narrow therapeutic window. As a result, slight...
Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: Adjuvant or Perioperative Therapy With D2 Resection
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Zhang et al, final outcomes of the Chinese phase III RESOLVE trial showed improved overall survival with adjuvant S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) and perioperative SOX vs adjuvant capecitabine/oxaliplatin (CapOx) in patients with locally advanced gastric or...
ASTRO Issues Clinical Guideline on Radiation Therapy for Anal Cancer
A new clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) provides guidance on the use of radiation therapy to treat adult patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal and anal margin. The guideline, ASTRO’s first for anal cancer, is published in...
Bacterial Leakage Across Gastric Lining Could Signify Cancer Risk
Researchers may have uncovered insights into the role of bacteria in the development of gastric cancer, according to a novel study published by Giddings et al in Helicobacter. The findings could pave the way for a more effective precancer treatment option.
Background
Gastric cancer is the fourth...
Overcoming Resistance to KRAS G12C Inhibitors in Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancers
A study evaluating the genetic landscape of candidate primary resistance alterations relevant to KRAS targeting in KRAS G12C–mutant colorectal cancers and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) has found that putative resistance alterations are prevalent in these cancers. The finding may explain...
FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for HER2-Positive Gastric or GEJ Cancer Expressing PD-L1
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted traditional approval to the PD-L1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda) with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine-, and platinum-containing chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic...
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...
DDW 2025: Genetic Mutations Linked to Worse Stomach Cancer Outcomes
Using next-generation DNA sequencing, researchers have identified four specific genes whose mutations are linked to the development and progression of lethal stomach cancers. This could potentially enable practitioners to offer targeted treatments that would spare many patients from unnecessarily...
Anal Cancer Rates Rising Most Among Older White and Hispanic Women
Anal cancer has been steadily increasing in the United States, with the biggest jumps among older women, especially White and Hispanic women, a new study presented at Digestive Disease Week 2025 (Abstract 76) found. According to the investigators, this shift challenges assumptions about high-risk...
Cancer Briefs From Digestive Disease Week 2025
Cancer-related studies were among the nearly 6,000 abstracts presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2025, including research on artificial intelligence (AI) in patient communication, polyp detection, and colonoscopy prep.
Use of AI in Patient Communication
AI outperformed physicians in...
First-Line TFOX vs FOLFOX in Advanced HER2-Negative Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
In a French phase III trial (PRODIGE 51-FFCD-GASTFOX) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Zaanan et al found that a modified FLOT (fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel) regimen known as TFOX (docetaxel, folinic acid, oxaliplatin, and fluorouracil) improved outcomes vs FOLFOX (folinic acid,...
Study Reports Increasing Incidence Rates of Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma in Those Born After 1945
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine1 estimated incidence rates of appendiceal adenocarcinoma across birth cohorts in the United States. Andreana N. Holowatyj, PhD, MSCI, of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, and colleagues observed a sharp increase in incidence...
Ramucirumab Beyond Progression Plus Irinotecan in Ramucirumab-Refractory Advanced Gastric Cancer
In a Japanese phase III trial (RINDBeRG) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Sakai et al assessed whether the addition of ramucirumab to irinotecan would improve overall survival in third- or later-line treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent gastric or gastroesophageal cancer...
Do the Benefits of Fluoropyrimidine for GI Cancers Outweigh Cardiovascular Risk?
Patients with gastrointestinal cancer treated with fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy benefit from an almost eightfold reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality, despite a slight increase in the risk for cardiovascular toxicity, according to recent findings published by Abiodun et al in JACC:...
Outcomes of Oncologic Extended Resection for Gallbladder Cancer: Results of a Global Analysis
In the United States, approximately 55% of patients with resected gallbladder cancer undergo oncologic surgery without additional systemic treatment. However, as gallbladder cancer progresses to T3 (locally or regionally advanced) or T4 (distant metastasis) disease, the tumor frequently infiltrates ...
Short- vs Standard-Course Radiation Therapy for Endometrial Cancer
Short-course, higher-dose vaginal brachytherapy for endometrial cancer may demonstrate comparable efficacy to more frequent, lower-dose sessions, according to a recent study published by Suneja et al in JCO Oncology Advances.
Background
Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer type of the...
ARIEL4: Rucaparib vs Chemotherapy for Relapsed Ovarian Cancer With Deleterious BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations
In an article in The Lancet Oncology, Oza et al presented the final overall survival analysis of the phase III ARIEL trial of rucaparib vs standard-of-care chemotherapy in patients with relapsed BRCA-mutated ovarian carcinoma.
Study Details
In the open-label trial, 349 patients from sites in 12...
Flagellin and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Patients With Ovarian Cancer
The interference of gut bacteria could explain the ineffectiveness of immune checkpoint therapy in some patients with ovarian cancer, according to a recent study published by McGinty et al in Cancer Immunology Research.
Background
There are over 10,000 ovarian cancer–related deaths in the United...
Overall Survival and HRQOL with Addition of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 to Enzalutamide in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
In an analysis of an Australian phase II trial (ENZA-p) reported in The Lancet Oncology, Emmett et al reported that the addition of lutetium-177–labeled PSMA-617 (LuPSMA) to enzalutamide improved overall survival and several aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the first-line...
Genetic Factors Could Illuminate Which Patients With Prostate Cancer Could Benefit From Combination of Ipatasertib Abiraterone
Researchers have uncovered several biomarkers that may predict how patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer will respond to the novel combination of ipatasertib and abiraterone, according to a recent study published by Bono et al in European Urology.
Background
Prostate cancer...
Pembrolizumab in Previously Treated Advanced Clear Cell Gynecological Cancers
As reported in JAMA Oncology by Kristeleit et al, the UK-based phase II PEACOCC trial has shown the benefit of pembrolizumab in previously treated patients with advanced clear cell gynecological cancers (CCGCs).
As stated by the investigators, “Advanced CCGCs have a poor prognosis, with response...
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...
Consumer Survey Reveals Common Misconceptions About HPV and HPV-Related Cancer
A large proportion of individuals may be unaware of the risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cancer among men, according to a recent consumer survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research...
Cervical Precancer Incidence Decreases as HPV Vaccination Rates Rise
Recent findings from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Impact Monitoring Project (HPV-IMPACT), which were published by Gargano et al in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, revealed decreased incidences of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2+ and CIN3+ lesions among young women.
...
Addition of Pembrolizumab to Chemotherapy for Previously Treated Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Petrylak et al, the phase III KEYNOTE-921 trial showed no benefit in outcomes with the addition of pembrolizumab to docetaxel in patients with previously treated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Study Details
In the global...
Exercise Intervention May Improve Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Prostate Cancer
Erectile dysfunction could be improved through regular exercise in men with prostate cancer, according to a recent study published by Galvão et al in JAMA Network Open.
Background
Sexual dysfunction is a critical adverse effect of prostate cancer treatment and a major survivorship issue among...
Genomic Study Reveals Similarities, Differences in Ovarian Cancer Mutations Among Black, White Patients
Investigators may have uncovered nearly identical mutations to previously examined patient populations and several notable differences that may be clinically relevant among Black patients with ovarian cancer, according to a recent study published by Lawson-Michod et al in Cancer Research.
...
BVAC-C Plus Durvalumab May Show Potential in Patients With Recurrent Cervical Cancer
A novel treatment approach may improve outcomes in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, according to new findings presented by Choi et al at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2025 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer.
Recurrent cervical cancer remains a significant challenge,...
Checking PSA Levels Too Soon After Prostatectomy May Lead to Overtreatment, Says Study
In a paper published in JAMA Oncology, Tilki et al reported that the current standard monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) following radical prostatectomy—1.5 to 2 months—is too short to accurately identify recurrence and inform treatment decisions. Rather, PSA levels should be measured...
AI Tool May Help to Predict Which Patients With Prostate Cancer May Benefit From Focal Therapy
A novel artificial intelligence (AI) tool, called Unfold AI, may help to determine which men with prostate cancer are most likely to benefit from partial gland cryoablation, according to a recent study published by Brisbane et al in BJUI Compass. The findings may play a key role in improving...
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...
Novel Strategy Could Help Recover Erectile Function Following Prostate Cancer Surgery
A novel technique designed to improve the precision of prostate cancer surgery could preserve erectile function in nearly twice as many men compared with standard surgery, according to new findings presented by Almeida-Magana et al at the European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress 2025 (
Microultrasound- vs MRI-Guided Biopsy for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Biopsies guided by high-resolution ultrasound may be as effective as those using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing prostate cancer, an international clinical trial has shown. The technology, called micro-ultrasound, is cheaper and easier to use than MRI. It could significantly speed up ...
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...
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 ...
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