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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Hope S. Rugo, MD, FASCO, recently joined the staff of City of Hope as the new Director of the Women’s Cancers Program, Division Chief of Breast Medical Oncology, and Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research. In her role, she will lead and enhance City of Hope’s...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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, ...
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...
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...
A novel tool could help elucidate consumer behaviors at the county level as well as the relationship between the location where individuals shopped for their food and their risk of obesity-related cancer mortality, according to a recent study published by Lin et al in BMC Medicine. Background Over...
Proton beam therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were found to offer equivalent quality-of-life outcomes for patients with localized prostate cancer, according to data from the PARTIQoL trial. This phase III trial showed no measurable differences between the two approaches in...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The outcomes from the phase III ENGOT-OV43/GOG-3036/KEYLYNK-001 trial in advanced BRCA-nonmutated ovarian cancer indicate a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit for the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab and chemotherapy, followed by pembrolizumab plus maintenance with the PARP...
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...
Current standard chemoradiation therapy remains the most effective treatment for selected patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer, based on the results of the NRG-HN005 trial. Researchers have halted this large, randomized phase II/III trial after patients in the...
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...
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...
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...
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....
Guest Editor’s Note: Several epidemiologic studies have shown an inverse association between healthy dietary patterns and the risk of chronic diseases including cancer. Patients are often interested in exploring different dietary interventions throughout the cancer continuum. However, concrete...
A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may be linked to a subsequent increased risk of developing some obesity-related cancers, according to new findings presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025. Background Previous research has uncovered associations between type 2 diabetes and a...
Waist circumference may be a more effective risk marker for the development of obesity-related cancers than body mass index (BMI) in male but not female patients, according to new findings presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) 2025. Background Body size and excess...
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 ...
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...
A simple urine test could accurately detect clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) recurrence at an early stage, potentially sparing patients from undergoing invasive scans and enabling quicker access to treatment, according to new findings presented by Dabestani et al at the European Association of ...
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...
Today’s oncologists are blessed with an abundance of therapies for HER2-positive early breast cancer, but this comes with the challenge of selecting among them. At the 2025 Miami Breast Cancer Conference, Sara A. Hurvitz, MD, FACP, offered insight on common clinical scenarios. Dr. Hurvitz is...
Physician burnout has increased significantly in the past decade, and organizational strategies are vital to improve physician well-being, according to new research from ASCO. This compilation includes reports on the state of professional well-being among oncologists in 2023, burnout trends among...
As a Native American and former president of the Seneca Nation of Indians, I am keenly aware of the disparities in cancer care we face in accessing screening and treatment, which results in worse survival rates compared with those of racial and ethnic populations.1 Native American and Alaska Native ...
On March 10, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Proposed Rule aimed at addressing improper enrollments in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace. This is the first proposed rule released under the new ...
Janet L. Abrahm, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, FASCO, has spent more than half of her oncology career as a palliative care physician. After receiving her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in 1973, Dr. Abrahm completed her internship and residency at Massachusetts General...
“Care more particularly for the individual patient than for the special features of the disease.” —Sir William Osler Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western hemisphere. The majority of patients who require treatment are older than ...
In the phase III JCOG1411/FLORA trial of patients with untreated advanced-stage, very low–tumor burden follicular lymphoma, rituximab induction delayed disease progression to high–tumor burden follicular lymphoma and delayed the initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy, according to Japanese...
The dire warnings about the lethal consequences of unchecked antimicrobial resistance are getting louder and becoming more urgent. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has called antimicrobial resistance “one of the most important health security threats of our time,” with at least 2.8...
Prostate carcinoma is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States, accounting for more than 299,000 estimated new cases and approximately 35,000 new deaths in 2024.1 A new ASCO guideline based on findings from a systematic review indicates that in metastatic cases of prostate...
The addition of tafasitamab, a CD19 monoclonal antibody, to the commonly used lenalidomide and rituximab backbone significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, according to data presented during the 2024 American Society of Hematology...