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Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Early Breast Cancer: Genetic Testing and Communication of Results With Family After Diagnosis

In a U.S. study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Steven J. Katz, MD, MPH, and colleagues found that many women with early breast cancer and indications for genetic testing do not undergo said testing. Study Details    The study involved data from 1,412 women aged 20 to 79 years...

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Can Living in a Disadvantaged Area Increase the Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer?

Those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods have significantly higher activity of stress-related genes, new research suggests, which in turn may contribute to higher rates of aggressive prostate cancer in African American men. These findings were published by Boyle et al in JAMA Network Open....

Breast Cancer
Survivorship
Genomics/Genetics

Are Eligible Breast Cancer Survivors Receiving Genetic Testing?

Researchers have found that many eligible breast cancer survivors may not be receiving genetic counseling and testing, according to a recent study published by Katz et al in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Background A growing proportion of cancer treatment and survivorship care relies on...

Genomics/Genetics
Breast Cancer
Gynecologic Cancers
Colorectal Cancer
Solid Tumors

Uncovering the Genetic Risk of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, Lynch Syndrome

Some patients with a genetic predisposition for cancer may not qualify for genetic screenings under the current guidelines, according to a recent study published by Samadder et al in JCO Precision Oncology. Researchers are investigating how to advance personalized medicine and tailor prevention and ...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

New Genetic Test May Predict Response to Immunotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

The search for biomarkers of response to immunotherapy is high on the list of cancer-related research efforts. A new classifier in triple-negative breast cancer is showing promise and is currently being validated in the I-SPY2.2 trial, according to Laura van ’t Veer, PhD, Professor of Laboratory...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Outcomes for BRCA Pathogenic Variant Carriers Undergoing Breast-Conserving Therapy

In a single-center study reported in JAMA Network Open, Kerollos Nashat Wanis, MD, PhD, and colleagues found that women with breast cancer and a pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant who underwent breast-conserving therapy had a 71% rate of 10-year bilateral mastectomy–free survival. Study Details The study...

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Association of Genetic Risk for Prostate Cancer With Early Prostate Cancer Death

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Plym et al found that men at a higher genetic risk for prostate cancer were more likely to experience early death from prostate cancer compared to men with a lower genetic risk for the disease. Study Details The cohort study used a combined analysis of...

Breast Cancer
Supportive Care
Symptom Management
Genomics/Genetics

Germline Risk of Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Black Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Results from the ECOG-ACRIN EAZ171 trial—reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Schneider et al—showed that germline predictors of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy were not associated with an increased risk of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy in Black women with early-stage breast...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

Early Surveillance in Pediatric Patients Genetically Predisposed to Cancer

Initiating surveillance soon after recognizing a pediatric patient has a genetic predisposition for cancer may improve the identification of early-stage asymptomatic tumors, according to a recent study published by Blake et al in JAMA Oncology. The findings may inform clinical practice following...

Hepatobiliary Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Machine-Learning Model May Aid in Early Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A serum fusion-gene machine-learning model may offer early diagnostic accuracy and could help improve the 5-year survival rate in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a recent study published by Yu et al in The American Journal of Pathology. Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Repotrectinib for NTRK Fusion–Positive Solid Tumors

On June 13, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to repotrectinib (Augtyro) for adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with solid tumors that have a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion, are locally advanced or metastatic or...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Study Identifies Subset of Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma Who Have HER2 Alterations

Researchers have found that about 6% of patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and KRAS, EGFR, or ALK gene mutations may also have HER2 alterations, according to recent findings presented by Dahake et al at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting (Abstract 8534).   Background Lung adenocarcinoma is...

Colorectal Cancer
Immunotherapy
Genomics/Genetics

Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab May Improve Outcomes in Some Patients With Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Researchers examined whether the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab given neoadjuvantly may improve outcomes in certain patients with stage II or III mismatch repair–deficient/microsatellite instability–high colorectal cancer. Interim findings from the phase II NEOPRISM-CRC clinical trial were presented...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Supportive Care
Genomics/Genetics

Study Including Only Black Patients With Breast Cancer Compares Rates of Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

New findings suggest that docetaxel may be considered the preferred treatment over paclitaxel for Black patients with early-stage breast cancer. While the EAZ171 trial focused specifically on Black people, the results highlight the need to personalize therapy to minimize toxicity. Importantly, this ...

prostate cancer
genomics/genetics

Alicia Morgans, MD, MPH, and Susan Halabi, PhD, on Prostate Cancer: New Findings on Classifying Patients Into Risk Groups

Alicia Morgans, MD, MPH, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Susan Halabi, PhD, of the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke University School of Medicine, discuss a clinical-genetic model that identified novel circulating tumor DNA alterations that are prognostic of overall survival and may help to classify patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer into risk groups useful for selecting trial participants (Abstract 5007).

Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

Differences in Prostate Cancer Genomics Among U.S. Veterans

Researchers have uncovered differences in the genomic makeup of metastatic prostate cancer cells among U.S. veterans that may be associated with race and ethnicity. These findings will be presented by Valle et al at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting (Abstract 5017). The research could translate into...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Onychopapilloma May Be Linked to BAP1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome

Researchers have discovered that the presence of a benign nail condition known as onychopapilloma may lead to the diagnosis of BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome, according to a recent study presented by Lebensohn et al at the Society for Investigative Dermatology 2024 Annual Meeting and...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Newly Identified Genetic Variants Linked to Breast Cancer Risk in Women of African Ancestry

Researchers have uncovered novel genetic variants potentially associated with a higher risk of breast cancer–related mortality among women of African ancestry, according to a recent study published by Jia et al in Nature Genetics. Background Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

T-DXd for Advanced Solid Tumors With Activating HER2 Mutations

As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Bob T. Li, MD, PhD, MPH, and colleagues, the phase II DESTINY-PanTumor01 trial showed activity of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (T-DXd) in patients with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors that have specific activating HER2 mutations. The antibody-drug...

Genomics/Genetics
Survivorship

Childhood Cancer Survivors: Genetic Risk Factors for Treatment-Related Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Im et al found that genetic variants associated with a risk of treatment-related type 2 diabetes mellitus among childhood cancer survivors of African or European ancestry posed a higher risk of diabetes among those of African ancestry. As...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Breast-Conserving Therapy in BRCA-Mutation Carriers: Study Looks at Long-Term Outcomes

Recent research has provided valuable insights into the long-term outcomes of patients with pathogenic BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations who undergo breast-conserving therapy, according to a study presented at the 2024 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Annual Meeting.1 The observational study found that...

Bladder Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Metastatic Urothelial Cancer: NECTIN4 Amplification and Response to Enfortumab Vedotin

In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Klümper et al established a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay to measure NECTIN4 copy number variations and found that NECTIN4 amplification was associated with high activity of the anti-NECTIN4 antibody-drug conjugate...

Gynecologic Cancers
Genomics/Genetics

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 ...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

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 ...

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

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...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

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...

Leukemia
Genomics/Genetics

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...

Colorectal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Effect of HER2 Gene–Expression Levels on Outcomes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Battaglin et al, an analysis from the phase III CALGB/SWOG 80405 trial of first-line chemotherapy plus bevacizumab or cetuximab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer showed differences in outcomes according to HER2 gene–expression status....

Gynecologic Cancers
Genomics/Genetics

Avelumab Plus Axitinib in Mismatch Repair–Proficient Recurrent or Persistent Endometrial Cancer

The combination of avelumab and axitinib may be effective in patients with mismatch repair–proficient recurrent or persistent endometrial cancer, according to new findings presented by Lee et al at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Background...

Colorectal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Exploring the Genetic Link Between Colorectal Cancer and Meat Consumption

Researchers have identified two genetic markers that may illuminate the association between red and/or processed meat consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer, according to a novel study published by Stern et al in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Background Previous studies...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

ASCO and SSO Publish New Guideline on Germline Testing in Breast Cancer

ASCO in partnership with the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) has released a new guideline addressing recommendations in germline testing in patients with breast cancer.1 The guideline provides oncologists with a framework for how to approach germline testing and recommendations for who should be ...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

Inherited Genetic Factors May Influence Risk of Subsequent Cancer Diagnoses in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Investigators have found that common inherited genetic factors capable of predicting cancer risk in the general population may also help to predict childhood cancer survivors who may be at elevated risk of new cancers later in life, according to a recent study published by Gibson et al in Nature...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Finding New Therapeutic Targets for Male Breast Cancer

Researchers have uncovered distinct alterations in the tumor genome of male patients with breast cancer that may suggest potential therapeutic targets, according to a recent study published by Assaad et al in Modern Pathology. Background Breast cancer in male patients represents less than 1% of all ...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Could Smoking-Related DNA Changes Reflect Differential Lung Cancer Risks by Race and Ethnicity?

Investigators may have uncovered differential associations between smoking and DNA methylation across various racial and ethnic groups, according to a recent study published by Huang et al in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The findings could lead to the development of new strategies to...

Gynecologic Cancers
Colorectal Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Can Dual HER2 Blockade Treat More Than Just Breast or Gastric Cancer?

The established dual HER2 blockade of pertuzumab and trastuzumab may be an effective treatment for patients with several types of HER2-amplified cancers, according to a study published by Connolly et al in Clinical Cancer Research. Background HER2 receptors control how cells grow and divide. The...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

FDA Approves Amivantamab-vmjw for EGFR Exon 20 Insertion–Mutated NSCLC

On March 1, the FDA approved the monoclonal bispecific anti–EGFR-MET antibody amivantamab-vmjw (Rybrevant) in combination with carboplatin and pemetrexed for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test....

Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Online Genetic Education Programs May Spur Testing for Patients at Risk for Cancer

Researchers have demonstrated that an online genetic education program may encourage patients with a family history of cancer to undertake genetic testing, according to a recent study published by Rodriguez et al in Gastroenterology. Background Although research has shown that an inherited...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Gene Signature May Predict Response to Combination Therapy in Patients With NSCLC

Researchers have identified a set of 140 genes that may help predict disease-free survival in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with a combination of immunotherapy and low-dose radiation, according to a recent study published by Altorki et al in Cell Reports Medicine. The...

Genomics/Genetics

Preventing Cancer Should Not Mean Sacrificing Quality of Life

My family first suspected we might have inherited the BRCA1/2 gene mutation after my father was diagnosed with his third cancer, colorectal cancer, following multiple bouts of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma beginning in his 30s and later prostate cancer. But the high risk of...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Genetic Alterations Associated With Interval Breast Cancer Diagnosis

In a Swedish study reported in JAMA Oncology, Rodriguez et al identified characteristics of interval breast cancers—those diagnosed between two screening examinations—compared with screen-detected cancers on the basis of analysis of rare germline genetic deleterious protein-truncating variants. As...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Does Risk-Reducing Mastectomy Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer—and Mortality?

Investigators have found that risk-reducing mastectomy decreases the risk of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis and the likelihood of mortality in female patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic variants, according to a recent study published by Metcalfe et al in the British Journal of Cancer....

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Shedding Light on Mechanisms Behind Fulvestrant Resistance in Advanced ER-Positive Breast Cancer

Researchers may have uncovered the factors contributing to hormone therapy resistance in some patients with advanced estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Kingston et al in Cancer Discovery. The findings may indicate drugs currently in development...

bladder cancer
genomics/genetics

David H. Aggen, MD, PhD, on Advanced Bladder Cancer: HER2 and PD-L1 Immunohistochemistry and HER2 Genomic Alterations

David H. Aggen, MD, PhD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses reportedly the first data to describe an inverse correlation between HER2 immunohistochemistry expression and PD-L1 combined positive score. According to Dr. Aggen, these and other findings by his team may provide a foundation for further HER2-directed advanced bladder cancer studies (Abstract 538).

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Is HRR Testing Underused in Patients With Prostate Cancer?

Despite being recommended in prostate cancer guidelines, homologous recombinant repair (HRR) mutation analysis is widely underused in patients with prostate cancer, according to real-world data presented at the 2024 ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (Abstract 210). A major implication of these...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Genetic Identification of Women at Lower Risk of Breast Cancer

In a retrospective analysis reported in JAMA Oncology, Bolze et al identified a group of women at low risk for breast cancer based on genetic analysis. The findings may support altering cancer screening in this low-risk group. As stated by the investigators, “Genetic information is not being used...

hematologic malignancies
genomics/genetics

Potential Clinical Uses of Identifying New Hematologic Malignancy Predisposition Gene

Hamish S. Scott, PhD, and Chris Hahn, PhD, both of Australia’s SA Pathology and Centre for Cancer, discuss ERG, a new predisposition gene for bone marrow failure and hematologic malignancy. Identifying causal germline ERG variants has direct clinical implications for diagnosis, counseling, surveillance, and treatment strategies, according to Drs. Scott and Hahn (Abstract LBA5).

Colorectal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

DNA Mutational Profiling in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Innocenti et al, analysis of DNA mutational profiling in the phase III CALGB (Alliance)/SWOG 80405 trial of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab or cetuximab with chemotherapy showed differences in outcome associated...

Leukemia
Genomics/Genetics

Menin Inhibitors in Patients With Advanced AML and Gene Mutations

Two new studies have demonstrated positive results from novel therapies targeting menin for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with specific gene mutations, according to findings presented by Jabbour et al (Abstract 57) and Issa et al (Abstract 58) at ...

Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Genomics/Genetics

Potential Underlying Genetic Mutations Identified in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Researchers may have uncovered the underlying mechanisms of gene mutations commonly seen in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and other myeloid neoplasms, according to new findings presented by Chaudhry et al at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition (Abstract...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Encorafenib Plus Binimetinib in Metastatic NSCLC With BRAF V600E Mutation

On October 11, 2023, the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib (Braftovi) with the MEK inhibitor binimetinib (Mektovi) was approved for patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test.1,2 The FDA...

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