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Lymphoma
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

New Treatment Approach Could Enhance Care for Aggressive Relapsed/Refractory T- and NK-Cell Lymphomas

Investigators have uncovered how a specific sequence of cancer therapies could improve outcomes among patients with relapsed/refractory mature T- and natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas, according to a recent study published by Sorial et al in the British Journal of Haematology. Background...

Lymphoma
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

Malaria Subtype May Be Linked to Development of Burkitt Lymphoma

Researchers may have uncovered the role of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the development of Burkitt lymphoma, according to a recent study published by Ariera et al in The Journal of Immunology. Background Uncomplicated malaria occurs when a patient’s symptoms are nonspecific, including fever,...

Gastrointestinal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

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...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

AACR 2025: Molecularly Selected, Tumor-Agnostic Phase II Trial Focuses on Combination Therapy

According to the results of a molecularly matched, tumor-agnostic phase II trial, the combination of the PARP inhibitor olaparib and the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab demonstrated antitumor activity with no new safety signals, particularly in patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. Data from this...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

AACR 2025: Survival Outcomes May Improve When Treatment Is Guided by Using Both Tissue and Liquid Biopsies

Although next-generation sequencing to assist decision-making for genomics-driven therapy in patients with advanced solid tumors has traditionally been conducted using tissue biopsy samples, recent data support the use of plasma-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for the genomic profiling of solid ...

Lung Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

AACR 2025: Zoldonrasib May Elicit Objective Responses in Patients With KRAS G12D–Mutated NSCLC

The oral KRAS G12D inhibitor zoldonrasib could provide clinical benefit in patients with previously treated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors harbored a KRAS G12D mutation, according to new findings presented by Arbour et al at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)...

Genomics/Genetics
Cost of Care

Medicare Claim Denials for Cancer-Related NGS Testing Show Uncertainty of Coverage

More than 20% of cancer-related claims for next-generation sequencing (NGS) from Medicare beneficiaries were denied between 2016 and 2021. Findings from a cohort study published in JAMA Network Open suggested that there is continued uncertainty about the boundaries of coverage for NGS, even with...

Skin Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Can ctDNA Monitoring Help to Predict Melanoma Recurrence?

A new study showed that approximately 80% of patients with stage III melanoma who had detectable levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) before they started treatment to suppress their tumors went on to experience recurrence. Researchers also found that the disease returned more than four times...

Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics
Solid Tumors
Bladder Cancer
Skin Cancer
Lung Cancer

Novel Strategy May Enhance Sensitivity, Accuracy of Monitoring Cancer in Blood Samples

A whole-genome sequencing–based, error-corrected method for detecting cancer from blood samples could be more sensitive and accurate in monitoring disease status posttreatment among patients with cancer compared with prior methods, according to a recent study published by Cheng et al in Nature...

Pancreatic Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Preclinical Study Finds FGFR2 Inhibition May Prevent Some KRAS-Expressing Pancreatic Cancers

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is also among the most deadly, with an average 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. The malignancy is often preceded by precancerous lesions. Traditional treatments of the cancer, including chemotherapy, surgery, and...

Genomics/Genetics

Study Identifies Biologic Reasons for Selective Benefit of PARP Inhibitors

A newfound role for the cancer gene BRCA2 suggests why only select patients have benefited from treatment with PARP1 inhibitors to date. The results of a study by investigators at NYU Langone Health were recently published in the journal Nature.   In brief, PARP inhibitors act by impairing...

Leukemia
Genomics/Genetics

Treatment Discontinuation in Patients With CML: Role of Digital PCR

The clinical application of BCR::ABL1 digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing may reliably quantify stable deep molecular remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which could help determine when maintenance therapy may be discontinued successfully, according to a recent...

Gynecologic Cancers
Genomics/Genetics

Presymptomatic Awareness of BRCA1/BRCA2 Status and Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer

In an Israeli retrospective cohort study reported as a research letter in JAMA Network Open, Armon et al found that presymptomatic awareness of BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic variant carrier status was associated with better outcomes in several measures in women with ovarian cancer. Study Details The...

Gynecologic Cancers
Genomics/Genetics

Prevalence of Genetic Testing in Women With Ovarian Cancer

Investigators have found that nearly 50% of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer may not be receiving the genetic testing that could help guide their treatment and potentially improve outcomes, according to a recent report conducted by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) and Komodo Health....

Pancreatic Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics
Immunotherapy

Race-Associated Molecular Differences and Treatment Response in Pancreatic Cancer

Investigators studied race-associated molecular differences in the pancreatic tumors of Black and White patients to determine whether such differences were associated with response to immunotherapy. The findings were published recently by Mandal et al in Cancer Research Communications and reinforce ...

Gynecologic Cancers
Genomics/Genetics

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....

Lung Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

Combination Therapy Could Help Overcome Drug Resistance in Patients With KRAS-Mutated NSCLC

Researchers have uncovered a novel combination therapy leveraging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved KRAS inhibitor sotorasib and an experimental drug called FGTI-2734, which could improve the efficacy of precision medicine in patients with KRAS-mutated non–small cell lung cancer...

Genomics/Genetics
Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology

Two Initiatives Could Help Increase Oncogene Testing in Primary Care Settings

Investigators may have identified new strategies for use in the primary care setting to improve the detection of cancer-susceptibility genes, according to a recent study published by Swisher et al in JAMA Network Open. Background Up to 10% of cancers—including breast cancer, ovarian cancer,...

CNS Cancers
Genomics/Genetics

Clonal and Subclonal Pathogenic Alterations at Diagnosis in High-Risk Neuroblastoma

In a Children’s Oncology Group (COG) study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Berko et al identified the spectrum and clinical significance of clonal and subclonal pathogenic alterations in high-risk neuroblastoma. Study Details The study involved use of a focused high-risk neuroblastoma ...

Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

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...

Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Clinical Characteristics of Breast Cancer in Young BRCA Carriers

In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Matteo Lambertini, MD, and colleagues identified clinical characteristics of breast cancer in young women carrying germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 vs BRCA2 and examined the effect of prediagnostic BRCA testing on outcomes. Study...

Leukemia
Genomics/Genetics

Combination of MCL-1 and SRC Inhibitors May Increase Cell Death in AML

An innovative combination of treatment strategies involving myeloid cell leukemia (MCL)-1 inhibitors and a kinase inhibitor targeting the SRC oncogene could be effective at triggering cell death in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, according to a recent study published by Hu et al in Signal...

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

BRCA1 Gene Mutations May Not Be Key to Prostate Cancer

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...

Multiple Myeloma
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Genetic Testing May Identify High-Risk Cytogenetic Abnormalities in Patients With Multiple Myeloma

Offering genetic testing to patients with multiple myeloma may help physicians to determine which patients have the most aggressive types of the disease and how to target their malignancy more effectively, according to a recent study published by Kaiser et al in the Journal of Clinical Oncology....

Skin Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

New Study Identifies Potential Genes Implicated in Treatment-Resistant Melanoma

Researchers have found that inhibiting the S6K2 gene could be an effective strategy for managing treatment-resistant melanoma, according to a recent study published by Lipchick et al in Science Translational Medicine. Background Cases of melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer—are currently...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Predicting Response to KRAS G12C Inhibitors in NSCLC

Researchers may have uncovered a novel strategy to help predict how well patients with KRAS G12C–mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will respond to new therapies, according to a recent study published by Kato et al in Clinical Cancer Research. Study Methods and Results Researchers developed ...

Gynecologic Cancers
Genomics/Genetics

Hereditary Ovarian Cancer Risk: Unlocking New Insights

Researchers have uncovered new heredity genes that may contribute to an increased risk of developing high-grade serous ovarian cancer, according to a recent study published by Subramanian et al in npj Genomic Medicine. Background High-grade serous ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent and...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

FDA Highlights Importance of DPD Deficiency Discussions With Patients Prior to Capecitabine or Fluorouracil Treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided a safety announcement to increase awareness of recent updates to the product labeling of capecitabine and fluorouracil related to the risks associated with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. Background Fluoropyrimidines are a...

Colorectal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Novel Combination Targeted Therapies, Chemotherapy in BRAF-Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

First-line treatment with the targeted therapies encorafenib and cetuximab plus a modified leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX6) chemotherapy regimen may be effective in patients with BRAF V600E–mutated metastatic colorectal cancer, according to recent findings presented by Kopetz et ...

Pancreatic Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Effect of KRAS Mutation Status on Treatment Outcomes in Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

In a study reported in JAMA Network Open, Norton et al found that KRAS G12D and G12V mutations were associated with worse outcomes compared with KRAS wild-type in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Study Details The retrospective cohort study used data from a nationwide U.S.-based ...

Prostate Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Genomic Classifier Tests May Influence Treatment Decisions in Prostate Cancer Despite Lack of Evidence for Long-Term Outcomes

Although genomic classifier tests may influence risk classifications or treatment decisions in patients with localized prostate cancer, there is a need for more data to better understand cost effectiveness, clinical utility, and their impact on racial and ethnic groups—particularly Black men,...

Genomics/Genetics
Breast Cancer
Gynecologic Cancers
Pancreatic Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Issues in Oncology

Improvements in BRCA2 Testing Could Enhance Cancer Risk Assessment, Patient Care

Researchers may have advanced the understanding of genetic alterations in the BRCA2 gene, according to a recent study published by Huang et al in Nature. The findings could improve the accuracy of genetic testing and allow health-care professionals to offer more precise risk assessments and...

CNS Cancers
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

New Study Identifies Genes That Could Be Implicated in Glioblastoma in Adulthood

Researchers have discovered of a new type of stem cell in the brain that could lead to the development of more effective treatments in adult patients with glioblastoma, according to a recent study published by Wang et al in Nature. The finding could help explain how adult brain cells take advantage ...

Gastroesophageal Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Role of Cancer Gene in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma May Support Paradigm Shift in Predicting Disease

A genetic mutation long believed to drive the development of esophageal cancer may play a protective role early in the disease, according to a recent study published by Ganguli et al in Nature Cancer. The findings could help physicians identify which patients are at greater risk of developing...

Hematologic Malignancies
Leukemia
Genomics/Genetics

Study Finds Genetic Changes, Elevated Leukemia Risk in Ground Zero First Responders

First responders who worked at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City were three times more likely to have genetic changes associated with an increased risk of leukemia compared with other first responders or members of the public who were not...

Hematologic Malignancies
Genomics/Genetics

Detection of Occult Maternal Cancer Through Prenatal Cell-Free DNA Sequencing

In the IDENTIFY study, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Turriff et al found a high incidence of maternal occult cancer associated with unusual or nonreportable prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) findings in fetal aneuploidy screening. Study Details In the ongoing study, performed at the ...

Breast Cancer
Immunotherapy
Genomics/Genetics

Novel Immunotherapy May Offer Benefit in Early Clinical Trial for Breast Cancer

A novel cell-based immunotherapy may enhance treatment responses and reduce the need for conventional chemotherapy and its associated toxicities in patients with breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Han et al in JAMA Oncology. Study Methods and Results In the phase I clinical...

Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

How Functional and Genomic Precision Medicine Are Getting Closer to Matching Each Patient to the Right Therapy

Functional precision medicine—in which information is obtained from direct perturbations of tumor-derived living cells that enable immediate translatable, personalized data to guide patient therapy—has its roots dating back more than 50 years.1 However, advances in two- and three-dimensional...

Breast Cancer
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

Healthy Women May Have Aneuploid Epithelial Cells Resembling Breast Cancer

Researchers have found that in healthy women, some breast cells that otherwise appear normal may contain chromosome abnormalities typically associated with invasive breast cancer, according to a recent study published by Lin et al in Nature. The findings challenged conventional thinking on the...

Hematologic Malignancies
Solid Tumors
Immunotherapy
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

New Technique May Allow for Visualization of CAR T Cells Postinjection

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center announced the launch of a new study funded by a $2.3 million National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant to develop a novel technique to visualize where genetically modified immune cells go after being administered in patients with cancer. Background During...

Breast Cancer
Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

AI Tool May Detect Cancer Gene Signatures in Biopsy Images

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered computational program that may be capable of predicting the activity of thousands of genes within tumor cells based on standard microscopy images of a biopsy, according to a recent study published by Pizurica et al in Nature...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

FDA Approves Novel Companion Diagnostic Assay

Caris Life Sciences announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved MI Cancer Seek for use as a companion diagnostic assay to identify patients with cancer who may benefit from targeted therapies. Caris Life Sciences is a next-generation artificial intelligence techbio...

Issues in Oncology
Breast Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Breast Cancer Vaccine Could Be Preventive, Well Tolerated in High-Risk Patients

Researchers have uncovered insights into a novel investigational vaccine aimed at preventing triple-negative breast cancer. The findings by Rhoades et al were presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2024 Annual Meeting (Abstract 631) and simultaneously published in the Journal...

Solid Tumors
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

NCCN Guidelines Have Expanded to Meet Growing Understanding of Hereditary Risk

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) introduced expanded NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) to account for the advanced understanding of hereditary cancer risk in breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. The new guidelines followed the recent...

Issues in Oncology
Immunotherapy
Genomics/Genetics

Eyeing the Future of Oncology: Highlights From the Presidential Symposium at ESMO Congress 2024

At the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024, the Eyes to the Future Presidential Symposium showcased innovative approaches in personalized medicine, immunotherapy resistance, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven pathology analysis. These presentations, focusing on the...

Solid Tumors
Hematologic Malignancies
Issues in Oncology
Genomics/Genetics

Novel Method for Liquid Biopsies May Streamline Cancer Detection

Researchers have discovered a novel strategy to detect cancer cells with a liquid biopsy designed to be simpler, quicker, and more informational compared with current methods, according to a recent study published by Walker et al in Small. Background Current methods for detecting cancer cells may...

Solid Tumors
Genomics/Genetics

CDK4/6 Inhibition in Peritoneal Mucinous Carcinomatosis With GNAS Mutation

In a single-institution study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Weitz et al found that the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib was active as a novel treatment in patients with peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with GNAS mutation. As stated by the investigators: “Mucinous neoplasms of the...

Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology
Solid Tumors

Scientists Develop a ‘Digital Twin’ Model to Predict Cancer Treatment Responses

Researchers have created a “digital twin” model constructed from the clinical and molecular profiles of patients with cancer that accurately predicted how a patient is likely to respond to a specific chemotherapy. The approach optimizes the treatment choice for patients using available clinical...

Bladder Cancer
Genomics/Genetics
Issues in Oncology

Mutations and DNA Structures May Drive Urothelial Carcinoma

Researchers may have uncovered how urothelial carcinoma originates and progresses, according to a novel study published by Nguyen et al in Nature. The findings provided insights into the biology of urothelial carcinoma and may point to new therapeutic strategies for this difficult-to-treat cancer...

Lung Cancer
Genomics/Genetics

Association of TERT Expression and Survival in Pulmonary Carcinoids

As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Werr et al, high telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) expression has been found to be associated with poorer survival in patients with pulmonary carcinoids. As stated by the investigators: “The clinical course of pulmonary carcinoids ranges from ...

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