The ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2022 will present results from over 240 studies worldwide, exploring new insights on immune checkpoint inhibitors, biomarkers for treatment response, and combination therapy efficacy. The congress aims to accelerate progress in immuno-oncology.
The Princess Máxima Center has been awarded a Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND grant to train 28 PhD students from around the world in pediatric oncology research. The program aims to advance the field and promote international collaboration.
A new report by the European Groundshot Commission highlights current and future challenges in cancer research across Europe. The authors estimate that approximately one million cancer diagnoses were missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine poses a significant threat to clinical trials and workforce gaps.
Patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcoma can safely receive hypofractionated treatment over three weeks instead of five, achieving similar tumor control and no increased risk of wound complications. The study found comparable rates of major wound complications between the two treatment courses.
Adding stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to sorafenib significantly improves overall survival, progression-free survival, and time to tumor progression in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. SBRT was shown to be effective without increasing toxicity.
The NRG-HN004 trial found that radiotherapy with durvalumab did not improve progression-free survival or overall survival compared to cetuximab in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have a contraindication to cisplatin. The study highlighted the need for further research in this population.
A large-scale analysis of VA medical centers found that facilities with lower yearly PSA screening rates had higher rates of metastatic prostate cancer in subsequent years. The study supports the benefits of prostate cancer screening in reducing metastatic prostate cancer risk, particularly for high-risk groups like Black patients.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses daily step counts to predict the likelihood of unplanned hospitalization during cancer therapy, offering personalized care and potential prevention of treatment interruptions. The model was tested on data from wearable consumer devices and showed strong predictive performance.
A randomized phase III trial shows that adding radiation therapy to systemic therapy can delay tumor progression and lengthen survival without compromising quality of life. The combination of SBRT and sorafenib appears more effective than the drug on its own.
In a first-in-human trial, FLASH radiation treatment was found safe and effective for pain relief in patients with bone metastases. The study showed significant pain relief in 7 out of 10 patients, with minimal side effects.
A recent study supports fourth vaccination for cancer patients to protect them against COVID-19. Patients with solid tumours and hematological cancers showed a significant increase in antibody levels after a fourth dose of one of the currently approved vaccines.
The new SIO-ASCO guideline recommends the use of acupuncture, massage therapy, and other integrative therapies for managing breast cancer-related joint pain, general cancer pain, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The guidelines also acknowledge areas that need further research to support their recommendations.
Late-breaking results at ESMO Congress 2022 reveal a strong association between air pollution and non-small cell lung cancer, with exposure to particulate matter linked to increased risk. The research underscores the need for environmental sustainability in oncology, particularly in cancer prevention and early detection.
A recent clinical trial at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully tested stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SAbR) for patients with oligometastatic kidney cancer. The study found that more than 90% of patients with disease control at one year without systemic therapy, and no serious side effects were experienced.
A new scale called the Geriatric Oncology-Potentially Inappropriate Medications (GO-PIMs) Scale was found to be more effective at predicting frailty than conventional methods. The scale identifies high-risk medications linked to falls and fatigue, allowing oncology teams to deprescribe them and improve patients' overall health.
A new set of guidelines aims to increase patient diversity in lung cancer clinical trials by relaxing eligibility requirements. The recommendations, published in JAMA Oncology, suggest that patients with prior or concurrent cancers, brain metastases, and mild liver impairment can be included in trials.
A multi-national study found that over half of clinical trials leading to FDA-approved anticancer medicines are not available for independent scrutiny. The lack of transparency hinders the use of data for further research into the safety and efficacy of medicines.
A recent study published in Blood Advances found a significant disparity in the representation of women among medical educators, with women comprising just 37.7% of speakers at hematology and medical oncology board review lectures. The study also highlights the importance of increasing diversity in educational opportunities to promote ...
A quality improvement project at Dartmouth Cancer Center increased serious illness conversations between patients and providers from 0% to 70%, reflecting the importance of early discussions on prognosis and treatment options. The project's success was attributed to standardized work, an engaged interdisciplinary team, and system-level...
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that biochemical failure is not a reliable surrogate endpoint for overall survival in patients with recurrent prostate cancer. The researchers recommend considering metastasis-free survival (MFS) as the best surrogate endpoint for overall survival in this population.
A new drug combination of ramucirumab and pembrolizumab significantly extended overall survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who had progressed on prior immunotherapy. The study found a 31% reduction in risk of death compared to standard therapy, with median overall survival times of 14.5 months.
St. Jude researchers will present novel treatments for pediatric brain tumors, including a response rate of 86.8% for high-risk neuroblastoma patients. The hospital will also share findings on disparities in survival rates and improve childhood cancer outcomes worldwide through the World Health Organization Global Initiative.
The Society for Integrative Oncology has partnered with the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (JICM) to advance evidence-based integrative healthcare. This partnership benefits SIO members by offering discounted Open Access publishing fees, while also providing worldwide exposure for research in integrative oncology.
A nationwide study of 100 million hospitalizations found that percutaneous coronary intervention is safe and increasing among cancer patients. The study suggests that PCI can nearly double from 2016 to 2018 among patients with thrombocytopenia, without significantly increasing mortality.
A study of over 4,800 medical oncology practices found that Black patients had higher rates of chemotherapy-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations compared to white patients. The researchers developed reliable measures to assess these inequities, with potential for identifying high- and low-equity practices.
The NCCN Annual Conference focuses on the cancer patient journey, featuring state-of-the-art practice algorithms, updates to clinical guidelines, and new therapies. Leading experts present treatment recommendations for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
Researchers found that adding atezolizumab to chemoradiation treatment was safe and demonstrated immune activation in women with node-positive, locally advanced cervical cancer. The study also showed increased peripheral blood T-cell receptor clonal expansion and tumor-associated T-cell clones.
The study found that homologous recombination repair mutant type (HRRmt) was prognostic of progression-free survival and predictive for olaparib activity in women with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Patients with BRCA mutations showed clinically significant activity when treated with experimental drugs.
Researchers found that adjuvant radiation therapy compared to early salvage therapy reduced mortality risk in men with pN1 prostate cancer. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed a 8% decrease in mortality for each additional positive pelvic lymph node found at surgery.
A comprehensive review of over 60 studies confirms that COVID vaccination is around 80% effective in protecting people with cancer against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mRNA vaccines were found to be the most effective, and multiple vaccinations are recommended for better protection.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed patient-derived cells that can be used to study leptomeningeal disease, a rare complication of cancer. The cells provide a new opportunity for scientists to understand the disease and identify potential therapeutics.
A new study by the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology has found that one third of children with a Wilms' tumor, the most common form of childhood kidney cancer, have a hereditary predisposition. This discovery has led to the implementation of extensive genetic testing for all children with this disease in the Netherlands.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that oncology dietitians rarely ask cancer patients about food insecurity, despite awareness that many experience it. The dietitians' estimates of prevalence varied widely, and most did not use validated tools to screen for food insecurity.
A new dietary tool can quickly and accurately assess micronutrient levels in oncology patients, helping to find better nutritional solutions for cancer treatment. Tested on 112 patients, the 21-item food frequency questionnaire can identify suboptimal micronutrient intakes in just 10 minutes.
The ACC cardiooncology course is designed to educate clinicians on improving awareness, identification, monitoring, and management of cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients. The course aims to help clinicians minimize cardiotoxicity from cancer therapies, leading to improved overall survival and quality of life for oncology patients.
A new study from Regenstrief Institute identifies divergent priorities among cancer patients and their caregivers during active treatment, with patients focusing on physical issues like pain and caregivers prioritizing social support. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced whole-family approaches to supportive oncology care deli...
A single genetic test using RNA sequencing has been used for all children with cancer in the Netherlands since 2018, improving diagnosis and treatment in seven cases. The technique picked up 78 fusion genes, 23 of which led to a more accurate diagnosis or possible treatment.
The NRG-RTOG 1010 clinical trial found that adding trastuzumab to chemoradiation and surgery did not improve disease-free survival for HER2-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Despite this, the study highlights future research opportunities to explore combining trastuzumab with other HER2-targeting agents.
A new meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that adding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to definitive radiotherapy prevents one cancer from metastasizing for every 10 to 15 men treated. Prolonging adjuvant ADT also showed significant benefits, while neoadjuvant ADT was not effective beyond two months.
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that men with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer experience improved overall survival with the addition of hormone therapy to radiotherapy. The study found prolonged adjuvant hormone therapy benefits men, while neoadjuvant hormone therapy did not.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released a new clinical guideline outlining the use of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to treat adult patients with primary liver cancers. The guidelines emphasize multidisciplinary care and provide evidence-based recommendations on indications, dosing, techniques, and trea...
The NRG Oncology GOG 0261 trial demonstrated that paclitaxel and carboplatin is a non-inferior alternative to paclitaxel and ifosfamide for treating women with uterine carcinosarcoma. This regimen offers improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to the current standard of care.
A meta-analysis of seven randomized trials found that Black men with localized prostate cancer had lower recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates compared to white men. The study challenges the common belief that Black men with prostate cancer have a worse prognosis.
A Phase 2 clinical trial showed sotorasib can shrink tumors and achieve disease control in heavily pretreated patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The study results exceeded the historic benefits linked to approved therapies, offering new hope for a population with limited treatment options.
The international consensus statement provides critical recommendations for the cardiovascular management and follow-up of patients undergoing radiation therapy. The paper highlights the need to identify and address cardiovascular risk factors to prevent cardiotoxicity, emphasizing the importance of regular screening and treatment for ...
A new NRG Oncology clinical trial found that bupropion did not improve sexual desire in female cancer survivors. The trial evaluated the effects of extended-release bupropion on postmenopausal women with low baseline sexual desire scores.
A recent study found that despite some progress, the US academic workforce in radiation and medical oncology remains underrepresented compared to the broader US cancer population. The study emphasizes the need for continued efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty members.
A positive correlation was found between MET gene amplification and PD-L1 expression in patients with NSCLC and no other actionable oncogenic driver. The study suggests that MET amplification up-regulates PD-L1 expression, which may impact treatment strategies for these patients.
A multi-center study demonstrated improved overall survival and quality of life for inoperable pancreatic cancer patients treated with MRIdian SMART, with a median survival of 26 months. The treatment showed low rates of major adverse events and was more effective than standard radiation therapy.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center reported that serial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective treatment for oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma. The study showed promising results, with a median progression-free survival of 22.7 months and minimal toxicity.
A recent clinical trial found that a shortened course of radiation therapy after prostate removal surgery does not increase long-term side effects or lower quality of life compared to conventional treatment. Patients who underwent hypofractionated, post-operative radiation therapy experienced comparable genitourinary and gastrointestin...
Researchers analyzed the effects of small-molecule drugs on colorectal tumor cells, finding that treatment with Imipridones decreased certain cytokines and increased others. The study highlights the complexity of cytokine signaling and its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in colon cancer.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that the type of cancer treatment affects the vaccine response, with chemotherapy resulting in lower antibody levels. Vaccination is still recommended for cancer patients, but optimal protection requires ongoing measures.
The new guidelines aim to improve scientific reproducibility, accurate comparisons, and avoid misinterpretations in interventional oncology studies. The panel recommended analyzing parameters such as overall survival, disease-free survival, and short-term complications per patient and procedure.
A survey of 5,589 cancer patients found widespread unawareness about immunotherapy's mechanism, efficacy, and cost. Non-oncology doctors also face challenges in keeping up with the latest developments in oncology.
Researchers have developed a new adaptive radiotherapy strategy called PULSAR, which combines radiation and immunotherapy to improve tumor control. The approach uses artificial intelligence to personalize treatment plans, allowing oncologists to replan cancer treatment in under 30 minutes.
Patients with cancer who experience clinically significant fatigue before treatment have shorter overall survival times and more side effects. Researchers analyzed four clinical trials testing lung and prostate cancer treatments, confirming that pretreatment fatigue may be an important prognostic factor in oncology.
Boston University School of Medicine has received a grant of $2.7M from the American Heart Association to study disparities in cardio-oncology and their impact on cardiovascular disease among diverse populations. The research aims to better understand the causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of CVD among cancer patients.
The 2021 ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer presented new concepts in clinical trials, advances in surgery and transplant, and novel immuno-oncology mechanisms. Researchers shared findings on the effects of drug interactions in GI oncology and strategies to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
A new online database, TOPOGRAPH, has been developed to streamline the process of recommending therapeutic treatments in precision cancer medicine for Australian patients. The platform catalogues oncology research and provides personalized treatment recommendations based on genomic variations and biomarkers.