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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute presented numerous studies on various types of cancer, including kidney cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. The studies focused on innovative treatments, diagnostic advances, and patient outcomes.
A new study reveals that small uveal melanomas have molecular genetic alterations, making them highly metastatic tumours. Prompt treatment can significantly increase the chances of cure for these patients.
A new UCSF study reports that cancer patients experience a deep sense of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 53% of participants classified as lonely. The study also found higher levels of depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance among lonely patients.
The NRG-BR001 trial found SBRT to be safe for patients with multiple metastases, with no dose-limiting toxicities and over 50% of participants alive at 2 years. The study used extensive radiation QA processes and was the first to require 3D image guidance during treatment.
City of Hope's Betty Ferrell is honored with the 2021 ONS Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades-long dedication to improving pain management and quality of life for cancer patients. With over $70 million in grant funding, she has trained millions of nurses and clinicians globally on palliative care.
A newly released position paper from ESMO and SIOPE defines a common vision for improving outcomes for AYAs with cancer in Europe. The paper highlights the key challenges of AYA care, including limited awareness of cancer biology, availability of specialist centres, and access to clinical trials.
The Heine H. Hansen Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lung cancer research and education. Johan Vansteenkiste and Fiona Blackhall are this year's recipients, known for their pioneering work in thoracic oncology, liquid biopsies and personalized medicine.
The CCE-DART project aims to develop interconnected tools to reduce the complexity of investigator-initiated trials, incorporating cutting-edge digital technologies. It will harmonize molecular multi-tier profiling platforms to precisely match patients to novel anti-cancer medicines based on genetic tumor specificities.
Researchers conducted a randomized intervention that improved continuity of care and interprofessional collaboration between lung cancer patients and their family physicians. The bidirectional exchange of patient information and care summaries led to enhanced patient and family physician perceptions of care, resulting in better outcomes.
Researchers found extremely low detection of SARS-CoV-2 on environmental surfaces in outpatient and inpatient oncology areas, including a COVID-19 floor. The study's results confirm the effectiveness of enhanced cleaning and disinfecting policies in reducing virus transmission.
The ESMO Virtual Plenaries will present original scientific data from randomised phase III and phase II oncology trials, showcasing remarkable therapeutic benefits and progress in unmet areas. The platform aims to accelerate the transition from research to practice, benefiting cancer patients worldwide.
A new study shows that liquid biopsies can detect lingering disease in patients with oligometastatic colorectal cancer, guiding treatment decisions. The biopsies identify patients who may benefit from immune therapies or targeted treatments based on mutations detected in blood samples.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the progress of achieving gender balance in academic oncology. Disruptions to research and education have hindered the advancement of this specialty, particularly for women. The article proposes potential solutions to counteract these negative effects.