The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has announced the winners of its annual awards, recognizing Prof. Eric Van Cutsem's pioneering work in gastrointestinal oncology and Dr. Angelo Di Leo's lifetime achievements in cancer research and education. The ESMO Women for Oncology Award was also presented to Prof. Cristiana Sessa, ...
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that introducing a default physician order into electronic health records reduced daily imaging for cancer patients with advanced cancer by half. This change also saved an average of two minutes per session, resulting in faster treatment courses.
A Penn study shows a Moonshot-funded program can increase cancer patients' engagement in tobacco cessation treatments from 0% to 36%. The program's success is attributed to institutional buy-in and continuous dialogue with clinicians, which informed the development of additional support services.
Dr. Jerry A. Shields, MD is honored with the 2019 Lucien Howe Medal for his distinguished service to the fields of ocular oncology and ophthalmology. He has made significant contributions to life-saving treatments and cures in eye cancer.
The NRG-GOG 0258 trial showed that carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy alone resulted in comparable recurrence-free survival rates compared to combined modality treatment. The study found a reduced incidence of vaginal, pelvic, and para-aortic lymph node recurrences but increased distant recurrences with combined modality treatment.
The NRG GOG 0261 clinical trial shows that paclitaxel plus carboplatin is not inferior to paclitaxel plus ifosfamide in treating women with stage I-IV, recurrent carcinosarcoma of the uterus or ovary. The treatment improved overall survival and progression-free survival outcomes.
A recent analysis of NRG Oncology/RTOG 9802 data suggests that both IDH-mutant subgroups of high-risk low-grade gliomas may benefit from the addition of PCV chemotherapy to radiotherapy. This finding is significant, as it enhances prognostic and predictive clarification of patients with low-grade glioma.
The study found that partial breast irradiation (PBI) is more convenient than whole breast irradiation (WBI) for women with breast cancer who do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy. PBI participants reported less fatigue and were rated more convenient, but experienced slightly poorer cosmesis compared to WBI.
Researchers found that proton therapy significantly lowers the risk of severe side effects in cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, with a relative risk reduction of two-thirds. Cure rates were almost identical between groups.
The number of cardiologists trained in cardio-oncology is not meeting the growing needs of cancer survivors, who are aging and developing co-morbid cardiovascular disease. Limited training programs and resources are emerging to address this need, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.
The WINTHER trial successfully matched personalized therapy to 35% of patients with advanced cancer, showing improved overall survival for those with a high degree of matching. The trial's strategy employed RNA expression testing to tailor treatment based on gene expression differences between tumors and normal tissues.
Radiation oncologists provide guidance on preparing for and responding to natural disasters, including creating emergency operations plans, providing patients with access to treatment plans via flash drives, and identifying alternative sources of power. The tips aim to minimize treatment delays during a disaster.
NRG Oncology received $95 Million in NCI funding for six years, based on exceptional peer review scores. The organization will focus on increasing accrual, supporting young investigators, and raising awareness of clinical cancer research.
A recent study published in JAMA found that magic mouthwash significantly reduced pain from oral mucositis, a common side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. The treatment, which contains diphenhydramine, lidocaine, and antacids, was well-tolerated by patients and outperformed placebo.
A USC study found that despite substantial media attention, most cancer drugs in shortage had little to no effect on chemotherapy treatment. Researchers analyzed over 2.4 million claims and found minimal change in treatment for the majority of oncology drugs during shortages.
Professor Jonas Bergh is recognized for his work on breast cancer biology, including tailored treatments and the impact of chemotherapy. He has made significant contributions to primary breast cancer treatment through his involvement in clinical trials and research collaborations.
Francoise Mornex, a renowned French oncologist, has been awarded the prestigious Heine H. Hansen Award for her groundbreaking contributions to the treatment of lung cancer. Her research focuses on combined chemoradiation strategies, multimodality treatment, and innovative radiotherapy techniques.
The NRG Oncology trial suggests adding docetaxel-based chemotherapy to standard treatment should be considered for men with high-risk prostate cancer. The study found improved overall survival, disease-free survival, and reduced rates of distant metastases.
A Children's Oncology Group study shows that postoperative radiation improves outcomes for children with ependymoma, achieving seven-year progression-free survival for over 75% of patients and overall survival for 85%. The findings provide evidence that radiation can improve outcomes despite age and tumor subtype.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that time to biochemical failure can be used as a surrogate endpoint for locally advanced prostate cancer treatment, reducing overall survival benefit by 6% compared to traditional endpoints. The analysis of NRG-RTOG 9202 clinical trial results showed significant associ...
Researchers have developed techniques to personalize anticancer vaccines based on individual patient genomic information, targeting unique tumor mutations. Early results show promise in inducing potent immune responses.
The ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress highlighted promising new technologies for cancer treatment, including multiplex immunohistochemistry and bispecific antibodies. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and neoantigen therapeutics also showed promise in treating a greater proportion of patients with cancer.
Recent studies at SABCS 2018 highlight radiation therapy's efficacy in treating breast cancer, with trials refining treatments to provide more options for patients. Accelerated partial breast irradiation has been shown to be non-inferior to traditional whole breast irradiation.
Cornelis Melief is recognized for his life's work in studying the interactions of the immune system with cancer, leading to the development of new therapeutic cancer vaccine strategies. His research has shown clinical effectiveness in treating patients with pre-malignant lesions caused by HPV type 16.
Long-term data show that whole breast radiation therapy significantly reduces the risk of local recurrence in low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients, even without additional treatment. Radiation also reduces overall cancer return by more than 70 percent.
Researchers found that targeting tumor sites with radiation or surgery after initial treatment can significantly improve overall survival time for patients. Progression-free survival and toxicity data also showed benefits, with median overall survival times of up to 41.2 months.
Researchers investigated alternative radiation therapy regimens for early-stage breast cancer patients. The trial found that fewer, larger individual doses of radiation led to similar adverse effects as conventional radiation therapy after 10 years.
The NRG Oncology clinical trial BR001 found that SBRT is safe for patients with 2 metastases or 3-4 metastases in specific locations, including peripheral lung and abdomen/pelvic. The study showed zero protocol-defined dose-limiting toxicities across evaluable anatomic locations.
Oncologists require more education on the use of biosimilars, which could increase patient access to innovative therapies due to economic constraints. ESMO supports their use as cheaper alternatives to reference biologics, promoting sustainable and widely accessible cancer care.
A study by NRG Oncology found that short-term androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with radiotherapy improved overall survival for men with early stage prostate adenocarcinoma for up to 10.4 years. However, the benefits dissipated after 18 years.
The SPPORT trial found that adding pelvic lymph node treatment and short-term hormone therapy to standard treatment extends time before cancer spreads. This combination therapy resulted in higher freedom-from-progression rates and lower distant metastasis rates compared to standard treatments alone.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that cancer patients can safely use topical skin treatments during radiation therapy without increasing the radiation dose to their skin. The study challenged common advice given to patients and debunked the myth that these treatments increase radiation damage.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has launched a global initiative to integrate supportive and palliative care into cancer treatment. Twenty new institutions from Japan, Denmark, Estonia, and Qatar have been recognized as Designated Centres of Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care.
The new guideline recommends moderate hypofractionation (240-340 cGy) as an alternative to conventional fractionation for men with early-stage prostate cancer. Hypofractionated radiation therapy can be completed in four to five weeks, compared to eight to nine weeks for conventional radiation.
A team of researchers has created an automated program to screen for malnutrition in hospitalized children, using existing patient data in electronic health records. The study found a high prevalence of malnutrition among pediatric oncology patients, with 42% overall and varying levels of severity.
The ESMO 2018 Congress will feature a wide range of topics including immunotherapy, biomarkers, and prevention. The event will also host the annual congress of the European Oncology Nursing Society and a patient advocacy track emphasizing the central role of patients in securing access to optimal cancer care.
At ASTRO's Annual Meeting, leading researchers will present their groundbreaking findings on clinical trials and radiation oncology research. The meeting features three news briefings highlighting advances in breast, lung, genitourinary, oral, and oligometastatic cancers.
A Special Focus Issue on Integrative Oncology investigates complementary and integrative medicine in multiple age groups, nations, and special populations. Research articles and commentaries discuss the options and effectiveness of nutritional strategies, aromatherapy, massage, and self-care toolkits for cancer patients.
The ESMO Award 2018 is bestowed on Jean-Charles Soria, a pioneer in developing anti-cancer drugs, while Tony Mok receives the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award for his practice-changing contribution to lung cancer. Pasi Jänne and Margaret Foti also receive awards for their translational research and mentorship efforts, respectively.
A study by NRG Oncology/RTOG 0424 found that MGMT promoter methylation is associated with improved progression-free and overall survival in high-risk, low-grade glioma patients. The analysis suggests that MGMT promoter methylation should be incorporated into future clinical trial designs to risk-stratify LGG patients.
The RTOG 0618 trial found Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) to achieve favorable primary tumor control and local control rates in operable early-stage lung cancer patients, with a low rate of toxicity. The results suggest that SBRT may be a viable alternative to surgery for this patient population.
Researchers have identified a DNA-level biomarker, MGMT promoter methylation, as an independent prognostic marker of high-risk, low-grade glioma in patients treated with temozolomide and radiotherapy. This biomarker can predict patient outcomes, with patients having methylated tumors showing improved survival rates.
The ESMO 2020 Annual Congress will bring together oncology professionals from over 150 countries to learn about the latest advances in cancer treatment. The congress will feature a programme developed by international experts under the leadership of Prof John Haanen, NKI Amsterdam.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology has endorsed guidelines from the Society for Integrative Oncology, recommending integrative therapies for anxiety, depression, and quality of life improvement. However, some treatments like ginseng and acupressure require further research due to safety concerns.
The ILLUMINATE-204 trial shows an overall response rate of 38% with 2 complete responses, suggesting a promising strategy for treating patients with metastatic melanoma unresponsive to PD-1 therapy. The combination regimen is generally well-tolerated, with fewer than a quarter of patients experiencing immune-related toxicities.
Weichselbaum, Professor and Chairman of Radiation and Cellular Oncology at the University of Chicago, has made significant contributions to understanding oligometastasis. His work on curing tumors through surgery or radiation therapy has been supported by several studies demonstrating successful treatments.
Supriya G. Mohile, an oncologist at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, has been named the winner of the B.J. Kennedy Award by ASCO for her work in geriatric oncology. The award recognizes her research and efforts to improve communication between doctors and older patients with cancer.
Professor Yates received the prestigious Distinguished Researcher award from the international Oncology Nursing Society for her research on managing common problems experienced by cancer patients. The award recognizes her contributions to enhancing the science and practice of oncology nursing, particularly in Australia.
A survey of over 200 oncologists reveals that most have discussed medical marijuana use with patients, but many lack knowledge on its effectiveness. The study highlights the need for clinical trials and education to inform cancer care.
The European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and ESTRO join forces to launch E2-RADIatE, a pan-European infrastructure for efficient collaboration in radiation oncology. The initiative aims to generate robust data on cancer treatment and develop new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers identified RB1 gene mutations as a mechanism underlying acquired resistance to CDK 4/6 inhibitor treatment for HR-positive breast cancer. The study found that these mutations led to loss of RB1 function and consequently resistance to CDK 4/6 inhibitors in patients whose tumors progressed after treatment.
Fabrice Barresi has been awarded the Heine H. Hansen Award by European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). This award is presented annually at the European Lung Cancer Congress to a lung cancer investigator who has made a special contribution to this field.
A recent NRG Oncology study found that high-dose radiotherapy improves biochemical control and reduces distant metastases in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer, but does not enhance overall survival. The treatment also resulted in more side effects compared to standard radiotherapy.
A recent study found that medical students receive little formal instruction in radiation oncology, a crucial aspect of cancer treatment. The study highlights the need for radiation oncologists to take ownership over educating medical students about their specialty's value in patient care. Despite this gap, some departments reported en...
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that higher doses of radiation therapy did not improve survival rates for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. However, the study did show lower rates of recurrence and tumor growth in the group receiving the higher dose, which could lead to better quality of life.
Precision oncology uses advanced molecular diagnostic technologies to select targeted therapies, resulting in improved overall survival and lower average total healthcare costs. Average weekly costs were significantly lower for the targeted treatment group compared to the control group.
A recent study found that nearly half of all prostate cancer randomized clinical trials use lab results that disproportionately exclude black patients. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, highlights the need for researchers to adjust entry criteria to prevent racial biases.
A new algorithm provides a comprehensive guide to managing spinal metastases, integrating specialties and offering personalized treatment approaches. The algorithm focuses on spine-specific issues and incorporates popular treatment paths, including surgical decompression and stereotactic body radiotherapy.
International organizations IASLC and BTOG are partnering to spread awareness of revised lung cancer staging criteria. The new system takes effect this month and aims to provide better care for patients. Key findings highlight improved prognostic factors, tumor size measurements, and coding systems for lung cancers with multiple lesions.
Dr. Jerry A. Shields, a pioneering ophthalmologist, received the inaugural Brady-Shields Endowed Chair in Ocular Oncology at Wills Eye Hospital. The chair honors Dr. Luther W. Brady Jr., Dr. Carol L. Shields, and their contributions to ocular oncology research.