A pooled analysis of NRG Oncology studies RTOG 0129 and 0522 found that IMRT significantly reduced xerostomia and feeding tube dependency in head and neck cancer patients, especially those with oropharyngeal cancer. However, IMRT was associated with increased acute mucositis and dysphagia.
A randomized clinical trial found that early palliative care significantly increases a patient's ability to cope with their diagnosis and overall quality of life. Patients who received early palliative care were more likely to use adaptive coping strategies and report higher quality of life compared to those receiving standard care alone.
Sumitra Thongprasert has been awarded the second ESMO Women for Oncology award for her role as a role model for women in oncology. The award acknowledges her advocacy across Asia for female participation in the oncology workforce and promotion of women in leadership positions.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has awarded four distinguished recipients for their outstanding contributions to cancer treatment and research. Alberto Sobrero received the ESMO Award for his world-renowned research on gastrointestinal cancer, while Sir Richard Peto was recognized for his important contributions to bre...
A group of researchers calls for an overhaul of the US process for reviewing coverage of 'off-label' cancer drug use. They found inconsistencies in the five reference guides used to determine reimbursement and weak quality evidence supporting some off-label uses.
The new guideline establishes a two millimeter margin as the standard for adequate margins in DCIS treated with whole breast radiation therapy, potentially reducing re-excision rates and improving cosmetic outcomes. This recommendation is supported by evidence and aims to improve quality of care and patient outcomes.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected four early career scientists to receive research awards totaling $275,000. The grants support work in radiation and cancer biology, physics, and translational research.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has updated its treatment standard for rectal cancer, recommending a more customized approach that may reduce treatment side effects. The new guideline suggests alternatives to the traditional tri-modal approach, including short-course radiation therapy and non-operative management.
A recent special issue of Future Oncology examines the field of oncofertility, highlighting its importance in cancer survivors' well-being. The focus on preserving fertility in cancer patients has revolutionized reproductive medicine and biology, with direct impact on oncology.
The article introduces a new 'game plan' for oncologists to incorporate new therapies and approaches into clinical guidelines quickly. CancerLinQ, a web-based rapid-learning system, will provide point-of-care clinical decision support with the latest evidence-based recommendations.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that short remission telomere length is associated with delayed blood count recovery in children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) after chemotherapy. The research aims to identify high-risk children and develop targeted treatments to prevent complications.
Benedick A. Fraass, Christopher G. Willett, and Anthony L. Zietman have been named recipients of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Gold Medal for their outstanding contributions to radiation oncology. They were recognized for their achievements in clinical patient care, research, teaching, and service to the profession.
A study published in JAMA Oncology shows that intrinsic molecular subtyping of breast cancer can predict patient outcomes and guide treatment decisions. The research found that the genomic classification of tumors is a key prognostic factor, outperforming traditional variables such as age and number of metastases.
Researchers from UH Seidman Cancer Center will present data on a new online tool for estimating individualized survival probabilities in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. The studies also explore promising new treatments, including pembrolizumab for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and improve patient participation in c...
The Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology propose a global curriculum to address training variations and inadequacies. The curriculum aims to create a robust workforce of well-trained surgical oncologists to meet the growing need resulting from the rising global cancer burden.
The demand for radiotherapy is expected to increase by 16% between 2012 and 2025, with prostate cancer cases projected to rise by 24%. This is due to an aging population in Europe, with four million new cancer patients expected in 2025. The study's authors aim to help policymakers plan for increased radiotherapy services.
Suresh Senan, a renowned expert in radiation oncology, has been awarded the Heine H. Hansen Award for his pioneering work in lung cancer therapy and research. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of lung cancer on an international basis.
A clinical trial confirms that a shortened radiotherapy schedule is as effective as conventional radiotherapy in treating low-risk prostate cancer patients. Patients treated with the shorter regimen experienced more mild side effects, but no difference in severe late side effects.
Patients with grade 2 glioma who received combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy experienced longer progression-free survival and overall survival compared to those who received radiation therapy alone. The study's findings suggest that initial therapy of RT followed by PCV is necessary to achieve longer survival.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology found that increasing radiation doses for patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer does not improve long-term outcomes. The study analyzed data from 12 randomized controlled trials and found no association between higher doses and improved survival rates.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center fellowship program successfully trains international surgeons to return home and perform cancer operations, addressing a significant gap in low- and middle-income countries.
Physician-scientists Ethan Dmitrovsky and Waun Ki Hong recognized for their efforts in cancer prevention and control. Dmitrovsky's work on retinoids has led to a significant impact on leukemia treatment, while Hong's research in cancer chemoprevention and personalized therapies has advanced the field.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that combining radiotherapy with the drug panobinostat improved progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with high-grade gliomas. The study, published online ahead of print in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, offers promise for a new treatment approach.
A study published in Circulation found that prostate cancer survivors are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to hormone therapy. The Vanderbilt Cardio-oncology program is working to modulate these risks through collaborative care and personalized interventions.
The International Radiosurgery Oncology Consortium has developed consensus guidelines for the safe implementation and practice of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for primary renal cell carcinoma. SBRT is a non-invasive treatment option with favorable comparisons to existing treatments, offering a cost-effective and widely av...
Researchers from the Repurposing Drugs in Oncology project have found that diclofenac, a common painkiller, has significant anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that existing non-cancer drugs may represent a valuable source of novel therapies for cancer treatment.
The new oral drug Palbociclib has shown promise in combating various types of cancer beyond breast cancer, including lymphoma, sarcoma, and teratoma. Early trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in patients with these conditions.
The Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research discusses new recommendations from the Center for Medical Technology Policy's Green Park Collaborative for evaluating oncology treatment sequences. The framework developed by GPC-USA aims to fill evidence gaps and identify patient-important outcomes, ultimately improving cancer patient ...
Dr. Norman Wolmark will present the William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture on the NSABP Clinical Trials' impact on early breast cancer management. Established in 1992, the McGuire Lectureship commemorates Dr. William McGuire's contributions to oncology.
A study of medical records found that men taking androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer were almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease as those who didn't undergo the therapy. The longer duration of ADT, the greater the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A new template published by ASTRO streamlines post-treatment care for cancer survivors, facilitating consistency and reducing provider burden. The template includes elements required by CoC accreditation requirements, coordinating care among primary care providers, radiation specialists, and patients.
Researchers at IRCM identified the mechanism of action for a new target in immune-oncology treatments, focusing on natural killer cells and DNAM-1 protein. The discovery could lead to improved therapies using antibodies against TIGIT receptor.
The Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department at Moffitt Cancer Center has been awarded a $10.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to develop new strategies to prevent and treat cancer by exploiting Charles Darwin's concept of natural selection.
A study found that low BRCA1 protein expression in glioblastoma tumors correlates with longer overall survival, suggesting a potential predictive biomarker for treatment responses to DNA-damaging therapies.
The NRG Oncology/RTOG 0813 trial found SBRT to be well-tolerated in early-stage, centrally located non-small cell lung cancer patients. The highest dose level allowed by the protocol was reached without significant toxicity.
The RTOG 9601 study found that adding anti-androgen therapy to salvage radiotherapy improved overall survival and reduced prostate cancer death. The treatment also showed no significant increase in radiation toxicity.
A shortened radiotherapy schedule has been shown to have similar efficacy as a conventional course in treating low-risk prostate cancer. The study found that patients treated with the shorter schedule experienced no significant decrease in cancer control compared to those treated with the longer conventional schedule.
New data from clinical trials at Penn Medicine demonstrate the clinical benefits of proton therapy for patients with advanced lung, pancreatic, and spine cancers. Proton therapy has been shown to reduce toxicities and improve survival rates compared to conventional radiation therapy.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has appointed Elsevier as the new publisher of its official journal, Journal of Thoracic Oncology. This partnership aims to enhance the journal's reputation and influence while expanding its global communities of contributors and readers.
The journal published a Special Focus issue documenting advancements in oncology since its debut in 2005. Review articles cover topics such as immunotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy, providing insights into the latest scientific and clinical issues in cancer research.
A new report highlights progress in treating childhood cancers, but notes that many survivors face long-term treatment-related side effects. The European Society for Paediatric Oncology proposes solutions to tackle these issues, including improving access to new drugs and enhancing collaboration with adult oncology.
The ESMO Global Opioid Policy Initiative reveals disparities in opioid access across the globe, with the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia showing limited access to essential pain relieving medication. The addition of new Designated Centres brings polices tailored to patient needs, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.
The Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care has received a $3.93 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to support clinical oncology research. Four new scholars have been selected, including Drs. Thomas Ow and Akiva Novetsky, who will focus on radiation therapy and gynecologic oncology surgeries.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has awarded a total of $33,500 to 41 researchers for their outstanding contributions to the field of radiation oncology. The awards recognize top-rated abstracts presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting, with recipients receiving cash honors and complimentary registration.
Researchers create economic model to assess life expectancy, management of adverse effects, and quality of life for new oncology drugs like necitumumab. The study finds that the value-based price for necitumumab ranges between $563 and $1,309 per three-week cycle.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has selected seven leading physician-researchers to receive a total of $675,000 in awards and grants to advance radiation oncology research. The recipients will support studies in radiation and cancer biology, as well as outcomes/health services research within radiation oncology.
The ESMO Women for Oncology Task Force aims to address inequalities among women oncologists, and the new award will be presented to Enriqueta Felip, who kick-started awareness of the lack of women oncologists in leadership roles. The award recognizes contributors who support the development of women in oncology.
A recent study published in the Journal of Geriatric Oncology found that 26% of senior oncology patients use complementary or alternative medicines, which can interact with cancer treatments. The study highlights the need for comprehensive screening and documentation of CAM use in older cancer patients.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) announced the award of its esteemed prizes to three exceptional medical oncologists: Nathan Cherny, Nagahiro Saijo, and Cornelis Punt. These pioneers have made groundbreaking contributions to palliative care integration, medical oncology in Asia, and immunotherapy approaches.
Women with early-stage breast cancer who receive a shorter course of whole breast radiation therapy experience less toxicity and improved quality of life compared to those who undergo a longer course of treatment. The study suggests that hypofractionated treatment should be considered as a starting point for discussion between patients...
BMJ has partnered with the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) to publish a new open access cancer journal called ESMO Open. The journal will cover various aspects of cancer treatment and include study protocols and phase I clinical trials. It aims to provide rapid access to high-quality research on cancer care worldwide.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that chemotherapy was associated with worse quality of life near death for patients who could still perform many life functions. The researchers concluded that chemotherapy use may be unnecessary and potentially harmful for patients with progressive metastatic disease.
A large trial shows liquid biopsy (BEAMing technology) detects tumor genotypes not found in tissue biopsies, enabling targeted therapy selection. Regorafenib benefits patients with KRAS and PIK3CA mutations, revolutionizing colorectal cancer treatment.
A study of 76 patients with cervical or endometrial cancer found that extended-field IMRT did not increase duodenal toxicity risk, even at high doses. The study confirms the safety of EF-IMRT for treating para-aortic lymph nodes.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched a new open-access journal, Advances in Radiation Oncology, with Founding Editor Robert C. Miller, M.D. The journal will publish original research on novel retrospectives and hypothesis-generating series, with a focus on practice transformation.
Dr. Maurizio D'Incalci receives the first Pezcoller-Prodi Award in recognition of his work on translational cancer research and therapeutic oncology. The award highlights his contributions to the development of novel anticancer drugs, including trabectedin.
The American College of Cardiology seeks to expand cardio-oncology services to address the growing need for specialized care in cardiovascular health for cancer patients. Currently, many hospital training programs lack formal training or services in this area, and a nationwide survey reveals gaps in resources and best practices.
The newly redesigned Oncology Central is now live, featuring a dedicated Pipelines and Trials section, webinars, and exclusive multimedia content. The platform offers easy navigation and access to peer-reviewed journal articles, regular cancer news updates, and exciting features.
The ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) provides a rational approach to grading the magnitude of clinical benefit of anti-cancer medicines. The scale will be applied to new drugs approved by the EMA, with high-scoring drugs highlighted in the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that combining the targeted drug ibrutinib with standard chemotherapy significantly reduces the risk of death or cancer progression in patients with relapsed CLL or SLL. The treatment results in a nearly 80% reduction in mortality, offering new hope for longer disease control and decreased risk of relapse.