A landmark EORTC trial with over 20 years of follow-up found that irradiation of internal mammary and medial supraclavicular lymph nodes reduces breast cancer mortality, but does not improve overall survival. Long-term cardiac and pulmonary toxicity was reported more frequently after IM-MS irradiation.
Independent academic clinical trials are essential for improving patient outcomes, reducing inequalities in care, and strengthening healthcare systems. The Lancet Oncology Commission aims to deliver actionable recommendations to ensure these trials continue to benefit patients and society worldwide.
A study found that tumor DNA in patients' blood can predict whether breast cancer will return, especially after neoadjuvant treatment. Patients with detectable DNA at the end of treatment were 3.5 times more likely to relapse during follow-up.
Researchers have reported early, reassuring results from the LORD trial on active surveillance for low-risk DCIS. The study found that patients with active surveillance did not experience worse early outcomes compared to those who underwent immediate surgery, and that many chose active surveillance over surgery.
A pilot study found that axillary radiotherapy may be as effective as surgery in killing cancer cells while reducing the risk of painful swelling. The trial compared radiotherapy to axillary lymph node dissection and found similar cancer outcomes, but lower rates of lymphoedema after radiotherapy.
A new analysis shows elinzanetant effectively relieves moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with endocrine therapy, regardless of the type of hormone treatment. The drug reduces VMS frequency and severity by blocking a protein that triggers these symptoms.
A recent study found that breast cancer recurrence remains low even after ten years when patients receive tailored radiotherapy. The research involved 848 patients who underwent chemotherapy and surgery, and showed that radiotherapy can be reduced or eliminated in low-risk patients, leading to a significant decrease in side effects.
A new study shows that polyurethane-coated breast implants are associated with lower rates of capsular contracture and the need for corrective surgery after radiotherapy. Women who received these implants had a significantly lower risk of developing scarring and needing further surgery compared to those who received standard implants.
A large multinational clinical trial found that giving healthcare providers access to patient-reported outcome (PRO) data significantly improves the consistency of how treatment-related side effects are assessed in patients with cancer. This study highlights the importance of integrating the patient's voice into routine clinical evalua...
The SISAQOL-IMI consortium has published key guidelines for patient-reported outcomes in cancer clinical trials, providing a harmonised framework for designing, analysing, and interpreting PRO data. The new online toolkit offers practical resources to support implementation across the research and policy landscape.
A new policy review emphasizes the critical role of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data in evaluating treatments for people with advanced cancer. The review recommends standardised responder criteria for HRQoL in clinical trials to improve patient care and decision-making.
A new policy review emphasizes the importance of standardized responder criteria for health-related quality of life data in clinical trials for people with advanced cancer. The approach evaluates whether new treatments improve patients' day-to-day lives, alongside traditional clinical endpoints like overall survival.
Researchers have discovered key mutations in certain cancer cells that render WRN inhibitors ineffective. The study found that prolonged exposure to these inhibitors can lead to the acquisition of mutations in the WRN gene, allowing cancer cells to survive and develop resistance.
Researchers have developed a 'mini-protein' that targets cancer cells expressing Nectin-4, allowing for direct delivery of radiation to tumours. The treatment shows promise in targeting multiple types of cancers and has the potential to be safe for repeated administrations.
TYRA-300 shows promise in treating metastatic bladder cancer patients with FGFR3 gene mutations, achieving a 50% overall response rate and 100% disease control rate. The treatment also displays improved tolerability with lower side effects compared to existing pan-FGFR inhibitors.
Researchers have developed a technology called FarrSight-Twin that creates digital twins of real cancer patients to predict treatment response. The approach was tested on published clinical trials and showed accurate predictions in all simulated studies, with 75% response rate among patients receiving the predicted best treatment.
A clinical trial suggests that tucatinib and trastuzumab may benefit patients with rare bile duct cancer who also have HER2-mutated breast cancer. The treatment combination showed a 46.7% objective response rate in patients with bile duct cancer, compared to 22.2% in the broader patient group.
Researchers found that WNTinib significantly delayed tumour growth and extended survival in mice with hepatoblastoma cells harboring CTNNB1 mutations. The treatment also showed promise in shrinking tumors in patients' tumor tissue models, with some tumors disappearing completely.
A recent clinical trial analysis found that patients with truly unmethylated MGMT promoter do not benefit from temozolomide treatment, challenging current treatment protocols. This study aims to transform the treatment landscape for older adults glioblastoma patients by identifying biomarkers for more personalized therapies.
A new study suggests that tailored treatment can predict the response of breast cancer patients to chemotherapy, allowing for safe omission of extensive lymph node removal. The MARI protocol showed a 95% overall survival rate and 89% disease-free survival rate in patients who achieved pathological complete response.
Researchers found that young breast cancer patients who received a low-dose radiotherapy boost had a lower risk of local recurrence after 10 years, with only 4.4% experiencing recurrence. In contrast, high-dose boosts resulted in fewer recurrences but also more severe fibrosis and cosmetic issues.
A new AI tool can predict which breast cancer patients are at risk of chronic arm swelling after surgery and radiotherapy. The tool, developed by international researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data and provides easily understandable explanations for doctors and patients.
A combined PET-MRI scan improved treatment outcomes for 57 out of 205 patients with early-stage breast cancer. The scan helped doctors spot signs of tumour spread, enabling alternative treatments such as chemotherapy or different surgical approaches.
The ALEXANDRA/IMpassion030 phase 3 trial found that adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy after surgery did not improve survival for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer patients. Researchers also found no benefit in different sub-groups, such as those with lymph node spread and PD-L1 positive cancer.
A randomized controlled trial found that exercise programmes reduced fatigue and improved quality of life for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The study showed the greatest benefit among younger patients, but also suggested that supervised exercise can be beneficial for all patients with advanced disease.
New data show that adding pembrolizumab to chemotherapy before and after surgery for breast cancer leads to better outcomes, with significant increases in pathological complete response rates across all age groups. The study also found similar rates of breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy, as well as lower residual cancer burdens.
A new genetic test has identified patients with triple negative early-stage breast cancer who are unlikely to respond to immunotherapy drugs. The test, called ImPrintTN, can predict a patient's likelihood of responding to these treatments and help avoid severe side effects.
The SISAQOL-IMI Consortium establishes an international consensus on patient-reported outcomes in cancer trials, aiming to improve the use of PROs. The new standards will enhance patient involvement and ensure the relevance of recommendations to the patient community.
Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.
A large observational study found that women diagnosed with benign breast disease through screening are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the long term. The risk persisted for at least two decades and was found to be significantly higher among women with benign breast disease compared to those without.
A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.
Researchers at Clinica Universidad de Navarra found that ultrasound-guided surgery (IOUS) is more effective and quicker than traditional wire-localisation methods for treating ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This technique reduces the risk of positive margins, a common cause of second operations.
A study by Leiden University Medical Center found six proteins in blood samples that were altered one to two years before a breast cancer diagnosis. The researchers believe these proteins could be used to develop a blood test for early detection of breast cancer in high-risk women.
A systematic review found significant effects on anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical activity, quality of life, and social impairment in cancer patients who combined behavioural graded activity with psychological therapies. The effects remained significant after a period of one to three months.
A new model predicts individual breast cancer risk based on ten known risk factors, allowing for tailored screening strategies. The study found that the risk of developing breast cancer ranges from 0.22% to 7.43%, with some factors, such as exercise, having a greater impact than previously thought.
A study of 11,945 people found that those with type 2 diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer if the condition is not screened for routinely. Researchers identified a 26% increased risk of metastasis in patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes.
The TRIDENT-1 trial suggests that repotrectinib could be effective for treating ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have received other targeted treatments and those who have not. The drug showed promising results, with an objective response rate of 79% in patients not previously treated with a ROS TKI.
In the ARROS-1 trial, 48% of patients achieved partial responses to NVL-520, with responses seen across all dose levels and in heavily pre-treated patients. The treatment also showed promise for brain metastases, with three out of three patients experiencing measurable response or no emergence of new metastases.
A Phase Ib clinical trial found that sequential administration of PARP inhibitor olaparib and WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is safe and well-tolerated, with promising signs of anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced cancers driven by DNA damage response mutations. The combination showed durable responses in patients with resistant c...
A new experimental drug has shown promising results in treating liver cancer, with two patients experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The drug, NMS-01940153E, targets an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division and growth, and its side effects are manageable.
In a patient trial, the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib showed signs of effectiveness in treating advanced cancers. 22% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage, while 56% had stable disease. Further research is needed to understand why some patients responded and others did not.
The study found that BRAF alterations, particularly Class I mutations like v600E, are associated with improved overall survival in adults with glioma. However, the effectiveness of targeted therapies depends on the specific type and combination of genetic alterations driving the cancer.
Researchers have found a drug that targets the key, cancer-causing gene MYC has been able to inhibit its function safely and effectively. Eight out of 12 patients showed stabilisation of disease after treatment with OMO-103, with one patient experiencing a reduction in tumour-derived DNA circulating in the blood stream.
Researchers found that liquid biopsies can detect clonal haematopoiesis, a condition placing patients at higher risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia. The study suggests that these patients should be referred for further evaluation to uncover actual risk and identify potential diagnostic pathways.
The partnership aims to reduce the risk of relapse in Stage 2 melanoma patients using BRAF and MEK targeted therapies. EORTC and Pierre Fabre will conduct a large Phase 3 study to advance research in melanoma.
The KRYSTAL-1 phase I/II clinical trial has shown that adagrasib can shrink tumours and is well-tolerated by patients with non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and other solid tumours. The KRAS G12C mutation affects approximately 14% of lung adenocarcinomas and 4% of colorectal cancers.
A new 'next generation' BRAF inhibitor, PLX8394, has shown promising results in an early patient trial for treating various types of cancer. The treatment, taken with cobicistat, resulted in a partial response in 22% of patients, including those with glioma and bowel cancer.
Researchers found that high concentrations of sunitinib in tumors, but not blood plasma, are associated with improved patient outcomes. The study's results suggest a safer and more effective treatment strategy for patients with advanced cancers.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting KRAS gene mutations in lung, bowel and pancreatic cancers. In mice studies, vaccinated animals showed improved survival rates compared to unvaccinated ones.
Renowned scientist Sir Peter Ratcliffe emphasizes the importance of passion-driven research in science, contrasting it with the expectation to solely focus on COVID-19. He draws from his own research on hypoxia and its role in various human diseases, highlighting the potential of this field for drug discovery and treatment.