A recent SWOG Cancer Research Network study found that even with access to clinical trials, cancer patients living in the poorest neighborhoods have a nearly 30% greater chance of dying from their disease. The disparity persists despite uniform high-quality care.
A SWOG Cancer Research Network trial found cabozantinib to be the most effective treatment for patients with metastatic papillary kidney cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 9.2 months compared to 5.6 months with sunitinib. Additionally, 23% of patients experienced significant tumor reduction with cabozantinib.
The Lung-MAP trial has amassed a scientifically valuable cache of data and biospecimens from 3,021 patients. Research presentations at the World Conference on Lung Cancer highlighted associations between tumor mutational burden and clinical outcomes to immunotherapy.
A randomized clinical trial found that pre-surgery chemotherapy did not improve survival rates in early-stage pancreatic cancer patients, but it is a safer alternative. The study paved the way for further treatment testing and molecular analysis of tumor tissue.
A triple drug combination of irinotecan, cetuximab, and vemurafenib has shown better tumor response rates and longer cancer-free periods compared to a two-drug combination in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The treatment targets the BRAF protein directly and blocks cancer growth by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor.
A landmark study by researchers from the SWOG Cancer Research Network has found that 2.8 percent of cancer patients develop osteonecrosis of the jaw within three years of starting zoledronic acid treatment. The study, which followed 3,491 patients over three years, also identified risk factors and impact on quality of life.
A clinical trial found that postmenopausal women with low-risk breast cancer can forego chemotherapy without compromising their treatment outcomes. In contrast, premenopausal women with the same disease characteristics benefit from chemotherapy, suggesting a potential age-related difference in treatment effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered that isatuximab, a monoclonal antibody approved for multiple myeloma, can effectively treat relapsed refractory AL amyloidosis. The study showed an overall response rate of 77% among patients who received the treatment.
SWOG Cancer Research Network members will share results of five network-led studies at SABCS, advancing breast cancer science and medicine. The research includes findings from RxPONDER, a trial that may change practice in breast cancer treatment.
A SWOG Cancer Research Network study found that the ipilimumab and nivolumab combination shrinks rare angiosarcoma tumors in 25% of patients, with a 60% response rate for those with facial or scalp lesions, offering new hope for treatment
The VA Integration Support Program provides $50,000 grants to VA medical centers to facilitate veteran enrollment in SWOG and NCTN trials. This initiative aims to increase access to targeted treatments and immunotherapies for veterans with cancer.
The SWOG Cancer Research Network will share innovative approaches to cancer care, including telemedicine and quality improvements, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The network's trials have led to significant advancements in cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
A recent study by SWOG Cancer Research Network found that black cancer patients are more likely to be enrolled in taxpayer-funded clinical trials compared to industry-sponsored trials. The study analyzed data from over 93,000 patients across 358 trials and found a significant disparity in representation.
The SWOG Cancer Research Network is sparking discussion and creating consensus on how cancer clinical trial stakeholders can best interact on social platforms. The growing role of social media in raising awareness about trials and boosting accrual highlights both promises and challenges, including legal, ethical, and logistical hurdles.
A comprehensive analysis of exercise and its protective role for high-risk breast cancer patients reveals that even a modest amount of exercise can be beneficial, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence by 55%, and death by 68%. The study found that starting exercise after treatment also offers significant survival benefits.
Researchers from SWOG will make 31 digital presentations at the ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program, reporting on trials involving chemotherapy regimens, financial toxicity, and multiple myeloma treatments. The studies found that pre-surgery chemotherapy can be done safely and has good outcomes regardless of the drugs used.
A new study by SWOG Cancer Research Network found that simple text reminders do not improve breast cancer hormone therapy adherence. The study enrolled 724 post-menopausal women and tested the effectiveness of brief, twice-weekly text messages reminding them to take their medication.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that cancer patients with no health insurance or Medicaid do not receive the same trial benefits as those with private insurance. The research highlights the importance of expanding insurance coverage to ensure all Americans access life-saving treatments.
A phase II randomized trial found that continuous dosing of BRAF and MEK inhibitors improved progression-free survival by nine months compared to intermittent treatment, which failed to show significant benefits. The study, led by the SWOG Cancer Research Network, enrolled 249 patients with common melanoma mutations and showed that con...
The study found that patients whose breast cancer was completely eradicated by chemotherapy had a higher proportion of DNA mutational 'signature 3', indicating defects in DNA repair. This signature is associated with genes like BRCA, which could help doctors predict patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
A clinical trial has found that a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab immunotherapies can shrink tumors in 44% of patients with high-grade neuroendocrine cancer. The trial, DART, offers new hope for rare cancer treatment, which accounts for almost a quarter of all cancers diagnosed worldwide.
A new study shows that the 21-gene recurrence score test, commonly used to predict disease recurrence and chemotherapy benefit in breast cancer patients, may also help determine whether radiation therapy is necessary. Patients with intermediate or high scores are more likely to see their cancer return and benefit from radiation.
A new study led by Christine B. Ambrosone found that breast cancer patients taking antioxidants during chemotherapy had a 41% increased risk of disease recurrence and a similar but weaker risk of death. Patients using vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements also showed poorer outcomes.
Researchers found that women with poorer quality of life, higher pain and endocrine symptoms, and negative beliefs about medication effectiveness are more likely to stop taking aromatase inhibitors. Patient-reported outcomes can act as biomarkers, predicting non-adherence and informing personalized treatment strategies.
A recent study found that a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy caused serious side effects in 32% of older patients enrolled on a leukemia trial. The findings highlight the need for caution when enrolling vulnerable populations in clinical trials.
A new clinical trial has found that patients with limited-stage, aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who have a clear PET scan can skip radiation therapy and still achieve excellent results. The study showed that 91% of patients who received no radiation were alive five years after treatment.
Researchers from the SWOG Cancer Research Network confirmed two biomarkers - DDIR signature and sTILs - can serve as prognostic markers for patients with triple negative breast cancer. These tests could guide cancer treatment personalized to individual patient biology.
A pilot study under the Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) found that most cancer patients lack a clear understanding of their genomic test results. The study revealed serious knowledge gaps about the potential uses of gene sequencing results, with only 86% correctly knowing their test results would select their treatment regimen.
Research studies by SWOG Cancer Research Network reveal that low-income cancer patients and those without insurance may not receive the same treatment benefits as their counterparts. Socioeconomic deprivation is found to be a significant factor in cancer outcomes, even after adjusting for race and insurance status.
SWOG researchers present numerous high-impact trials at ASCO, focusing on symptom control, survivorship, and quality of care. Studies explore the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence in breast cancer patients and investigate gender disparities in severe adverse events among chemotherapy recipients.
A comprehensive SWOG Cancer Research Network study has identified a host of targets for new or existing cancer drugs. The research, published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, found higher counts of cancer-fighting TILs in pre-treatment tissue samples of breast cancer patients who achieved complete response to chemotherapy.
A combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab has been shown to shrink tumors in patients with high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma by 42 percent, while all low-grade patients did not see a response.
Women with metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer live longer when receiving fulvestrant and anastrozole compared to treatment with anastrozole alone. The combination therapy shows promise as a life-extending first line of treatment, particularly for women who received lower doses of fulvestrant.
The Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) is expanding to include patients with all types of advanced stage non-small cell lung cancers. This will allow thousands of new patients to enroll in the trial and benefit from investigational drugs, addressing a significant need for new treatments.
Finasteride has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 25 percent, with no significant increase in mortality rates. The study's findings have eliminated concerns over initial reports of potential risks, and doctors are now recommending finasteride as a preventive strategy for prostate cancer.
A large study of cancer patients reveals a significant proportion are undiagnosed with acute and chronic hepatitis B and C. The findings suggest that universal screening for these viruses may be warranted to prevent life-threatening complications and improve treatment outcomes.
A new SWOG Cancer Research Network study found that cancer patients with comorbidities such as hypertension or asthma are less likely to participate in clinical trials. The study suggests that allowing patients with manageable comorbidities to join trials could increase treatment opportunities for thousands of patients.
Researchers at SWOG share findings from three studies on breast cancer subtypes, treatment response, and recurrence. The studies used existing trial data to identify subsets of patients and tumors with distinct characteristics, which can inform treatment decisions.
The SWOG Cancer Research Network and The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research provide grant support to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to enroll veterans in cancer clinical trials. This program aims to create a sustainable national network of sites offering new treatment options through clinical trials.
A new study finds that women receiving hormone-blocking injections during chemotherapy have a higher chance of becoming pregnant without negative side effects. The injections protect the ovaries from chemotherapy's effects, reducing the risk of early menopause and improving survival rates.
A recent SWOG study found that women diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a higher overall survival rate compared to men. The analysis revealed significant differences in survival rates among female and male patients, regardless of their smoking history or other factors.
A SWOG study shows that enrolled patients in cancer clinical trials exhibit similar survival rates, regardless of their rural or urban status. This suggests that uniform treatment strategies and access to quality care can help resolve cancer disparities between rural and urban populations.
Researchers from SWOG present findings on omega-3 fatty acid supplements reducing joint pain in obese breast cancer patients. The study also explores immune microenvironment changes before and after chemotherapy in breast cancer tissue.
A landmark study has delivered a final verdict on finasteride's impact on prostate cancer, finding it reduces risk without increasing mortality. Finasteride significantly lowers the risk of developing prostate cancer without causing an increased risk of dying from the disease.
A randomized clinical trial found that flushing the bladder with a chemotherapy drug immediately after surgery significantly reduces the chances of bladder cancer returning. The study, published in JAMA, showed a 34% reduction in the risk of recurrence for patients receiving the treatment.
A global clinical trial collaboration published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that stage III colon cancer patients can cut their chemotherapy treatments in half after surgery, reducing costs and side effects. For low-risk patients with shallow tumors and few affected lymph nodes, a three-month course is shown to be safe ...
A new study using Medicare claims data found that finasteride significantly reduces prostate cancer risk over a period of 16 years, with a 21% decrease in risk compared to those on a placebo. This long-term benefit is twice as long as previously recorded.
A clinical trial found that HRD-positive triple negative breast cancer patients respond well to standard AC chemotherapy, with better disease-free survival rates. The study used preserved tissue samples from nearly two decades ago and demonstrated the value of banking tissue for future research.
A large-scale study reveals acupuncture to be effective in alleviating joint pain experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy. The treatment resulted in significant pain relief for up to 24 weeks, providing a promising alternative to opioids and other medications.
The SWOG and Hope Foundation's VA Integration Support Program provides $25,000 grants to VA medical centers to enroll veterans in targeted treatments and immunotherapies. Since program launch, 95 patients have enrolled in clinical trials, a 300% increase prior to the program.