Dr. Brian Hill, MD, PhD, from the Cleveland Clinic presented a study conducted through the Alliance and US cooperative groups, including ECOG and SWOG, called the A041702 study. This randomized phase 3 trial focused on previously untreated CLL patients over the age of 70. The study aimed to determine whether the addition of Venetoclax to Ibrutinib and Obinutuzumab would improve progression-free survival through a response-adapted use of Venetoclax for one year of therapy. The study compared two treatment arms. In the standard arm, patients received Ibrutinib and Obinutuzumab for one year, with Ibrutinib continued afterward. In the experimental arm,…
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In this study, the researchers evaluated the use of standard of care (SOC) ciltacabtagene autoleucel in a patient population and compared it to the outcomes observed in the CARTITUDE-1 clinical trial. They found that a significant percentage of patients (57%) in the study population would have been ineligible for participation in the trial. The most common reasons for ineligibility were cytopenias, oligo or non-story disease, organ dysfunctions, poor ECOG performance status, prior BCMA exposure, and the presence of plasma cell leukemia. The overall response rate (ORR) in the study population treated with SOC cilta-cel was 89%, with a complete…
Dr. David Peereboom from Cleveland Clinic conducted a phase one clinical trial called CRUX to investigate the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib, an inhibitor of the JAK/STAT pathway, in treating high-grade glioma patients. The JAK/STAT pathway, when dysregulated, promotes the growth of various cancer cells, including gliomas. The trial enrolled 60 patients, predominantly male, with a median age of 60 years. Patients were stratified based on their MGMT promoter methylation status, a biomarker associated with treatment response. Patients with methylated MGMT promoters received radiation, temozolomide, and ruxolitinib, while those with unmethylated MGMT received radiation and ruxolitinib alone. The…
In this article, we dive deep into one of the potential advancement in the the evolving realm of medical science – the introduction of a drug called Triapine. Researchers have been relentlessly seeking solutions that can offer better treatment modalities and improved patient outcomes. This pursuit is particularly significant in the case of locally advanced cervical and vaginal cancers, where survival rates are still lower than desired. Currently, the standard treatment for these cancers is cisplatin-based chemoradiation (CRT). However, recent advances have sought to incorporate additional therapies to improve treatment outcomes. This drug was investigated in a clinical trial named…
Head and neck cancer, collectively termed Head and Neck Cancer (HNC), is a group of biologically similar cancers that start in the mouth, nose, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. Now, there is a new chance to defeat HNC: Enfortumab Vedotin. Globally, HNC is a significant health concern, accounting for an estimated 932,000 new cases and causing 467,000 deaths in 2020. A stark reality is the poor prognosis for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC, where the median survival rate is less than one year. Currently, the first line of treatment for HNC often includes platinum-based chemotherapy and immunotherapy with…
Dr. Jessica Geiger from Cleveland Clinic presented an abstract at ASCO 2023 highlighting the potential of Enfortumab vedotin as a novel therapeutic option for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with recurrent metastatic disease who have failed standard frontline treatments. This patient population faces a significant unmet need, as current treatments have limited efficacy. Enfortumab vedotin, an antibody drug conjugate, targets the Nectin-4 protein expressed in a majority of HNC patients and delivers intracellular chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells. The EV-202 study, a phase 2, single-arm, multi-cohort trial, enrolled heavily pretreated HNC patients who had exhausted standard treatment options…
Dr. Atulya Khosla discussed the “Saved by the Scan” public service advertising program initiated by the American Lung Association (ALA) and Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF). The program aimed to address low lung cancer screening rates among high-risk populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, with a focus on Hispanics in South Florida. To tackle this issue, the program utilized a multipronged approach, employing both traditional and digital communication modalities. Traditional methods included posters, billboards, and news channels, while newer channels such as social media and emails were also utilized. Approximately 130,000 emails were sent, with a 27% open rate…
Dr. Suneel Kamath from the Cleveland Clinic – Young onset colorectal cancer (yoCRC) has been increasing over the past few decades, and the reasons behind this rise are still not well understood. Dr. Suneel Kamath and his team conducted a study using metabolomics to gain insights into the underlying factors contributing to yoCRC. Metabolomics is a field that examines the breakdown products of the body’s metabolism, including genetic and environmental influences. The study involved patients from two biobanks at Cleveland Clinic. One biobank consisted of patients with early-stage colorectal cancer, while the other included patients with colorectal liver metastases.…
by Hope Rugo, MD – UCSF Dr. Hope S. Rugo is a highly respected oncologist and professor of medicine specializing in breast oncology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she serves as the Director of Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education. The phase 3 CAPItello-291 trial evaluated the combination of Capivasertib (C) and Fulvestrant (F) in patients with aromatase inhibitor (AI)-resistant HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC), focusing on the characterization and management of common adverse events (AEs). The trial demonstrated that adding C, a potent pan-AKT inhibitor, to F resulted in…
Locally advanced cervical cancer is a significant disease affecting young women, and the standard treatment options have not seen substantial improvements since 1999. The addition of cisplatin chemotherapy to radiation therapy became the standard of care, resulting in a 5-year survival rate of approximately 60% for patients with locally advanced disease. However, there is still a need for further advancements to enhance patient outcomes. Dr. Sudah Amarnath discusses, the NRG-GY006 clinical trial aimed to improve the outcomes for patients with locally advanced cervical or vaginal cancer by incorporating the ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, triapine, into the cisplatin-based chemoradiation (CRT) regimen.…
Advanced Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that forms in the lining of blood vessels and lymph vessels. Characterized by rapid growth and high potential for metastasis, this disease presents unique challenges to medical professionals and patients alike. As per the American Cancer Society, angiosarcoma accounts for only a small fraction of all sarcomas, yet its impact is significant. The journey of treating advanced angiosarcoma remains full of obstacles. One of this obstacles is the limited amount of treatment options, especially after taxane chemotherapy. Taxanes, a class of drugs commonly used in the treatment of many…
In this enlightening interview, esteemed Oncologist Gary Schwartz, MD discusses the promising development and potential of Cabozantinib plus Nivolumab as a therapeutic approach in advanced Angiosarcoma. Drawing from his extensive experience and recent clinical trials, Dr. Schwartz delves into the efficacy and safety profile of this potent combination. He shares insights on how this regimen has shown substantial improvements in response rates and progression-free survival, and its potential role in reshaping the treatment landscape for patients with advanced Angiosarcoma. The interview concludes with a discussion on future directions, emphasizing the importance of continued research to unlock the full potential of…
ASCO 2023 Press Briefing June 6, 2024 with Julie Gralow, MD ASCO Chief Medical Officer
Join us in an insightful interview with renowned oncologist Dr. Emrullah Yilmaz, MD, PhD, as he discusses the potential of BCA101, a promising therapeutic candidate for Squamous Cell Cancer treatment. Dr. Yilmaz, with his wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, breaks down the science behind BCA101, its ongoing clinical trials, and its future implications in the fight against cancer. If you’re seeking a deep understanding of the latest advancements in cancer treatment, this conversation is not to be missed. Dive into this intriguing discussion and discover the potential of BCA101 in revolutionizing oncology.
Squamous Cell Cancer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the squamous cells, which make up the majority of the skin’s upper layers (epidermis). This form of skin cancer is known to affect millions of people globally each year. Being the second most common type of skin cancer, it is a health condition that can’t be ignored. The visual appearance of squamous cell cancer varies, but it most often occurs as a rough, scaly, and flat patch that can bleed if bumped or injured. At times, it can also present as…
The results of the CRUX study, which focused on the safety and feasibility of the JAK stat inhibitor Ruxolitinib in newly diagnosed high-grade glioma patients, discussed by Dr. Manmeet Ahluwalia, were presented at ASCO 2023. High-grade gliomas, particularly those with unmethylated MGMT, have poor outcomes despite advancements in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The effectiveness of Temozolomide, an oral chemotherapy, is limited in these patients, providing only a 21-day advantage in glioblastoma cases. Moreover, combining new therapies with Temozolomide often leads to increased toxicity. The CRUX trial took a two-pronged approach. In the first arm, Ruxolitinib was combined with radiation…
Dr. Javier Cortes discussed the PHERGain clinical study is a phase 2 trial focused on the potential deescalation of chemotherapy in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. The trial utilizes a novel design that adapts the treatment approach based on early metabolic response and subsequent pathological response. This strategy aims to minimize the use of chemotherapy while maintaining effective outcomes. Trastuzumab, a targeted therapy, is known to bind to the HER2 protein. Pertuzumab, another targeted therapy, has shown promise in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. It has been approved for use in metastatic and early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. When…
At the (ASCO) 2023 conference, Dr. Manmeet Singh Ahluwalla discussed, researchers presented the final trial report on a phase 1 study called EQUILIBRIUM. The study investigated the combination of a BTK inhibitor called Ibrutinib, along with Temozolomide and radiation therapy, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma tumors. Glioblastoma is a type of brain tumor that has historically had poor prognosis, with patients typically surviving only 14 to 16 months on average, despite advancements in surgery, radiation, and medical therapy. The use of Temozolomide has shown limited benefits in patients with an unmethylated MGMT phenotype, which led to a shift…
HPV Advances: Jill Meyer-Lippert, Dr. Jared Weiss, and Dr. Mary Cooley give an in-depth examination of HPV+ head and neck cancer, including vaccination, treatment options, and managing side effects.In this video, Dr. Jared Weiss discusses how incurable head and neck cancer is generally found, and recent data on life expectancy.Thank you to our sponsors: Merck and Genentech.For more, please visit http://cancerGRACE.org/. To join the conversation, visit https://cancergrace.org/forum. Music Name: Adventure (Bensound.com)Music License Code: LOW8T565IZ6YTXSH
Brain metastases, or secondary brain tumors, occur when cancer cells spread from their original site to the brain. This devastating complication affects around 10-30% of adults with cancer, making it a significant concern in cancer management. One of the greatest challenges in dealing with brain metastases is distinguishing between radiation necrosis and tumor progression post-radiation therapy, a scenario that has been a conundrum for physicians worldwide. Traditional diagnostic methods, including MRI, have limitations when it comes to identifying recurrent brain metastases. The breakthrough we’ve been hoping for may be on the horizon. Thanks to a recent study known as PURSUE.…
Decoding Recurrent Brain Metastases: The Power of 18F-Fluciclovine PET This discusses the challenges in detecting recurrent brain metastases and the potential of 18F-Fluciclovine PET as a diagnostic tool. Brain metastases occur when cancer cells spread from their original site to the brain and effect around 10-30% of adults with cancer. Distinguishing between radiation necrosis and tumor progression post-radiation therapy is a significant challenge for physicians. Traditional methods like MRI have limitations in identifying recurrent brain metastases due to similarities in appearance between radiation necrosis and tumors. The PURSUE study explores the use of 18F-Fluciclovine PET, a novel…
The medical field is abuzz with the exciting announcement of Novartis reporting positive topline results for the NATALEE trial (Phase 3). This pivotal study evaluates the CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib marketed as Kisqali in treating early breast cancer, heralding a new era in the field. The primary end point of the study, invasive disease-free survival, was successfully met, indicating a significant step forward in breast cancer treatment. The full results from this study will soon be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting and submitted to regulatory bodies, including the FDA. This innovative trial, named NATALEE, enrolled patients with stage II and…
iFrame is not supported! Lung Cancer: My Top 5 Abstracts to See in Lung Cancer at ASCO 2023 Jack West MD By Jack West, MD, associate professor in medical oncology, focused on thoracic oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center Hello, I’m Dr. Jack West, and I’m an associate professor in medical oncology, focused on thoracic oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Los Angeles area, where I also work as a clinical lead for a program called Access Hope that delivers remote case reviews, education and support for patients with cancer who are…
Lung Cancer: My Top 5 Abstracts to See in Lung Cancer at ASCO 2023 By Jack West, MD, associate professor in medical oncology, focused on thoracic oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center Dr. Jack West, an associate professor in medical oncology specializing in thoracic oncology at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, discussed his top five abstracts from the lung cancer sessions at ASCO 2023. The first abstract he highlighted was a late-breaking abstract (LBA3) presented by Dr. Roy Herbst on the overall survival benefit of the ADAURA trial. ADAURA tested adjuvant Osimertinib versus placebo in…
Bladder Cancer Test: Does GALEAS Bladder aid in the early detection of bladder cancers? Prof. Bryan Dr. Ward Professor Richard Bryan and Doug Ward, PhD, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham GALEAS Bladder is a DNA based diagnostic urine test for bladder cancer, and it relies upon the targeted deep sequencing of mutations in the most commonly mutated genes in bladder cancer, 23 genes, and in total, within those genes, the test is seeking to identify up to 451 single nucleotide variants. A positive test is signified by any one (or more) of those single nucleotide…
Bladder cancer test called “GALEAS Bladder” is a DNA-based diagnostic urine test designed to aid in the early detection of bladder cancer. Developed by Professor Richard Bryan and Dr. Doug Ward from the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham, the test targets the most commonly mutated genes in bladder cancer, analyzing 23 genes and identifying 400 to 451 single nucleotide variants. Compared to the current method of detecting bladder cancer, which involves outpatient flexible cystoscopy, the GALEAS Bladder test has shown similar or slightly better accuracy. Flexible cystoscopy has a sensitivity and specificity of…
iFrame is not supported! Pembrolizumab combined with CG0070. How can this help patients with NMIBC? Roger Li Roger Li, MD – Genitourinary Oncologist – Moffitt Cancer Center It’s my pleasure to talk to you today about the updated results from the CORE1 trial combining Cretostimogene Grenadorepvec and Pembrolizumab, and the BCG unresponsive CIS containing MIBC setting. As everyone knows, there has been a lack of efficacious bladder sparing, for this disease space with only Pembrolizumab monotherapy, and Nadofaragene Firadenovec-vncg (Adstiladrin) approved in the setting. So we set out to test whether or not the combination of crease imaging, which…
The Roger Li, MD discussed the updated results from the CORE1 trial, which explored the combination of Cretostimogene Grenadorepvec (CG0070), an oncolytic adenovirus, and Pembrolizumab in patients with BCG unresponsive carcinoma in situ (CIS) containing muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The study enrolled patients who had previously received an adequate amount of BCG treatment and had recurrent CIS-containing tumors. The standard treatment for such patients is radical cystectomy, but those who refused or were ineligible for the procedure were included. Exclusion criteria involved autoimmune disease, steroid use, and small bladder capacities. The treatment regimen consisted of intravesical CG0070 induction therapy administered…
iFrame is not supported! Molecule RRx-001 Receives Fast Track Designation From the FDA – EpicentRx By Tony Reid, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, EpicentRx and Bryan Oronsky, MD, PhD, Chief Development Officer, EpicentRx Thank you so much. It’s great to be able to get together with you again and share our recent data. This is actually very critical for us as a company. In late March, the FDA granted us fast track designation for our lead molecule RRx-001. This molecule is very interesting. It’s basically a designer molecule with direct anti-inflammatory activity. It inhibits NLRP3 and also has the interesting…
Molecule, RRx-001, has received fast track designation from the FDA. RRx-001 is a designer molecule with direct anti-inflammatory activity and is known to inhibit NLRP3, upgrade NRF2, and release nitric oxide, which has vascular dilating and anti-inflammatory properties. The FDA granted fast track designation based on the PREVLAR study, which showed a substantial reduction in oral mucositis, a severe side effect of chemotherapy and radiation, in head and neck cancer patients. RRx-001 is unique in its ability to inhibit the inflammatory process through its direct and selective inhibition of NLRP3. This sets it apart from other therapies on the…
Head and Neck Cancer: Discussion on Endocrine Oncology Research Innovations – Moffitt Moffitt Cancer CenterHost: Caitlin McMullen, MD, Member, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine OncologyPanelists:Kedar Kirtane, MDAssistant Member, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology Sarimar Agosto Salgado, MDAssistant Member, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology Barb Wampler, RNPatient Navigator Welcome, everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to be here this evening. I’m Dr. Kayla McMullen, a head and neck surgeon and member of the Department of Head and Neck Endocrine Oncology here at Moffitt. I’m excited to introduce my colleagues to you in just a moment.…
Ovarian Cancer Treatment: What to Watch for In New and Novel Trials Shannon Westin MD By Shannon Westin, MD, MPH from MD Anderson Cancer Center I’m so excited to be here. I love these virtual meetings, but I miss seeing all of you in person. I hope to be, uh, actually at the actual meeting next time. But without further ado, I’m really excited to review quite a bit of data with you today. I think that we’ve got lots of information and lots of exciting things. It’s really going to dovetail nicely with Dr. Cabelli’s talk. So, without delaying…
Breast Cancer Treatment: How is Biology’s Integration into the Clinic Transforming Healthcare? Hope Rugo By Hope Rugo, MD, FASCO, Professor, Medicine at Professor, Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology); Director, Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education; and Medical Director of Cancer Infusion Services, UCSF Good afternoon. Welcome to UCSF Department of Medicine Grand Rounds. I’m Bob Walker, Chair of the Department of Medicine at UCSF. I’m really thrilled today to introduce our speaker and topic. The topic is “New Directions in the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Bringing Biology to the Clinic and Back.” The speaker is Hope Rugo, who is a Professor…
iFrame is not supported! Spatial Biology: Lunaphore’s COMET Portfolio Becomes the First Complete and Inclusive Solution Déborah Heintze By Déborah Heintze, MSBME, Co-Founder & CMO at Lunaphore We have our COMET instruments available on the market for a year. These are fully automated, high-performing instruments. To further enhance our portfolio, we have introduced reagents and software solutions. Our goal is to provide our customers with a one-stop-shop solution. Our aim is to ensure that everyone can have the best experience in spatial biology. We are striving to make the experience as easy as possible. To achieve this, we have introduced…
Lunaphore, COMET™ portfolio, spatial biology, end-to-end solution, universal solution, breakthrough technology, researchers, clinicians
A new CAR T-cell therapy strategy has shown significant effectiveness against small cell lung cancer, according to a preclinical study conducted by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Read more about the potential breakthrough in small cell lung cancer treatment here. CAR T-cell therapy, small cell lung cancer, preclinical study, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, breakthrough, treatment, effectiveness
iFrame is not supported! CAR T-Cell Therapy: Promising Results Against Small Cell Lung Cancer Renier Brentjens MD By Reiner Brentjens, MD, PhD from Roswell Comprehensive Cancer Center The basic platform on which we have been working for over two decades involves taking a patient’s own immune cells, T-cells, and genetically engineering them in the laboratory to express what we termed 15 years ago a CAR T-cell or chimeric antigen receptor. A modified T-cell and a CAR are like Frankenstein-like molecules made up of a binding domain usually derived from a monoclonal antibody and the signaling domain of a T-cell receptor.…
iFrame is not supported! Breyanzi: CAR T-cell Therapy Gets Positive CHMP Opinion for R/R Large B-Cell Lymphoma Manali Kamdar MD By Manali Kamdar, MD from University of Colorado In March of this year, Bristol Myers Squibb announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had approved the use of Breyanzi, also known as Lisocabtagene Maraleucel, for the treatment of adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma grade 3B who had relapsed within 12 months of completing or were refractory to…
Manali Kamdar, MD from University of Colorado Bristol Myers Squibb has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s CHMP for their CAR T cell therapy, Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel), as a treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma who have undergone one prior therapy. Breyanzi, CAR T-cell therapy, positive CHMP opinion, R/R large B-cell lymphoma, Manali Kamdar, MD, University of Colorado, European Medicines Agency, chimeric antigen receptors, CD19 cells, TRANSFORM study, autotransplant, salvage chemotherapy, event-free survival, progression-free survival, overall response rate, complete response rate
Ethnic Minorities: Empowering to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Through Community Outreach Kimlin Ashing PhD By Kimlin Tam Ashing, PhDProfessor, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope Community outreach and engagement are truly at the heart of the work we do because we know that cancer disparities exist and persist. One way to address this issue is by engaging with community leaders, who are trusted informants and gatekeepers in the community and can help address the burden of cancer and its disparities. What were the main objectives of your research, and how did you go about achieving them? One of…
Cell Death: Drug Combo Restores Signaling Ability of Leading Treatment for Blood Cancer Christina Glytsou PhD By Christina Glytsou, PhDAssistant Professor at Rutgers University In this study, we focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal blood cells. AML is the most common form of leukemia in adults and is responsible for over 11,000 deaths per year in the United States. Treating AML is challenging, as fewer than one-third of those affected live longer than five years after diagnosis. For decades, treatment options for this disease have…
Gamma Delta: Two Phase 1 INDs Approved Announces Jeff Liter CEO Luminary Therapeutics By Jeff Liter, MBS, CEO of Luminary Therapeutics We currently have two Phase 1 INDs approved: one for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the other for multiple myeloma. The CAR we’re using for these therapies is very unique and novel, as we are using a ligand-based CAR instead of a single-chain CAR. Our CAR is called a BAFF CAR, which has three different antigen receptors (T-cell receptors). We designed this CAR construct to overcome the primary reason for relapse in many blood tumors, which is antigen escape. In fact,…
SOX9: Can this protein enable a molecular reversal that could lead to colorectal cancer? Nilay Sethi MD By Nilay Sethi, MD, PhD Assistant Professor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute SOX9 (gene) is a developmental transcription factor that is usually active in the stem cell compartment of colon tissue. However, when cancer initiates with the loss of APC (the most common first mutation in colon cancer), levels and expression of SOX9 increase. This is what cancer prefers, and we have elucidated the reasons for this in our recent study. How does the SOX9 protein enable molecular time travel, and what does…
CAR T-cell: Advances in Adoptive Therapies for Targeting Heterogeneity in mCRPC Lupita Lopez By Lupita Lopez, BS Ph.D. candidate at the City of Hope Campus There are two distinct subtypes of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (MCRPC): prostate adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine prostate cancer. At City of Hope, under the leadership of Dr. Priceman, we are studying the targeting of PSCA with a PSCA CAR, which would target prostate adenocarcinoma. My focus is on combining this approach with targeting CEA in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The literature suggests that up to 20% of MCRPC can be NEPC in nature, but we have observed…