Author: Editor

Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, shares his opinion on continued pemetrexed maintenance.

Joan Schiller, MD, shares her opinion on continuing pemetrexed maintenance after successful treatment with carboplatin, pemetrexed & pembrolizumab

Robert A. Figlin, MD, talks about the best actions to take if newly diagnosed advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients receive nivolumab & ipilimumab but continues to progress.

Al Benson III, MD, FACP, explains the role of I-O and immunotherapy when treating colorectal cancer.

Bobby Green, MD, explains Flatirons clinico-genomic database and how it may be used to direct treatments.

Joan Schiller, MD, shares Keynote 189 and whether the data impacts her view of PDL-1 expression and patient selection at the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Roy S. Herbst, MD, PhD, talks about Exciting developments from the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Bobby Green, MD, shares what people will most likely be talking about from the 2018 Annual Meeting.

Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, talks about whether Keynote 189 in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has impacted his view of PDL-1 expression and patient selection

Celestia S. Higano, MD, shares how MRIs improved the diagnosis for prostate cancers.

Robert A. Figlin, MD, talks about how checkpoint inhibitors factor into 1st line RCC patient treatments.

Al Benson III, MD, FACP, Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University, shares the outcomes of the ECOG-ACRIN study in advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Edgardo S. Santos, MD, FACP, shares exciting developments coming out of the 2018 Annual Meeting

Celestia S. Higano, MD, talks about imaging as a cost-effective solution for diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Robert A. Figlin, MD, talks about Deciding which metastatic RCC patients should get a TKI as 1st line therapy.

Dr. Benson, Professor of Medicine, Northwestern University, shares which molecular markers are most important when treating colorectal cancer patients.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is known to have a dysregulatory effect on the immune system; however, preclinical trials have shown that NK-cells are able to kill MM cells. In this video, Nina Shah, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco, CA, describes her 10-year-long project investigating how NK-cell immunotherapy can be used to treat patients with MM. This research has resulted in Phase I and II trials (NCT01729091) of a umbilical cord blood (CB)?derived NK-cell therapy for MM patients undergoing high dose chemotherapy and auto?HSCT, with promising results thus far. This video was recorded at the American Society of Oncology…

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is the only curative option for many patients with hematological malignancies. It is therefore crucial that allo-SCT is utilized appropriately to optimize efficacy and limit toxicity. Here, Thomas Luft, MD, PhD, from Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany, identifies the key contributor in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), the most significant complication present in patients who have undergone allo-SCT. Speaking from the 2018 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, Dr Luft discusses the endothelial cell marker angiopoietin-2 and the single nucleotide polymorphisms in the thrombomodulin gene, which may be used to identify…

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks Setting Specificity and Sensitivity for Tests | Involves recruiting up to 500 At-Risk Control Patients for DDW 2018

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks Sensitivity for BCLC for Stage A was 93%| Detect Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lesions in Future for DDW 2018.

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks about Fairly Consistent Distribution of Liver Diseases | No Association with Specific Diseases & Marker Levels for DDW 2018.

Dr. John Kisiel, MD, Mayo Clinic, talks about Develop Novel, Non-Invasive Biomarkers | Clinical Validation Study in Hepatocellular Carcinoma for DDW 2018.

A picture can say a thousand words and, in this case, it is all too true; understanding tumour metabolism, bone marrow involvement and disease progression can all be captured through imaging techniques. At the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy, Elena Zamagni, MD, PhD, from the University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy, talks about the role of PET-CT and MRI in analyzing measurable residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM). Dr Zamagni notes the questions raised on the standardization and incorporation of MRD measurement within clinical trials, and how these will be improved with further research and…

Although the rates of progression-free survival are steadily increasing, the majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients still face relapse. Here, Neil van de Donk, MD, PhD, of VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, considers approaches for improving the cure rate of MM; from introducing earlier more active agents, to achieving measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity. He also highlights promising therapies for future testing. This interview took place at the 1st European Myeloma Network (EMN) Meeting, held in Turin, Italy.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) give a greater insight into the lives of patients and their perspectives on the treatment received. Here, Suwicha Limvorasak, PharmD, BCOP, from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, explains how older PRO measures, such as questionnaires that are currently being used in clinical trials, are difficult to implement in regular clinical practice. Dr Limvorasak also suggests faster and more accessible methods that may be used as a quality indicator of patient care, satisfaction and safety. This interview was recorded at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO.

The androgen synthesis inhibitor abiraterone increases the survival of men with metastatic prostate cancer; however, existing clinical trials consistently over-represent Caucasian men. Here, Andrew Armstrong, MD, of Duke University, Durham, NC, presents the findings of his recent study, which aimed to include equal numbers of African American and Caucasian men to compare responses to abiraterone. He explains how African American men responded better to the treatment, showing an improved PSA response compared to the Caucasian men; and also mentions his goals for future genotyping studies, which would illuminate the reasons behind these differences. In addition, Dr Armstrong discusses why African…

Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, from the University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain, discusses clinical trials that are currently investigating the effects of single-dose drugs and combination therapy for the management of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The OPTIMISMM trial (NCT01734928) is a Phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide, bortezomib and low-dose dexamethasone vs. bortezomib and low-dose dexamethasone; and the KEYNOTE-183 (NCT02576977) trial is investigating the effects of pembrolizumab in combination with pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone in patients that have already undergone at least two lines of prior treatment. This interview was recorded at the American Society of…

After promising results form the CHAMPION 1 study (NCT01677858), which increased median progression-free survival to >1 year for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients with a once-weekly therapy of carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd), the ARROW trial (NCT02412878) was set up to investigate whether Kd treatment was more effective with a once- or twice-weekly dose. Results from the trial were presented at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting ,held in Chicago, IL, with patient outcomes far improved for those receiving once-weekly therapy as opposed to twice. In this interview, Maria-Victoria Mateos, MD, PhD, from the University Hospital of Salamanca,…

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment regimens are long and debilitating, which is especially hard on young adults who are already going through a transitional phase of their lives; this makes providing a support system even more crucial. Here, Wendy Stock, MD, from the University of Chicago Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, emphasizes the need to establish support networks for these patients. Dr Stock’s own clinic provides multidisciplinary, comprehensive care, thus reducing the need for patient trips to different locations. She highlights how this community has improved treatment compliance, even in adult patients, a topic that is far too often overlooked. This…

With the remarkable success of the US Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CNT), founded by Mary Horowitz, in running successful prospective transplantation clinical trials, it is only expected that the UK would want to emulate this success. Heres, Charles Craddock, CBE, FRCP (UK), FRCPath, DPhil, of the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, passionately talks about how the UK have set up such a system: IMPACT. This plaform will, over the next 4 years, drive 12 randomized clinical trials in the field of transplantation over a wide range of metropolitan areas. Prof. Craddock states how this is an exciting…

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is a significant prognostic factor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and as such it is important to establish standardized protocols to effectively detect and monitor MRD. At the 2018 European School of Haematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukaemias, held in Budapest, Hungary, Wendy Stock, MD, of the University of Chicago Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, discusses the importance of MRD and highlights the impact of standardized techniques on accurate testing. Dr Stock draws attention to next-generation methodologies being the next step, if standard regulations can be drafted across the board.

In this interview, Mark Levis, MD, PhD, of Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Baltimore, MD, discusses the importantance of involving the patient in the treatment decision-making process. Dr Levis emphasizes the need to not only educate physicians on the newest treatment options, but also the patient, in order to make informed disease management decisions together. It is also important to remember that when choosing the risker treatment options, physicians may question themselves and can also need support too. This interview was recorded at the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary.

The prognosis for relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients is poor, with low overall survival rates; however, novel therapies are showing promising results. Here, Wendy Stock, MD, of the University of Chicago Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, discusses the use of inotuzumab ozogamicin, a humanized anti-CD22 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in Phase III trials in both the R/R (NCT01564784) and frontline (NCT03150693) settings. Dr Stock also discusses the results of a trial testing this agent in the frontline setting in elderly patients, as well as a planned trial investigating a chemo-free ADC and BiTE approach. This video was recorded at the…

Speaking at the 2018 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, Paul Richardson, MD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, talks about the pooled analysis of the efficacy of defibrotide in adults with veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Defibrotide has shown striking efficacy in pediatric patients with VOD, while showing a consistent safety profile; therefore, the treatment may be introduced at an earlier stage as a preventative measure in pediatric patients and in part for adults. Dr Richardson also touches upon the research concerning thrombotic microangiopathy, and other studies being planned to reduce graft-versus-host disease…

CAR T-cell therapy has proven to be a highly effective, breakthrough therapy for treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Here, Nikhil Munshi, MD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, discusses the results of the first-in-human CRB-401 study (NCT02658929) investigating the use of bb2121 anti-BCMA CAR T-cells in refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Speaking at the 2018 European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Annual Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, Dr Munshi remarks that while CAR T-cell therapy may be expensive, the cost of current treatments for refractory MM is not insignificant. However, given that the efficacy has shown…

Autologous stem cell transplantation can prove to be safer in some instances compared with allogeneic transplantation for treating hematological malignancies, as the risk of graft-versus-host disease is eliminated. In this video, Paul Richardson, MD, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, highlights the importance of administering lenalidomide, bortezomib and dexamethasone (RVd), to maximize efficacy and limit toxicity. Dr Richardson discusses studies of daratumumab and milatuzumab in combination with RVd, and how high-dose melphalan, which exposes patients to high levels of alkylation, may not be the ideal treatment option for hematological malignancies, particularly with the introduction of CAR T-cell therapy. While…

Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK, Bart Biemond, MD, PhD, from the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, discusses new therapeutic approaches in sickle cell disease that are targeting red blood cell adhesion and oxygen affinity, both of which drive most of the organ failure seen in latter stages of the disease. Examples of these drugs include rivipansel, crizanlizumab and modified heparin agents that are currently in Phase II or III trials

The CLARITY study (ISCRTN13751862) is the first clinical trial looking at the combination of venetoclax and ibrutinib for treating relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, discusses the promising results, including a response to treatment in all patients, with a significant proportion showing no detectable minimal residual disease (MRD) after 6 months of combination therapy. Prof. Hillmen touches on the steps going forward, such as investigating the combination in Phase III studies and eventually the aim of earlier use in the treatment…

While the treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) has been exciting with many breakthrough therapies, there are still key areas for improvement. Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK stresses the importance of moving novel therapies rapidly into Phase III trials if they have shown promising results. Prof. Hillmen also talks about banking samples and translational research to improve understanding and refine treatment.

The UK is in a leading position internationally for use of minimal residual disease (MRD) measurements in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this interview, Richard Dillon, MBBS, from King’s College London, UK, discusses the importance of using MRD in these patients and how its use in the UK has advanced. Dr Dillion discusses the Phase III MyeChild01 (NCT02724163) and AML19 (ISRCTN78449203) trials for children and younger adults with AML. These studies are effectively utilizing MRD measurement as a key marker to choose which patients undergo transplantation. The studies are also collecting additional data, on factors such as quality of life,…

In this interview, Bart Biemond, MD, PhD, from the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands, provides an insight is provided into current and prospective therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD). Combining different treatment modalities is the current goal to tackle SCD; however, as improvements are being seen, with survival rates increasing in all patient populations, there is a corresponding increase in complications and side effects, and despite these improvements there have not been any new drug approvals in the last 20 years. Dr Biemond emphasizes his hope for the future of SCD treatment. This video was recorded at the British Society…

It is important that current techniques for the monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are validated to ensure sensitivity and accuracy. Here, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, talks about the two MRD measurements of note; flow cytometry and high-throughput sequencing. While the use of flow cytometry is easier with current clinical structures, high-throughput sequencing could offer improved sensitivity soon, though it could be the case that both methods would be utilized going forward. Prof. Hillmen was speaking from the British Society…

Richard Dillon, MBBS, from King’s College London, UK, discusses the current landscape for minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The evolution of MRD-guided therapies is timely, with MRD moving to being clinically relevant. Dr Dillion mentions multiple studies conclusively proving that MRD is one of the most, if not the most, relevant prognostic factor in AML. In the last few years, MRD measurement has been incorporated into treatment protocols, enabling physicians to choose the best treatment for each individual patient. This interview was recorded at the British Society for Hematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in…

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is the small number of leukemic cells that remain after treatment and there are no signs of cancer. However, it is a major cause of relapse, and as such, MRD eradication is now a crucial focus in hematological cancer therapy. In this video, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, talks about the strength of MRD negativity as a predictive marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Prof. Hillmen outlines the…

Willem Ouwehand, MD, PhD, of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK updates us on developments in clinical hematology at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, Liverpool, UK. He notes the influx of new compounds and interventions coming into the field, and notes the importance of keeping the cost of these treatments reasonable. He briefly discusses developments in the genome editing of stem cells, and holds promise that this may even be curative for certain rare disorders of blood; for instance, sickle cell disease.

The Checkmate 205 study (NCT02181738) is looking at nivolumab in previously treated and newly diagnosed patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Here, Graham Collins, MA, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, DPhil, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, summarizes the key points from the study. From the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Dr Collins impresses that although there is uncertainty over the PD1 inhibitors mechanism of response, the treatment is safe and effective, and the fact that it is different to how other chemotherapy drugs are used is important.

Difficult multidisciplinary team decisions occur within follicular lymphoma (FL) due to the heterogeneity that exists within the disease. In this video, Wendy Osborne, MBBS (Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK, overviews some of the challenges we face within FL. Importantly, around a fifth of patients are asymptomatic and we should avoid overtreating them. For these patients, single agent rituximab may be beneficial, but it is important to evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis. She also considers different frontline options, and whether maintenance therapy is the correct choice to make; although there is…

Acquired von Willebrand disease is a rare condition that has been reported in post-autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) patients, though never in post-allogeneic BMT. Here, HaemSTAR Co-lead Pip Nicolson, MA, MB BChir (Cantab), MRCP (UK), from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, describes the first ever reported case of acquired von Willebrand disease in a patient who underwent an allogeneic BMT. Speaking at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Dr Nicolson goes on to explain how this case study helped identify a possible link between acquired von Willebrand disease and an onset of graft-versus-host…

There have been many promising therapies for lymphoma recently, with several interesting clinical trials in progress or upcoming. In this video, Graham Collins, MA, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, DPhil, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, talks about the particularly interesting POLARIX study (NCT03274492), which is looking at polatuzumab vedotin combined with R-CHP versus R-CHOP in patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In another area, CAR T-cell therapy has been effective in treating multiple cancer types and Dr Collins outlines a trial comparing an autograft approach with a CAR T-cell approach for relapsed/refractory DLBCL, which could…

Willem Ouwehand, MD, PhD, of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, discusses non-malignant hematology, particularly rare inherited disorders of hematopoietic stem cells and of the coagulation. He notes the culture of data sharing that has been predominant over the last few years, not just within the UK, but internationally, between consultant hematologists. Subsequently, this joint effort has facilitated molecular diagnoses for thousands of patients. Moreover, he applauds the efforts of the 100,000 Genomes Project, in so far as integrating genomics to the bedside. This video was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in…

Wendy Osborne, MBBS (Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK, gives an overview of the talks given regarding recent updates in lymphoma research at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK. She discusses opportunities to improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma; assessing opportunities to analyze tumor biology through pathways and biomarkers to identify drugs and targets. Moreover, she discusses the difficulties we face with regards to the time frames of designing pharmaceutical trials, as well as logistical difficulties in introducing new drugs and agents into our treatment…

HaemSTAR is a network of clinical hematology registrars within the UK that aims to promote clinical research in non-malignant hematology. The disparity in the number of research studies, treatment options and amount of research funding for non-malignant hematology compared with malignant hematology requires addressing. Here, HaemSTAR Co-lead Pip Nicolson, MA, MB BChir (Cantab), MRCP (UK), from the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK, explains the different ways in which HaemSTAR aims to promote clinical research for non-malignant hematology. Dr Nicolson emphasizes the importance of increasing the involvement of registrars in clinical trials to increase overall research activity. This video was recorded…

While there has been a range of new therapeutic options emerging for lymphoma, this introduces the challenge of assessing them quickly yet thoroughly. However, a consequence of rapid development is the neglection of rigorous investigations like randomized controlled trials. Here, Graham Collins, MA, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, DPhil, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, describes the key ways to accelerate patient outcomes, including the use of a strong biological basis for therapies and involving statisticians when designing clinical studies. Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Dr Collins discusses the option…

A large proportion of gynecological tumors are classed as rare tumors because of their variable morphologies and pathologies. We interviewed Marcia Hall, MBBS, PhD, FRCP, of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Hertfordshire, UK, about these rare tumors at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. She describes her ongoing project, RANGO, which aims to set up an anonymous database detailing different rare gynecological tumors and the way that they were treated, as well as a tissue bank that will enable future researchers to access a wide variety of rare tumor types.

Dr. Jack West summarizes findings of a retrospective analysis from Dr. Arbour of MSKCC, evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC on daily steroids while receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor against PD-1 or PD-L1.

In this Virtual Patient Case, renown clinical expert Dr. Martyn Caplin utilizes a follow-up clinical scenario to elucidate the latest advances and insights from pivotal clinical trials on carcinoid syndrome. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=carcinoid © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

In this Virtual Patient Case, renown clinical expert Dr. Martyn Caplin utilizes a clinical scenario to elucidate the latest advances and insights from pivotal clinical trials on carcinoid syndrome. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=carcinoid © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

Aplastic anemia (AA) results in T-cells attacking bone marrow stem cells, causing loss of all blood cell types. Generally, this condition is treated with a stem cell transplant in combination with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporin. However, these treatments are not readily available in the developing world, as Kenneth Charles, MBBS, FRCP, FRCPath(Haem), from the University of the West Indies (St Augustine), Mount Hope, Trinidad & Tobago, explains at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK. Dr Charles discusses an AA treatment strategy his team applied in Trinidad & Tobago, using the anti-T-cell therapy alone,…

In this whiteboard video, Dr. John N. Allan of Weill Cornell Medicine discusses the mechanisms of action of anti-apoptotic BCL2 inhibitors. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=cll © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

In this whiteboard video, Dr. John N. Allan of Weill Cornell Medicine discusses the mechanisms of action of anti-CD20 agents. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=cll © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

In this whiteboard video, Dr. John N. Allan of Weill Cornell Medicine discusses the mechanisms of action of BRC signaling inhibitors. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=cll © 2018 Imedex, LLC.

Collaboration for Oncology Data in Europe (CODE) is an alliance that brings together patient associations, charities and treatment centers in Europe. The main aim of CODE is to help build a pan-European oncology data network to facilitate data sharing. Here, Ashley Woolmore, Initiative Lead for CODE, stresses the need to understand clinical practice in real time, and highlights how CODE have ensured data sharing complies with privacy regulations to protect patients. This video was recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK.

Dr. Jack West reviews the remarkable results of the NEJ009 trial that tested the combination of carboplatin/pemetrexed with gefitinib as initial therapy compared to gefitinib followed by chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.

Stephen Robinson, MBBS, MRCP, MRCPath, PhD, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, describes his role in a debate at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, Liverpool, UK, discussing whether CAR T-cells would become the standard of care for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in 5 years time. Dr Robinson notes that although CAR T-cells are one of the most exciting and progressive technologies of our generation, limitations still exist. He notes how prior to these therapies being readily implemented into clinical practice, it is important that we regularly follow-up patients to sufficiently evaluate…

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare genetic disorder which is seldom diagnosed because of its rarity, although diagnoses can be achieved easily with enzyme or bone marrow testing, as well as genetic tests. Genetic testing of GD has shown surprising links to other diseases, including Parkinsons disease and multiple myeloma, as Derralyn Hughes, MA, DPhil, FRCP, FRCPath, of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, explains here. This link has opened doors for new research to explore whether glucosylceramide, the substance which builds up in the organs in GD, can be manipulated to alleviate Parkinsons symptoms. This video…

Stephen Robinson, MBBS, MRCP, MRCPath, PhD, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, speaks to us about one of the most exciting developments in hematological oncology: CAR T-cells. This therapy, which allows the patient’s own immune system to target and attack tumors has been shown to be particularly effective in patients with aggressive, refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Dr Robinson notes that the field is still very much in infancy, and longer term follow up and clinical studies are essential to evaluate the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy. This video…

Diversity in blood donors is crucial; there is a deficit in ethnic minority donors, which has a severe impact on the treatment of people with conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Here, Kenneth Charles, MBBS, FRCP, FRCPath(Haem), from the University of the West Indies (St Augustine), Mount Hope, Trinidad & Tobago, discusses possible reasons for this trend, and highlights the importance of engaging young people from minority groups in the culture of blood donation. This interview was conducted at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting, in Liverpool, UK.

Autologous transplant is unsuccessful in ~50% of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients. Here, Stephen Robinson, MBBS, MRCP, MRCPath, PhD, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, describes how we can utilize agents in the management of HL when patients have failed previous autologous transplant, prior to allogenic transplant. He describes an array of novel agents we have available to such instances, such as brentuximab vedotin, nivolumab and pembrolizumab. This video was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK.

Speaking from the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, Nina Shah, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco, CA, details her recent Phase II study (NCT01729091), which explored the efficacy of NK-cells combined with standard chemotherapy and auto?HSCT for the treatment of high-risk multiple myeloma (MM). The results are promising, with 61% of patients testing negative for measurable residual disease (MRD) 100 days after treatment. Dr Shah also looks to the future of NK-cell therapies for MM, suggesting how the NK-cells could be manipulated to be more effective in this context.

Marianne Nicolson, MD, FRCP, BSc, MBChB, of NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK, gives an overview of a session discussing lung cancer that she chaired at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. Prof. Nicolson gives a summary of the updates from the session, referencing a number of speakers, including Mariam Jamal-Hanjani, who spoke about her recent studies exploring the molecular profiling of non-small cell lung cancer, Dennis Talbot, who explored the prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors of lung cancer primary types, and Alan Kirk, who discussed progress in surgery for both small and non-small cell lung cancers.

The integration of scientific research into clinical practice is one of the many challenges healthcare professionals face. Here, Mariam Jamal-Hanj, BSc, MBBS, PhD, of University College London, London, UK, discusses the implementation of longitudinal studies, such as TRACERx (NCT01888601) and PEACE (NCT03004755), into the real world in the context of the NHS. She discusses the logistical issues surrounding this, including patient recruitment, and the resources, funding and infrastructure that the NHS often lacks. She further explores how learning from these studies might inform how we can adapt standard clinical practice within the NHS, allowing us to implement new methods and…

Vicky Coyle, MD, of Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK, spoke to us at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, about the benefits of physical activity in the adjuvant setting. She discusses her current trial exploring the role of exercise as a treatment after standard chemotherapy and surgery for stage II and III colon cancer. This trial views physical activity as a treatment, with doses and schedules, for the first time, with the aim of increasing patients PFS to the same standard as that obtained from adjuvant chemotherapy.

Mariam Jamal-Hanj, BSc, MBBS, PhD, of University College London, London, UK, discusses her talk regarding intra-tumor heterogeneity within lung cancer at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. She highlights the significance of longitudinal studies, such as TRACERx (NCT01888601) and PEACE (NCT03004755), in which tissue samples are collected from patients to map the evolution of cancers from diagnosis through to relapse, metastasis and death. These facilitate our understanding of how not only lung cancers, but tumors in general spread. Dr Jamal-Hanjani further discusses the logistics surrounding longitudinal studies, including funding and the integration of clinical and scientific…

Aspirin has been suggested as a preventative measure for several cancer types, in particular colorectal cancer, as Vicky Coyle, MD, of Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK, explains at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. She describes a current trial that aims to identify the ideal aspirin dose for tumor prevention in patients with Lynch syndrome (CAPP3; NCT02497820), as well as the potential for working with the UK Therapeutic Cancer Prevention Network (UKTCPN) to design a protocol for the general population to use aspirin for its cancer prevention benefits. Dr Coyle emphasises the importance of studying prophylactic…

Kai-Keen Shiu, MRCP, PhD, of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, speaks to us about future directions for the treatment of rectal cancer at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. He discusses the possibility of a new treatment strategy using total neoadjuvant therapy with reduced oxaliplatin dosage, as well as the prospect of using circulating tumor (ct)DNA in an adjuvant setting to identify patient prognoses. Dr Shiu emphasises the need for more clinical trials in this field, in order to properly care for patients using these new tools.

Dr. Jack West reviews results from ARCHER-1050, a trial of dacomitinib vs. gefitinib, in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, asks whether the demonstrated survival benefit is enough to make dacomitinib a player as first line treatment.

Speaking from the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, gives an overview of his favourite oral abstract presentations from this years meeting. He speaks about the general themes of the presentations submitted, and then in more detail about the presentations he thought were most relevant to clinical practice. These included studies examining the following: the effect of the IDH1 inhibitor ivosidenib on relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML); the safe treatment of early stage myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with low doses of…

Pracinostat has been shown to be an effective therapy for treating myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in several Phase I and Phase II studies. Here, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, MD, of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, speaks about a new, worldwide Phase III trial (NCT03151408) which is currently underway to explore whether the addition of pracinostat to azacitidine therapy increases the efficacy of treatment in AML patients over 75 years old, or those who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy. This interview took place at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting,…

Currently there is a good variety of treatments available for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Here, Rakesh Popat, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, explores how best to make use of these different treatments. He discusses combining ixazomib with lenalidomide and dexamethasone to treat MM with few side effects, as well as the use of daratumumab monotherapy. Finally, Dr Popat discusses new immunotherapy treatment options, including the prospect of using anti-BCMA CAR T-cells. This video was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK.

Data from the ENDEAVOUR trial (NCT01568866) has shown that using carfilzomib plus dexamethasone (Kd) is more effective in treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) than the standard combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd). Here, Rakesh Popat, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, discusses using Kd therapy to treat patients outside of the clinical trial setting. He discusses ways to minimize risk, such as monitoring blood pressure rigorously and limiting fluid intake, as well as ways to manage long-term…

In this interview, recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Rakesh Popat, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, gives us an overview of the benefits of a combined carfilzomib and dexamethasone (Kd) therapy for treating relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Dr Popat discusses the results from the Phase III ENDEAVOUR trial (NCT01568866), which compared the efficacy of bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) therapy with Kd treatment. Kd therapy was shown to double PFS and increase overall survival when compared to standard Vd treatment; however, the use…

Tumor suppressor gene TP53 is associated with aggressive disease activity when inactivated in a variety of tumor types, including multiple myeloma (MM). Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Martin Kaiser, MD, RWTH, of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, discusses how tumor heterogeneity in TP53 activity impacts overall disease behaviour. Using data from the Phase III Myeloma XI study (NCT01554852), Dr Kaiser explains that the existence of even small proportions of tumor cells with TP53 deletions results in a poor prognosis for patients.

Treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has improved greatly over the past few years; however, certain patients remain at high risk of rapid relapse, either because of general background traits, or because their disease has a genetic tendency to proliferate quickly and aggressively. Here, Martin Kaiser, MD, RWTH, of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, spoke to us at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, about how high risk MM can be identified genetically so that treatment plans can be adapted. Dr Kaiser also discusses the Myeloma UK (MUK) Nine b: OPTIMUM study…

Voluntary, non-remunerated blood donations are uncommon in developing countries and ethnic minority populations. Kenneth Charles, MBBS, FRCP, FRCPath(Haem), from the University of the West Indies (St Augustine), Mount Hope, Trinidad & Tobago, spoke to us at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, about his successful project to increase voluntary blood donations in Trinidad & Tobago through engagement with young populations and use of social media.

Tumor suppressor gene TP53 is associated with aggressive disease activity when inactivated in a variety of tumor types, including multiple myeloma (MM). Speaking from the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Martin Kaiser, MD, RWTH, of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, discusses how tumor heterogeneity in TP53 activity impacts overall disease behaviour. Using data from the Phase III Myeloma XI study (NCT01554852), Dr Kaiser explains that the existence of even small proportions of tumor cells with TP53 deletions results in a poor prognosis for patients.

This is a thrilling time for the use of measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), as highlighted here by Christopher Hourigan, MD, DPhil, of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD. Dr Hourigan explains the developments in this field, including updated response criteria and the recent publication of a consensus criteria on the measurement of MRD in AML. This video was recorded at the at the 23rd congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden.

One big development in clinical trial design in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the inclusion of measurable residual disease (MRD) testing. In this interview, Christopher Hourigan, MD, DPhil, of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, discusses the importance of this as part of the response assessment, with the message that MRD testing will be a part of AML clinical trials moving forwards. He also touches upon how clinicians can keep up-to-date on current MRD consensus criteria. This video was recorded at the 23rd congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden.

There are multiple methodologies for the testing of measurable residual disease (MRD), which each come with various pros and cons, and are favoured by different parties. Speaking from the 23rd congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Christopher Hourigan, MD, DPhil, of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, discusses the role of genome-based techniques and flow cytometry for MRD measurement in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Giving his interesting insights, Dr Hourigan highlights the current utility of both methods, as well as predicting what the future might hold in this area.

One of the major challenges of measurable residual disease (MRD) utilization is the standardization of its measurement and reporting. Here, Christopher Hourigan, MD, DPhil, of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, discusses how we could move towards the harmization of MRD monitoring in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and emphasizes the benefits that this could have. This video was recorded at the 23rd congress of the European Haematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden.

In this interview with Andrew Armstrong, MD, of Duke University, Durham, NC, speaking from the 2018 American Society of Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL, discusses how to best catch and diagnosis osteomimicry in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Dr Armstrong talks about how the osteoblast-like prostate cancer cells express high levels of alkaline phosphatase (AP), which could be used as a biomarker in the blood. Patients with high AP levels have responded better to treatment; however, this technique would need to be refined and adapted for clinical use.

Osteomimicry has been studied for the last few decades, and is the process by which cancer cells can spread to the bone and evade immune surveillance. Here, Andrew Armstrong, MD, from Duke University, Durham, NC, speaking from the 2018 American Society of Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL, discusses our current understanding of osteomimicry in prostate cancer and explores possible ways of inhibiting the process. Research has identified that these cells become osteoblast-like cells through genetic alterations and subsequent signal amplification. Dr Armstrong highlights how this knowledge may now allow for targeted therapies to be developed and shares…

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, and low-dose CT scans are advised as a screening tool for high-risk groups such as smokers. In this video, recorded at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, Danh Pham, MD, of the University of Louisville, Louisville, KN, discusses his recent study, which used data from the American College of Radiologys Lung Cancer Screening Registry to show that only 1.9% of smokers at risk of lung cancer were screened in 2016. While this figure rose slightly to 3.4% in 2017, these numbers…

Speaking from the British Society for Hematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Derralyn Hughes, MA, DPhil, FRCP, FRCPath, of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, talks about Gaucher disease (GD), a rare genetic disorder in which glucosylceramide accumulates in the organs. Dr Hughes explains how, despite affecting people of all ages, diagnosis of GD is often delayed for decades because of its rarity. Diagnosis and treatment of GD have both progressed in the last 20 years with enzyme transfusions as well as new oral medications available.

Dr. Jack West discusses results and the significance of two important Japanese trials that test the combination of erlotinib (Tarceva) with bevacizumab (Avastin), which shows a consistent improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival.

The TroMBone trial (ISRCTN15704862), comparing radical prostatectomy with systemic therapy vs. systemic therapy alone in men with oligometastatic prostate cancer, is currently underway in the UK, with results eagerly anticipated. Here, Prasanna Sooriakumaran, PhD, MRCS, FRCS (Urol), from University College London, London, UK, discusses the randomized control trial. Initially, patients were apprehensive; however, as chemotherapy was offered prior to surgery, trial participation increased. This video was recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK.

Robert Kreitman, MD, from the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, discusses a clinical trial using the recombinant immunotoxin, moxetumomab pasudotox, in patients with relapsed/refractory hairy cell leukemia who had undergone at least two prior therapies (NCT01829711). In the trial, 12 out of 80 patients achieved complete remission and were considered measurable residual disease (MRD)-negative after being treated with less than 6 cycles of the immunotoxin, and these patients had a longer complete remission duration than their MRD-positive counterparts. This interview was recorded at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL.

Joseph M. Connors, MD shares Increase in Toxicity of Two Different Types for ECHELON-1 Trial at AACR 2018

Joseph M. Connors, MD shares No Difference in Overall Survival at AACR 2018

Joseph M. Connors, MD shares FDA Reviewing Details of the Study | Approved Brentuximab at AACR 2018

Dr. Jack West summarizes a small trial from UCLA that tests the utility of giving first line immunotherapy to EGFR mutation-positive patients with high tumor PD-L1 expression, which led to poor outcomes that should cast a long shadow on this approach.

At the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, Steve Williamson, from Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, provides an update on the lastest activities of the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA). As BOPA Chair, he discusses the new BOPA bursary scheme, as well as their online educational content and upcoming annual meeting. BOPA provides oncology courses and training for pharmacists, but up until now these courses were only available for those attending in person. BOPA is now increasing their digital presence, which will continue along with their traditional educational courses.

There are a growing number of investigations of novel combination therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These are discussed in this interview with Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, which took place at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL. Prof. Hillmen provides an insight into the novel agents currently in trials, as well as the pros and cons of ibrutinib, and how it stacks up against a next-generation BTK inhibitor combination that is more specific, tolerable and has shown fewer side effects for CLL patients.

The MURANO trial (NCT02005471) compared the benefit of venetoclax plus rituximab vs. bendamustine plus rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), for which further results were presented at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL. In this interview, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, shares the significant advantages of venetoclax plus rituximab, highlighting the higher levels of MRD negativity produced. Prof. Hillmen notes how this highlights a future with longer remission periods, even after treatment has ceased.

Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, provides an insight into the use of measurable residual disease (MRD) as an endpoint in clinical trials. MRD allows for comparison of different drug combinations by looking at the level of MRD negativity that is reached. Prof. Hillmen highlights how this should be an objective endpoint in all clinical trials, as generally patients who are MRD negative have longer overall survival and progression-free periods. This video was recorded at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL.

In this interview, Peter Hillmen, MBChB, PhD, FRCP, FRCPath, from Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, details the importance of measurable residual disease (MRD) as a sensitive, quick and efficient measure to assess the depth of remission in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). MRD can be detected via various techniques that allow for detection down to 1 in 10,000 cells, looking at either bone marrow or peripheral blood. There is better remission and survival in those determined to be MRD negative compared to those who are MRD positive. With further research, MRD can be utilized to reduce the duration of…

Andrew Armstrong, MD, from Duke University, Durham, NC, speaks from the 2018 American Society of Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL. Dr Armstrong shares details of the PROPHECY trial (NCT02269982), which is investigating AR-V7 on circulating tumor cells as a prospective predictor in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

The NOA-16 trial is a multicenter, Phase I trial, which enrolled patients with newly diagnosed grade III and IV astrocytomas with specific IDH mutations. Here, Wolfgang Wick, MD, of the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany, speaking from the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL, provides an overview of this trial, explaining how the IDH-specific vaccine tested will be integrated into the first-line treatment of these patients. The immunogenicity of the vaccine in the blood and tumors of the patients after treatment was assessed, and further investigations will now be carried out to detect…

MATRix immunochemotherapy induction therapy has produced promising results in the recent IELSG32 trial (NCT01011920) for primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). However, here at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK, Christopher Fox, MBChB(Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK, raises the question of whether this data can be replicated in real world settings, particularly in difficult patient groups. Dr Fox highlights how recent data using MATRix for PCNSL in the real world has produced good results, suggesting that there is hope for MATRix therapy.

Although there have been significant advancements in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the last few decade, many patients still fail treatment. In this interview, recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK, Bob Löwenberg, MD, PhD, of Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands, provides an overview of the patient groups that are most prone to failure and the mechanisms behind this. Older patients and those with known high-risk mutations, such as FLT3, have an increased risk of therapy failure. Prof. Löwenberg highlights promising therapies for ALL, including FLT3 and IDH…

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders that result in a variety of acute illnesses, ultimately leading to a high risk of organ dysfunction and a shortened life expectancy. In this interview, Kenneth Ataga, MBBS, of the UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, explores the complications surrounding current SCD treatments. Dr Ataga outlines the importance of developing safe, effective and affordable treatments for SCD. Although bone marrow transplants and gene therapy have the potential to be curative, these are expensive and are thus inaccessible to individuals in developing areas. Thus, there is hope that treatments…

The multitude of novel therapies in the field of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) paves the way for exciting future possibilities. In this interview, Jennifer Woyach, MD, of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, discusses some of these possibilities at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK. Explored is the use of novel therapies earlier in the treatment pathway and in combination, with the goal of discontinuing therapy in the future, avoiding the toxicity and excessive cost of taking agents for extended periods of time. Moreover, Dr Woyach touches upon a variety…

Promising novel therapies are on the horizon within the field of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, Jennifer Woyach, MD, of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, discusses an exciting array of therapeutics which are being utilized in clinical practice: BTK, PI3K and BCL-2 inhibitors. In addition, Dr Woyach explores the use of immunotherapy ventures, such as CAR T cells, speculating upon the efficacy surrounding combination treatments. Moreover, she explores the possibility of utilizing up-and-coming therapeutics, which are currently in early clinical trials, such as reversable BTK inhibitors and bromodomain inhibitors. Dr Woyach finally touches upon some challenges…

Guy Pratt, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK, discusses recent guideline changes within multiple myeloma (MM) diagnostics and treatment, focusing on improving imaging modalities, at the 2018 British Society for Haematology (BSH) Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK. Dr Pratt explores utilizing cross-sectional imaging, including the use of whole body MRI, low-dose full body CT scans, and PET scans, recommending these methods for those with suspected MM suggesting a substantial change in practice from the skeletal surveys used previously. Cross-sectional imaging techniques are better able to not only pick up the bone disease that…

Challenges are often encountered when implementing guidelines into clinical practice. Here, Guy Pratt, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, of the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK, discusses some of these issues within the field of multiple myeloma (MM). Dr Pratt explores how the introduction of new drugs into clinical practice is hindered due to not only cost, but a lack of insight into how exactly these drugs should be utilized, with regards to combining therapies and duration of administration. Dr Pratt proceeds to discuss how survey data from across the UK provides further insight into the difficulties of guideline implementation,…

The multitude of novel therapies present within the field of lymphoma has inevitably given rise to an assortment of challenges. In this interview, Jude Fitzgibbon, BA, PhD, of Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK, commends the merits of the REMoDL-B trial (NCT01324596), in which lymph nodes were collected and cells of origin (ABC or GCB) determined for upwards of 1,000 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Prof. Fitzgibbon uses this to illustrate the importance of collecting biopsy material at diagnosis, in order to change, alter or amend treatment based on this molecular data. He reiterates the importance of increased innovation when…

Up-and-coming mutation analyses are facilitating the precision treatment of lymphoma. Here, Jude Fitzgibbon, BA, PhD, of the Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK, discusses how mutations in EZH2, a histone methyltransferase gene, are likely to be present in around a quarter of lymphoma patients. Supporting this, Phase II trials in follicular lymphoma are suggestive of individuals with EZH2 mutations responding positively to EZH2 inhibitors. Prof. Fitzgibbon goes on to discuss the importance of utilizing the data that we have available to us, including whole exome data for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). From this, we may able to discern the efficacy…

The next 4 years are going to be exciting and productive for transplant research across a broad range of hematological malignancies. As explained here by David Marks, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPath, of University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK, the new IMPACT platform will be a series of transplantation trials for patients with leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and other hematological malignancies. Prof. Marks covers the trials planned for the first and second years of IMPACT, including PRO-DLI (NCT02856464), COSI and ALL-RIC.

In this interview, David Avigan, MD, from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Boston, MA, discusses the exciting therapeutic area of personalized vaccines, which aim to produce tumor-specific immunity. Prof. Avigan discusses the settings that this has proven most successful in, and highlights promising pre-clinical and clinical trials. This video was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, in Liverpool, UK.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) effects 20% of all cancer patients. In this interview with Cihan Ay, MD, from the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, discusses the occurrence and implications of VTE in cancer patients compared to those without cancer. The discussion covers identification techniques, management strategies and novel therapies for VTE. This video was recorded the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK.

Physicians may encounter difficulties integrating proton beam therapy amongst existing radiotherapy options. Here, Neil Burnet, MA, MBBChir, FRCR, MD, of the Precise Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, explores this. He highlights the importance of a comprehensive follow-up approach to patients who have received proton beam therapy, especially when it is used in combination with pharmaceuticals. To illustrate this point, he notes that the cardiotoxicity profiles of both radio- and chemotherapy are noticeable only after 15 years or so substantially longer than we have had access to proton beam therapies and the subsequent follow-up data.

The introduction of proton beam therapy has brought with it a multitude of implications, which Neil Burnet, MA, MBBChir, FRCR, MD, of the Precise Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK, explores in this interview, recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. Notably, there are uncertainties regarding who exactly to treat. Although proton beam therapy offers clear advantages in pediatric oncology, the advantages offered to adults are unclear. To resolve this, Prof. Burnet suggests a thorough follow-up of patients receiving proton beam therapy; be it in terms of randomized clinical trials or life-long outcome tracking. He…

As Chair of the meeting, Ruth Plummer, MD, of Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK, give us her overview of the highlights of the 2018 UK Oncology Forum (OF), held in Liverpool, UK. With a record number of delegates attending, the event is unique in offering the only UK’s only pan-tumor meeting. The event is merited on its interdisciplinary nature, with physicians, surgeons, allied healthcare professionals, nurses and pharmacists liaising to progress and update their oncology knowledge. Prof. Plummer notes the advent of a session on gynecological cancer, implemented into the event based on previous feedback.

Dr. Jack West summarizes key data from the IMpower131 trial of patients with advanced squamous NSCLC & examines whether the carboplatin/nab-paclitaxel/atezolizumab combination is a strong treatment option in this patient setting.

Joseph M. Connors, MD shares FDA Reviewing Details of the Study | Approved Brentuximab at AACR 2018

Joseph M. Connors, MD shares Trial Established Use of Brentuximab + AVD As Viable Option for Clinicians at AACR 2018

Joseph M. Connors, MD shares Specific Endpoint for the Comparison of the Two Treatments for ECHELON-1 Trial at AACR 2018

Joseph M. Connors, MD shares Results from ECHELON-1 Trial at AACR 2018

Monoclonal antibody therapy has been around for a long while, but recent technological advancements have allowed for more tailored and specific types of monoclonal antibodies to be produced. In this interview, Faith Davies, MD, MRCP, MRCPath, FRCPath, from UAMS Myeloma Institute, Little Rock, AR, describes these new types of antibodies, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecifics, as well as touching upon CAR T-cells. She highlights a specific multiple myeloma antigen, BCMA, which is the target of several new ADCs currently in development. This interview was recorded at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL.

A Phase I trial (NCT02074839) investigating the IDH1 inhibitor ivosidenib has demonstrated encouraging results in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this interview, held at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, in Chicago, IL, Daniel Pollyea, MD, MS, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, shares details of the results from this trial, with impressive overall response and complete remission rates, as well as excellent median overall survival rate for those who achieved remission. Prof. Pollyea explains the next steps for this drug, including further studies looking at combination therapies and different settings.

Speaking from the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL, Anthony Mato, MD, MSCE, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, gives his insight on the challenges of finding more effective treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). More and more chemotherapy agents are being approved for the treatment of CLL, so effective measures need to be put in place to ensure the safety of these novel therapies when used in combination with existing drugs, utilizing retrospective data and existing clinical trial results. Dr Mato also explains how updating the current literature on…

Intolerance is the most common reason for discontinuing PI3K or BTK inhibitor drugs used for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and it has been found that the intolerant patient population may benefit from an alternative drug if adverse effects arise. Here, Anthony Mato, MD, MSCE, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, discusses the use of umbralisib in patients who are intolerant to ibrutinib, acalabrutinib or idelalisib, aiming to lower toxicity in patients whilst still achieving high response rates. This interview was recorded at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago,…

With the impressive results from initial trials using CAR T-cells, excitement surrounding this modality as a curative therapy was high. However, as explained bhere y Faith Davies MD, MRCP, MRCPath, FRCPath, from UAMS Myeloma Institute, Little Rock, AR, CAR T-cells are still far from a curative therapy for multiple myeloma. Dr Davies highlights the additional work required if these impressive response rates are to be maintained, with a number of important questions remaining. This video was recorded at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago, IL.

In this interview, Faith Davies, MD, MRCP, MRCPath, FRCPath, from UAMS Myeloma Institute, Little Rock, AR, discusses the various drugs that are either approved or currently in trials for multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. In the relapsed setting, elotuzumab, revlimid and dexamethasone have already been approved; however, results are eagerly awaited for the upfront setting, as well as combination studies. She also highlights the use of daratumumab in several different combinations, with results suggesting it is reliable, versatile and comes with minimal side effects. This video was recorded at the American Society of Oncology (ASCO) 2018 Annual Meeting, held in Chicago,…

In this interview, Christopher Fox, MBChB(Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK, provides an overview of the role of TP53 mutations in both the laboratory and clinical setting. TP53 sequencing, along with FISH, can be used to provide insight into a patients prognosis and possibly alter treatment regiments. However, this is based upon the type of techniques employed and whether the clones are reliably mutated. This video was recorded the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK.

Relapse and failure of ibrutinib and idelalisib regimens in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is becoming an increasingly common. Here, Christopher Fox, MBChB(Hons), MRCP FRCPath, of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK, discusses the use of venetoclax for patients who have failed these BTK inhibitors. Venetoclax has proven effective in trials, with high efficacy, response rates, impressive progression-free survival and MRD negativity.

At the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK, Anita Hill, MBChB (Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, from Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, discusses possible new diagnostic indicators to detect thrombosis in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Studies are investigating the mechanisms of thrombosis and how to use features of this as indicative markers, such as those in the coagulation cascade, including fibrinogen and platelet levels.

Thrombosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). In this interview, Anita Hill, MBChB (Hons), MRCP, FRCPath, PhD, from Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, speaks about the complication that is thrombosis, which despite technical advancements is still not being picked up quickly enough. Current interventions involve evaluating clot structures and manipulating them for clot relief. This interview was recorded at the British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, held in Liverpool, UK.

Francis J. McGovern, MD explains the need to Educate to Patients to Only Take What is Needed | Pain Level in Most Surgeries Each Day Go Down at AACR 2018

Francis J. McGovern, MD explains Blocking Inflammatory Pain Pathway | Anesthetic Depends on Expertise of Anesthesiologist at AACR 2018

Francis J. McGovern, MD explains the Perioperative Opioid-Sparing Analgesia Strategies for Enhanced Recovery after Urologic Surgery at AACR 2018

In this interview, Jeff Evans, PhD, from the University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK, provides an update on the current landscape of pancreatic cancer. Prof. Evans discusses the challenges of treating pancreatic cancer and the lack of therapeutic options due to high resistance to most systemic treatments. He highlights how studies are now focusing on immunotherapy, the tumor microenvironment and establishing the best biomarkers for diagnostics. He identifies a new set of trials looking at this under the Precision Panc initiative, which are keen on adapting and combining these new therapies with novel agents. This video was recorded at the Oncology…

Gerhardt Attard, MD, PhD, FRCP, of the The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, speaks from the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, on the topic of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). He discusses a Phase II trial (NCT01972217) exploring the effect of abiraterone in combination with olaparib for patients with mCRPC who had previously received docetaxel. Interestingly, patients in the trial were not recruited based on biomarker selection. Despite this lack of molecular discrimination, a benefit in time taken to reach radiological progression was seen with this combination therapy. Dr Attard thus speculates the non-discriminatory…

Microsatellite instability (MSI) in tumors is a known predictor of response to certain therapies in gynecological cancer. In this video, Alexandra Leary, MD, PhD, of the Gustave Roussy Institute of Oncology, Paris, France, discusses utilizing MSI as a clinical biomarker in gynecological tumors to guide treatment. Speaking from the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, in Liverpool, UK, she explores trial data suggesting that MSI is an indicator for positive immunotherapy responses, which should be implemented for relapsed endometrial cancer patients within Europe. Moreover, Dr Leary highlights the clinical benefits of the MSI test in terms of both ease and cost.

Aman Chauhan, MBBS, University of Kentucky shares Launching Phase 2 Trial In Multi-Center Fashion | Currently Evaluated in Bone Marrow Transplantation at Annual Meeting 2018

Brian I. Rini, MD, Cleveland Clinic explains Anti-VEGF Therapy Has Been Standard | Field is Changing Dramatically at Annual Meeting 2018

Aman Chauhan, MBBS, University of Kentucky shares Telotristat for Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea | Wish for More Trials, Products, Pipeline Drugs at Annual Meeting 2018

Brian I. Rini, MD, Cleveland Clinic explains Adding Amino Modulators to Increase Efficacy | Starting to Get Complete Response Rates at Annual Meeting 2018

Aman Chauhan, MBBS, University of Kentucky shares Data Showed Diarrhea From Chemotherapy at Annual Meeting 2018

Brian I. Rini, MD, Cleveland Clinic explains Combinations Being Developed for Kidney Cancer | Efficacy Will Drive Treatment Choices at Annual Meeting 2018

Aman Chauhan, MBBS, University of Kentucky explains enterade® is a Medical Food | Does Not Need Formal Prescription. OTC at Annual Meeting 2018       medical food  

Brian I. Rini, MD, Cleveland Clinic shares Patient Reported Outcomes Measure Tolerabilty | Trial Showed Benefits for Regimen Over Sunitinib at Annual Meeting 2018

Aman Chauhan, MBBS, University of Kentucky explains enterade® Amino Acid Based Rehydration Solution | 70% of Patients Had Benefit in Diarrhea Reduction at Annual Meeting 2018

Brian I. Rini, MD, Cleveland Clinic explains PR Results IMmotion151 Study | Progression-Free Survival & Encouraging Signals at Annual Meeting 2018

Dr. Jack West reviews data from the CheckMate 227 trial in patients with advanced NSCLC & tumor PD-L1 <1% that suggests potential utility of the nivolumab/ipilimumab (nivo/ipi) combination in patients with low PD-L1 and high tumor mutation burden (TMB).

Arlene O. Seifker-Radtke, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares Target Tumors More Effectively | Better Combinations, Find Mechanisms of Resistance at Annual Meeting 2018

Aly-Khan A. Lalani, MD, FRCPC Juravinski Cancer Centre, explains Focus on Potentially Predictive Markers | Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Blood Test May Help Prognosticate Patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Scott Z. Fields, MD, Bayer Pharmaceuticals explains Larotrectinib Will Change TRK Fusion Treatment | Bring New 1st-in-Class Drugs to Patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Arlene O. Seifker-Radtke, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares Annual Meeting Helps Impact Ability to Communicate | Helps Understand Knowledge Gaps at Annual Meeting 2018

Scott Z. Fields, MD, Bayer Pharmaceuticals explains CaM6 In Collaboration w German Cancer Ctr. | ILDR2 In Collaboration w Compugen Ltd. at Annual Meeting 2018

Arlene O. Seifker-Radtke, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares Moving Toward Precision Medicine | Field is Growing Quickly & Changes are Coming at Annual Meeting 2018

Scott Z. Fields, MD, Bayer Pharmaceuticals explains Thorium Platform Based on Initial Radium (Xofigo) | Thorium Delivers Alpha Radiation at Annual Meeting 2018

Arlene O. Seifker-Radtke, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares Bladder Cancer is No Longer Just One Disease | Different Biologies & Response in Benefit at Annual Meeting 2018

Scott Z. Fields, MD, Bayer Pharmaceuticals explains PI3-K Initially Developed in Follicular Lymphoma | Regorafenib Showed Benefit in Randomized Phase 2 at Annual Meeting 2018

Arlene O. Seifker-Radtke, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares Erdafitinib Currently Not FDA-Approved | Granted Breakthrough Designation Therapy at Annual Meeting 2018

Scott Z. Fields, MD, Bayer Pharmaceuticals explains DHODH Inhibitor Pyrimidine Synthesis | FGFR Inhibitor has Response Rate of 24% at Annual Meeting 2018

Arlene O. Seifker-Radtke, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares Studies for Fibroblast Growth Factors Receptors | Mutations & Trans-Location Fusion Proteins at Annual Meeting 2018

Scott Z. Fields, MD, Bayer Pharmaceuticals explains Oncogenic Signaling with Larotrectinib | LOXO-195 for Those Progressed on TRK-Inhibitor at Annual Meeting 2018         oncogenic signaling, larotrectinib & #124, loxo-195, trk-inhibitor, annual meeting 2018, bayer pharmaceuticals

Arlene O. Seifker-Radtke, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center shares Therapy for Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma | Erdafitnib, a Pan-FGFR Inhibitor at Annual Meeting 2018

Immunotherapy treatment within oncology is a field showing great promise. Here, Alexandra Leary, MD, PhD, of the Gustave Roussy Institute of Oncology, Paris, France, explores the plausibility of using immunotherapies in the treatment of gynecological tumors a field which has seen disappointing response rates in early trials. Dr Leary discusses an array of possibilities, including whether we should be treating patients earlier, prior to immune exhaustion, and whether biomarkers such as microsatellite instability (MSI) may be able to predict response to single agent immunotherapy. Expanding on this, she suggests future testing for MSI to identify the correct patients for immunotherapy…

Physicians who are dealing with gynecological tumors have a limited experience of how to deal with the complications and toxicity associated with immunotherapy, suggests Alexandra Leary, MD, PhD, of the Gustave Roussy Institute of Oncology, Paris, France. To resolve this, Dr Leary suggests an interdisciplinary network comprised of consultants with more substantial experience within the field of immunotherapy, such as lung cancer specialists. She notes the substantial differences between the toxicity profiles of chemo and immunotherapies, with immunotherapy toxicity having the potential to be severe, sudden and life-threatening. Thus, it is essential for physicians to liaise, as well as to…

The Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) Competency Passport, produced by leading cancer nuses in partnership with the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS), was created for nurses, particularly those who are moving between jobs and trusts. Here, Catherine Oakley, PhD, RN, MSc, from Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, discusses the SACT Competency Passport initiative that has been introduced in the last 6 months. She highlights the importance of this passport in reducing variation in practice between different locations, as well as a host of other benefits. She also discusses plans for furhter improvement of the initative This video…

Sonja Hoy, BS, PGDip, of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, discusses the importance of good oral hygiene in cancer patients at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. All cancer patients are entitled to good oral and dental care, particularly as most cancer treatments have side effects that affect the mouth. Unfortunately, this issue is often overlooked in the care pathway. The UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) wants to promote oral hygiene as a priority of post-treatment care and educate patients on good oral hygiene throughout this difficult time.

How to maintain optimal patient safety and wellbeing is a constant concern and priority for healthcare professionals. At the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, Verna Lavender, PhD, PGCHTE, BSc(Hons), RGN, from Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK, discusses how to manage the care and safety of patients receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). Maintaining outstanding patient care requires education on all the varied biological and pharmacological features of different drugs, in order to provide appropriate care for side effects, as well as keeping staff cared for too.

Gerry Hanna, MD, from Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK, provides an insight into the two new landmark platforms investigating radiotherapy-drug combinations for non-small lung cancer (NSCLC). The CONCORDE study is looking at the addition of DNA damage repair inhibitors with radical radiotherapy for stage III NSCLC, whereas the SPITFIRE explores the immunomodulating effects of stereotactic radiation in combination with immunotherapy in stage IV disease. These combinations have the potential to replace standard chemotherapy, with futher research needed. This video was recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK.

CT scans are currently the standard for mapping targeted areas for cancer treatment; however, MRI has been shown to produce much better soft tissue definition. This advantage is discussed by David Sebag-Montefiore, MD, of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK, at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK. He highlights how this will improve tumour visualization before, during and after treatment, and thus needs to be widely accepted and accessible UK-wide. Prof. Sebag-Montefiore also discusses the use of MR-LINAC, which brings further benefits but is more costly.

Current diagnostic techniques for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which include Sanger sequencing and fluorescent in-situ hybridization, can be complex and costly. Here, Anna Schuh, MD, PhD, MRCP, FRCPath, from Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK, presents the case for identifying TP53 genetic disruptions as a diagnostic measure for CLL. Speaking at British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Dr Schuh impresses the need to modernize the approach and facilities for genetic diagnosis, and the potential of genomic complexity as a biomarker for predicting treatment response in patients, thereby reducing treatment costs and toxicity in patients.

The Genomics England program could play a key role in personalizing the treatment of patients with follicular lymphoma, through helping identify predictors of treatment outcome. Speaking at British Society for Haematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Meeting in Liverpool, UK, Anna Schuh, MD, PhD, MRCP, FRCPath, from Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK, shares her research showing that the combination of clinical parameters and genomic markers offers a more accurate predictive value compared with each in isolation. Dr Schuh also discusses the current issue of sourcing high quality germ line specimens, which are required to identify mutations predictive of outcomes.

The field of cardio-oncology is growing on both a national and international scale. In this interview, Alex Lyon, MA, BM BCh, PhD, FRCP, from Imperial College, London, UK, talks about the formation of the British Cardio-Oncology Society in the UK, and the collaboration between the European Society of Cardiology and the European Society for Medical Oncology for Europe. These organizations aim to promote research and best clinical practice, and to improve the understanding of cardiovascular adverse event following cancer treatment. Dr Lyons highlights the annual Global Cardio-Oncology Summit, as well as other training and development opportunities in this field. This…

Due to the success of current treatments, patients are living longer and surviving cancer. However, certain treatments can cause cardiac complications which have a significant impact on the individuals health. Cancer patients, with either preexisting cardiac disease or increased cardiac risk, require individualized risk stratification strategies when planning their treatment. In this interview, Alex Lyon, MA, BM BCh, PhD, FRCP, from Imperial College, London, UK, discusses the need for more trials looking into systems of care to be carried out, rather than just those investigating specific pharmacological interventions. Preclinical identification of cardiac toxicities and personalized treatment help improve patient outcomes…

With the increasing life expectancy of cancer patients, the long-term consequences of cancer therapy are becoming an increasing issue. Anthracycline-induced heart failure is a classic example of an adverse cardiovascular effect of cancer therapy. Here, Alex Lyon, MA, BM BCh, PhD, FRCP, from Imperial College, London, UK, discusses the recent development of cardio-oncology as a recognized sub-specialty dedicated to the prevention, identification and treatment of cardiovascular complications in patients receiving cancer therapy. This interview was recorded at the British Society for Hematology (BSH) 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, Liverpool, UK.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) stem cells are thought to evade treatment through disruption in the environment within the bone marrow, creating a proinflammatory microenvironment in which there is excessive tumor necrosis factor signaling. In this talk, Adam Mead, PhD, MRCP, FRCPath, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK, outlines research using single cell genomics and real-world data to predict patients risk of relapse after treatment has ceased. This could prevent treatment being administered beyond requirement, although Dr Mead points out two factors that could prevent the widespread utilization of single cell genomics. Dr Mead touches upon the DESTINY…

An influx of novel therapies into the field of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has allowed healthcare professionals to utilize both combination and monotherapies in clinical practice. Speaking at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK, Alastair Greystoke, PhD, of the University of Newcastle & Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK, explores how both monotherapies and combination therapies have been used with efficacy. He discusses the use of pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab based on both PD-L1 expression status and the stage of treatment. Importantly, combinations of immunotherapies and chemotherapies are evaluated in terms of…

The implementation of biomarkers into clinical practice is an exciting area of research, and the field of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is no exception to this. In this interview, Alastair Greystoke, PhD, of the University of Newcastle & Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK , discusses both PD-L1 expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB) as biomarkers in NSCLC, highlighting the importance of both factors. Dr Greystoke speculates the future use of blood tests to assess both circulating tumor cells and free DNA, and the use of TMB assays in determining what the efficacy of immunotherapy is…

The management of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a field which has seen drastic improvement in the past few years. Here, Alastair Greystoke, PhD, of the University of Newcastle & Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK, illustrates this through the dramatic number of changes in treatment algorithms six times within the last 3 years in the UK. He attributes this to the introduction of readily available immunotherapies on the NHS, including pembrolizumab, nivolumab and atezolizumab. This video was recorded at the UK Oncology Forum (OF) 2018, held in Liverpool, UK.

Pierluigi Porcu, MD, Thomas Jefferson University, shares Find Better Predictive Biomarkers for Response | Expand Data to Other of T-Cell Malignancies at Annual Meeting 2018

Aly-Khan A. Lalani, MD, FRCPC Juravinski Cancer Centre, explains Clear Data for Nivolumab & Ipilimumab | In the Frontline for Intermediate & Poor-Risk Patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Pierluigi Porcu, MD, Thomas Jefferson University talks about a Huge Need for Better Therapy for CTCL | Hope for FDA-Approval of Drug Based on Data

Aly-Khan A. Lalani, MD, FRCPC Juravinski Cancer Centre, explains New Combination Strategy for Metastatic RCC | Checkmate-214 Data for Nivolumab & Ipilimumab at Annual Meeting 2018

Pierluigi Porcu, MD, Thomas Jefferson University explains Compliance of MAVERICK Dataset was 95%-96%| Analysis Based on Longitudinal Assessment at Annual Meeting 2018

Aly-Khan A. Lalani, MD, FRCPC Juravinski Cancer Centre, Poor-Risk Patients Enrolled in Study for Surgery | Surgery is Not Significantly Better than Treatment at Annual Meeting 2018

Pierluigi Porcu, MD, Thomas Jefferson University explains Efficacy Moga, Room for Improvement | In Terms of Response Rate & Progression-free Survival

Aly-Khan A. Lalani, MD, FRCPC Juravinski Cancer Centre, explains Lacking Data In Current Kidney Cancer Landscape | May Extrapolate Previous Retrospective Data at Annual Meeting 2018

Pierluigi Porcu, MD, Thomas Jefferson University explains Quality-of-Life Data for MAVERICK Study | Using 2 Specific Tools for CTCL Had Superior Outcome at Annual Meeting 2018

Aly-Khan A. Lalani, MD, FRCPC Juravinski Cancer Centre, explains CARMENA Trial Randomized Patients | Either Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor, or Surgery & Sunitnib at Annual Meeting 2018

Saby George, MD, FACP, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, talks about CARMENA Study Showed Sunitnib Alone | Studies Showing Single-Agent Checkpoint Inhibitors at Annual Meeting 2018

Ray Comenzo, MD, Tufts Medical Center, explains If Practitioner Identifies Light-Chain Amyloidosis | Referring to Site Where Trial is Open is a Great Idea at Annual Meeting 2018

Ajai Chari, MD, Mt. Sinai, explains Isatuximab, Carfilzomib & Dexamethasone | Phase 1 Study Combining Drugs at Annual Meeting 2018

Saby George, MD, FACP, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, shares CARMENA Study Results | Sunitinib Not Inferior to Sunitinib Following Nephrectomy at Annual Meeting 2018

Ray Comenzo, MD, Tufts Medical Center, explains Daratumumab in Subcutaneous Form is Safe | Can Benefit Relapsed Light-Chain Amyloid at Annual Meeting 2018

Ajai Chari, MD, Mt. Sinai, talks about Getting Regimens Approved | Avoid Insurance & Regulatory Barriers at Annual Meeting 2018

Saby George, MD, FACP, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, explains Checkmate-214 has a Higher Response Rate | 9% of Patients Went on to Complete Response at Annual Meeting 2018

Ray Comenzo, MD, Tufts Medical Center, explains Earlier Diagnosis for SMM or MGUS | At Risk of Progressing to Light-chain Amyloidosis at Annual Meeting 2018

Ajai Chari, MD, Mt. Sinai, explains Daratumumab’s Main Limitation | Length of Infusion in Infusion-related Reactions at Annual Meeting 2018

Saby George, MD, FACP, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, explains Update on Checkmate-214 Study | Approval of Nivolumab & Ipilimumab Combination at Annual Meeting 2018

Dr. Jack West reviews KEYNOTE-407, first line chemo/immunotherapy with pembrolizumab vs. chemo alone in advanced squamous NSCLC, which demonstrated a significant survival benefit that should change practice in this setting.

Ray Comenzo, MD, Tufts Medical Center, shares Preparation & Administration Processes Are Safe | Response Rate Will Improve at Annual Meeting 2018

Ajai Chari, MD, Mt. Sinai , explains, Unmet Need for LenD Refractory Patients | No One Regimen that is Appropriate for All Patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Saby George, MD, FACP, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, shares Checkmate-214 Not for All Kidney Cancer Patients | Study for Advanced Metastatic Kidney Cancer at Annual Meeting 2018

Ray Comenzo, MD, Tufts Medical Center explains, ANDROMEDA Phase 3 Trial | Randomized Trial for Systemic Light-Chain Amyloid at Annual Meeting 2018

Ajai Chari, MD, Mt. Sinai discusses Data from MMY1001 Study | Update from Lenalidomide Refractory Subgroup at Annual Meeting 2018

Dr. Jack West reviews the KEYNOTE-042 trial of pembrolizumab vs. chemo in PD-L1-positive NSCLC, highlighting key findings from the presentation in the Plenary Session at ASCO 2018, clinical implications, & whether it should change practice. Watch David Carbone, MD, PhD, of Ohio State University discuss KEYNOTE-042 by clicking here.

Ana Limon Carrera, Takeda Oncology, Mechanism of Action Molecule – Pevonedistat | Based on Protein Homeostasis Developed by Takeda at Annual Meeting 2018

James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, FACP, National Cancer Institute, explains First In-Class Agent Targeting PD-L1 & TGF-? | There Are Other Agents in Pre-Clinical Testing at Annual Meeting 2018

Ana Limon Carrera, Takeda Oncology, talks about Working in Leukemias, Will Enter into Solid Tumors | Molecule TAK-931 is the First Step at Annual Meeting 2018

James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, FACP, National Cancer Institute, explains Combining TGF-? & PD-L1 is Developing One Drug | Very Little Increased Cost in Side-Effects at Annual Meeting 2018

Ana Limon Carrera, Takeda Oncology, talks about Studying Tumors in Pancreatic & Colorectal Patients | Hope to Confirm Safety & Activity at Annual Meeting 2018

James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, FACP, National Cancer Institute, explains Look at Single-Agent Activity in Larger Studies | Vaccines Combining M7824 with IO15 at Annual Meeting 2018

Ana Limon Carrera, Takeda Oncology, Additional Cell-Cycle Modulators is of Great Interest | Molecule w/ Safety Profile Combines Well with Others at Annual Meeting 2018

James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, FACP, National Cancer Institute, explains Analysis of HPV-Positive Malignancies | TGF-? Dysregulation is Seen in HPV-Positive Patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Pascal Besman, Chief Operating Officer of PharmaMar, talks about Submitting Update of Monotherapy to ESMO | Closure of ATLANTIS Trial in Small Cell at Annual Meeting 2018

Pascal Besman, Chief Operating Officer of PharmaMar, talks about Far Along Development in SCLC | American Oncologists Less Familiar w PharmaMar Data at Annual Meeting 2018

Pascal Besman, Chief Operating Officer of PharmaMar, talks about Development in Small Cell has been Much Slower | Most Drivers in Non-Small Cell are Proliferative at Annual Meeting 2018

Pascal Besman, Chief Operating Officer of PharmaMar, talks about Lurbinectedin More Pronounced in Overall Survival | OS Endpoint is Preferable from Regulatory POV at Annual Meeting 2018

Pascal Besman, Chief Operating Officer of PharmaMar, shares Investigator Sponsored Trials in Europe & US | With Immuno-Oncology Checkpoint Inhibitors at Annual Meeting 2018

Pascal Besman, Chief Operating Officer of PharmaMar, shares a Randomized Trial of Topotecan & CAV | Monotherapy Will Have Up to 100 Patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Pascal Besman, Chief Operating Officer of PharmaMar, shares an Update on Relapsed SCLC Monotherapy Trial | Overall Survival Data of 11.8 Months. w Lurbinectedin Fix at Annual Meeting 2018

Ana Limon Carrera, Takeda Oncology, shares TAK-931 – A CDC7 Inhibitor in Solid Tumors | Dosage Collision Study Shows Treatment is Tolerable at Annual Meeting 2018

James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, FACP, National Cancer Institute, explains M7824 – Novel Bifunctional Protein | Anti-Body Targeting PD-L1, Sequester TGF-? at Annual Meeting 2018

Hope S. Rugo, MD, FAnnual Meeting, University of California, San Francisco shares Use PARP-Inhibitors Early in Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer | Improve Response & Delay Toxic Therapy Use at Annual Meeting 2018

Hope S. Rugo, MD, FAnnual Meeting, University of California, San Francisco explains Talazoparib is Effective in Neoadjuvant Setting | Combine PARP-Inhibitors w Immune Checkpoint at Annual Meeting 2018

Hope S. Rugo, MD, FAnnual Meeting, University of California, San Francisco shares the Trastuzumab-DKST has Regulatory Approval in US | 48-Week Survival & Safety of Monotherapy at Annual Meeting 2018

Hope S. Rugo, MD, FAnnual Meeting, University of California, San Francisco shares the Trial for PARP-Inhibitor for Germ-Line in BRCA1 & 2 | Response Rate Doubled Comparing Talazoparib at Annual Meeting 2018

Despite recent advancements in CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), standard chemotherapy is still the mainstay of treatment for most AML patients. Here, Marion Subklewe, MD, from the LMU Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany, explores how patients suffering from relapsed/refractory AML with no suitable molecular targets, such as IDH, are less hesitant to participate in early clinical trials investigating the effects of novel AML therapies, despite the risks involved. Dr Subklewe also discusses how to manage the expectations of patients participating in these trials, by openly discussing the and the various risks involved, such as drug…

Andrew Wei, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA, from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, discusses the early trials that are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy of the BH3 mimetic drug, venetoclax, in combination with intensive chemotherapy, MDM2 inhibitors and MEK inhibitors for the management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dr Wei also explains how research into venetoclax has shifted, with a focus on the molecular characteristics of the patients that have received the drug. This interview was recorded at the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary.

Eric Jonasch, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center explains MSK Looked at Transcriptomic Signature | Outcomes For Patients Undergoing Antigenic Therapy at Annual Meeting 2018

Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, University of Washington, shares MCC Needs to be Managed in Multidisciplinary Way | Oncology, Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Dermatology, etc at Annual Meeting 2018

Jon Eckard, MD, TYME Inc., explains Explosion of Development Over Last 5-10 Years | Focus on the Patients Not Just the Science at Annual Meeting 2018

Eric Jonasch, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center explains Whether TKI & I-O Combinations are superior | Subgroups That Should Use One Over The Other at Annual Meeting 2018

Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, University of Washington, shares Patients Who Dont Respond to Checkpoint Therapy | Collaborating to Pick Apart Mechanisms of Resistance at Annual Meeting 2018

Eric Jonasch, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center explains Assign Genomic & Transcriptomic Features | To Treatment Subtypes to See Predictablity at Annual Meeting 2018

Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, University of Washington talks about Academic & Community Oncologists Must Collaborate | Accrue Trials to Develop New Therapies at Annual Meeting 2018

Hannah Linden, MD, University of Washington shares Publish New Abstract Data Next Year | Complete Accrual of Estrogen Receptor Imaging at Annual Meeting 2018

Eric Jonasch, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center explains Understanding Tumor Microenvironment | Using Omics Platforms to Assign Treatment at Annual Meeting 2018

Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, University of Washington talks about Dynamic Era of Changes for Urothelial Cancer | Data with FGFR Inhibitors, Antibody-Drug Conjugates at Annual Meeting 2018

Hannah Linden, MD, University of Washington shares The Point of Estrogen Receptor Imaging? | If Receptor Functions & Need Endocrine Therapy at Annual Meeting 2018

Eric Jonasch, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center explains I-O Treatment vs. TKI Treatment | TKI is Still Standard of Care for Good-Risk Patients at Annual Meeting 2018

Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, University of Washington talks about Whether Genomic Alterations Have Significance | And-Or Predict Response to Individual Therapies at Annual Meeting 2018

Hannah Linden, MD, University of Washington shares ER Imaging Not Ready for Commercial Use | Working Hard With Tracer Manufacturers at Annual Meeting 2018

Eric Jonasch, MD, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center explains Axitinib Titration Post-I-O Therapy | Change Dose to Maximize Quality of Life at Annual Meeting 2018

Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, University of Washington talks about Circulating Tumor DNA as a Putative Biomarker | For Patients with Advanced Urotelial Carcinoma at Annual Meeting 2018