Author: Editor

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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).

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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.

Read More

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,…

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

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…

Read More

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.

Read More

Dr. Jim Brugarolas, Director of the UT Southwestern Kidney Cancer Program, sat down with expert urologist, Dr. Vitaly Margulis, and leading oncologist, Dr. Hans Hammers, in a roundtable discussion about the CARMENA trial, a clinical trial evaluating the role of surgery for the primary tumor in the kidney in patients with metastatic disease.

Read More

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogenous disease, and the specific mutations that are present in the patient play a large role in the prognosis. Here, Andrew Wei, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA, from the Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, explains the importance minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring in this context. Dr Wei discusses how next-generation sequencing will allow clinicians to monitor the complete molecular architecture of each AML patient, and enable precision-guided therapy to target the different varieties of malignancies. This video was recorded at the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest,…

Read More

Speaking from the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary, Andrew Wei, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA, from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, discusses the benefits of machine learning technology, which can empirically perform thousands of experiments within seconds. Specific algorithms can be applied to discover the positive and negative gene-gene interactions that occur in patients in order to determine treatment options and prognosis.

Read More

Andrew Wei, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA, from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, discusses clinical trials investigating the effect of BH3 mimetic drugs, such as venetoclax, on acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current studies are trying to improve the activity of venetoclax in combination with low-dose chemotherapy and hypomethylating agents in patients with poor risk FLT3, DNMT3A or IDH mutations to produce a longer, more sustainable remission. This interview was recorded at the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary.

Read More

Speaking from the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary, Marion Subklewe, MD, from LMU Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany, gives insight into the steps that can be taken to improve the effectiveness and safety of CAR T-cell therapy, including performing allogeneic stem cell transplants on the patient after CAR T-cell therapy to overcome hematotoxicity, and using smaller adaptor molecules, such as blinatumomab, in combination with universal CAR T-cell products to enhance overall efficacy. Dr Subklewe also expresses her excitement about the amount of CAR T-cell trials that are currently in development or…

Read More

Marion Subklewe, MD, from LMU Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany, discusses several clinical trials in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that are currently underway, including a Phase I trial investigating MGD006 (NCT02152956), and a trial investigating the use of the anti-CD33/CD3 BiTE antibody, known as AMG 330, for the management of relapsed/refractory AML (NCT02520427). Speaking from the 2018 European School of Hematology (ESH) Clinical Updates on Acute Leukemias, held in Budapest, Hungary, Dr Subklewe also discusses an upcoming trial that is in development to investigate the effects of a follow-up molecule of AMG 330.

Read More

Here, Jacob Kettle, PharmD, BCOP, of the University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO, shares his perspective on the different challenges surrounding the advancements made in the development of newer immunotherapy agents for pharmacists, including the need to constantly keep up to date with newly approved drugs, and being aware of their side effects on different organ systems upon administration. This video was recorded at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO.

Read More

Results from clinical trials determine the effectiveness, toxicity and, ultimately, the approval of novel therapies for cancer. Here, Gregory Pond, PhD, from McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, discusses the results of two Phase III studies investigating the immune checkpoint inhibitor cabozantinib, COMET-1 and COMET-2. Speaking from the 2018 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, held in San Francisco, CA, Dr Pond reviews the rationale, cohort and results of the trial. He ultimately highlights the importance of the presence risk of factors in identifying working novel therapies for cancer.

Read More

Urothelial carcinoma has been a challenge for oncologists to treat for many years, with a steady mortality rate and no new treatments on the horizon until the recently developed checkpoint inhibitors, such as atezolizumab. In this interview, Gregory Pond, PhD, from McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, briefly discusses a promising new model for identifying patients who would benefit from atezolizumab treatment. This 6-factor model contains six prognostic factors used to identify these patients. The model was shown to be effective during two clinical trials, including IMvigor210 (NCT02302807), using atezolizumab post-platinum. Although a clinical use has yet to be defined, this new…

Read More

Jacob Kettle, PharmD, BCOP, of the University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO, discusses the different ways in which pharmacists can overcome the uncertainties surrounding new tools, such as PD-L1 testing. Pharmacists are encouraged to be aware of the correct applications of these tools by identifying the patients who are most likely to benefit from them, as well as the limitations of each test. This interview was filmed at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO.

Read More

From the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO, Jacob Kettle, PharmD, BCOP, of the University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO, gives his insight on the factors that need to be considered when administering drugs with low response rates, as applying a treatment like this may worsen outcomes at a time when palliative or end-of-life care would be more beneficial. Dr Kettle also discusses how the application of testing for PD-L1 is not as straightforward as that for other cancer biomarkers, such as HER2, BRAF and ALK.

Read More

With the involvement of so many genetic and molecular alterations in cancer, it is nearly impossible to know what pathway to target for a clinically significant outcome that also has a low toxicity level. In this interview, Lisa Pickering, MRCP, PhD, of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, speaking from the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, in San Francisco, CA, objectively compares retrospective and prospective studies for penile cancer, emphasizing the lack of the prospective studies. She discusses recent trials, including HER-Uro01 (NCT01728233) and the large-scale InPACT study (NCT02305654).

Read More

The recent Phase II VinCap trial (NCT02057913) shows promising results for vinflunine as a chemotherapy for locally-advanced and metastatic carcinoma of the penis. At the Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, in San Francisco, CA, Lisa Pickering, MRCP, PhD, of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, provides a detailed and concise review of vinflunine. Dr Pickering discusses the results of the VinCap trial, depicting the advantages of vinflunine in efficacy, tolerability, and meeting its primary endpoint and clinical benefit rate compared to other chemotherapies.

Read More

In this interview, Christopher Campen, PharmD, BCOP, from the GHS Cancer Institute, Greenville, SC, discusses combining immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of cancer as opposed to using single agent drugs, but do the benefits outweigh the risks? Checkpoint inhibitors can be associated with severe side effects such as dermatitis, but despite this, the correct management of these adverse effects may lead to increased survival rates compared to current methods of treatment. This video was recorded at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO.

Read More

The unique side effects that accompany the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of cancer need to be closely monitored to ensure the highest quality of patient care. Here, Christopher Campen, PharmD, BCOP, from the GHS Cancer Institute, Greenville, SC, explains how new collaborative guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) have been developed to help healthcare providers assess and manage these side effects. This interview was recorded at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference, held in Denver, CO.

Read More

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.

Read More

The expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) can be used as a clinical biomarker to determine the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment; however, there are many areas of uncertainty when it comes to PD-L1 testing. In this interview, recorded at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO, Jacob Kettle, PharmD, BCOP, of the University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia, MO, discusses the challenges of using PD-L1 levels as a determining factor in offering treatment to cancer patients.

Read More

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in the management of various cancers. However, there are a number of side effects that are linked to the long-term use of these agents, including colitis and myocarditis. Here, Christopher Campen, PharmD, BCOP, from the GHS Cancer Institute, Greenville, SC, discusses the management of the related toxicity and the steps that can be taken to reduce these effects. This video was recorded at the 2018 Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference held in Denver, CO.

Read More

Eytan Stein, MD, from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, discusses the new and exciting clinical trials that are currently underway for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including a Phase I study of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitors in combination with induction chemotherapy, a Phase III study investigating low dose cytarabine and venetoclax, and the ADMIRAL study (NCT02421939) of the FLT3 inhibitor, gilteritnib, versus salvage chemotherapy in relapsed and refractory AML. Dr Stein also conveys his excitement about the QuANTUM-R trial (NCT02039726), which is investigating the effects of quizartinib monotherapy versus salvage chemotherapy on overall survival…

Read More

Christoph Röllig, MD, from the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany, discusses the rationale behind determining the most suitable treatment for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The most reasonable choice of treatment for a patient with a genetic cause of AML, such as an isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation or tyrosine kinase overexpression, is a form of immunotherapy that directly targets the specific mutation. Dr Röllig explains how early clinical trial data and detecting minimal residual disease levels after targeted therapy can be used to determine drug efficacy. This interview was recorded at the 2018 European School of…

Read More