Author: Editor

Jana Pelouchova from the European Cancer Patient Coalition, Brussels, Belgium discusses the challenges faced by caregivers, which she presented at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She emphasizes that caregivers often receive information second-hand, particularly if they are unable to attend meetings with healthcare practitioners. She describes how this can be frustrating for caregivers, who are already under substantial stress, and encourages a discussion on how the provision of information and support to caregivers can be improved.

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Gabe Sonke, MD, PhD, from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands, discusses results from the Phase III MONALEESA-2 trial on the safety and efficacy of the selective CDK4/6 inhibitor ridociclib combined with letrozole in advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women (NCT01958021), which he presented at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He describes how treatment of metastatic, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) HER2- breast cancer, where endocrine resistance is common, with a combination of ridociclib and letrozole prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) compared to letrozole with placebo in this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled Phase III…

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Dirk Schadendorf, MD, PhD, from the University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany, discusses developments in melanoma treatment at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He describes how epidemiological data suggest that while the incidence of melanoma is increasing by 5% each year, a 25% decrease in melanoma-related mortality is expected by 2050. Prof. Schadendorf suggests factors which will be important in achieving this, particularly prevention and early detection, which is linked to access to the healthcare system including dermatologists to allow early diagnosis. Currently, interferon alpha is used as adjuvant therapy, however, several…

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Martine Piccart, MD, PhD, from the Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, describes the AURORA program (NCT02102165), which seeks to understand the evolution of metastasis in breast cancer, at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The prospective program led by the Breast International Group (BIG) will use next-generation sequencing (NGS) and tumor DNA analysis in plasma to determine changes in tumor DNA between the primary tumor and developing metastasis in breast cancer patients. Prof. Piccart explains how data will be integrated on a central IT platform to allow different cases to be…

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Werner Lichtenegger, MD, PhD from Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany, highlights innovations in gynecological cancer treatment at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He discusses new PARP inhibitors olaparib and niraparib and their respective benefits. Treatment with both olaparib and niraparib improves progression-free survival (PFS), and particularly in ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutations and HR-deficiency induces selective cell death of cancer cells. Prof. Lichtenegger points out that interestingly niraparib is also effective in patients without BRCA mutations.

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Rodabe N. Amaria, MD from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX summarizes results on a recent randomized Phase II clinical trial of neoadjuvant treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors for melanoma (NCT02231775) she presented at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Results from this trial on patients with clinical Stage III and oligometastatic Stage IV melanoma with the BRAF mutation indicate that neoadjuvant treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib resulted in a significant improvement in relapse-free survival (RFS) compared to standard of care treatment consisting of initial surgery followed…

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Martine Piccart, MD, PhD, from the Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, describes the MINDACT trial in patients with early breast cancer (NCT00433589), which she presented at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This trial determined whether having results from the MammaPrint test, which determines the genomic signature of each patient, alters the way in which women with early breast cancer are treated. Prof. Piccart discusses the results of the study, indicating that patients with high clinical risk but a low risk MammaPrint signature who did not receive adjuvant therapy, had excellent…

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Jana Pelouchova from the European Cancer Patient Coalition, Brussels, Belgium discusses a panel debate on informed patients at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She talks about the role of video vignettes and explains how information is distributed to patients, and asks how the selection and reliability of the resources that patients access can be improved. In addition, she encourages a discussion on what can be done to improve communication with patients, for example if they are interested in alternative therapies or in joining a clinical trial.

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Helena Ullgren, RN at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, discusses her talk on the gold standard for effective care transitions from curative to early palliative care at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She describes her experience of how patients often assume that oncological and palliative care teams are in contact to coordinate the transition from curative to palliative care, however this is not always the case, with responsibility for communication between the teams often resting on the patient. Helena Ullgren concludes that early palliative care may not be beneficial if…

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Gabe Sonke, MD, PhD, from the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands, discusses his research on the late side effects of breast cancer treatment presented at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. By combining information from different patient databases, as well as information from the patients healthcare practitioners, Dr Sonke explains how his research has shown that radiotherapy for breast cancer also affects the heart and increases the risk of myocardial infarction later in life. He points out that this needs to be considered when discussing risks with patients, and should also be…

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Dirk Schadendorf, MD, PhD, from the University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany, discusses the risks and benefits of adjuvant ipilimumab treatment after complete resection of Stage III melanoma based on the results of a recent Phase III trial (EORTC 18071, NCT00636168) at the European Cancer Congress of the European Cancer Organisation (ECCO) 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Prof. Schadendorf describes that patients receiving adjuvant ipilimumab treatment following surgical resection of Stage III melanoma, who are at risk of relapse, have an 11% increase in overall survival (OS) after 5 years. However, 50% of Stage III melanoma patients are surviving to 5 years…

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Dr. Shirish Gadgeel of the Karmanos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University in Detroit, presented new analysis results in specific subgroups of patients enrolled in the OAK trial. OAK was the first randomized Phase III study evaluating an anti-PDL1 antibody (atezolizumab) in the management of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The subgroup analysis presented by Dr Gadgeel evaluated the efficacy of atezolizumab compared to docetaxel in a variety of clinically-relevant subgroups of NSCLC based on PDL-1 gene expression, central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, history of smoking, and patient age. The results presented by Dr Gadgeel showed that atezolizumab improves…

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Gerhad Mostbeck, MD of the Otto Wagner Hospital, Vienna, Austria talks about how the aims of radiology in patients with lung cancer have completely changed over the last 20 years. This change is the result of new therapeutic options and a need for accurate radiologic staging as well as the use of multimodality imaging, especially FDG-PET, which gives not only morphologic but also functional information. However, the remaining constant is the question of how to diagnose tissue, but not only for cytological diagnosis but also biomarker diagnosis which requires more information from histologic material and from a relatively large amount…

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Shirish Gadgeel, MD, from Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, provides us with updated information on a North American study (NP28761) evaluating alectinib in patients with ALKpositive NonSmallCell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who are resistant to crizotinib, the first line ALK inhibitor. Based on results from several studies, alectinib has been approved in the US and Japan for the treatment of patients who have progressed on or are intolerant to crizotinib. Shirish Gadgeel gives us an overview of the results from the updated study that had a longer 17-month follow-up than the primary analysis. The study showed…

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Frank Griesinger, MD, PhD from the Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany discusses the question of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis in patients with ALK positive tumors. CNS metastasis is a big issue in when treating ALK-positive tumors. Approximately 30% of patients show CNS metastasis even before they are treated with an ALK inhibitors, but after first treatment with an ALK inhibitor, 60-70% show CNS metastasis. Dr Griesinger explains that having targeted drugs that effectively target the CNS metastases would allow to delay whole-brain irradiation, thus delaying the associated cognitive impairment experienced by patients. Recorded at the 2016 World Congress of Lung…

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Shirish Gadgeel, MD of Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI discusses driver genetic alterations, which can be targeted for therapeutic benefit in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) amplifications and translocations are a common target in several malignancies. Dr Gadgeel discusses a retrospective analysis of patients with FGFR translocations. The data suggests that appropriately targeting and treating FGFR mutations can provide clinical benefit, however, dr Gadgeel points out that FGFR translocations are not common, occurring in 0.4% of patients. Recorded at the 2016 World Congress of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International…

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Alex Spira, MD, PhD, FACP of Virginia Cancer Specialists, Fairfax, VA discusses side effects of immunotherapy in lung cancer. Dr Spira explains that side effects from immunotherapy are less severe than from chemotherapy and traditional drugs. However, side effects are real and can make patients very ill. Therefore, it is important to educate healthcare professionals about the side effects so that they can identify them early. Recorded at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Vienna, Austria.

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Shirish Gadgeel, MD of Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI gives an overview of his presentation focused on the use of rociletinib and osimertinib in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). T790M is the most common mutation in patients with EGFR-positive NSCLC treated with front-line EGFR TKIs. Rociletinib and osimertinib both target the T790M mutation and both showed evidence of clinical evidence in clinical trials. Osimertinib was approved by the FDA in October 2015. Rocilietinib did not receive the FDA approval and the development of the drug has been discontinued. Dr Gadgeels presentation at WCLC focuses…

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Stefania Vallone, Lung Cancer Europe (LuCe) talks about the challenges facing lung cancer patients. LuCE conducted a survey asking lung cancer patients and patient advocates about unmet needs and challenges in their countries, and what measures they think need to be in place to address these issues. The results of the survey were presented at an interactive session at the WCLC conference and identified the lack of research funding, detection at a late stage and stigma as the three main issues in Europe. However, these results did not mirror the answers provided by the audience attending the interactive session, indicating…

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Robert Pirker, MD at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria and President of the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC16) outlines the key highlights of the WCLC16 congress. Key advances discussed during the conference include the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of lung cancer, as well as advances in targeted therapies and emerging combinations of various therapies. Dr Pirker also highlighted that, in order to provide the right treatment, it is necessary to accurately understand tumor characteristics through TNM staging and molecular analysis. Updated guidelines for TNM staging were presented at the conference and will be implemented…

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Nicolas Girard, MD, PhD, of Hospital Louis Pradel, Claude Bernard University, Lyon, France, discusses how to maximize clinical benefits for patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is a rare subset of NSCLC. ALK arrangements predict the efficacy of treatment with certain tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). There are several TKIs available for patients, including crizotinib, alectinib and ceritinib as well as additional third generation ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Crizotinib is the current standard of care for first-line treatment both in the ESMO and NCCN guidelines. Data comparing crizotinib and chemotherapy in the first-line setting show clear benefits in…

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Gerhad Mostbeck, MD of the Otto Wagner Hospital, Vienna, Austria talks about the challenges associated with biopsies for the diagnosis of lung cancer. The decision to go forward with a biopsy procedure is taken within an interdisciplinary team of doctors and takes into consideration the invasiveness of the procedure and associated risks as well as the accuracy of the methods used and importantly, patients consent. Another challenge is that lung cancer changes throughout the course of the disease; it changes with treatment and with metastasis. This means that medical teams have to conduct more biopsies than they were used to…

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Frank Griesinger, MD, PhD from the Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany discusses progress in the development of a German clinical research platform. The platform started a year ago and aims to prospectively capture in-depth data including clinical characteristics, health insurance, socio-economic factors, patient outcomes and quality of life. Around 10,000 patients were recruited into this registry which also include data from a bio bank and a tissue repository with clinically annotated material. According to Dr. Griesinger, this is a very important study that will allow to analyse how patients are treated in Germany, and to identify correlations between molecular, clinical and…

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Anne Ireland, MSN,RN, AOCN, CENP of the City of Hope National Medical Centre, Duarte, CA is interested in the adoption and implementation of electronic health records as well as the use of technology innovations to improve healthcare. She believes that technologies such as wearables and social applications can help healthcare practitioners better connect with patients and enhance health promotion, disease prevention and healthcare services. For example, digital patient portals can enable patients to report their symptoms from home and receive timely responses from medical staff. These portals could potentially also be used to request appointments and renew prescriptions, making access…

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Alex Spira, MD, PhD, FACP of Virginia Cancer Specialists, Fairfax, VA talks about immunotherapies and the new challenges they present for clinicians. Immunotherapy drugs lead to side effects and toxicities that are different from the typical oncology side effects that clinicians are used to dealing with. Alex explains how these challenges should be tackled and predicts that immunotherapy will be increasingly used as frontline therapy and also in combination with other agents. Recorded at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Vienna, Austria.

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Maurice Pe?rol, MD, Léon-Bérard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France talks about angiogenesis inhibition in lung cancer across treatment lines. VEGF pathway activation in tumors leads to new vessel development in tumors, or angiogenesis. Several inhibitors of this pathway are used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In first line, bevacizumab is the only approved drug for NSCLC and consistently improves the response rate and the progression-free survival (PFS) for patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, albeit with a smaller effect on overall survival (OS). In second line, two angiogenesis inhibitors have recently been developed; ramucirumab and nintedanib. Ramucirumab, a…

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Martina Pötschke-Langer, MD, from the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany, discusses strategies to improve tobacco control in central European countries. The role of the doctors, especially of oncologists, is crucial as their voice will be heard. When doctors are intervening in tobacco prevention and control programmes of their governments, politicians are more likely to get involved and act. However, this is sometimes difficult if doctors are not so used to the right argument, especially on the level of tobacco control measures, for example, legislations and so on. Regardless, the overall goal is very clear, to reduce the smoking rate…

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Yu Shyr, PhD of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN discusses drug development in lung cancer and a need for a broader approach, using genomics, proteomics, and lipidomics to create a signature or network in personalized precision medicine. Currently, most drug development focuses on targeted therapy for single gene mutations with low prevalence rates. There is an obvious lack of focus on those patients without these mutations. Recorded at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Vienna, Austria.

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Sergei Grando, MD, PhD of University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA discusses the role of nicotine in lung cancer and its effect on therapy in lung cancer. Nicotine can damage the DNA of cells and can cause mutations. It also can promote tumor growth and facilitate survival of cancer cells. Therefore, it both increases likelihood of developing cancer, and is counterproductive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by reducing their efficacy. Dr Grando talks about his research into how the signaling pathways activated by nicotine could potentially be blocked as a novel approach. This could be applicable for many…

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Sanjay Agrawal, MBBS of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, UK discusses e-cigarettes compared to smoking. 85% of lung cancer patients are smokers. Crucially, a third of patients in clinic are still smokers. Referral to stop smoking services, the use of tablets, patches, or behavioral support often fail with these patients. However, many do vaping and e-cigarettes as a way to stop smoking instead. In England, the rate of smoking has reduced in recent years and the use of e-cigarettes has increased. E-cigarettes are not entirely harmless but much safer than smoking tobacco. Cochrane analysis looking at e-cigarettes found the…

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Rosalyn Juergens, MD, PhD of McMaster University, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Canada gives an overview of her presentation of the data from the Canadian Clinical Trials Group Investigational New Drug Committee (IND), trial IND.226 (NCT02537418). This looked at quadruple therapy in lung cancer, which was chemotherapy plus two different forms of immunotherapy, CTLA-4 inhibitor (tremelimumab) and PD-L1 inhibitor (durvalumab). This was a Phase I, dose escalation study looking at safety and tolerability. Combinations of immuno-oncology drugs have been a challenge in the past, so seeing whether patients can sustain the treatment before moving onto quadruple therapy was important. It was found…

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Matthias Guckenberger, MD of University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland discusses his talk on Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Vienna, Austria. He talks about its use for early stage non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) as a curative approach, and its use for more advanced stage disease (oligometastatic disease) and its use for patients with brain metastases. SBRT has become the guideline recommended treatment for inoperable patients with early stage NSCLC. Investigations in the last few years have looked at expanding the indications…

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Mary Duffy, RSCN, RGN, RSM of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria, Australia talks about the International Thoracic Oncology Nursing Forum (ITONF) nurses workshop at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Vienna, Austria. She discusses the importance of clinical trials for lung cancer patients, lung cancers nurses attitudes to patients, and how we think of clinical trials. Also discussed was the importance of clinical trials for the thoracic surgical group. The prevention of smoking cessation was brought up, particularly, the key function of lung cancer nurses…

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Johan Vansteenkiste, MD, PhD of University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium talks about how patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung do worse than those with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Squamous cell carcinoma patients have smoking-induced cancers, meaning they have comorbidities including lung disease, heart disease, renal disease, diabetes, in addition to being older. This creates a different patient with limitations for surgery, limitations for systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, and further, no targeted agents are available. Recently some developments have been seen for these patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies and immunotherapy. Recorded at the 2016 World Conference…

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Lung Cancer Patient/Activist Janet Freeman-Daily talks about the successes of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in lung cancer. From a personal standpoint, her treatment with crizotinib has allowed her to survive with no evidence of cancer for four years. Her talk at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Vienna, Austria discusses patient access to molecular testing and novel therapies, and how this can be solved.

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Hossein Borghaei, DO, MS of Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA gives an outline of his talk on the different anti-PD-L1 and PD-1 antibodies in the market for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) held at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Vienna, Austria. . The PD-L1 inhibitor, avelumab, has an additional property called antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Strategies to augment the ADCC component of avelumab may allow for treatment of patients who do not have robust responses to single agent anti-PD-L1s. The use of genetic…

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Frank Griesinger, MD, PhD from the Pius-Hospital Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany discusses the role of p53 mutation in EGFR mutation positive (M+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Prof. Griesinger explains that they looked EGFR-mutated patients to see if an additional genetic alteration, i.e. a p53 mutation, has an impact of survival; it does seem to have an impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), which are inferior in patients with p53 mutation. Further, there are pathogenic and non-pathogenic p53 mutations and this also has an impact on survival. He explains that patients should be tested for the mutation and…

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David Currow, PhD, MPH, FRACP, FAChPM, FAHMS, GAICD of Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia talks about his poster at the 2016 World Conference of Lung Cancer (WCLC) summarizing two Phase III studies: ROMANA-1 and ROMANA-2 looking at efficacy and safety of anamorelin in cachexia for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (NCT01387269, NCT01387282). These studies had identical eligibility criteria, primary outcomes and analysis. The results showed a sustained increase in lean body mass, an improvement in patient reported appetite, an improvement in fat mass across the 12 weeks of treatment in both studies as well as total mass. The studies…

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Charlotta Pisinger, PhD, MD, MPH of the Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark discusses e-cigarettes and their impact on health. She talks about her recently updated systematic review with the WHO, which shows a growing body of evidence that e-cigarettes are harmful. Increasing numbers of different brands and flavors mean research cant keep up with their differing risk profiles. Some have a very high level of carcinogenic substances, some have none. She discusses animal studies of vapor exposure that show that animals develop asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as having an increased risk of infections and higher mortality. Human…

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Charles Rudin MD, PhD of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY discusses targeted therapies, immunotherapy and their combination in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are complimentary strategies. Targeted inhibitors are associated with very high response rate in tumors with specific mutations which are targeted by these drugs. However, almost all patients treated with targeted inhibitors will relapse. Immunotherapy is different in that are a smaller fraction of patients will respond, but response is potentially more durable. The goal of this trial was to try and get the benefits of each type of…

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Beth Eaby-Sandy MSN, CRNP, OCN, of the Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA explains the different toxicities seen with immunotherapy compared to chemotherapy. Toxicities associated with immunotherapy are generally uncommon, but can be life threatening if they progress. It important for nurses to understand why these patients are having these toxicities, and how they differ from chemotherapy. Nurses must tell patients when to get in contact. Three of the most common severe immune-mediated toxicities from immunotherapies used in lung cancer are: pneumonitis, colitis, and rash/dermatitis. Pneumonitis and colitis are the two that can be life-threatening. Patients with pneumonitis…

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Barbara Melosky, MD, FRCPC, of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC discusses how the world of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutating lung cancers has changed in terms of management, understanding, and the choices which are available. Research is investigating which patients might benefit from certain medications, as choice is expanding with each generation of drugs. There are first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); gefitinib, and erlotinib, second generation EGFR TKIs; afatinib, dacomitinib, and third generation; osimertinib. Dr Melosky is most excited about AURA3 data for osimertinib (NCT02151981). The choices today in the first-line setting for patients depend on…

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Ales Ryska, MD, PhD, of the Charles University, Medical Faculty Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic gives an overview of a session he chaired, which focused on a multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis of lung cancer. He explains how all specialties are required for correct diagnosis today, including endoscopists, pulmonologists, surgeons, pathologists, and molecular biologists. The first presentation was about the main challenges in the testing of lung cancer, covering what is currently available, and what prospects there are for the near future. His second presentation was about what is new with bronchoscopic techniques. Specifically, how endoscopy can get more material for…

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At ASH 2016, MPN experts from across the nation share their perspective on what the future holds for MPNs, in both the short term and long term. Dr. John Mascarenhas from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, Dr. Catriona Jamieson of UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center, and Dr. Stephen T. Oh of Washington University School of Medicine provide an optimistic outlook on MPN research and treatment. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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It is an honor and a privilege to be selected to present at the American Society of Hematology Conference. Dr. Jonathan Gerber is among the select few chosen due to the importance of his work over the past several years. In this video clip, Dr. Jonathan Gerber talks about the significance of research collaboration from industry leaders across the country.

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At ASH 2016, experts from across the nation discuss how genetic testing is affecting the evolution of treatment for MPNs. Dr. Stephen Oh of Washington University School of Medicine explains exactly what genetic testing could mean for patients. Dr. Catriona Jamieson of UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center follows by helping viewers to understand what the ongoing learnings reveal and the effect of looking at things at a “nano” level. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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We continue to provide informational videos for our Spanish speaking community and welcome Dr. Luis Raez, MD FACP FCCP, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Medical Director at Memorial Cancer Institute, and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Florida International University. Dr. Raez joined GRACE to discuss the basics of lung cancer. In this 27th video for the Spanish lung cancer video library, Dr. Raez discusses potential side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors and basic management approaches.

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In this presentation from Lymphoma & Myeloma 2016, Dr. Kenneth C. Anderson discusses new paradigms and therapies in the treatment of relapsed/refractory myeloma, with an emphasis on small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. Earn CME credit for a related activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=7225 © 2016 Imedex, LLC.

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In this Key Insights activity, Drs. Corey J. Langer, MD and Joshua Bauml discuss the key take-home points from the 21st Annual Perspectives in Thoracic Oncology meeting held November 18-19, 2016 in New York. Earn CME credit for this activity at the following location: http://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Specialty-Search.aspx?search=7228 © 2016 Imedex, LLC.

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At ASH 2016, MPN experts from around the nation came together to review current and developing therapies for MPNs. Dr. John Mascarenhas of Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City discussed the use of agents that are currently approved for other conditions as well as JAK inhibitors in development. Dr. Catriona Jamieson from UC San Diegos Moores Cancer Center explains the possibility of therapy tailored to each patient, while Dr. Stephen Oh from Washington University School of Medicine expands on telomerase inhibitors and anti-fibrotic medicines. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook…

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As part of our ASH 2016 coverage, Dr. John Mascarenhas, from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, joined Patient Power to discuss the research taking place with interferon as a treatment for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). While interferon has been around for some time, theres a recent re-emergence of research in the field. Dr. Mascarenhas addresses the interim results of current studies and the new clinical trials set to begin in 2017. Learn more about interferon and why this may be a viable option for some patients with MPNs. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook…

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In this Best of the Day discussion from the annual hematology meeting held in San Diego, Drs. Joseph R. Mikhael and Sonali M. Smith analyze and discuss pertinent clinical studies and late breaking updates pertaining the care of patients with lymphoma. This engaging conversation provides updates in a comprehensive and accessible format that facilitates the incorporation of the latest treatment advances into clinical practice. Earn CME credit for this activity at the following location: https://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Activity-Overview.aspx?activityid=7243&specialty=Hematology

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In this Best of the Day discussion from the annual hematology meeting held in San Diego, Drs. Joseph R. Mikhael and David P. Steensma analyze and discuss pertinent clinical studies and late breaking updates pertaining the care of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This engaging conversation provides updates in a comprehensive and accessible format that facilitates the incorporation of the latest treatment advances into clinical practice. Earn CME credit for this activity at the following location: https://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Activity-Overview.aspx?activityid=7242&specialty=Hematology

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In this Best of the Day discussion from the annual hematology meeting held in San Diego, Drs. Joseph R. Mikhael and Saad V. Usmani analyze and discuss pertinent clinical studies and late breaking updates pertaining the care of patients with multiple myeloma. This engaging conversation provides updates in a comprehensive and accessible format that facilitates the incorporation of the latest treatment advances into clinical practice. Earn CME credit for this activity at the following location: https://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Activity-Overview.aspx?activityid=7241&specialty=Hematology

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In this Best of the Day discussion from the annual hematology meeting held in San Diego, Drs. Joseph R. Mikhael and Neil E. Kay analyze and discuss pertinent clinical studies and late breaking updates pertaining the care of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This engaging conversation provides updates in a comprehensive and accessible format that facilitates the incorporation of the latest treatment advances into clinical practice. Earn CME credit for this activity at the following location: https://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Activity-Overview.aspx?activityid=7240&specialty=Hematology

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In this Best of the Day discussion from the annual hematology meeting held in San Diego, Drs. Joseph R. Mikhael and Ruben A. Mesa analyze and discuss pertinent clinical studies and late breaking updates pertaining the care of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). This engaging conversation provides updates in a comprehensive and accessible format that facilitates the incorporation of the latest treatment advances into clinical practice. Earn CME credit for this activity here: https://elc.imedex.com/ELC/Activity-Overview.aspx?activityid=7239&specialty=Hematology

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David Ilson, MD of Memoral Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discusses data released at ASCO GI 2017. A total of 198 patients who completed chemoradiation were analyzed for the primary endpoint of pCR. Among the entire group, the pCR rate was 22.7%. The highest pCR rate of 37.5% occurred in PET responders who received both induction and concurrent FOLFOX, whereas the lowest rate of 12.5% occurred in PET responders who received both induction and concurrent carboplatin/paclitaxel. Notably, the pCR rate for PET nonresponders who switched from FOLFOX to carboplatin/paclitaxel was 19.0% and for those who switched from carboplatin/paclitaxel to FOLFOX was…

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David Ilson, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering gives an overview of the CALGB 80803 PET Assessment to Optimize Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Esophageal Cancer. Background: To determine whether changing chemotherapy (CT) during pre-op chemoradiation (CRT) based on response to induction CT by 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose PET imaging can lead to improved pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients (pts) with resectable esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinomas. Methods: 257 eligible pts were enrolled, underwent baseline PET scan, and were randomized to one of 2 induction CT arms: Modified FOLFOX-6 (oxaliplatin, leucovorin, 5-FU), days 1, 15, 29 or Carboplatin/Paclitaxel (CP), days 1, 8, 22, 29.…

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Jonathan R. Strosberg, MD of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center discusses the Phase III trial results of NETTER-1 as reported by the New England Journal of Medicine http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1607427CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with 177Lu-Dotatate resulted in markedly longer progression-free survival and a significantly higher response rate than high-dose octreotide LAR among patients with advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors. Preliminary evidence of an overall survival benefit was seen in an interim analysis; confirmation will be required in the planned final analysis. Clinically significant myelosuppression occurred in less than 10% of patients in the 177Lu-Dotatate group.

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Bertram Wiedenmann, MD, PhD of Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin? discusses the NETTER-1 results for patients with neuroendocrine tumors received an 18% response rate. Here is more details about the trial background: Patients with advanced midgut neuroendocrine tumors who have had disease progression during first-line somatostatin analogue therapy have limited therapeutic options. This randomized, controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of lutetium-177 (177Lu)Dotatate in patients with advanced, progressive, somatostatin-receptorpositive midgut neuroendocrine tumors.

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Dr. Dale Shepard, MD of Cleveland Clinic gives an update on the The International Watch & Wait database (IWWD) for rectal cancer. Here is the Background: In 2014 the IWWD was established by EURECCA and the Champalimaud Foundation. The main goal of this database is to collect all available data to expand knowledge on the benefits, risks and oncological safety of organ preserving strategies in rectal cancer. In April 2015 the database was opened for data registration. Methods: An international multicentre observational study. Data was collected by participating centres and stored in a highly secured NEN7510 certified and encrypted research…

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GRACE is pleased to present a series of webcasts with faculty member John Pagel, MD, PhD, DSc, from Swedish Cancer Institute. Dr. Pagel was one of many to attend the American Society of Hematologys Annual Meeting (ASH) in early December 2016 and graciously sat down with GRACE to recap highlights from the meeting. Our fifth video in this series provides an update on CAR-T cell therapy in lymphoma.

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GRACE is pleased to present a series of webcasts with faculty member John Pagel, MD, PhD, DSc, from Swedish Cancer Institute. Dr. Pagel was one of many to attend the American Society of Hematologys Annual Meeting (ASH) in early December 2016 and graciously sat down with GRACE to recap highlights from the meeting. Our fourth video in this series updates us on antibody therapies in indolent non-hodgkins lymphoma.

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Daratumumab (DARA), a human CD38 IgG1? monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated single agent efficacy while being highly tolerable as a monotherapy, and significant efficacy in combination with standard-of-care regimens in pts with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received ?1 prior lines of therapy (Lokhorst HM. NEJM 2015, 373(13):1207-19; Lonial S. Lancet 2016, 387:1551-60; Palumbo A. NEJM 2016, in press; Dimopoulos MA. NEJM 2016, in press). DARA is currently administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Subcutaneous (SC) delivery of DARA is being tested in combination with the recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20) to facilitate systemic absorption of DARA after SC infusion into…

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Raúl Córdoba, MD, PhD, of University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain, discusses his two main highlights from ASH 2016. The first highlight includes learning more and more about adaptive therapy in Hodgkins lymphoma. For example, if interim response after two cycles of chemotherapy leads to a PET-CT negative, we can decrease the regimen in order to decrease toxicity, without affecting the outcome. If the patient remains PET-positive after two cycles, we would have to increase the dose level of chemotherapy in order to overcome this bad prognosis factor. Another field of increasing interest is the treatment of elderly patients,…

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Raúl Córdoba, MD, PhD, of University Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain, discusses results from a drugdrug interaction study (NCT02381080) of ibrutinib with moderate and strong cytochrome p3a (CYP3A) inhibitors. Potential drugdrug interactions are important as ibrutinib is a novel therapy for b-cell malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle-cell lymphoma. Ibrutinib is metabolized by an enzyme in the liver, CYP3A. If the patient has another medication it can also interact with this cytochrome; therefore resulting to ibrutinib levels becoming very high and leading to toxicity. The aim of this study is to analyze the plasma levels of…

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Launched in July of 2016, SITC presents the newest in a series of videos focusing on immunotherapy for NSCLC patients, the NSCLC Immunotherapy: Advancing Hope video provides an overview of the building blocks of the immune system and immunotherapy, while also highlighting recent FDA approved immunotherapy treatments and potential side effects, and the importance of clinical trials. Through a highly informative and easy-to-understand whiteboard animated format, follow an advanced NSCLC patient who is introduced to immunotherapy and is looking to determine if it is the right treatment option for him. Companion CME/CNE Online Activity SITC is pleased to offer a…

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MPN expert Dr. Srdan Verstovsek from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center explains how doctors assess patients with polycthemia vera (PV) and determine the best treatment for each individual. He explains driver mutations associated with MPNs and how various treatments work to treat the condition. Dr. Verstovsek believes that the most important thing to consider when choosing a therapy is the patient’s quality of life. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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Over the last 25 years, there has been an explosion of new and vitally important, anticancer drugs. The development of these promising new therapeutic agents is generally based on preclinical and clinical research. In many cases, this research has, become prohibitively expensive. And only a relatively few investigational drugs have reached the market and successfully improved clinical outcomes in the treatment of patients with cancer and hematological malignancies. In the development of new therapies, the traditional clinical trial process of determining which drugs will ultimately benefit patients is long and expensive. Over the last few decades scientists have tried to…

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In this Patient Power segment, Andrew Schorr talks with MPN experts Dr. Prithviraj Bose and Dr. Olatoyosi Odenike about the risks associated with essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (MF). Dr. Bose discusses what concerns him about each type of MPN and the issues that experts put a focus on to reduce risk while Dr. Odenike provides insight on treatment options. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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At the 2016 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, Dr. Brian Walker of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Myeloma Institute joined Patient Power to discuss the importance of researching genes and mutations learn more about the intricacies of myeloma. Dr. Walker discusses how genetic sequencing plays a role in the use of targeted therapies and the development of new medications. He also speaks about the Myeloma Genome Project and how patients can be involved in this collaboration of research benefitting the future of medicine. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook…

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What is the latest news about lymphoma from ASH 2106? Lymphoma expert Dr. John Burke of Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers shares the three main elements of lymphoma news out of ASH: follicular lymphoma patients should expect obinatuzimab to become available sometime in 2017; mantle cell patients may see benefits from rituximab as a post-transplant maintenance therapy; and, unfortunately, trial outcomes for EPIC were negative with no overall advantage to diffuse large B-cell lymphomas patients. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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Tim Stockwell, PhD of University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada gives an overview of his presentation focused on alcohols contribution to the burden of cancer. Dr Stockwell mentions that after correcting for some methodological problems the rates of alcohol-caused cancer are 2-3 times higher than previously thought. Dr Stockwells research indicates that introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland will lead to benefits greater than anticipated by modelling studies. Recorded at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Conference in Liverpool, UK.

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Stan Kaye, BSc, MD, FRCP, FRCR, FRSE, FMedSci of Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK discusses drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy is limited as many cancers develop resistance to drugs like carboplatin or taxanes. Analysis of samples from patients with relapsed cancer may offer some answers to understand what mechanisms are used by cancer cells to repair DNA damage. Drugs targeting these mechanisms could be then used to inhibit DNA repair and stop cancer proliferation. Recorded at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Conference in Liverpool, UK.

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Robert Coleman, MBBS, MD, FRCP, FRCPE of Sheffield Cancer Research, University of Sheffield, UK discusses issues with drug repurposing. Most drug development is supported by the pharmaceutical industry for commercial reasons, which is rarely possible for drug repurposing. Promising drugs are not licensed in the indication and clinicians cannot prescribe bisphosphonates without a licence. Dr Coleman highlights the case of bisphosphonates, which are used to treat osteoporosis and have a very powerful effect on breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women. Recorded at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Conference in Liverpool, UK.

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Linda Bauld, PhD of the University of Stirling, UK discusses as session on the prevention of cancer at the population level at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Conference in Liverpool, UK. Prof. Bauld explains that they were looking at population level interventions to reduce the incidence of preventable cancer in the UK and other countries. She explains that the biggest impact can be achieved at the policy level rather than the individual level, i.e. changing the environment and the opportunities. The main preventable risk factors are tobacco use, obesity (weight, diet and physical activity), and alcohol. In this…

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Elena Semino, PhD of Lancaster University, UK, discusses findings from research on how language can affect patients with cancer. There is a lot of evidence that the language that is used for a condition as sensitive as cancer, reflects peoples attitude, views, fears and experiences. It can also influence how people make sense of their experience. There is evidence that we need to be very conscious of what language we use in different contexts and what the implications of that language might be. For example, fighting metaphors for cancer can be harmful in some contexts; one paper presented at the…

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Cheng-Har Yip, MB, BS, FRCS of Breast Surgery International, Malaysia discusses the challenges in the management of breast cancer in low and middle income countries at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Conference in Liverpool, UK. Dr Yip explains that the incidence of breast cancer is lower in developing countries but increasing rapidly. Further, women present with late stages of breast cancer; more than 50% of women present with stage 3 and 4. She explains that mortality in low and middle income countries is high. The issue is access to optimal treatment as there are not enough healthcare professional…

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Elaine Vickers, BMedSc, PhD of Science Communicated Ltd, Sheffield, UK gives an overview of sessions, which introduce an audience to scientific topics. Presentations organised by Dr Vickers help non-scientists understand plenary sessions to get more out of the main conference program. Doctors, patients, clinical trial nurses, members of charities and government funded bodies can all benefit from these sessions. Recorded at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Conference in Liverpool, UK.

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Elena Semino, PhD, of Lancaster University, UK, provides an overview of a session on ‘How we talk about cancer’, which was prompted by an increasing interest in the kind of linguistic choices we make and the methods that are used to talk about cancer and their implications. There have been a lot of debates on this topic and in particular, on metaphors to do with fighting cancer, which are used in the media and by cancer charities. Some people have suggested that these metaphors are not helpful for patients. Prof. Semino provides an overview of the session, which has four…

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David Miklos, MD, PhD of Stanford University Medical Center, gives an overview of his abstract, Allogeneic Transplants from HLA-Mismatched Unrelated Donors Using Total Lymphoid Irradiation and Antithymocyte Globulin Conditioning Retain a Low Risk of Graft-Versus-Host Disease and Non-Relapse Mortality with at Least As Potent Anti-Tumor Activity As with Matched Unrelated Donors, which was presented at the 58th ASH Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

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Is there such thing as treatment-free remission for a CML patient? CML expert Dr. Jessica Altman of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University shares data about novel treatments coming from current clinical trials. The most exciting news is the major advance in treatment-free remission for patients in molecular remission. Dr. Altman expands on this notion and discusses the new therapy, ABL001, currently being studied. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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What is the latest in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting and what does it mean for patients? MPN expert Dr. Claire Harrison from Guy and St. Thomas Hospital reviews a consolidated list of MPN news which revolves around several studies: PROUD-PV, MPD-RC 112 and the MPN Landmark Study, among others. Dr. Harrison discloses interim results and summarizes the impact on MPN patients. She also shares her predictions for the 2017 meeting including increased understanding of the genetic landscape for patients with MPNs. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like…

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MPN expert Dr. Srdan Verstovsek of MD Anderson Cancer Center shares a comprehensive overview of the treatments for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) being discussed at ASH 2016. Listen as Dr. Verstovsek discusses the results from COMFORT I & II studies, research around interferon therapy for polycythemia vera (PV), JAK inhibitor studies, new therapies to combat anemia, as well as some of the newer therapies that we will learn more about in 2017. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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Parameswaran Hari, MD, MRCP, MS of Medical College of Wisconsin gives an overview of the results and aftermath of Phase III BMT CTN 0702 Stamina Trial at the 58th ASH Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.         clinical trials, phase iii, phase iii btm ctn 0702 stamina trial, btm ctn 0702 stamina, 58th ash annual meeting

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Is interferon or hydroxyurea (Hydrea) more effective as a treatment for polycythemia vera (PV)? MPN expert and researcher, Dr. Heinz Gisslinger, discusses the results from PROUD-PV Phase III study. He details the pros and cons of interferon versus hydroxyurea and how these findings will affect patients. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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Can CML patients responding positively to therapy have their medications safely reduced? CML expert Dr. Mhairi Copland of the University of Glasgow reports the findings from a clinical trial studying the safety of reducing tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in patients with CML. Tune in to learn when dosage reduction may be appropriate. Get email alerts | http://www.patientpower.info/alerts Subscribe on YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/patientpower Like on Facebook | http://www.fb.com/patientpower.info Follow on Twitter | http://www.twitter.com/patientpower Follow on Google+ | http://www.google.com/+patientpowerinfo

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