Author: Editor

Samuel Chao, MD Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic speaks about the ASTRO 2021 Abstract – 51 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT to Distinguish Radiation Necrosis From Tumor Progression in Brain Metastases Treated With Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Results of a Prospective Pilot Study.Link to Abstract:https://plan.core-apps.com/myastroapp2021/abstract/46e4dee0-17bf-49b9-a92f-6097130183e1Intention:To present the findings of a prospective pilot study using 18F Fluciclovine PET CT to discriminate radiation necrosis (RN) from tumor progression (TP) in patients with brain metastases (BM) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).Components:The main goal was to determine how accurate 18F Fluciclovine PET CT was at distinguishing RN from TP. Adults with BM who had SRS…

Samuel Chao, MD Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic speaks about the ASTRO 2021 Abstract – 51 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT to Distinguish Radiation Necrosis From Tumor Progression in Brain Metastases Treated With Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Results of a Prospective Pilot Study.Link to Abstract:https://plan.core-apps.com/myastroapp2021/abstract/46e4dee0-17bf-49b9-a92f-6097130183e1Intention:To present the findings of a prospective pilot study using 18F Fluciclovine PET CT to discriminate radiation necrosis (RN) from tumor progression (TP) in patients with brain metastases (BM) treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).Components:The main goal was to determine how accurate 18F Fluciclovine PET CT was at distinguishing RN from TP. Adults with BM who had SRS…

Jelena Lukovic, MD, FRCPC, MPH, Radiation Onologist, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre speaks about the ASTRO 2021 Abstract – 73 The Feasibility of Quality Assurance in the TOPGEAR International Phase III Clinical Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Gastric Cancer (An Intergroup Trial of the AGITG/TROG/EORTC/CCTG).Link to Abstract:https://plan.core-apps.com/myastroapp2021/abstract/ab077756-3746-4723-8871-8f9b1cfa329bAbstract:Intention:The TOPGEAR (Trial of Preoperative Therapy for Gastric and Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma) worldwide phase III trial hypothesized that supplementing perioperative chemotherapy with preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) would enhance survival in patients with gastric cancer. A sophisticated radiation therapy quality assurance (RTQA) methodology was created due to the intricacy of stomach irradiation. The purpose…

Jelena Lukovic, MD, FRCPC, MPH, Radiation Onologist, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre speaks about the ASTRO 2021 Abstract – 73 The Feasibility of Quality Assurance in the TOPGEAR International Phase III Clinical Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Gastric Cancer (An Intergroup Trial of the AGITG/TROG/EORTC/CCTG).Link to Abstract:https://plan.core-apps.com/myastroapp2021/abstract/ab077756-3746-4723-8871-8f9b1cfa329bAbstract:Intention):The TOPGEAR (Trial of Preoperative Therapy for Gastric and Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma) worldwide phase III trial hypothesized that supplementing perioperative chemotherapy with preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) would enhance survival in patients with gastric cancer. A sophisticated radiation therapy quality assurance (RTQA) methodology was created due to the intricacy of stomach irradiation. The purpose…

Michelina Cairo, MD from Texas Oncology speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract LBA1 – Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) vs trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients (Pts) with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (mBC): Results of the randomized phase III DESTINY-Breast03 study (Enhertu).Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/trastuzumab-deruxtecan-t-dxd-vs-trastuzumab-emtansine-t-dm1-in-patients-pts-with-her2-metastatic-breast-cancer-mbc-results-of-the-randomiLBA1 Abstract  -Background:Based on the outcomes of DESTINY-Breast01, T-DXd is a HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate that has been authorized for patients with advanced HER2+ mBC (NCT03248492). DESTINY-Breast03 (NCT03529110) is a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 3 trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of T-DXd against T-DM1 in patients with HER2+ mBC who had previously had trastuzumab and taxane treatment. This is the first…

Michelina Cairo, MD from Texas Oncology speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract LBA1 – Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) vs trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients (Pts) with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (mBC): Results of the randomized phase III DESTINY-Breast03 study (Enhertu).Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/trastuzumab-deruxtecan-t-dxd-vs-trastuzumab-emtansine-t-dm1-in-patients-pts-with-her2-metastatic-breast-cancer-mbc-results-of-the-randomiLBA1 Abstract  -Background:Based on the outcomes of DESTINY-Breast01, T-DXd is a HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate that has been authorized for patients with advanced HER2+ mBC (NCT03248492). DESTINY-Breast03 (NCT03529110) is a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 3 trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of T-DXd against T-DM1 in patients with HER2+ mBC who had previously had trastuzumab and taxane treatment. This is the first…

Dr. MJ Markham, Chief of Heme-Onc at Univ of Florida, chats with Drs. Charu Aggarwal and Jack West about the intersection of gynecologic & medical oncology, COVID-19 blogging, gender bias, and social media dissemination of new results in cancer care.

Joshua D. Mitchell, MD from Washington University in St. Louis speaks about Cardiovascular Manifestations From Therapeutic Radiation: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus Statement From the International Cardio-Oncology Society.Link to Abstract:https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jaccao.2021.06.003Summary -Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with more than half of patients receiving it. As a result of increased use and survival, researchers are paying more attention to the long-term effects of ionizing radiation, including cardiovascular damage. Radiation therapy can cause vascular atherosclerosis, as well as a valve, cardiac, and pericardial dysfunction. The International Cardio-Oncology Society has issued a consensus statement based on broad principles of radiation treatment, cardiovascular…

Joshua D. Mitchell, MD from Washington University in St. Louis speaks about Cardiovascular Manifestations From Therapeutic Radiation: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus Statement From the International Cardio-Oncology Society.Link to Abstract:https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jaccao.2021.06.003Summary -Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, with more than half of patients receiving it. As a result of increased use and survival, researchers are paying more attention to the long-term effects of ionizing radiation, including cardiovascular damage. Radiation therapy can cause vascular atherosclerosis, as well as a valve, cardiac, and pericardial dysfunction. The International Cardio-Oncology Society has issued a consensus statement based on broad principles of radiation treatment, cardiovascular…

Wendy Levin, MD, MS , Chief Medical Officer at Biofidelity speaks about the New California Law Increases Access to Biomarker Testing for Late-Stage Cancer Patients. Link to Article:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-california-law-increases-access-to-biomarker-testing-for-late-stage-cancer-patients-301399084.htmlBiofidelity, a leader in precision cancer diagnostics, applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom and the California legislature for passing SB 535 on October 6th, a bill that prevents health insurers that already cover biomarker testing from requiring prior authorization for patients with advanced-stage cancer.These tailored medicines provide patients with an option to a severe chemotherapy regimen, frequently with better outcomes. Since targeted medicines were accessible in 2010, five-year survival rates for lung cancer have…

Wendy Levin, MD, MS , Chief Medical Officer at Biofidelity speaks about the New California Law Increases Access to Biomarker Testing for Late-Stage Cancer Patients. Link to Article:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-california-law-increases-access-to-biomarker-testing-for-late-stage-cancer-patients-301399084.htmlBiofidelity, a leader in precision cancer diagnostics, applauded California Governor Gavin Newsom and the California legislature for passing SB 535 on October 6th, a bill that prevents health insurers that already cover biomarker testing from requiring prior authorization for patients with advanced-stage cancer.These tailored medicines provide patients with an option to a severe chemotherapy regimen, frequently with better outcomes. Since targeted medicines were accessible in 2010, five-year survival rates for lung cancer have…

John P. Pierce, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Moores UCSD Cancer Center speaks about Does switching to e-Cigarettes Prevent Relapse?Link to Abstract:https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2785237?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=101921Points to Remember -Is switching to e-cigarettes linked to a lower risk of relapsing into cigarette smoking?Findings: In this cohort research of a representative sample of US people, 9.4% of those who smoked cigarettes 1 year later were recent former smokers. Switching to any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, was linked to an 8.5 percent increase in relapse to smoking over the next year, which was similar to the rise reported in people who moved to conventional tobacco products.Meaning: In adults in…

John P. Pierce, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Moores UCSD Cancer Center speaks about Does switching to e-Cigarettes Prevent Relapse?Link to Abstract:https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2785237?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=101921Points to Remember -Is switching to e-cigarettes linked to a lower risk of relapsing into cigarette smoking?Findings: In this cohort research of a representative sample of US people, 9.4% of those who smoked cigarettes 1 year later were recent former smokers. Switching to any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, was linked to an 8.5 percent increase in relapse to smoking over the next year, which was similar to the rise reported in people who moved to conventional tobacco products.Meaning: In adults in…

Debra Patt, MD, Ph.D., MBA, FASCO, Executive Vice President at Texas Oncology a member of The US Oncology Network, Professor at Dell Medical School – The University of Texas at Austin speaks about Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and tumor forecasting of breast cancer patients in the community setting.Link to Article:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41596-021-00617-y.epdf?sharing_token=lzLbY_YpHlRJVJBqHkCe1NRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0NL3ac1xHMXQwl5KtvTQSPu9LLHl_s2_RNgf6Ghz02Kzzj0C4_EmzkEElnB1Ukrqfkd1DPgirmLS8j-PffRD8npiNb__zUwr8801sfrYOzQ8Nfjh7QuG_3iWFWAmjQgn28%3DOverview:In a community-based care context, this protocol outlines a complete data acquisition, analysis, and computational forecasting pipeline for using quantitative MRI data to predict the response of locally advanced breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy. The methodology has been successfully used to a diverse patient group in the past. The protocol explains…

Debra Patt, MD, Ph.D., MBA, FASCO, Executive Vice President at Texas Oncology a member of The US Oncology Network, Professor at Dell Medical School – The University of Texas at Austin speaks about Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and tumor forecasting of breast cancer patients in the community setting.Link to Article:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41596-021-00617-y.epdf?sharing_token=lzLbY_YpHlRJVJBqHkCe1NRgN0jAjWel9jnR3ZoTv0NL3ac1xHMXQwl5KtvTQSPu9LLHl_s2_RNgf6Ghz02Kzzj0C4_EmzkEElnB1Ukrqfkd1DPgirmLS8j-PffRD8npiNb__zUwr8801sfrYOzQ8Nfjh7QuG_3iWFWAmjQgn28%3DOverview:In a community-based care context, this protocol outlines a complete data acquisition, analysis, and computational forecasting pipeline for using quantitative MRI data to predict the response of locally advanced breast cancer to neoadjuvant therapy. The methodology has been successfully used to a diverse patient group in the past. The protocol explains…

Gregory Vladimer, Ph.D., VP of translational research at Exscientia and co-inventor of the AI-precision medicine platform speaks about Publication of EXALT-1 Trial in Cancer Discovery Demonstrates First AI-Supported Functional Precision Medicine Platform to Improve Cancer Treatment Outcomes. Link to Article:https://investors.exscientia.ai/press-releases/press-release-details/2021/Publication-of-EXALT-1-Trial-in-Cancer-Discovery-Demonstrates-First-AI-Supported-Functional-Precision-Medicine-Platform-to-Improve-Cancer-Treatment-Outcomes/default.aspxFinal results from the EXALT-1 study were published today in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association of Cancer Research, by Exscientia (Nasdaq: EXAI), the Medical University of Vienna, and the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The study, titled “Functional Precision Medicine Provides Clinical Benefit in Advanced Aggressive Haematological Cancers and Identifies Exceptional…

Gregory Vladimer, Ph.D., VP of translational research at Exscientia and co-inventor of the AI-precision medicine platform speaks about Publication of EXALT-1 Trial in Cancer Discovery Demonstrates First AI-Supported Functional Precision Medicine Platform to Improve Cancer Treatment Outcomes. Link to Article:https://investors.exscientia.ai/press-releases/press-release-details/2021/Publication-of-EXALT-1-Trial-in-Cancer-Discovery-Demonstrates-First-AI-Supported-Functional-Precision-Medicine-Platform-to-Improve-Cancer-Treatment-Outcomes/default.aspxFinal results from the EXALT-1 study were published today in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association of Cancer Research, by Exscientia (Nasdaq: EXAI), the Medical University of Vienna, and the CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. The study, titled “Functional Precision Medicine Provides Clinical Benefit in Advanced Aggressive Haematological Cancers and Identifies Exceptional…

Bijal Shah, MD, MS, ZUMA-3 investigator, and medical oncologist, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida speaks about U.S. FDA Approves Kite’s Tecartus(R) as the First and Only CAR T for Adults With Relapsed or Refractory B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.Link to Article:https://www.kitepharma.com/news/press-releases/2021/10/us-fda-approves-kites-tecartus-as-the-first-and-only-car-t-for-adults-with-relapsed-or-refractory-bcell-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemiaTecartus® (brexucabtagene autoleucel) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients (18 years and older) with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Tecartus is the first and only chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment approved for adults (18 years and older) with ALL, following FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and…

Bijal Shah, MD, MS, ZUMA-3 investigator, and medical oncologist, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida speaks about U.S. FDA Approves Kite’s Tecartus(R) as the First and Only CAR T for Adults With Relapsed or Refractory B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.Link to Article:https://www.kitepharma.com/news/press-releases/2021/10/us-fda-approves-kites-tecartus-as-the-first-and-only-car-t-for-adults-with-relapsed-or-refractory-bcell-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemiaTecartus® (brexucabtagene autoleucel) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients (18 years and older) with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Tecartus is the first and only chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment approved for adults (18 years and older) with ALL, following FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and…

Stephanie Patterson, MD, FACR, FSBI, Clinical Professor, Radiology, Division of Breast Imaging, University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine speaks about Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). This is an ongoing study. Link to Study:www.cancer.gov/tmistTMIST is a randomized breast screening experiment that will aid researchers in determining the best methods for detecting breast cancer in women with no symptoms. It compares two types of digital mammography approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): regular digital mammography (2-D) and tomosynthesis mammography, a newer technology (3-D). To obtain a flat image, 2-D mammography captures photos from two sides of the breast. 3-D mammography…

Stephanie Patterson, MD, FACR, FSBI, Clinical Professor, Radiology, Division of Breast Imaging, University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine speaks about Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). This is an ongoing study.Link to Study:www.cancer.gov/tmistTMIST is a randomized breast screening experiment that will aid researchers in determining the best methods for detecting breast cancer in women with no symptoms. It compares two types of digital mammography approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): regular digital mammography (2-D) and tomosynthesis mammography, a newer technology (3-D). To obtain a flat image, 2-D mammography captures photos from two sides of the breast. 3-D mammography images…

Daneng Li, MD from the City of Hope speaks about Older adults who receive additional supportive care services experience fewer side effects from chemotherapy, City of Hope study finds. Link to Article:https://www.cityofhope.org/news/clinical-trial-over-65-chemotherapyWhen a multidisciplinary team of experts analyzed each case and introduced personalized interventions, patients over 65 receiving chemotherapy experienced significantly fewer treatment-related side effects, according to a clinical trial led by researchers at City of Hope, a world-renowned cancer research and treatment organization.Patients were offered additional supportive care services based on the findings of a cancer-specific geriatric assessment, a thorough instrument created by City of Hope in partnership with…

Daneng Li, MD from the City of Hope speaks about Older adults who receive additional supportive care services experience fewer side effects from chemotherapy, City of Hope study finds. Link to Article:https://www.cityofhope.org/news/clinical-trial-over-65-chemotherapyWhen a multidisciplinary team of experts analyzed each case and introduced personalized interventions, patients over 65 receiving chemotherapy experienced significantly fewer treatment-related side effects, according to a clinical trial led by researchers at City of Hope, a world-renowned cancer research and treatment organization.Patients were offered additional supportive care services based on the findings of a cancer-specific geriatric assessment, a thorough instrument created by City of Hope in partnership with…

Danny Nguyen, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Orange County Irvine speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract – 1261MO – Updated results from a phase I/II study of mobocertinib (TAK-788) in NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertions (exon20ins).Link to Abstract:https://cslide.ctimeetingtech.com/esmo2021/attendee/confcal_4/presentation/list?q=1218P+&r=pt%7E53Summary -Backstory:According to the independent review committee (IRC), the phase I/II study (NCT02716116) of mobocertinib 160 mg QD in platinum-pretreated patients (PPP) with EGFRex20ins+ NSCLC showed a verified objective response rate (ORR) of 28 percent; GI toxicities were the most common side events (AEs).Methodologies:We provide ORR, DoR, and PFS per IRC in patients with…

Danny Nguyen, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Orange County Irvine speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract – 1261MO – Updated results from a phase I/II study of mobocertinib (TAK-788) in NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertions (exon20ins).Link to Abstract:https://cslide.ctimeetingtech.com/esmo2021/attendee/confcal_4/presentation/list?q=1218P+&r=pt%7E53Summary -Backstory:According to the independent review committee (IRC), the phase I/II study (NCT02716116) of mobocertinib 160 mg QD in platinum-pretreated patients (PPP) with EGFRex20ins+ NSCLC showed a verified objective response rate (ORR) of 28 percent; GI toxicities were the most common side events (AEs).Methodologies:We provide ORR, DoR, and PFS per IRC in patients with…

Mario Campone, MD, Ph.D., Professor, Medical Oncologist, Director General of the Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest (ICO), René Gauducheau, St Herblain, France speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract – 264P – AMEERA-1: Subgroup analyses of phase I/II study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with palbociclib in postmenopausal women with ER+/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) advanced breast cancer (aBC).Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/ameera-1-subgroup-analyses-of-phase-i-ii-study-of-amcenestrant-sar439859-an-oral-selective-estrogen-receptor-er-degrader-serd-with-palboci264P – AbstractBackstory:Amcenestrant is an optimized, oral SERD that has showed promising anticancer activity in ER+/HER2– aBC when combined with palbociclib (palbo). Updated data, including anticancer activity by subgroups, is shown here.Methodologies:This phase…

Mario Campone, MD, Ph.D., Professor, Medical Oncologist, Director General of the Institut de Cancérologie de l’Ouest (ICO), René Gauducheau, St Herblain, France speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract – 264P – AMEERA-1: Subgroup analyses of phase I/II study of amcenestrant (SAR439859), an oral selective estrogen receptor (ER) degrader (SERD), with palbociclib in postmenopausal women with ER+/ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) advanced breast cancer (aBC).Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/ameera-1-subgroup-analyses-of-phase-i-ii-study-of-amcenestrant-sar439859-an-oral-selective-estrogen-receptor-er-degrader-serd-with-palboci264P – AbstractBackstory:Amcenestrant is an optimized, oral SERD that has showed promising anticancer activity in ER+/HER2– aBC when combined with palbociclib (palbo). Updated data, including anticancer activity by subgroups, is shown here.Methodologies:This phase…

Ellen Kim, MD, Medical Director, Dermatology Clinic, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Professor of Dermatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Lead Principal Investigator for the Phase 3 FLASH (Fluorescent Light Activated Synthetic Hypericin) study speaks about the USCLC 2021 Abstract – HyBryteâ„¢ Positive Pivotal Phase 3 FLASH Study Selected for Presentation at the United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium (USCLC) Annual Meeting.Link to Article:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hybryte-positive-pivotal-phase-3-flash-study-selected-for-presentation-at-the-united-states-cutaneous-lymphoma-consortium-usclc-annual-meeting-301317045.htmlSoligenix, Inc., a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases with unmet medical needs, announced today that Ellen Kim, MD, Medical Director, Dermatology Clinic, Perelman Center for…

Eric Klein, MD from the Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute at the Cleveland Clinic speaks about the AUA 2021 Abstract – MP60-03 ISOPSA: CLINICAL PERFORMANCE OF A SINGLE PARAMETER, STRUCTURE BASED TEST FOR HIGH GRADE PROSTATE CANCER IN A LARGE, MULTICENTER, PROSPECTIVE VALIDATION TRIAL. Link to the Abstract:https://www.auajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1097/JU.0000000000002095.03A Summary -OBJECTIVE AND INTRODUCTION:In a large-scale prospective validation experiment, we offer cumulative results detailing the clinical efficacy of IsoPSA, a blood-based, structure-focused test for high-grade prostate cancer.Methodologies:Blood samples were collected from several clinical sites within 30 days prior to prostate biopsy from patients with serum PSA between 4 and 100 ng/ml in this…

Eric Klein, MD from the Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute at the Cleveland Clinic speaks about the AUA 2021 Abstract – MP60-03 ISOPSA: CLINICAL PERFORMANCE OF A SINGLE PARAMETER, STRUCTURE BASED TEST FOR HIGH GRADE PROSTATE CANCER IN A LARGE, MULTICENTER, PROSPECTIVE VALIDATION TRIAL. Link to the Abstract:https://www.auajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1097/JU.0000000000002095.03A Summary -OBJECTIVE AND INTRODUCTION:In a large-scale prospective validation experiment, we offer cumulative results detailing the clinical efficacy of IsoPSA, a blood-based, structure-focused test for high-grade prostate cancer.Methodologies:Blood samples were collected from several clinical sites within 30 days prior to prostate biopsy from patients with serum PSA between 4 and 100 ng/ml in this…

Kimlin Tam Ashing, PhD, professor in the Department of Population Sciences at City of Hope speaks about The Science Of Cancer Health Disparities In Racial/Ethnic Minorities And The Medically Underserved.Link to Article:https://www.onclive.com/view/clinical-trial-diversity-efforts-gain-steamThe NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 requires that women and members of racial and ethnic minorities be recruited for all NIH-sponsored clinical trials, with enough participants in subpopulations, particularly in phase 3 research, to assess any genuine disparities in outcomes. Researchers who applied for NIH grants were obliged to implement outreach initiatives to guarantee that those objectives were realized.However, when it comes to minorities with cancer, the law has…

Kimlin Tam Ashing, PhD, professor in the Department of Population Sciences at City of Hope speaks about The Science Of Cancer Health Disparities In Racial/Ethnic Minorities And The Medically Underserved.Link to Article:https://www.onclive.com/view/clinical-trial-diversity-efforts-gain-steamThe NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 requires that women and members of racial and ethnic minorities be recruited for all NIH-sponsored clinical trials, with enough participants in subpopulations, particularly in phase 3 research, to assess any genuine disparities in outcomes. Researchers who applied for NIH grants were obliged to implement outreach initiatives to guarantee that those objectives were realized.However, when it comes to minorities with cancer, the law has…

Dr. Jyoti Patel from Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University joins Drs. Charu Aggarwal & Jack West to reflect on how to decide when to change institutions, & the evolving methods of providing cancer education, including directly to patients.

Maxim Ivanov, Ph.D. at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Atlas Oncology Diagnostics. Speaks about the ESMO MAP 2021 Abstract – 13P – Incidental germline findings from tumor molecular profiling for precision oncology – is it common and how to manage.Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/map-2021/incidental-germline-findings-from-tumor-molecular-profiling-for-precision-oncology-is-it-common-and-how-to-manageAbstract:Background:A small percentage of patients who are referred for tumor-only complex molecular profiling may have germline mutations in genes linked to hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS). The treatment and reporting of such unintentional germline results are not standardized in bioinformatics.Methods:In order to detect germline variations in HCS-associated genes, data from NGS sequencing…

Maxim Ivanov, Ph.D. at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Atlas Oncology Diagnostics. Speaks about the ESMO MAP 2021 Abstract – 13P – Incidental germline findings from tumor molecular profiling for precision oncology – is it common and how to manage.Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/map-2021/incidental-germline-findings-from-tumor-molecular-profiling-for-precision-oncology-is-it-common-and-how-to-manageAbstract:Background:A small percentage of patients who are referred for tumor-only complex molecular profiling may have germline mutations in genes linked to hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS). The treatment and reporting of such unintentional germline results are not standardized in bioinformatics.Methods:In order to detect germline variations in HCS-associated genes, data from NGS sequencing…

Prof. Dr. med. Dirk Schadendorf, Universitätsklinikum Essen speaks about the ESMO 2021 Abstract – 1091TiP – STARBOARD: Randomized phase III study of encorafenib (enco) + binimetinib (bini) + pembrolizumab (pembro) for first-line treatment of metastatic or unresectable locally advanced BRAF V600-mutant melanoma.Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/starboard-randomized-phase-iii-study-of-encorafenib-enco-binimetinib-bini-pembrolizumab-pembro-for-first-line-treatment-of-metastatic-or1091TiP -Context:BRAF V600 mutations are found in around half of all individuals with metastatic melanoma, and they accelerate melanoma progression by activating the MAPK pathway in a constant state. BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) + MEK inhibitors (MEKi) (eg, enco + bini) and immune checkpoint inhibitors are now recommended treatments for metastatic or unresectable BRAF V600-mutant melanoma (CPIs; eg,…

Prof. Dr. med. Dirk Schadendorf, Universitätsklinikum Essen speaks about the ESMO 2021 Abstract – 1091TiP – STARBOARD: Randomized phase III study of encorafenib (enco) + binimetinib (bini) + pembrolizumab (pembro) for first-line treatment of metastatic or unresectable locally advanced BRAF V600-mutant melanoma.Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/starboard-randomized-phase-iii-study-of-encorafenib-enco-binimetinib-bini-pembrolizumab-pembro-for-first-line-treatment-of-metastatic-or1091TiP -Context:BRAF V600 mutations are found in around half of all individuals with metastatic melanoma, and they accelerate melanoma progression by activating the MAPK pathway in a constant state. BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) + MEK inhibitors (MEKi) (eg, enco + bini) and immune checkpoint inhibitors are now recommended treatments for metastatic or unresectable BRAF V600-mutant melanoma (CPIs; eg,…

Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, Ph.D., a medical oncologist, and researcher with the OSUCCC – James Translational Therapeutics Research Program speaks about Infigratinib (BGJ398) in previously treated patients with advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements: mature results from a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study.Link to Study:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468125321001965Conclusion -Brief history:After advancement on first-line gemcitabine-based therapy, individuals with advanced cholangiocarcinoma have few treatment alternatives. In 10–16 percent of individuals with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements are found. Infigratinib is a fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor that is selective and ATP-competitive. The researchers wanted to see if infigratinib had an antitumor…

Sameek Roychowdhury, MD, Ph.D., a medical oncologist, and researcher with the OSUCCC – James Translational Therapeutics Research Program speaks about Infigratinib (BGJ398) in previously treated patients with advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements: mature results from a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study.Link to Study:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468125321001965Conclusion -Brief history:After advancement on first-line gemcitabine-based therapy, individuals with advanced cholangiocarcinoma have few treatment alternatives. In 10–16 percent of individuals with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, FGFR2 fusions or rearrangements are found. Infigratinib is a fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor that is selective and ATP-competitive. The researchers wanted to see if infigratinib had an antitumor…

Sudipto Mukherjee, MD, MPH, Ph.D., Director of Rare Cancers and Blood Diseases, at the Cleveland Clinic speaks about the Epidemiology and treatment patterns of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease in the era of IL-6 directed therapy.Link to Article:https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004441Points to Remember:* To calculate the incidence and prevalence of iMCD, a novel algorithm based on disease-specific ICD-10-CM codes and diagnostic criteria were developed.* Despite being the only FDA-approved medication, siltuximab is rarely used in iMCD patients.The epidemiology of HHV-8-deficient/idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is still unknown. Due to a lack of uniform diagnostic criteria and a disease-specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code,…

Sudipto Mukherjee, MD, MPH, Ph.D., Director of Rare Cancers and Blood Diseases, at the Cleveland Clinic speaks about the Epidemiology and treatment patterns of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease in the era of IL-6 directed therapy.Link to Article:https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004441Points to Remember:* To calculate the incidence and prevalence of iMCD, a novel algorithm based on disease-specific ICD-10-CM codes and diagnostic criteria were developed.* Despite being the only FDA-approved medication, siltuximab is rarely used in iMCD patients.The epidemiology of HHV-8-deficient/idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is still unknown. Due to a lack of uniform diagnostic criteria and a disease-specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code,…

Erin Frances Cobain, MD, Clinical Lecturer, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center speaks about the ASCOPubs Article – Tumor/normal Genomic Profiling In Patients With Metastatic Solid Tumors Identifies Pathogenic Germline Variants Of Therapeutic Importance.Link to Article:https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.1501Abstract:Background:Patients are frequently referred to clinical trials of targeted medicines based on tumor genetic profiling using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Incidental pathogenic germline variations (PGVs) are discovered during NGS testing of paired tumor/normal samples, which could have serious consequences for patients and their families.Methods:The Michigan Oncology Sequencing study sequenced the exome and transcriptome of matched tumor/normal samples for 1,015 patients with metastatic, resistant solid malignancies from…

Erin Frances Cobain, MD, Clinical Lecturer, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center speaks about the ASCOPubs Article – Tumor/normal Genomic Profiling In Patients With Metastatic Solid Tumors Identifies Pathogenic Germline Variants Of Therapeutic Importance.Link to Article:https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.38.15_suppl.1501Abstract:Background:Patients are frequently referred to clinical trials of targeted medicines based on tumor genetic profiling using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Incidental pathogenic germline variations (PGVs) are discovered during NGS testing of paired tumor/normal samples, which could have serious consequences for patients and their families.Methods:The Michigan Oncology Sequencing study sequenced the exome and transcriptome of matched tumor/normal samples for 1,015 patients with metastatic, resistant solid malignancies from…

Prof. Jesús García-Foncillas, MD, Ph.D., is currently the Director of the University Cancer Institute and the Department of Oncology at the “Fundacion Jimenez Diaz” University Hospital (Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain) and Professor of Oncology at the Autonomous University of Madrid. He combines this with the roles of Director of the Translational Oncology Division at the Health Research Institute FJD-UAM (Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain) and Coordinator of the Comprehensive Cancer Program of four University Hospitals at Madrid (Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Infanta Elena Hospital, Rey Juan Carlos Hospital, and Collado-Villalba Hospital). Prof Garcia-Foncillas obtained his MD from the School of…

Prof. Jesús García-Foncillas, MD, Ph.D., is currently the Director of the University Cancer Institute and the Department of Oncology at the “Fundacion Jimenez Diaz” University Hospital (Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain) and Professor of Oncology at the Autonomous University of Madrid. He combines this with the roles of Director of the Translational Oncology Division at the Health Research Institute FJD-UAM (Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain) and Coordinator of the Comprehensive Cancer Program of four University Hospitals at Madrid (Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Infanta Elena Hospital, Rey Juan Carlos Hospital, and Collado-Villalba Hospital). Prof Garcia-Foncillas obtained his MD from the School of…

Gary Winzelberg, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Associate Director, UNC Palliative Care Program, Director, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program speaks about Let’s Target The Tough Stuff.Dr. Gary Winzelberg, Palliative Medicine & Geriatrics Physician at the University of North Carolina, discusses questions surrounding end-of-life care in Bladder Cancer.Link to JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY A S C O S P E C I A L A R T I C L E Integration of Palliative Care Into Standard Oncology Care: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update:https://www.asco.org/practice-patients/guidelines/patient-and-survivor-care#/9671The goal is to:To provide evidence-based recommendations to oncology clinicians,…

Gary Winzelberg, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Associate Director, UNC Palliative Care Program, Director, Hospice, and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program speaks about Let’s Target The Tough Stuff.Dr. Gary Winzelberg, Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics Physician at the University of North Carolina, discusses questions surrounding end-of-life care in Bladder Cancer.Link to JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY A S C O S P E C I A L A R T I C L E Integration of Palliative Care Into Standard Oncology Care: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update:https://www.asco.org/practice-patients/guidelines/patient-and-survivor-care#/9671The goal is to:To provide evidence-based recommendations to oncology clinicians,…

Miranda Gogishvili, MD High Technology Medical Center, University Clinic speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract – LBA51 – EMPOWER-Lung 3: Cemiplimab in combination with platinum doublet chemotherapy for first-line (1L) treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/empower-lung-3-cemiplimab-in-combination-with-platinum-doublet-chemotherapy-for-first-line-1l-treatment-of-advanced-non-small-cell-lung-cancerAbstract LBA51Background:EMPOWER-Lung 3 is a two-part, randomized Phase 3 trial of 1L therapy in patients with advanced (Stage III/IV) squamous (SQ) or non-squamous (NSQ) NSCLC who do not have actionable mutations (NCT03409614). The study’s double-blind Part 2 enrolled patients regardless of their PD-L1 levels and compared the clinical activity and safety of cemiplimab, an anti-PD-1, plus (+) platinum-based chemotherapy to (vs) placebo…

Miranda Gogishvili, MD High Technology Medical Center, University Clinic speaks about ESMO 2021 Abstract – LBA51 – EMPOWER-Lung 3: Cemiplimab in combination with platinum doublet chemotherapy for first-line (1L) treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Link to Abstract:https://oncologypro.esmo.org/meeting-resources/esmo-congress-2021/empower-lung-3-cemiplimab-in-combination-with-platinum-doublet-chemotherapy-for-first-line-1l-treatment-of-advanced-non-small-cell-lung-cancerAbstract LBA51Background:EMPOWER-Lung 3 is a two-part, randomized Phase 3 trial of 1L therapy in patients with advanced (Stage III/IV) squamous (SQ) or non-squamous (NSQ) NSCLC who do not have actionable mutations (NCT03409614). The study’s double-blind Part 2 enrolled patients regardless of their PD-L1 levels and compared the clinical activity and safety of cemiplimab, an anti-PD-1, plus (+) platinum-based chemotherapy to (vs) placebo…