News

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will recognize several individuals for their contributions to cancer research during its annual meeting, to be held April 1 to 5 in Washington, DC.

Osimertinib (Tagrisso) has been granted a full approval as a treatment for patients with metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive non–small cell lung cancer following prior treatment with an EGFR TKI.

A recent study found 12 new genetic variants were found that increase the risk of developing the disease and confirmed the association of 18 previously discovered variants.

The FDA has granted a priority review to a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) supporting the conversion of the accelerated approval of blinatumomab (Blincyto) to a full approval as a treatment for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Tisagenlecleucel-T (CTL019) has been granted a priority review designation by the FDA as a treatment for pediatric and young adult patients with relapsed and refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Subcutaneous rituximab has received the FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) unanimous (11-0) recommended approval for the treatment of patients with certain blood cancers.

Harry P. Erba, MD, PhD, recently shared treatment considerations he would make when treating patients with polycythemia vera (PV) based on 3 case scenarios.

A recent warning issued by the FDA advised that breast implants may increase an individual’s risk of developing anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Daniel A. Barocas, MD, discusses a study that compared differences in quality of life among patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy or active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer.

Evan Y. Yu, MD, discusses the current treatment options for metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the unmet needs that still exist in this space, and the possibilities for the future treatment landscape.

The PD-L1 inhibitor durvalumab demonstrated compelling clinical activity and a manageable safety profile as second-line therapy for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer.

A new drug application (NDA) for olaparib (Lynparza) as a maintenance therapy in relapsed patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer has been granted a priority review by the FDA.

Adam M. Brufsky, MD, PhD, discusses considerations for using the bone-targeted agents denosumab and zoledronic acid in patients with breast cancer.

The PARP inhibitor niraparib (Zejula) has been approved by the FDA for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Steven J. Skates, PhD, discusses a study on early detection of ovarian cancer using the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA), in which CA125 was tested in women with high risk who chose to postpone surgery.

Andre Goy, MD, highlights what researchers can expect next in the field of MCL in both the frontline and relapsed/refractory settings given the recent pivotal data from clinical trials.

Leslie Schover, PhD, discusses ways in which providers can better address sexuality issues associated with treatment for patients with breast cancer.

Stephan Grupp, MD, PhD, discusses results of the phase II ELIANA study and the next steps with CAR T-cell therapy in ALL.

Pembrolizumab has been recommended for approval by the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

Michel Sadelain, MD, PhD, discusses CRISPR and its effect on CAR T cells.

Tanguy Seiwert, MD, discusses advances and next steps with immunotherapy, as well as the overall challenges and goals for treating patients with head and neck cancer.

Nivolumab (Opdivo) has been recommended for approval by EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for the treatment of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck following progression on platinum-based therapy.

The first-in-class IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat (INCB024360), currently being investigated in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda), could be an exciting new FDA approval for patients with stage III/IV unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

The antibody-drug conjugate sacituzumab govitecan demonstrated an overall response rate of 31% in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic urothelial cancer.

Susan F. Slovin, MD, PhD, offers her expert insight on the current state of immunotherapy in prostate cancer.

Sara Hurvitz, MD, discusses ongoing advances that continue to revolutionize the treatment of patients with HER2+ breast cancer.

Emma L. Barber, MD, discusses her research into neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer and its effect on hospital readmission rates.

The PD-L1-inhibitor avelumab (Bavencio) has been granted an accelerated approval by the FDA for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.

James B. Yu, MD, discusses the current data in support of using moderate hypofractionation in prostate cancer, as well as recent data showing how genomic testing can help with treatment decision making postoperatively.

Brian Hemphill, MD, provides insight on some of the challenges currently being faced in GI malignancies—specifically, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastic cancer—and how molecular profiles of tumors will dramatically change outcomes for these patients.