April 23rd 2024
The FDA approval of the single-agent, oral pan-RAF inhibitor tovorafenib is based on efficacy results from the phase 2 FIREFLY-1 trial.
February 13th 2024
The Latest on Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
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A Focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia
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Updates in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
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Equalizing Inequities™ in Multiple Myeloma Care: Shining a Light on Current Barriers and Opportunities for Improved Outcomes
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Community Practice Connections™: What’s Next for Patients with Breast Cancer, and How Can We Effectively Optimize PARP-, HER2/3-, and TROP2-Targeted Regimens in Treatment Plans?
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Show Me Your Care Plan™: Nursing Considerations for Applying the Latest Approaches Across Care Settings in Melanoma
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Patient, Provider and Caregiver Connection™: Addressing Patient Concerns During the Treatment and Management of HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer
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Breaking Down Biomarkers in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case-Based Discussion for the Oncology Nurse
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Medical Crossfire®: Critical Questions on Diagnosis, Sequencing, and Selection of Systemic and Radioligand Therapy Options for Patients with GEP-NETs
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Medical Crossfire®: Expert Exchanges to Maximize Clinical Outcomes for Patients with CRPC Through Evidence-Based Personalized Therapy
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Community Practice Connections™: 16th Annual Interdisciplinary Prostate Cancer Congress® and Other Genitourinary Malignancies
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Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection: Addressing Pediatric and AYA Patient Concerns While Managing Hodgkin Lymphoma
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Go To PER in Chicago
May 31, 2024 - June 2, 2024
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The Top 10 Oncogenic Drivers in NSCLC for 2023: What You Need to Know on Tumor Testing, Targets, and Treatment Strategies to Move the Field Forward
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Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection™: Individualizing Care for Patients with Schizophrenia—Understanding Patient Challenges and the Role of Innovative Treatment
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Expert Illustrations & Commentaries™: Exploring the Mechanistic Rationale for Targeting FGFR2 and Pan-FGFR in CCA
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Oncology Consultations®: Next Generation SERDs—Key Data and Practical Takeaways for the Community Physician
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Live “Hot Seat”: Experts Face Your Hot-Button Questions on Maximizing PARP Inhibitors in Patients With CRPC
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Medical Crossfire®: Leveraging Multidisciplinary Teams in Early–Stage Breast Cancer When the Goal is Cure
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Everything You Need to Know About PARP Inhibitor Combinations in Prostate Cancer Care: Why? For Whom? And When?
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Expanding the Armamentarium of Actionable Mutations in NSCLC: Uncovering the Potential of CEACAM5 as a Therapeutic Target
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Multidisciplinary Management of TNBC: Immunotherapy, PARP, TROP2, Oh My!
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The 14th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting
July 18 - 20, 2024
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23rd Annual International Congress on the Future of Breast Cancer® East
July 19-20, 2024
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Community Practice Connections™: 14th Annual International Symposium on Ovarian Cancer and Other Gynecologic Malignancies
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Advances In™: Targeting PSMA to Advance Diagnosis And Management Of Patients With Prostate Cancer
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Clinical Case Vignette Series: Integrating Recent Data into Practice to Improve Outcomes in Advanced Prostate Cancer
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Community Practice Connections™: 8th Annual School of Gastrointestinal Oncology®
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Community Practice Connections™: The Advent of TROP2-Targeted Treatment Approaches in HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer
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Show Me the Data™: Do We Have Sea Change for Novel Approaches in HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer? CDK, PI3K/AKT, ADC, and Next-Gen SERD Strategies Assessed
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Innovation in the Management of Brain Metastases
April 1st 2007Therapy of patients with brain metastases requires a combination of measures to achieve local control at the site of metastasis and to reduce the subsequent risk of recurrences elsewhere in the brain. In the current review, we discuss recent developments in the management of patients with brain metastases.
Genetic Brain Tumor Study Gets $11 Million NCI Grant
December 1st 2006The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently awarded The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center $11 million to lead the largest genetic study ever conducted on the causes and risk factors of adult and pediatric gliomas. Melissa Bondy, PhD, professor of epidemiology and director of the Childhood Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Center, is principal investigators of the "Gliogene" study.
3D Volumetric Imaging Enhances RT Treatment Planning
December 1st 2006A device that displays a holograph-like 3-dimensional (3D) image, created from a CT, MRI, or PET dataset, holds promise for more accurate radiotherapy treatment planning (see image on page 1). James C. H. Chu, PhD, professor of radiation oncology, Rush University Medical Center, presented results of a pilot study of the Perspecta Spatial 3D System, developed by Actuality Systems, Inc. (Bedford, Massachusetts), at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
Data From Pivotal Phase III SMART Trial Support NDA Filing for Novel Agent
November 1st 2006Pharmacyclics, Inc, announced that new data and analyses supporting the company's decision to file a new drug application (NDA) for motexafin gadolinium (Xcytrin) were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). This abstract was selected by the ASCO Scientific Program Committee to be featured in the "2006 Best of ASCO Meetings" in June.
Younger Age at Brain Tumor Diagnosis Portends Poor Emotional Outcome
August 1st 2006Childhood survivors of brain tumors who were diagnosed at age 10 or younger have worse depressive symptomatology and social skills and lower feelings of self-worth than their counterparts who were diagnosed as pre-teens or teenagers
Takeda Signs Agreement With Galaxy Biotech for HuL2G7
August 1st 2006Takeda Pharmaceutical has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Galaxy Biotech (Mountain View, California) to develop, manufacture, and market HuL2G7, a recombinant humanized anti-hepatocyte growth factor (anti-HGF) monoclonal antibody developed by Galaxy Biotech. HGF is believed to mediate proliferation, metastasis, antiapoptosis, and neoangiogenesis of many types of tumors. In animal models, treatment of intracranial glioma xenografts with HuL2G7 induced substantial tumor regression and prolonged survival (Clin Cancer Res 12:1292-1298, 2006).
Panzem Gets Orphan Drug Status for Treatment of Brain Tumor
August 1st 2006EntreMed, Inc.'s lead drug candidate Panzem (2-methoxyestradiol or 2ME2) has received orphan drug status from the FDA for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. In vitro studies in glioma cell lines demonstrated Panzem's antiproliferative activity, and in vivo studies in a preclinical model of glioblastoma showed its antitumor activity, EntreMed said in a press release. Panzem is currently being investigated in a phase II trial in patients with glioblastoma multiforme at the Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center. The agent previously received orphan drug designation for the treatment of multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer.
Growing Evidence Supports Stem Cell Hypothesis of Cancer
May 1st 2006During the past 18 months, researchers have developed substantial evidence supporting the notion that stem cells play a critical role in the development of at least some cancers, their progression, and the prognosis of patients, including breast, brain, lung, and prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and melanoma.
Handbook of Brain Tumor Chemotherapy
April 13th 2006After 2 decades of minimal progress, there have been important advances in the treatment of brain tumors with chemotherapy. A trial conducted by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) recently demonstrated the benefit of radiation therapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (Temodar) chemotherapy for glioblastomas. There is also increasing evidence that chemotherapy may be beneficial for anaplastic and low-grade gliomas, as well as a variety of less common tumors.
Consider Total Volume of Brain Mets When Deciding Rx
February 1st 2006When physicians are deciding whether to offer stereotactic radiosurgery to patients with multiple brain metastases who have a fairly good functional status, they should consider the total volume of these metastases instead of their number.
Commentary (Gilbert): Locoregional Therapies for Glioma
December 1st 2005The treatment of malignant gliomashas received significant attentionover the past decade.This likely represents recognition ofthe poor prognosis associated withthese cancers combined with the challengeof developing a treatment strategyfor a neoplasm that, although itrarely metastasizes, has not proven tobe curable by surgical resection. Infact, debate continues about the roleof aggressive surgery in this disease,given that an image-guided biopsycan provide accurate diagnosis whileminimizing any procedure-relatedmorbidity and mortality. Some studieshave strongly suggested a therapeuticbenefit with surgical resection,but the extent of resection is a criticalcomponent.
Locoregional Therapies for Glioma
December 1st 2005Glioma is the most common form of primary brain tumor, as well asthe most lethal. Primary treatment strategies for glioma, includingcytoreductive surgery, external-beam irradiation, and systemic chemotherapyhave had generally disappointing results for these tumors. Limitationsof these approaches include tumor invasion into functional braintissue, lack of chemosensitivity, and shortcomings of systemic delivery.Recent attention has focused on locoregional strategies for treatment,as well as new methods for delivering therapy. Identification of tumorspecificsurface targets, biologic agents, and more sophisticated meansto deliver macromolecules to the brain is offering new promise in thetreatment of these tumors. This paper will review the current state ofthe art of available locoregional therapies for glioma, with a particularfocus on convection-enhanced delivery, targeted toxin, and other biologicstrategies.
Extended Transbasal Approach to Skull Base Tumors
June 1st 2005A variety of novel surgical approaches have been developed in recentyears to manage disease of the cranial base. Few offer the widthand depth of exposure achievable with the extended transbasal approach.This approach combines a bifrontal craniotomy with anorbitonasal or orbitonasoethmoidal osteotomy, and potentially asphenoethmoidotomy to provide broad access to malignancies of theanterior, middle, and posterior skull base. The approach enables the enbloc resection of tumors within the frontal lobes, orbits, paranasal sinuses,and sphenoclival corridors without brain retraction and mayobviate the need for transfacial access. This can be combined with additionalapproaches, based on the tumor's epicenter. Reconstruction isaccomplished with the use of pericranium, and in some instances, atemporalis muscle pedicle or a gracilis microvascular free flap. Complicationsinclude cerebral spinal fluid leakage, pneumocephalus, infection,and cranial neuropathies. However, the morbidity and mortalityassociated with this approach is low. The extended transbasal approachis a relatively novel exposure that enables the skilled cranialbase surgeon to safely excise many malignant lesions previously felt tobe unresectable.
Central Nervous System Germ Cell Tumors: Controversies in Diagnosis and Treatment
May 1st 2005The variability and complexity of central nervous system germ cell tumors have led to controversy in both diagnosis and management. If a germ cell tumor is suspected, the measurement of cerebrospinal fluid and serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta–human chorionic gonadotropin is essential. A histologic specimen is not necessary if the patient has elevated levels; however, if the tumor markers are negative, a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of a germinoma. Germinomas are extremelyradiosensitive, enabling 5-year survival rates that exceed 90%. Treatment has traditionally included focal and craniospinal axis irradiation; however, multiple ongoing studies are being conducted to examinethe efficacy of reduction or elimination of radiation therapy with the addition of chemotherapy. Nongerminomatous germ cell tumors, on the other hand, are relatively radioresistant with a poorer outcome. The combination of chemotherapy and irradiation is associated with overall survival rates of up to 60%. This article provides a review of the controversies in diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system germ cell tumors.
The Role of Statins in Cancer Prevention and Treatment
May 1st 2005Statins inhibit the activity of the rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterolbiosynthetic pathway, HMG-CoA reductase, and are widely prescribedfor lowering plasma lipid levels. Several statins have antitumor effects inexperimental models, and observational studies suggest that this anticanceractivity in the laboratory may translate into effective treatments and/orpreventive strategies for certain human cancers. This paper reviews thelaboratory and clinical evidence that statins have anticancer activity, discussesthe possible mechanisms by which tumor growth may be inhibitedby this class of drugs, and outlines strategies for the evaluation of theseagents in the prevention and treatment of human cancers.
Temodar Approved for Treating GBM in Combination With Radiotherapy
April 1st 2005ROCKVILLE, Maryland-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for Temodar capsules (temozolomide, Schering-Plough) for use concurrently with radiotherapy for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and as maintenance therapy after radiotherapy. The FDA based its decision on study data that showed a statistically significant overall survival benefit in such patients.
Integrated PET-CT: Evidence-Based Review of Oncology Indications
April 1st 2005Combined-modality positronemissiontomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) isbecoming the imaging method ofchoice for an increasing number ofoncology indications. The goal of thispaper is to review the evidence-basedliterature justifying PET-CT fusion.The best evidence comes from prospectivestudies of integrated PETCTscans compared to other methodsof acquiring images, with histopathologicconfirmation of disease presenceor absence. Unfortunately, veryfew studies provide this kind of data.Retrospective studies with similarcomparisons can be used to provideevidence favoring the use of integratedPET-CT scans in specific clinicalsituations. Also, inferential conclusionscan be drawn from studies whereclinical rather than pathologic dataare used to establish disease presenceor absence.
DNA Repair Gene Key to Response to Temozolomide
November 1st 2004GENEVA, Switzerland-A simple genetic tumor-biopsy test that takes only 2 to 3 days to perform is predictive of which glioblastoma multiforme patients will likely realize a survival benefit from treatment with the alkylating agent temozolomide (Temodar), an international team of scientists has found.
Commentary (Asgharzadeh/Finlay): Recent Advances in the Treatment of Pediatric Brain Tumors
November 1st 2004The review by Gururangan andFriedman takes an interestingand informative approach to pediatricbrain tumors in emphasizingthe possible biologic bases for chemotherapyfailure in these neoplasmsin general, and focusing on newer, asyet largely unproven, strategies employing“biologic” therapies to circumventsuch mechanisms of tumor resistance.Many of these newer treatment strategiesare drawn from the work of theauthors and others in the field of adultmalignant gliomas. To date, minimalprogress has been achieved in improvingoutcome for children with malignantsupratentorial gliomas andbrainstem tumors. Hopefully, these newstrategies will have significant benefitin pediatric as well as adult patients.
Recent Advances in the Treatment of Pediatric Brain Tumors
November 1st 2004Central nervous system (CNS) cancers are the second most frequent malignancy in childhood. In recent years, significant advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have improved survival in children with these tumors. However, a significant proportion of patients with CNS tumors suffer progressive disease despite such treatment.
Commentary (Olson): Recent Advances in the Treatment of Pediatric Brain Tumors
November 1st 2004Sri Gururangan and Henry Friedmanpresent a thoughtful reviewof advances in pediatric neurooncology.Coupled with the recent reviewof pediatric brain tumor biologywritten by Richard Gilbertson, thesearticles highlight the value that thepediatric neuro-oncology communityplaces on translating signal transductionmodifiers into clinical practice.[1]The remainder of this commentaryfocuses on the challenges and opportunitiesassociated with developingmore effective and less toxic therapiesfor children with brain tumors.
Temozolomide/RT Effective Against GBM
September 1st 2004NEW ORLEANS-The chemotherapy drug temozolomide (Temodar) combined with radiation therapy more than doubled the 2-year survival rate in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), compared with radiation alone, according to data presented at the plenary session of the 40th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (abstract 2).