On December 20, 2024, the FDA granted accelerated approval for a groundbreaking new treatment approach for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. The newly approved regimen combines encorafenib (Braftovi) with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (a chemotherapy regimen consisting of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin). This marks a pivotal step forward in the …
Research Advances
Stay Informed About the Latest Oncology Breakthroughs
Explore the forefront of oncological research with our “Research Advances” category. Discover cutting-edge studies, innovative treatments, and scientific insights into cancer. Stay up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs and advancements in the field of oncology to make informed decisions about your health or that of your loved ones. Dive into the world of scientific progress and gain a deeper understanding of how research is shaping the future of cancer care.
Multiple myeloma, a complex and challenging hematologic malignancy, has seen remarkable advances in its treatment landscape. Standard care for transplant-eligible patients often involves quad therapy, blending immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, and corticosteroids. For frail or comorbid patients, triple therapy remains the mainstay. Hospitalized patients frequently benefit from CyBORD (cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone), and …
Cancer cachexia is a debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of cancer patients, characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and metabolic dysfunction. Beyond its physical toll, cachexia diminishes quality of life and complicates cancer treatment, making it a critical issue in oncology. Despite its prevalence, effective treatments have been limited—until now. Recent advancements, …
Stage IV melanoma used to be synonymous with a terminal diagnosis. For years, oncologists faced the grim reality of limited options and poor survival rates for their patients. However, the landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Breakthroughs in immunotherapy and clinical research have rewritten the narrative, offering hope to patients and their families. …
The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), one of the most common types of leukemia, has advanced significantly over the past decade. New targeted therapies have reshaped treatment paradigms, providing effective, less toxic options compared to traditional chemoimmunotherapy. At the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting, data from the phase 3 AMPLIFY trial introduced another potential breakthrough …
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers, with cases ranging from easily treatable localized lesions to aggressive forms that can metastasize or become life-threatening. On December 13, 2024, the FDA approved cosibelimab-ipdl (Unloxcyt), a PD-L1 blocking antibody, offering new hope for adults with metastatic CSCC (mCSCC) or locally advanced …
As an oncology research nurse, I have the unique privilege of being part of a team that brings the latest innovations in cancer treatment to life through clinical trials. My role extends far beyond the walls of the research lab or the clinic—it’s about making research accessible, meaningful, and impactful for patients who are navigating …
Prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing has revolutionized obstetrics, serving primarily to screen for fetal genetic abnormalities. Similarly, in oncology, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has become a vital tool for detecting minimal residual disease in colorectal cancer after resection and monitoring responses to immunotherapy. However, groundbreaking research published in the December 2024 issue of The New England …
On December 4, 2024, the FDA approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) for adults with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This approval offers a new standard of care for LS-SCLC, providing patients with improved survival outcomes in a traditionally challenging disease. Key Findings from the ADRIATIC Trial The FDA …
On December 2, 2024, Novocure announced positive results from the Phase 3 PANOVA-3 trial, which evaluated Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) therapy in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel for unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS), offering a new potential option for this challenging patient population. However, …