On December 4, 2024, the FDA granted accelerated approval to zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri), marking a significant milestone in cancer care. This is the first approved systemic therapy targeting NRG1 gene fusions, a rare but actionable driver mutation in certain cancers. Zenocutuzumab-zbco is approved for adults with: This approval offers a new, precision-medicine option for patients with …
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.
Colorectal cancer remains a significant global health challenge, ranking as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among metastatic colorectal cancer patients, the subset with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch-repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors presents unique opportunities for immunotherapy. The recent CheckMate 8HW trial, published in the New England Journal …
For patients with advanced melanoma who have exhausted standard treatment options, new therapies offer much-needed hope. On November 21, 2024, Replimune Group, Inc. announced that its breakthrough oncolytic immunotherapy, RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec), in combination with nivolumab, received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA. The FDA also accepted a Biologics License Application (BLA) for RP1 under …
On November 20, 2024, the FDA granted accelerated approval to zanidatamab-hrii (Ziihera), a bispecific HER2-directed antibody, for the treatment of previously treated, unresectable, or metastatic HER2-positive biliary tract cancer (BTC). This decision brings new hope for patients battling this aggressive and hard-to-treat disease, offering a targeted option for a population with limited therapeutic choices. The …
Radiation therapy has long been a cornerstone in the treatment of various cancers, including gastric cancer, particularly for locally advanced or high-risk cases. However, the evolving landscape of gastric cancer management has raised questions about the necessity of adding preoperative chemoradiotherapy to standard perioperative chemotherapy. The recently published TOPGEAR trial sheds new light on this …
Bladder cancer, particularly muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), poses significant treatment challenges due to its high recurrence rate and aggressive nature. Traditionally, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (radical cystectomy) has been the standard of care for cisplatin-eligible patients. However, researchers have been exploring ways to improve outcomes by incorporating immunotherapy into treatment. A recent phase 3 …
Colon cancer treatments have long relied on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy, particularly for mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors, are reshaping how certain high-risk cancers are treated. A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine provides encouraging data on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for patients with locally advanced dMMR colon …
IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that can affect multiple organs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and long-term organ damage. I uncommonly see these patients as they often present as a retroperitoneal mass concerning for a connective tissue malignancy however biopsied proven IgG4 related non-malignant disease requiring immunosuppressant treatment which I often did as there …
For patients with a specific type of breast cancer—hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative—that also carries a PIK3CA mutation, a new combination treatment shows promising results. The treatment combines inavolisib, a targeted therapy, with palbociclib and fulvestrant, helping to significantly slow disease progression compared to standard treatment. This combination not only targets multiple cancer growth pathways but also …
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive and challenging types of thyroid cancer. Known for its rapid growth, resistance to conventional therapies, and poor prognosis, ATC has historically had limited treatment options. However, recent studies, including groundbreaking research by Dr. Maria Cabanillas and colleagues at MD Anderson Cancer Center, have highlighted the …