ASCO 2023: a collection of breaking news stories
To help you keep up-to-date with all the news coming out of the ASCO Annual Meeting 2023 (2−6 June, IL, USA), we are hosting all of the latest headlines as soon as they are released right here.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan proves to be effective on multiple HER-2 expressing tumors
The Phase II DESTINY-PanTumor02 study has demonstrated the effectiveness of Enhertu® (trastuzumab deruxtecan) at treating HER2-expressing solid tumors, including bladder, cervical and pancreatic cancer.
Simple hysterectomy favored approach for early-stage cervical cancer patients
An international Phase III clinical trial has highlighted that a simple hysterectomy is a safe and improved option for patients with Stage 1 cervical cancer who are eligible for surgery, compared to the traditional route of radical hysterectomies.
Adjuvant ribociclib yields promising results for early-stage breast cancer
A Phase III clinical trial has demonstrated promising results for the use of Kisqali® (ribociclib) with endocrine therapy for men and women with Stage IIA, IIB, or III HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, who are at risk for recurrence.
An over-the-phone weight loss coach for breast cancer patients
Data from The Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) trial has demonstrated that telephone-based weight loss coaching increases weight loss in patients with Stage II–III HER2-negative breast cancer. This is the first step toward researcher’s longer-term assessment of whether weight loss can have a meaningful impact on prognosis.
Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy improves overall survival for advanced cervical cancer patients
A study has highlighted favorable survival results for advanced cervical cancer patients given pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab; supporting a possible new standard of care for the first-line treatment for this patient population.
US−Mexican cross collaboration greatly improves survival outcomes for pediatric leukemia patients
Two hospitals, one in Mexico and one in the US, joined forces to seek to improve outcomes for pediatric leukemia patients. The study highlighted stark improvements in survival for these children when collaborative initiatives were implemented.
Medicaid expansion associated with improvement in survival for both Black and White patients with gastrointestinal cancers
Findings from the examination of racial disparities in mortality rates in gastrointestinal cancer patients following Medicaid expansion have demonstrated encouraging results. Researchers analyzed data from the National Cancer Database, focused on 86,052 patients diagnosed with pancreatic, colorectal or stomach cancer between 2009 and 2019.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are a safe and effective option for resectable pancreatic cancer
A randomized trial, termed DIPLOMA, has demonstrated that minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy is both an effective and safe alternative to traditional open surgery for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. The study is the first of its kind to compare these techniques for pancreatic cancer.
“This randomized surgical trial will help both surgeons and patients feel comfortable that minimally invasive surgery, in expert hands, is not inferior to open surgery. This may provide benefits like faster recovery time and less infection risk, without increasing cancer risk,” commented Jennifer F Tseng (ASCO Expert).
Transfusion independence almost doubles in MDS patients receiving luspatecept
The global Phase II COMMANDS trial reports new evidence that patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes who received luspatercept (Reblozyl®) to treat anemia, instead of erythropoietin stimulating agents, needed fewer blood transfusions and clinic visits. Luspatercept is an erythroid maturation agent that helps the bone marrow grow erythroid cells into functional, mature red blood cells.