American Society of Clinical Oncology

The OPTIMA trial suggests genomic testing could identify more hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer patients who might avoid chemotherapy. Results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting.

New subgroup and real-world analyses presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting suggest bispecific antibodies may reshape care for relapsed follicular lymphoma, though practical questions remain. The findings add to growing evidence supporting their use in this context.

Studies suggest reducing doses of cancer drugs like Keytruda could save $30 billion annually and improve patient access. Merck changed Keytruda's dosage from weight-based to fixed, but research indicates lower doses may be equally effective, while Merck disputes these findings. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports de-escalating treatments if evidence confirms safety and efficacy.

A study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference suggests GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound may reduce breast cancer risk by over 30% in women. The observational study analyzed health records of 111,000 women and found those prescribed GLP-1 medications had significantly lower breast cancer incidence, though researchers caution the findings do not prove causation.

Research links young colon cancer to ultra-processed foods containing specific fats and oils. Studies presented at a major cancer conference suggest young-onset colorectal cancer is biologically distinct from traditional cases, with inflammation and gut microbiome changes as potential drivers.

A new pill doubling survival time for pancreatic cancer and major advancements in breast, bladder, and neck cancer treatments were announced at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, sparking widespread medical community acclaim.

A randomized trial of Grail’s Galleri multi-cancer early detection test, conducted with the U.K. National Health Service, showed no reduction in stage 3 and 4 cancers as its primary endpoint. An oncologist highlights additional context despite the negative trial results.

A new personalized mRNA cancer therapy, intismeran autogene, combined with KEYTRUDA, reduced melanoma recurrence or death risk by 49% over five years in a phase 2b study. The treatment, developed by Merck and Moderna, showed sustained benefits and a manageable safety profile in high-risk melanoma patients. It is now in phase 3 trials.

At the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting, grief and loss were highlighted alongside cancer research data. Eric Small, the outgoing president, addressed the meeting about his partner Amy Lin, who died from metastatic clear cell ovarian cancer, and featured grief expert David Kessler to discuss compassionate end-of-life care.

Revolution Medicines' pancreatic cancer drug daraxonrasib showed a 60% reduction in mortality risk compared to chemotherapy, with a median survival of 13.2 months. China's biotechnology sector is rapidly growing, marked by a first-ever China-only clinical trial presentation at the ASCO conference.

A lower-cost immunotherapy approach using ultra-low doses may extend survival for patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in resource-limited countries, according to research presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting.

Ivonescimab, developed by Akeso Therapeutics and Summit Therapeutics, reduced the risk of death by 34% in patients with squamous non-small cell lung cancer compared to standard treatment in a China-based clinical trial. Results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting and published in The Lancet, with Summit’s co-CEO highlighting the drug’s potential business value.

A clinical trial of daraxonrasib, a pancreatic cancer drug developed by Revolution Medicines, showed patients lived nearly twice as long as those receiving standard chemotherapy. Results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A study found that yoga significantly reduces insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbances in cancer survivors. The Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program, combining hatha and restorative yoga, improved participants' mood, anxiety, and fatigue compared to standard care. Researchers highlight yoga as a non-pharmaceutical solution for managing multiple post-treatment side effects.

Rick Pazdur, former top oncology regulator at the Food and Drug Administration, stated that recent political appointees have caused significant damage, creating an opportunity for new leadership to restructure the FDA. He highlighted the growing competitiveness of China's drug industry and proposed creative workforce solutions, such as temporarily hiring academics and drug industry professionals.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting is set to begin in Chicago on June 2, 2024, and run through June 2. The event is a major gathering for cancer research, with STAT producing a free pop-up newsletter covering the conference.

Color Health is expanding its cancer services with a virtual 'tumor board' and AI-driven care, aiming to address the scaling problem in cancer treatment. The company's CEO, Othman Laraki, believes virtual care is the solution to provide high-quality therapy. Color Health has received certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.