The New Front Line in Melanoma: Immunotherapy OR Targeted Agents?
May 26th 2016In the fast-moving world of melanoma treatment, new therapeutic options for patients with metastatic disease are emerging faster than oncology researchers can establish guidelines for their optimal clinical use. That is raising questions about which should be the firstline choice in metastatic melanoma — targeted drugs or immunotherapy — and how these drugs should be sequenced.
For Small Brain Metastases, Side Effects of Whole Brain Radiation Outweigh Benefits
June 5th 2015When cancers that originate elsewhere cause small metastases in the brain, initial treatment should not routinely be followed by whole brain radiation therapy, because that strategy dramatically increases the chances of cognitive decline without improving survival outcomes.
With Micrometastases in Melanoma, Complete Node Removal May be Unnecessary
June 2nd 2015When melanoma metastacizes, the lymph node to which it has spread is typically removed. But what if micrometastases are found in other nearby lymph nodes? Should patients undergo a complete dissection, or removal, of all the nodes in the area?
Two-Pronged Strategy With PARP Inhibitor Gains Traction in Breast and Ovarian Cancers
May 8th 2015A two-pronged strategy combining the PARP inhibitor Lynparza and the PI3K inhibitor BKM120 proved to be a safe and clinically beneficial regimen for women with TNBC and for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Nearly 20 Cancer Drugs On Breakthrough Therapy List
January 29th 2015The Food and Drug Administration is evaluating proposals for new indications for at least 17 oncology medicines, according to Friends of Cancer Research, an advocacy group that aims to get patients cutting-edge treatments as safely and quickly as possible.