Oncology

In order to improve the efficacy of checkpoint blockade treatments in patients with breast cancer, it is necessary to consider treatment through the lens of the cancer immunity cycle.

Banu Arun, MD, explains why genetic testing is important and its intended uses for treatment in patients with breast cancer during the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Transform Oncology Care uses results of broad-panel gene sequencing tests to help oncologists identify appropriate treatment regimens based on their patients clinical and genetic profiles.

The study results were presented at the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 10 through 14.

Despite the fact that menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen plus progestin is frequently used, its influence on breast cancer incidence and mortality has been debated, with discordant findings from prospective observational studies compared with randomized clinical trials.

Peter Schmid, FRCP, MD, PhD, discusses the 5 most common immune-related side effects seen in breast cancer patients. This video was filmed December 12 at the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Although there is no standard of care therapy following second-line treatment for human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, there are a number of options being researched.

By identifying molecular alterations contributing to CDK4/6i resistance, researchers hope to better understand which patients with breast cancer will respond best to the therapy.

Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who received an oral formulation of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (Taxol) had a better response and survival and elss neuropathy than patients who received intravenous (IV) paclitaxel.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors offer the potential to significantly improve outcomes for women with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.

The study results also show improved outcomes for patients with brain metastases.

Although CDK4/6 inhibitors prolong progression-free survival for patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, the ideal treatment for each patient is currently unclear until adverse effects appear.

The research presented at the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium suggests that the different mechanisms could be exploited to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in breast cancer patients.

Researchers say several key questions remain in the treatment of breast cancer: whether CDK4/6i therapy should be continued beyond progression, what the mechanisms of resistance are, and how agents should be selected.

"I think immunotherapy has certainly arrived for breast cancer," said Rita Nanda, MD.

Patricia Spears discusses what clinical trials can offer and when to start discussing them with patients. This video was filmed December 11 at the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Immunotherapy drug blinatumomab showed benefit in pediatric patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have minimal residual disease following chemotherapy.

A combination therapy of carfilzomib, dexamethasone, and daratumumab extended progression-free survival when compared with carfilzomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

The current observational, longitudinal study focused on patient-reported outcomes on functioning, symptoms, and quality of life in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Check the Pharmacy Times® website for more information and be sure to watch for daily newsletters, online conference articles and videos, and social media updates.

A poster presented at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition assessed disease-related health care utilization and costs among patients with multiple myeloma.

In a session at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition, held December 7-10 in Orlando, Florida, experts presented on the evolution of CLL therapy, how to make treatment decisions, and what’s to come in the future based on ongoing studies.

Jennifer Woyach, MD, associate professor at The Ohio State University, discusses current clinical trials going on in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia space that are most likely to impact the treatment landscape.

Jennifer Woyach, MD, associate professor at The Ohio State University, explains how patient-specific factors can help determine treatment decisions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

A novel, off-the-shelf bispecific antibody could serve as a new treatment option for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who don’t respond to CAR T-cell therapy.

The analysis evaluated emerging mutations in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia receiving gilteritinib therapy in the phase 3 ADMIRAL study.

Patients receiving novel oral therapeutics often have a high dependence on financial assistance; specialty pharmacies may help facilitate access to these therapies.

Top articles of the week from Specialty Pharmacy Times.