Grey Horizon postings will resume week of January 5, 2026.

 To all Grey Horizon readers, 

Thank you for your continued support of this blog.  Postings will resume the week of January 5, 2026. 

Season's Greetings and all the best for the new year.  

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy and understanding anticancer immunity

 Study results currently being presented at the ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress (held in London, England, December 10-12, 2025) showcase the rise of neoadjuvant immunotherapy studies "from small investigator-led window-of-opportunity...to standard of care paradigms across various tumour types."  Using triple-negative breast cancer and early-stage non-small cell lung cancer as examples, treating patients before surgery provides "access to living tumour ecosystems responding - or not- to immunotherapy." 

Click here to read more and note the Immuno-Oncology Congress program details below: 

Mulder K, et al. Residual tumour immune microenvironment shapes relapse risk in early TNBC following immunotherapy. ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2025 - Abstract 328MO

Nijman H, et al. Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition skews the B cell response in mismatch repair deficient endometrial cancer. ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2025 - Abstract 329MO

Pircher A, et al. Neoadjuvant induction with pembrolizumab (Pembro) plus lenvatinib (Len) in resectable early-stage NSCLC impacts the tumor microenvironment (TME): Clinical results including multi-omic deconvolution of the TME from the INNWOP01 study. ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2025 - LBA1

Going beyond protocol is key for young people with cancer

 Recently, at the ESMO Asia Congress 2025, emphasis was placed on the diagnosis of cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYA), which "varies considerably by age, sex, and socioeconomic status." While Western countries are increasingly dedicating research pursuits to AYA cancer care, "countries with low and low-middle sociodemographic indices" carry high AYA cancer burden. 

Click here to learn more: 

ESMO Publishes First-Ever Guidance on Validation Requirements for AI-Based Biomarkers in Oncology

 The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has released the Basic Requirements for AI-Based Biomarkers in Oncology (EBAI) framework, "the first comprehensive guidance for the safe, trustworthy and effective integration of AI-derived biomarkers in cancer care."  The framework provides guidance for developers, clinicians, regulators and healthcare institutions on means of integrating digital technologies in cancer care.  

To view the complete framework, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

ESMO Basic Requirements for AI-based Biomarkers In Oncology (EBAI)
DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2025.11.009

 

ESMO launches first congress on artificial intelligence and digital oncology: a milestone in shaping the future of cancer care

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recently launched the inaugural Congress on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Oncology, taking place in Berlin this week, November 12-14, 2025.  With over 1100 participants scheduled to attend, the conference program will include discussions of: 

• Multimodal AI for clinical decision support, showcasing applications in molecular tumour boards and real-world data integration.
• AI-based biomarkers for precision oncology, featuring discussions on validation frameworks and predictive modelling, including the announcement of the imminent publication of the ESMO Basic Requirements for AI-based Biomarkers in Oncology (EBAI) framework
• Generative AI and large language models, with keynote lectures featuring speakers from Google DeepMind and Harvard Medical School.
• Digital health in practice, exploring wearable technologies, remote monitoring, decentralised trials.
• Ethics, regulation, and patient perspectives, addressing trust, explainability and the societal implications of AI in oncology.

To learn more about this conference, click here. 

Rucaparib monotherapy provides long-term benefit as first-line maintenance for patients with advanced ovarian cancer with and without HRD

 Results of ATHENA-MONO/GOG-3020/ENGOT-ov45, a phase III trial investigating rucaparib as a monotherapy in first-line maintenance treatment for advanced ovarian cancer patients, who presented in poster format at the recent ESMO (European Society of Medical Oncology) conference in Berlin, Germany. The study concluded that "sustained long-term improvement with rucaparib was observed in all subgroups examined regardless of HRD or risk status, with 29% of patients in the rucaparib group remaining progressing free at 5 years." 

To read more about this study, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Kristeleit RS, Ghamande S, Lisyanskaya AS, et al. Rucaparib maintenance for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer: interim overall survival, progression-free survival, and safety at 5 years of follow-up from the phase III ATHENA-MONO/GOG-3020/ENGOT-ov45 study . Annals of Oncology; Published online 18 October 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2025.10.007  
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• Abstract 1073P – Kristeleit RS, Ghamande S, Lisyanskaya AS, et al. 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) with rucaparib (RUCA) maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer in ATHENA-MONO (GOG-3020/ENGOT-ov45) . Annals of Oncology 2025;36(Suppl 2):S721-722.  

Antitumour activity of patritumab deruxtecan in heavily pretreated patients with active brain metastases of breast cancer and NSCLC

 Results from TUXEDO-3, a prospective multicentre open-label single-arm multicohort phase II study were recently published on The Lancet Oncology.  TUXEDO-3 evaluated patritumab deruxtecan in 3 patient cohorts: 1. patients with metastatic breast cancer with untreated or progressing brain metastases after local treatment"; 2. "patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer with untreated or progressing brain metastases after local treatment" 3. "patients with treatment-naive leptomeningeal disease (LMD) or LMD progressing after radiotherapy from any advanced solid tumour."   

To read more about the TUXEDO-3 study, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Bartsch R, Marhold M, Garde-Noguera J, et al. Patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) in patients with active brain metastases of breast cancer (TUXEDO-3): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial . The Lancet Oncology 2025;26(11):1467-1478.  
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• Fuereder T, Garde-Noguera J, García-Mosquera JJ, et al. Patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) in patients with active brain metastases of non-small cell lung cancer (TUXEDO-3): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial . The Lancet Oncology 2025;26(11):1454-1466.   
• 
  
• Jerzak KJ, Leighl NB, Sahgal A. Systemic therapy for brain metastases: a changing landscape . The Lancet Oncology 2025;26(11):P1398-1400. 

Rethinking the limits of tissue-agnostic cancer therapy

A recent editorial published in the ESMO Daily Reporter raises questions about the impact of precision medicine in personalized cancer care, considering that "patients are still largely treated according to the primary organ where their cancer originates."  Tumour-agnostic agents, drugs approved if cancer cells cause gene or protein changes, no matter where in the body the cancer originated, calls for physicians and patients to engage in precision medicine, "a first step toward a common understanding...in which tissue-agnostic development should be preferred to conventional trials."  

Click here to learn more. 

Thymic health linked to cancer patients’ response to immunotherapy

A recent international study focused on immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment has shown that higher thymic health was associated with a 35% lower risk of cancer progression in a group of 1200 non-small cell lung cancer patients.    While further validation of this finding is required, thymic health "could serve as a non-invasive biomarker of adaptive immune competence in a range of different cancers." 

To learn more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Abstract 108O - ‘Thymic health is associated with immunotherapy outcomes in patients with cancer ‘, presented by Dr Simon Bernatz during Proffered Paper session 1: Basic science & Translational research on Saturday, 18 October, from 10:15 to 11:45 (CEST) in Hall 5.2 (Nuremberg Auditorium)  

Increased risk of haematologic malignancies among children and adolescents exposed to radiation from medical imaging

 Findings from Risk of Pediatric and Adolescent Cancer Associated with Medical Imaging (RIC) a cohort study of 3 700 000 children from Canada and the U.S. found a "significant dose-response relation between cumulative radiation dose to bone marrow and haematologic malignancies risk." The RIC study further found that susceptibility of children to radiation-induced cancer is high due to longer life expectancy compared to adults.  In addition, a European EPI-CT study indicates a "50% higher risk among children undergoing two or three CT scans than among those undergoing one scan." 

To read more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

• Smith-Bindman R, Alber SA, Kwan ML, et al. Medical Imaging and Pediatric and Adolescent Hematologic Cancer Risk . NEJM; Published online 17 September 2025. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2502098
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• Morton LM. Studying Cancer Risks Associated with Diagnostic Procedures — Interpret Wisely . NEJM; Published online 17 September 2025. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMe2511613

Study presents an AI-guided approach to target cancer antigens

 A recent study published in Science provides proof-of-concept that "generative artificial intelligence can offer a valid alternative approach to design precise, functional, and adaptable peptide binders capable of redirecting T cell responses against cancer antigens".  While the authors are optimistic regarding AI-guided methods, they do caution that further investigation is required to determine long-term impact on immune cell function. 

To learn more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Johansen KH, Wolff DS, Scapolo B, Fernández-Quintero ML, Risager Christensen C, Loeffler JR, Rivera-de-Torre E, Overath MD, Kjærgaard Munk K, Morell O, Viuff MC, Lacunza I, Damm Englund AT, Due M, Gharpure A, Forli S, Rodriguez Pardo C, Tamhane T, Qingjie Andersen E, Haldrup Björnsson K, Fernandes JS, Voss LF, Thumtecho S, Ward AB, Ormhøj M, Reker Hadrup S, Jenkins TP. De novo-designed pMHC binders facilitate T cell-mediated cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Science. 2025 Jul 24;389(6758):380-385. doi: 10.1126/science.adv0422. Epub 2025 Jul 24. PMID: 40705893.

De-escalated radiotherapy after surgery in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

A recently published phase III trial in Lancet Oncology, lower doses of adjuvant radiotherapy plus docetaxel "were associated with reduced toxicity and need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy", impacting a patient's quality of life.  Following 194 patients with stage III-IV HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma indicated grade 3 or higher toxic effect "of at least possible attribution to treatment...3 months after radiotherapy.." at 3% in the de-escalated adjuvant radiotherapy group compared to 11% in the standard of care group. 

To read more about this study, click here. 

ESMO campaigns against the use of ‘Low-Alcohol’ labelling in response to council agreement on EU’s wine package

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in partnership with the European Alliance on Alcohol (EHAA) has issued a statement against the use of the phrase 'low alcohol' "for beverages containing more than 1.2% ABC and for transparent information on the health risks of consuming alcohol."   Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing at least 7 types of cancer, leading the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifying alcohol as a group one carcinogen. 

To read the complete position statement, click here. 

ESMO urges EU policymakers to protect the wellbeing of the oncology workforce

 The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has produced a new health workforce crisis plan, stressing "the urgent need for dedicated legislation, strategies, and resources to safeguard the sustainability of the oncology workforce."  Proposed measures to alleviate burnout, a leading work-related psychosocial risk, includes adequate staffing levels, greater control over workload, flexible hours, reduced overtime, sufficient leave entitlement, enhanced career development, job security, training opportunities, and long-term workforce retention strategies. 

Click here to read the full workforce crisis plan. 

Arsenic trioxide in combination with all-trans retinoic acid for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with high-risk APL

 Results from APOLLO, a randomized phase III study, indicated that a "near-chemotherapy free treatment of arsenic trioxide in combination with all-trans retinoic acid plus low-dose idarubicin significantly improved outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed, high-risk acute promyelocytic leukaemia."  A median follow-up of 37 months indicated that 2-year event free survival was 88% in patients receiving all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide vs. 71% in patients receiving all-trans retinoic acid plus anthracycline-based chemotherapy. 

To read more about the APOLLO study, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Platzbecker U, Adès L, Montesinos P, et al. on behalf of the SAL, AMCL-CG, AML-SG, OSHO, PETHEMA, HOVON and GIMEMA study groups. Arsenic Trioxide and All-Trans Retinoic Acid Combination Therapy for the Treatment of High-Risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Results From the APOLLO Trial . JCO; Published online 18 August. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO-25-00535
• 
  
• Iland HJ. APOLLO: Optimizing the Treatment of High-Risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia With All-Trans Retinoic Acid and Arsenic Trioxide While Minimizing the Role of Chemotherapy . JCO; Published online 18 August 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO-25-01496

Blog postings will resume in September 2025

 Dear Grey Horizon readers, 

Thank you for your continued support of this blog.  Postings will resume in September 2025.  

No survival benefit from adding adjuvant chemotherapy to endocrine therapy in older women with a genomic grade index high-risk ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer

Findings from ASTER 70s, a phase III randomized superiority study conducted on women 70 years or older "with a genomic grade index (GGI) high-risk oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer" identified no statistically significant effect of adding adjuvant chemotherapy to the prescribed treatment plan.  While the authors od this study admit that more evidence of genomic profiling is needed to determine "whether chemotherapy is necessary for older patents with ER-positive tumours", ASTER 70s has provided little evidence on the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for older breast cancer patients. 

To read more about this study, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Brain E, Mir O, Bourbouloux E, et al. for the GERICO&UCBG/Unicancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonotherapy versus adjuvant hormonotherapy alone for women aged 70 years and older with high-risk breast cancer based on the genomic grade index (ASTER 70s): a randomised phase 3 trial . The Lancet 2025;406(10502):p489-500.
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• Linn SC, Hilbers FS. Balancing quality and quantity of life in older patients with breast cancer . The Lancet 2025;406(10502):P422-424.

ESMO joins the European Health Alliance on Alcohol (EHAA) to reduce preventable cancer cases linked to alcohol use

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has joined the European Health Alliance on Alcohol (EHAA).  Classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), consumption of alcohol has been linked to liver, breast, mouth, and colorectal cancer.  As a result of joining the alliance, ESMO will collaborate with EHAA "on devising and promoting evidence-based alcohol policies aimed at preventing cancer." 

Click here to read more about the European Health Alliance on Alcohol. 

Savolitinib plus osimertinib show a high response in EGFR-mutated NSCLC progressed on first-line osimertinib due to MET-driven resistance mechanisms

 Results of SAVANNAH, a phase II study comprised of "one of the largest datasets evaluating an oral MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer" was recently reported in Annals of Oncology.   Considered to be the first study to use a novel biomarker-based patient selection strategy, results from SAVANNAH "demonstrate efficacy benefit with a chemotherapy-free, orally administered, combined EGFR and MET targeted treatment regimen." 

To learn more about the SAVANNAH study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

de Marinis F, Kim TM, Bonanno L, et al. Savolitinib plus osimertinib in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer with MET overexpression and/or amplification following disease progression on osimertinib: primary results from the phase II SAVANNAH study . Annals of Oncology 2025;36(8):P920-933. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2025.04.003

HER2 immunohistochemistry testing may not be needed in all solid tumours

 Results from a large-scale cohort study conducted on 65 000 patients with solid tumours undergoing pan-tumour HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing has shown that "upfront HER2 IHC testing may not be required for all tumour types, especially those that are rarely positive." 

The cohort study further revealed highest HER2 IHC 3+ rates in bladder cancer (13.9%), uterine serous carcinoma (13.6%), oesophago-gastric junction cancer (12.1%), breast cancer (7.8%), gastric adenocarcinoma (6.6%), and salivary gland cancer (6.5%); additional remaining cancer types were all found to have a HER2 IHC 3+ rate of 5% or less. 

To read more about this study, click here.  

Source mentioned: 

Bryant D, Feldman R, Abdulla F, et al. A Real-World Experience in Pan-Tumor Testing for HER2 IHC in More Than 65 000 Solid Tumors . JAMA Oncol; Published online 26 June 2025. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.1791

Breastfeeding patterns and relation to breast cancer outcomes after early, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

 Findings from POSITIVE, the largest known study evaluating "breastfeeding frequency, patterns, and relation to breast cancer outcomes in women previously diagnosed with early, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer" were recently unveiled in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.  According to data reported in the POSITIVE study, breastfeeding was not shown to be associated with a higher short-term rate of breast cancer related events, news particularly relevant to women planning pregnancy and breastfeeding after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. 

To learn more about the POSITIVE study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Peccatori FA, Niman SM, Partridge AH, et al. for the International Breast Cancer Study Group and the POSITIVE Trial Collaborators. Breastfeeding After Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer: Results From the POSITIVE Trial . JCO; Published online 9 July 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO-24-02697

Adding retifanlimab to first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced squamous cell anal cancer

An international, phase III study evaluating "efficacy and safety of retifanlimab in combination with standard carboplatin/paclitaxel in patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell anal cancer" not receiving previous systemic chemotherapy was published in a recent issue of The Lancet.   According to findings from the study, 14% of anal cancers are metastatic at diagnosis, 40% of patients with localized squamous cell anal cancer will progress after initial chemoradiation, and patents with distant metastasis have a 36% relative survival rate over a 5-year period. 

To read more about this study, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Rao S, Samalin-Scalzi E, Evesque L, et al. for the POD1UM-303/InterAACT-2 study investigators. Retifanlimab with carboplatin and paclitaxel for locally recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (POD1UM-303/InterAACT-2): a global, phase 3 randomised controlled trial . The Lancet 2025;405(10495):P2144-2152.
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• Martinelli E, Martini G. First-line immunotherapy combination in squamous cell anal carcinoma: hope in a neglected disease . The Lancet 2025;405(10495):P2106-2107.

Measurable residual disease adapted consolidation strategy after quadruplet induction therapy for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

 Results of the phase III MIDAS study, conducted at the Universite de Toulouse in France, with findings reported at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, indicated that newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients "and a postinduction measurable residual disease (MRD)-negative status...consolidation therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation...compared with isatuximab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone...did not lead to a significant difference in percentage of patients who were MED-negative...before maintenance therapy."  Further, the authors of the study emphasized challenges of treating myeloma patients, especially with regards to implementing an effective risk-adapted therapeutic strategy. 

To read more about the MIDAS study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

• Perrot A, Lambert J, Hulin C, et al. for the MIDAS Study Group. Measurable Residual Disease–Guided Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Myeloma . NEJM; Published online 3 June 2025. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2505133
• 
  
• Perrot A, Hulin C, Lambert J, et al. MRD-driven strategy following IsaKRD induction in transplant-eligible NDMM: Primary endpoints of the phase 3 MIDAS trial . J Clin Oncol 2025;43(suppl 16):abstr LBA7500. DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.7500

ESMO calls for oncology-specific safeguards in EU joint clinical assessments of medical and in vitro diagnostic devices in the new EU public consultation

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has compiled a detailed response to the European Commission's public consultation draft regarding Implementing Regulation for Joint Clinical Assessments of medical and in vitro diagnostic devices.  The 4 key strategic priorities noted in the framework include systematic inclusion of oncology expertise, structured stakeholder involvement, proportional and feasible evidence requirements, and clear and consistent guidance on comparators and outcomes. 

To learn more and read the full submission, click here. 

Blog postings will resume in July 2025

 

Dear Grey Horizon readers, 

Thank you for your continued support of this blog.  Postings will resume in July 2025.  

Vepdegestrant results in longer PFS than fulvestrant in previously treated patients with ESR1-mutated, ER-positive, HER2-negative ABC

 Results from VERITAC-2, an open-label randomized phase III study conducted on "ER-positive HER2- negative advanced breast cancer patients...receiving endocrine therapy plus a CDK4/6 inhibitor" to measure progression-free survival, was reported at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.  Based on findings from VERITAC-2, "vepdegestrant monotherapy showed encouraging clinical activity in patients who had received multiple previous lines of treatment for ER-positive, HER-2 negative ABC." 

To read more about VERITAC-2, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Campone M, De Laurentiis M, Jhaveri K, et al. for the VERITAC-2 Study Group. Vepdegestrant, a PROTAC Estrogen Receptor Degrader, in Advanced Breast Cancer . NEJM; Published online 31 May 2025. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2505725
• 
  
• Hamilton EP, De Laurentiis M, Jhaveri K, et al. Vepdegestrant, a PROTAC estrogen receptor (ER) degrader, vs fulvestrant in ER-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative advanced breast cancer: Results of the global, randomized, phase 3 VERITAC-2 study . J Clin Oncol 2025;43(suppl 17):abstr LBA1000. DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2025.43.17_suppl.LBA1000

Supplemental breast cancer imaging techniques could lead to earlier detection of cancer in women with dense breasts

 Results from the Breast Screening - Risk Adapted Imaging for Density (BRAID) study were recently published in The Lancet.  BRAID is "the first randomized controlled trial to compare supplemental imaging of abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), automated who breast ultrasound (ABUS), and contrast-enhanced mammography with standard mammography (standard-of-care) in women of average population risk with dense breasts and a negative screening mammogram." 

For a period of 4.5 years (October 2019 - March 2024), 9361 women aged 50-70 across the UK were recruited and randomly assigned to ether abbreviated MRI, ABUS, or contrast-enhanced mammography.   Per 1000 examinations, cancer detection rate was 17.4 for abbreviated MRI, 4.2 for ABUS, and 19.2 for contrast-enhanced mammography. 

Click here to read more about the BRAID trial. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Gilbert FJ, Payne N, Allajbeu I, et al. Comparison of supplemental breast cancer imaging techniques—interim results from the BRAID randomised controlled trial . The Lancet; Published online 21 May 2025. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00582-3
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• Houssami N. Breast cancer screening at a crossroads: supplemental imaging for dense breasts . The Lancet; Published online 21 May 2025. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00803-7

Patient and tumour characteristics may vary across treatment lines in a selected population of patients with mCRC included in randomised trials

 Findings from a large-scale study conducted via the Aide et Recherche en Cancerologie Digestive (ARCAD) database of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer as recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). According to the study, "almost one in two patients do not receive a subsequent treatment line with second- and third-line treatment rates of 50-60% and 20-30% respectively."  In order to facilitate further research and use, ARCAD is planning to develop Score Prognostic in Oncology Digestive, an app for smartphones, tablets, and computers.  

To learn more about this study click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Bachet J-B, de Gramont A, Raeisi M, et al. Characteristics of Patients and Prognostic Factors Across Treatment Lines in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: An Analysis From the Aide et Recherche en Cancérologie Digestive Database . JCO; Published online 5 May 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO-24-01968

Sun safety declining in Canada amid rise in skin cancer cases

 A recently completed study from McGill University indicates a growing number of Canadians using less sun protection amidst increasing sun exposure time, resulting in rising cases of melanoma.  According to the study, "75% of adult Canadians reported spending at least 30 minutes in the sun...with nearly half staying out for 2 hours or more".  In addition, most of the Canadians polled admitted to irregular or no use of sunscreen, with 33% of those polled experiencing sunburn. 

To learn more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Amina Moustaqim-Barrette, Hibo Rijal, Santina Conte, Mahan Maazi, Johnny Hanna, Alexandra Sarah Victoria Kelly, Alicia Belaiche, Alyson McKenna, Sandra Pelaez, François Lagacé, Ivan V Litvinov - Evaluating UV exposure and skin cancer prevention behaviours in Canada: a national population-based cross-sectional study: BMJ Public Health 2025;3:e001983.

InflaMix identifies CAR-T recipients with a preinfusion inflammatory profile indicative of high risk for CAR-T treatment failure

 Findings from the use of InflaMix, a predictive, point-of-care-clinical tool, designed "to identify patients at high risk of treatment failure and support informed risk-benefit discussions.." in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, were recently published in Nature Medicine.  InflaMix, which requires only 1 blood test, "offers an unbiased quantitative assessment of 14 blood markers, 11 of which are routinely assayed for patients with lymphoma."  

To read more about InflaMix, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Raj SS, Fei T, Fried S, et al. An inflammatory biomarker signature of response to CAR-T cell therapy in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Nature Medicine; Published online 1 April 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03532-x

Potential for larger gene panels to increase the number of molecularly matched therapies in patients with advanced solid tumours

 Results of ProfiLER-2, a multicentre, prospective study comparing a hospital homemade control gene panel (CTL) to "the commercially available Foundation OneCDX (F1CDX).." was recently published in Nature Medicine.   Of the 741 patients with solid tumours screened in this study, molecular-based recommended therapies were identified with F1CDX in 175 patients and CTL in 125 patients, representing a 14.8% increase when using the F1CDX gene panel.  

To read more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Trédan O, Pouessel D, Penel N, et al. Broad versus limited gene panels to guide treatment in patients with advanced solid tumors: a randomized controlled trial. Nature Medicine; Published online 7 April 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03613-x

Cancer mortality prediction for 2025 continues to show favourable trends in the European Union

 A recently completed study of cancer mortality rates across the European Union (EU) over the past 5 years (2020-2025) indicate a lower mortality rate of 3.5% for males and 1.2% in females, with notable decreases in breast cancer for women (9.8% less among those 50-69 years old, and 12.4% less among women 70-79 years old).  The two exceptions to this downward mortality trend were pancreatic cancer for both males and females, and bladder cancer for women.  In addition, despite enhanced tobacco control measures, rate of smoking across the EU was still report at 24%.   

To read more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Santucci C, Mignozzi S, Levi F, et al. European cancer mortality predictions for the year 2025 with focus on breast cancer. Annals of Oncology;36(4):460-468.

Adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy not associated with improved OS for patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer

 A population-based cohort study recently published in JAMA Oncology found "no significant overall survival benefit from the addition of concomitant chemotherapy to radiotherapy in patients with intermediate-risk cervical cancer." While hysterectomy and surgical lymph node assessment is considered standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer, nearly 60% of patients continue receiving chemoradiotherapy for intermediate-risk cases "despite the absence of clear benefit." 

To read more about this study, click here: 

Source mentioned: 

Agustí N, Viveros-Carreño D, Wu C-F, et al. Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy vs Radiotherapy Alone for Patients With Intermediate-Risk Cervical Cancer. JAMA Oncology; Published online 13 March 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.0146

Suggesting a deadline in the invitation letter to FIT colorectal cancer screening results in more timely FIT return

 Results from the timeframe and planning tool (TEMPO) study, part of the Scottish Bowel Screening Program, has determined that "including a deadline of 2 weeks for faecal immunochemical test (FIT) return in the invitation letter resulted in more rapid FIT returns, fewer reminder letters send, and marginally higher return rates..."  The authors of the TEMPO study also stated that establishing FIT return deadlines is more cost-effective and increases compliance with screening behaviour, as current FIT uptake in Scotland is 66% compared to an average of 50% across other European countries.  

To learn more about the TEMPO study, click here. 

Sources: 

• Robb KA, Young B, Murphy MK, et al. Behavioural interventions to increase uptake of FIT colorectal screening in Scotland (TEMPO): a nationwide, eight-arm, factorial, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet; Published online 12 March 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)02813-7
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• Brenner H, Hoffmeister M. Cost-effective improvement of real-world cancer screening. The Lancet; Published online 12 March 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00108-4

Real-world patients with cancer show lower survival times and treatment-associated survival benefits compared to those included in RCTs

 Findings from TrialTranslator, a machine-learning model involving randomized clinical trials (RCTs), indicates that "median overall survival treatment benefit for real-word patients...[is] on average, 3 months lower than in RCTs..."  While the authors of this TrialTranslator study conclude that "prognostic heterogeneity among real-world patients with cancer plays a substantial role in the limited generalizability of RCT results", machine learning frameworks have been shown to be of benefit in guiding trial design and planning future enhancements in cancer care. 

To read more about TrialTranslator, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Orcutt X, Chen K, Mamtani R, et al. Evaluating generalizability of oncology trial results to real-world patients using machine learning-based trial emulations. Nature Medicine; Published online 3 January 2025.

Distinct patient, tumour, treatment characteristics and a different pattern and risk of survival events over time between young BRCA1/2 carriers

 Findings from a large-scale 20-year multicentre hospital=based retrospective cohort study were recently published in Journal of Clinical Oncology.  Conducted on 4752 patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2, "diagnosed with stage I-III invasive breast cancer at 40 years or younger...provides evidence on the different clinical behaviour of breast cancer according to the specific BRCA gene and the association of the timing of genetic testing with prognosis." This study also emphasized the importance of early identification of women carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant, in addition to providing genetic counselling and creating greater awareness about "early detection options that may lead to better prognosis." 

Source mentioned:  

Lambertini M, Blondeaux E, Tomasello LM, et al. Clinical Behavior of Breast Cancer in Young BRCA Carriers and Prediagnostic Awareness of Germline BRCA Status. JCO; Published online 24 February 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO-24-01334

Clinical benefit of pembrolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced clear cell gynaecological cancers

 Results from the United Kingdom-led PEACOCC phase II trial regarding the benefits of pembrolizumab on clear cell gynecological cancers was recently published in JAMA Oncology.   According to the study authors, "less than 5% of clear cell gynaecological cancers" are attributed to the vagina, vulva, and cervix. While this clear-cell histological subtype is rare, the authors are adamant that "tissue collection including contemporaneous trial biopsies allows further translational study of the molecular and immune landscape."   

To learn more about the PEACOCC trial, click here.  

Source mentioned: 

Kristeleit R, Devlin M-J, Clamp A, et al. Pembrolizumab in Patients With Advanced Clear Cell Gynecological Cancer A Phase 2 Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncology; Published online 6 February 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.6797

Less frequent mammographic surveillance non-inferior compared with annual mammograms after diagnosis of breast cancer in women aged 50 years or older

 Results of Mammo-50, a randomized phase III trial conducted across the United Kingdom on women aged 50 or older was recently published in The Lancet.  Findings from Mammo-50 indicate that women 50 years or older when diagnosed with breast cancer "who have undergone annual mammographic surveillance for 3 years post diagnosis...[and who] show no signs of recurrence, can safely have less frequent mammograms."  The authors further state that this evidence may result in changes to guidelines, both within the U.K. and globally as well. 

To learn more about the Mammo-50 trial, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Dunn JA, Donnelly P, Elbeltagi N, et al. Annual versus less frequent mammographic surveillance in people with breast cancer aged 50 years and older in the UK (Mammo-50): a multicentre, randomised, phase 3, non-inferiority trial. The Lancet 2025;405(10476):396–407.
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• Mann RM. Rethinking surveillance after breast cancer. The Lancet 2025;405(10476):356-358.

Cancer prevention and screening account for most cancer deaths averted among different interventions across the cancer control continuum

 An extensive study of population-level mortality data, along with cancer prevention and screening interventions across common cancer in the United States over the past 45 years was recently compiled by the National Cancer Institute.  According to the authors, "an estimated 5.94 million cancer deaths were averted for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers combined, [where] cancer prevention and screening efforts averted 8 of 10 (4.75 million) deaths." The authors further emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and prevention may "reduce or eliminate treatment, minimize harmful adverse effects of cancer or treatment, and reduce the financial burden of cancer." 

To read more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Goddard KAB, Feuer EJ, Mandelblatt JS, et al. Estimation of Cancer Deaths Averted From Prevention, Screening, and Treatment Efforts, 1975-2020. JAMA Oncology; Published online 5 December 2024. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.5381

Chemotherapy-free regimen of tucatinib and trastuzumab shows anti-tumour activity with durable responses in patients with HER2-mutated metastatic breast cancer

 Results of the open-label phase II trial, SGNTUC-019, "evaluating tucatinib in combination with trastuzumab" in patients with HER2-mutated metastatic breast cancer, showed that this form of treatment was well tolerated with diarrhea noted as the most common adverse event.  In addition, study authors noted that most events had a grade 1 severity, which were managed with standard clinical care; grade 3 occurrence was noted in 13% of cases.  

To learn more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: 

Okines AFC, Curigliano G, Mizuno N, et al. Tucatinib and trastuzumab in HER2-mutated metastatic breast cancer: a phase 2 basket trial. Nature Medicine; Published online 17 January 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03462-0

Active monitoring promising for women with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ

Results of the intention-to-treat analysis from the COMET study, "a prospective randomized, pragmatic non-inferiority trial..." for women with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) was recently presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.  Conducted on 995 women 40 years or older with a new diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive grade 1 or grade 2 DCIS without invasive cancer, the COMET study supports the notion that a "standard management strategy for low-risk DCIS requires longer follow-up for most patients."   

To learn more about the COMET study, click here. 

Sources mentioned: 

• Hwang ES, Hyslop T, Lynch T, et al. for the COMET Study Investigators. Active Monitoring With or Without Endocrine Therapy for Low-Risk Ductal Carcinoma In Situ The COMET Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA; Published online 12 December 2024. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.26698
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• Morrow M, Barrio AV. Is It Time to Abandon Surgery for Low-Risk DCIS? JAMA; Published online 12 December 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.26723