Lung Screening Saves Lives; Clues to Hyperprogression; Bacteria Foil Immunotherapy

Diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer with low-dose CT screening was associated with significant improvement in long-term survival. (Mount Sinai, Radiological Society of North America)

Researchers have discovered how cancer immunotherapy sometimes causes paradoxical tumor hyperprogression and identified a potential mechanism to prevent it. (Science Translational Medicine)

Continuing its expansion beyond the COVID vaccine, Moderna has entered an agreement with Harbour BioMed to develop antibodies for use in oncology. (Endpoints News)

Astellas announced that a phase III trial of the anti-Claudin 18.2 antibody zolbetuximab met the primary endpoint of progression-free survival in advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer.

Bacteria living in cancer cells may have a key role in suppressing the immune system’s anticancer activity. (Science)

The FDA is exploring strategies to free oncologists from the requirement to use a specific (companion) diagnostic test to confirm a patient’s eligibility for a targeted cancer therapy. (Fierce Biotech)

Takeda announced that ponatinib (Iclusig) outperformed imatinib for producing minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative complete response in a phase III trial of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Northwest Biotherapeutics announced that the personalized immune therapy DVax-L improved median survival and “long tail” extended survival in newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma.

Initial results from a phase III clinical trial showed that adding the VEGF receptor inhibitor fruquintinib to chemotherapy improved progression-free survival but not overall survival as second-line therapy for advanced stomach cancer, Hutchmed announced.

In response to a request from the FDA, GSK announced withdrawal of belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep) from the U.S. market following the failure of a confirmatory trial to provide support for accelerated approval in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

A history of benign breast disease increases the subsequent risk of breast cancer. (European Breast Cancer Conference, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)

Despite significant therapeutic potential for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, CAR T-cell therapy faces substantial challenges, including availability of effective targeted therapies.

A comprehensive literature review has clarified the toxicities associated with antibody-drug conjugates and may help inform decision making about clinical use of the therapies. (Cancer)

Continued racial and economic segregation in U.S. counties play a role in cancer mortality disparities. (American Cancer Society, JAMA Oncology)

Updated results from a large randomized clinical trial confirmed a significant overall survival benefit in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with the addition of of daratumumab (Darzalex) to bortezomib (Velcade) and dexamethasone. (Journal of Clinical Oncology)