Prenatal Thalidomide and Cancer Risk; MDS Combo Shows Promise; Symptoms Often Missed

Another potential risk from prenatal exposure to thalidomide when it was used as an antiemetic during pregnancy in the 1960s and 1970s: colorectal cancer in adulthood. (UTHealth Houston, JNCI Cancer Spectrum)

A novel combination treatment for high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome produced a high response rate in previously untreated patients. (University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Journal of Clinical Oncology)

The FDA converted an accelerated approval to full approval for pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to treat microsatellite instability-high or mismatch repair-deficient solid tumors, Merck announced.

Some patients with multiple tumors in the same breast might be able to avoid mastectomy. (Mayo Clinic, Journal of Clinical Oncology)

A constellation of symptoms that occur together in patients with cancer often go unrecognized and inadequately treated, significantly affecting quality of life. (Journal of Pain and Symptom Management)

Breast tumors of Asian, Black, and white women have very different cellular, microbial, and genomic features that could potentially be used to personalize care or predict disease progression. (Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, npj Breast Cancer)

The FDA published draft guidance for design of clinical trials to support accelerated drug approvals in oncology.

Men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer had better-than-expected 5-year overall survival when they received the combination of enzalutamide (Xtandi) and standard therapy including docetaxel. (Lancet Oncology)

Colorectal cancer screening in individuals ages 45-49 increased after the release of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations in support of screening in that age group. (Epic Research)

A 20-year study of the genetics of premature aging may change thinking about the role of shortened telomeres and cancer risk. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, Cancer Cell)