Study : Trodelvy benefits people with advanced hormone-positive metastatic breast cancer

Most relevant for: People with ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

The study TROPiCS-2 showed that the drug Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) improved progression-free survival when compared to chemotherapy in people with advanced metastatic ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer who have few other treatment options. This drug does not yet have FDA approval for use in the hormone-positive setting. (Posted 1/18/23)

Update: On 02/03/2023 the FDA approved approved Trodelvy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic  breast cancer who have received hormonal therapy and at least two other types of treatment in the metastatic setting.

Update : Breast cancer vaccine trial begins enrolling people with BRCA1 and PALB2 mutations

Most relevant for: People at risk of TNBC undergoing prophylactic bilateral mastectomy

A new vaccine was first tested on people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The vaccine is now being tested to prevent breast cancer among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or PALB2 who are at high risk and who are planning to have a risk-reducing mastectomy. (Posted 1/9/23)

Study : What influences aggressive end-of-life care for ovarian cancer?

Most relevant for: People with advanced ovarian cancer

Aggressive medical treatment is often given to people with terminal ovarian cancer when prior treatment has stopped working. This aggressive end-of-life treatment conflicts with clinical guidelines, may increase pain and suffering and does not extend life. This study found that the end-of-life care that a person with ovarian cancer receives is influenced by their doctors. (Posted 1/3/23)

Study : Male breast cancer: Patient and surgeon experiences

Most relevant for: Men with breast cancer

By surveying male breast cancer patients and the surgeons who treat them, researchers gained insight into the experiences of both groups, shedding light on an important issue for men with breast cancer. (Posted 12/22/22)

Topic : Cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations

Most relevant for: Native Americans and Alaska Natives

The American Cancer Society released a special section in their 2022 Cancer Facts & Figures report that discussed cancer disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native populations in the United States. This review highlights the special section’s main points, including disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis and survival rates in native communities, as well as factors contributing to those disparities. (Posted 12/20/22)

Guideline : Guidelines on exercise, diet, and weight during cancer treatment

Most relevant for: People currently undergoing treatment for cancer

Most professional guidelines on exercise, diet and weight management have focused on the health of the general population and cancer survivors. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has now published evidence-based recommendations for exercise, diet and weight specifically for people who are in active treatment for cancer. (Posted 11/29/22)

Study : Liquid biopsies personalize early-stage colon cancer treatment

Most relevant for: People with early-stage colorectal cancer

Liquid biopsies look for DNA or other products from cancer cells in the blood or other body fluids. These tests may be used to help find cancer recurrence early, monitor response to treatment or guide treatment selection for people diagnosed with cancer. This study looked at a type of liquid biopsy called “circulating tumor” (ctDNA) to identify people with early-stage colon cancer who can safely skip chemotherapy after surgery.  (Posted 11/22/22)

Study : Promising early results for people with DNA mismatch repair deficient rectal cancer

Most relevant for: People with rectal cancer with high mutational burden or mismatch repair problems including people with Lynch syndrome.

A small research study tested the usefulness of the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab for treating locally advanced rectal cancer with a biomarker known as “dMMR” (DNA mismatch repair deficient). None of the participants had evidence of cancer six months later; some remained cancer free for up to 25 months). Many participants had Lynch syndrome. The remarkable response to this treatment may allow people with this particular subtype of rectal cancer to avoid potentially life-changing rectal surgery. (Posted 11/14/22)

Study : Prostate cancer screening may benefit people with Lynch syndrome

Most relevant for: People with Lynch syndrome

Initial results from the IMPACT trial show that PSA testing to screen for prostate cancer in people with Lynch syndrome can detect aggressive early prostate cancers. These findings support the use of PSA screening in men with Lynch syndrome, particularly men with an inherited mutation in an MSH2 or MSH6 gene. (Posted 11/10/22)

Study : More is not better: PARP dose can be safely reduced for people with ovarian cancer

Most relevant for: People taking a PARP inhibitor for ovarian cancer maintenance therapy

Maintenance therapy with a PARP inhibitor is now the standard of care for many people with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer. However, PARP inhibitors may have significant side effects. This study shows that reducing the dose of a PARP inhibitor does not affect survival. (Posted 11/8/22)