Categories Side Effects

Study: Treating advanced breast cancer with ESR1 mutations shows promise

Treatment with the new hormonal drug camizestrant benefited people with certain advanced breast cancers with a biomarker called an ESR1 mutation. People who participated in the SERENA6 study experienced a longer time before their cancer worsened and had a better quality of life than those who received the standard treatment. This study used a blood test to track changes in the cancer to clarify whether treatment worked before symptoms developed. (posted 2/19/26)

Guideline: FDA recommends testing to prevent serious side effects from 5-FU and capecitabine chemotherapy

A small number of people treated with the chemotherapy drugs 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) or capecitabine (Xeloda) can have serious or even life-threatening side effects because their body breaks down the drug more slowly than is typical. A genetic test called DPYD testing can help identify people at higher risk for serious side effects before treatment starts. (posted 2/11/26)

Study: Combination treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer may be especially effective for people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations

This review summarizes the results of the TALAPRO2 study. It looked at how well the PARP inhibitor Talzenna (talazoparib) works for treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Talzenna appears to be most effective for people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations but is also effective for people with certain other mutations. (posted 9/30/25)

Study: Breast cancer treatment combination and dose improves survival in people with inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

Treatment before surgery with a combination of targeted therapy and chemotherapy resulted in longer survival for people with an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation who have early-stage breast cancer. The study evaluated a new dosing strategy that made it possible to safely combine Lynparza (olaparib) and chemotherapy (carboplatin). (Posted 8/31/25)

Study: Two immunotherapy drugs are better than one for some metastatic colorectal cancers

Combining two immunotherapy drugs is a more effective treatment for certain metastatic colorectal cancers than using either treatment drug alone. Used together, Opdivo (nivolumab) plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) slowed cancer growth in MSI-High metastatic colorectal cancers, a type of colorectal cancer often found in Lynch syndrome. The FDA approved this combined treatment for MSI-High metastatic colorectal cancer after progression with chemotherapy. (Posted 4/30/25)

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Topic: Addressing the needs of young adults with breast cancer

This update addresses common concerns faced by young adults with breast cancer, particularly fertility and childbearing, psychosocial health and treatment-related side effects. (Posted 2/28/25)

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Study: Use of cannabis for cancer symptom management

Among people with cancer, interest in the use of cannabis to manage cancer symptoms and treatment side effects is high. The world's leading professional organization of oncologists has published strategies to help adults with cancer and their healthcare providers have open, nonjudgmental discussions about the use of cannabis to manage cancer symptoms. (Posted 9/27/24)

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Study: Managing the side effects of advanced endometrial cancer treatment

Immunotherapy plus targeted therapy is a treatment option for advanced endometrial cancer that has progressed after prior treatment. People who start the two-drug combination are more likely to have a positive experience if they learn about the possible side effects and when they might occur. The most common side effects and how to manage them are discussed in this review. (Posted 9/25/24)

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Update: News from the FDA: First-line treatment and biosimilars for prostate cancer

The FDA recently approved a first-line treatment for non-metastatic, castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Approval was also given to two new drugs known as biosimilars that can be used in place of two already approved biologics to prevent bone weakening, pain or fractures that may occur from certain hormone therapies or from cancer that has spread to the bone. (Posted 9/10/24)

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Topic: Acupressure for cancer symptom relief

Acupressure is a safe treatment that can be used to relieve some symptoms of cancer and side effects of treatment. Light pressure applied to key points on the body may help with fatigue, sleep, nausea and possibly other symptoms as well. (Posted 8/1/24)

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