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Top stories in hematology/oncology: Atezolizumab plus chemotherapy improves PFS, FDA breakthrough therapy designation not associated with improved efficacy
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Among the top stories in hematology/oncology is a trial showing that first-line atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel improved PFS among patients with metastatic or unresectable locally advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Recent “breakthrough” designation did not show improved safety, novelty or efficacy, but did lead to faster FDA approval for new medications. Other top stories include the FDA approval for the combination of encorafenib and binimetinib for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, cancer survivors had a higher than expected rate of hospital contact for endocrine diseases, and the FDA granted priority review designation to glasdegib for use with cytarabine for adults with treatment-naive acute myeloid leukemia.
Atezolizumab plus chemotherapy improves PFS for triple-negative breast cancer
First-line atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel improved PFS compared with placebo among patients with metastatic or unresectable locally advanced triple-negative breast cancer, according to interim results from the IMpassion130 trial released by the manufacturer. Read More.
FDA breakthrough therapy designation not associated with improved novelty, safety, efficacy
A “breakthrough” designation led to faster FDA approval for new medications, although these agents did not show improved safety, novelty or efficacy compared with nonbreakthrough agents, study data showed. Read More.
FDA approves Braftovi-Mektovi combination for BRAF -mutated melanoma
The FDA approved the combination of encorafenib and binimetinib for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600E or BRAFV600K mutation. Read More.
Cancer survivors at increased risk for endocrine diseases
Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors had a higher than expected rate of hospital contact for endocrine diseases, including thyroid disease, testicular dysfunction and diabetes, according to a Danish population-based study. Read More.
FDA grants priority review to glasdegib for treatment-naive acute myeloid leukemia
The FDA granted priority review designation to glasdegib for use with cytarabine for adults with treatment-naive acute myeloid leukemia. Read More.