Top stories in hematology/oncology: Rapid autopsy could decipher tumor heterogeneity in various cancers, adjuvant therapy for pancreas cancer could aid progress

Among the top stories in hematology/oncology is rapid autopsy programs could potentially inform cancer research by providing more insight into how a tumor develops over time. Patients with pancreatic cancer that has not metastasized clinically could find hope in adjuvant therapy. Other top stories include that a positive circulating tumor cell assay result 5 years after diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer predicted risk for recurrence, a phase 3 trial of frontline pembrolizumab monotherapy met its co-primary endpoint, improved survival for head and neck cancer, and a deficit-accumulation frailty index predicted outcomes for older patients with myeloma.

Rapid autopsy holds ‘great power’ for deciphering tumor heterogeneity in various cancers

Rapid autopsy programs have the potential to greatly inform cancer research by unearthing how a tumor unfolds over time at different disease sites. Read More.

Adjuvant therapy for pancreas cancer: Real progress at last?

In an Editorial, Derek Raghavan, MD, PhD, president of Levine Cancer Institute at Atrium Health, discusses advances in the management of pancreatic cancer, highlighting findings from several recent trials. Read More.

Circulating tumor cells associated with late breast cancer recurrence

A positive circulating tumor cell assay result 5 years after diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer predicted risk for late clinical recurrence, study data showed. Read More.

First-line pembrolizumab improves survival for head, neck cancer

A phase 3 trial of frontline pembrolizumab monotherapy met its co-primary endpoint of OS among patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma whose tumors expressed PD-L1, according to the manufacturer. Read More.

Frailty index predicts outcomes for older patients with myeloma

A deficit-accumulation frailty index that accounts for aging-associated diseases and disabilities appeared prognostic of OS among older patients with myeloma, according to study findings. Read More.