Top in hem/onc: Pancreatic cancer therapy; COVID-19 vaccine response in lung cancer
A recent study showed that neoadjuvant modified FOLFIRINOX alone vs. with hypofractionated radiotherapy extended survival in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.
Researchers reported that the 18-month overall survival rate was 66.7% among patients who received FOLFIRINOX (leucovorin, 5-FU, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) alone and 47.3% for those who received FOLFIRINOX plus radiotherapy. Experts said the study contributes to literature against radiation therapy for nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer. It was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.
The second top story was about response rates to COVID-19 vaccines in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. While most patients in the study had binding and neutralizing antibody titers after receiving two initial messenger RNA vaccines, 25% of patients had poor responses to vaccination that resulted in six- to sevenfold lower titers.
Read these and more top stories in hematology/oncology below:
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen extends survival in pancreatic cancer
Neoadjuvant modified FOLFIRINOX alone vs. with hypofractionated radiotherapy demonstrated favorable overall survival among patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, according to results of a phase 2 trial published in JAMA Oncology. Read more.
Subset of patients with lung cancer have poor response to COVID-19 vaccines
Most patients with non-small cell lung cancer had an adequate antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines, research published in Journal of Clinical Oncology showed. Read more.
FDA grants fast track, orphan drug designations to glioblastoma therapy
The FDA granted fast track and orphan drug designations to Alpheus Medical’s CV-01 delivery of sonodynamic therapy for treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. Read more.
ASTRO updates guideline on radiation therapy for brain metastases
The American Society for Radiation Oncology has issued a guideline on use of radiation therapy to treat patients with brain metastases. Read more.
Medical financial hardship linked to increased mortality risk among cancer survivors
Long-term medical financial hardship after active cancer treatment has become an important topic in survivorship and has been evaluated in several studies. Read more.