Top in hem/onc: More federally sponsored trials needed; exercise may boost cognition

A retrospective study revealed that industry-sponsored clinical trials have enrolled significantly more participants than federally sponsored trials over the past decade.

“Federally sponsored, cancer clinical research has a unique role in identifying treatments that are best for patients” Joseph M. Unger, PhD, MS, associate professor at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, told Healio. “It’s not a role that can be supplanted by industry. It’s a role that is its own, and I think that can be easily forgotten.”

To address the participation gap between industry-sponsored and federally sponsored trials, researchers suggest implementing strategies such as educating stakeholders on the importance of federal trials and diversifying funding sources.

It was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.

In another top story, researchers found that women with breast cancer who followed an aerobic exercise plan during chemotherapy reported improved cognitive function.

Read these and more top stories in hematology/oncology below:

'Stark' finding: Cancer research in US increasingly dominated by industry sponsors

Industry-sponsored clinical trials have enrolled significantly more participants than federally sponsored trials over the past decade, according to retrospective study results. Read more.

Aerobic exercise may improve cognitive function for women who undergo chemotherapy

Women with breast cancer who began an aerobic exercise program at the start of chemotherapy self-reported improved cognitive function and quality of life, according to results of a randomized trial. Read more.

BLOG: Understanding international medical graduates’ challenges is ‘crucial’

International medical graduates — physicians who complete medical school or equivalent outside of the U.S. or Canada — comprise almost one-third of all practicing U.S. oncologists. ASCO provides guidance for international graduates, their colleagues, mentors, institutions and organizations, to better understand and support this growing group of physicians. Read more.

Use nonqualified plans with cash value life insurance to achieve retirement goals

Nonqualified plans offer a valuable alternative or supplement to qualified retirement plans for physicians seeking to enhance their retirement savings. Read more.

Company warns about risk for severe infections with drug approved for lung, thyroid cancers

Data from a phase 3 trial designed to compare pralsetinib with standard therapy for certain patients with advanced lung cancer revealed a risk for severe — and potentially fatal — infections with the drug, according to its manufacturer. Read more.