Intermittent Imatinib for Elderly CML Patients Shows Promise
A phase II study found that an alternative imatinib treatment schedule for elderly patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) could be an effective way to reduce dosing requirements of the drug. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 15, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

When Do You Recommend Molecular Profiling of Tumors?
How often do you refer patients for molecular profiling of a malignant tumor? For which of the following tumor types would you be most likely to recommend molecular profiling? Answer these questions and more. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

Supreme Court Ruling Invalidates Myriad’s BRCA Gene Patents
The Supreme Court announced a unanimous 9-0 decision that genes cannot be patented. After a long legal battle, the high court ruled against Myriad’s patents on two breast cancer susceptibility genes—BRCA1 and BRCA2—declaring that genes are products of nature and cannot be treated as inventions. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

ASCO: Cetuximab Ups Survival Over Bevacizumab in Colorectal Cancer
Results from the German AIO KRK-0306 study, FIRE-3, show that the addition of cetuximab (Erbitux) to chemotherapy rather than bevacizumab (Avastin) increased overall survival by nearly 4 months in patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

Imatinib Discontinuation in Chronic Phase CML Doesn’t Always Lead to Relapse
Almost half of patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who discontinued imatinib treatment did not relapse, according to results of a prospective study. Those who did relapse showed continued sensitivity to imatinib when treatment started again. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

Vegetable Fats May Reduce Risk of Death in Prostate Cancer Patients
A new study shows that men diagnosed with prostate cancer may do better by substituting carbohydrates and saturated fats with plant-based fats such as those found in nuts and olive oil. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 14, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

ASCO: Sunitinib Improves PFS in Small-Cell Lung Cancer
A randomized, phase II trial showed improved progression-free survival in small-cell lung cancer with maintenance sunitinib vs placebo following standard chemotherapy, according to results presented at the ASCO annual meeting in Chicago. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 12, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

Active Surveillance Not Only Reduces Morbidity, It Saves Lives
The concept of active surveillance is based on the observation that Gleason 6 (pattern 3) prostate cancer is an indolent condition that poses little or no threat to the patient’s life. Conservative management is thus appropriate for these patients. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 11, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: Are the Proceduralists Running Amok?
In my experience, being treated for low-volume Gleason 6 tumors is the norm, not the exception, for men in the United States. Surveillance may be discussed as an option, but it is not taken seriously. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 11, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

ASCO: Treating Lung Cancer After Targeted Therapy–Resistance
Today at the 2013 ASCO meeting, we are discussing targeted therapy strategies for lung cancer and for treating patients after resistance to these drugs. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 11, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

Pain or Feign?
In the late 1960s, I quickly learned that a large proportion of requests for narcotics in this population were spurious. Patients would simulate renal stone, acute myocardial infarction, and many other painful illnesses in order to obtain narcotic drugs. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 10, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

ASCO: Sorafenib Slows Progression in Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Data presented at ASCO from the phase III DECISION trial showed treatment with the TKI sorafenib (Nexavar) delayed disease progression by 5 months in patients with metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer that had progressed on radioactive iodine. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 10, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

ASCO: No Benefit From Avastin in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma
Results of two phase III trials, presented at ASCO, on the addition of bevacizumab (Avastin) to standard therapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma found that the drug added no benefit. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 10, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

ASCO: Dr. Martine Piccart, in Karnofsky Lecture, Outlines Vision for the Empowering of Academic Research
The David A. Karnofsky Memorial Award, ASCO’s highest scientific honor, went this year to Dr. Martine J. Piccart, who is internationally recognized for her unflagging dedication and innovative approaches to the development of drugs and regimens that will truly make a difference in the lives of patients with breast cancer. (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 10, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

A 48-Year-Old Woman With Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
A 48-year-old female presents with complaints of irregular vaginal bleeding and postcoital bleeding. Images from a PET/CT and pelvis MRI reveal characteristic findings. What is your diagnosis? (Source: Cancer Network)
Source: Cancer Network - June 10, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news