In this section of the BJMO, we provide a snapshot of pivotal studies published in recent issues of the most important international journals focusing on oncology. Importantly, the selection of the studies discussed here was made by DR. DIRK SCHRIJVERS (Oncologist, ZNA, and member of the BJMO editorial board), based on the added value of the studies in daily clinical practice. In addition to the key highlights of the articles, an expert opinion of Dr. Schrijvers on each of these topics is included.
PEMBROLIZUMAB AS POST-NEPHRECTOMY ADJUVANT THERAPY REDUCES THE RISK OF RECURRENCE IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL CELL CARCINOMA
Despite 30 years of investigation, there is no appropriate post-nephrectomy adjuvant therapy for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma with an increased risk of recurrence. In KEYNOTE-564, pembrolizumab monotherapy showed to improve disease-free survival, overall survival data and other efficacy and safety endpoints as compared to placebo, supporting adjuvant pembrolizumab as a potential new standard of care in this population… Read more
METASTASIS-FREE SURVIVAL AS A SURROGATE FOR OS IN MEN RECEIVING SALVAGE RADIATION THERAPY FOR RECURRENCE AFTER PROSTATECTOMY
Metastasis-free survival (MFS) is a validated surrogate endpoint for overall survival (OS) in men treated for localised prostate cancer. Using the data of NRG/RTOG 9601, MFS appeared to be a strong surrogate for OS for recurrent prostate cancer as well, while prostate-specific antigen-based endpoints are weak surrogate endpoints and should not be used in this setting… Read more
TISLELIZUMAB AS SECOND-LINE THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED OR METASTATIC OESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Treatment options after first-line systemic therapy for patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are limited. The phase III RATIONALE-302 trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of tislelizumab vs. chemotherapy as second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic ESCC. Tislelizumab significantly improved survival and demonstrated a tolerable safety profile in this setting... Read more
RADIATION DOSES AND FRACTIONATION SCHEDULES IN NON-LOW-RISK DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU IN THE BREAST
Although whole breast irradiation (WBI) after conservative surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) reduces local recurrence, 10-year local recurrence rates are still high for some patients. A novel study now showed that a tumour bed boost after WBI reduces local recurrence after postoperative WBI in non-low-risk DCIS, supporting its use in this setting. Additionally, no differences in the outcomes were found between conventional and hypofractionated WBI… Read more
CHAPERON INHIBITOR PIMITESPIB AS FOURTH-LINE TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMOURS
Prognosis of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) refractory to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is poor. The oral HSP90 inhibitor pimitespib now demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival vs. placebo in advanced GIST patients refractory to standard TKIs. Therefore, pimitespib can be considered as a new treatment option in the fourth-line setting for patients with GIST refractory to standard therapies… Read more
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