Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

A two panel image: the left is labeled Human BCL-2 Isoform 1 and the right is labeled Human BCL-2 Isoform 2. Similar lumpy structures are partially opaque in both; ribbon-like structures, which are darker, overlap both shapes.

Combination Therapy with Venetoclax Approved for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

By NCI Staff
June 17, 2019

The Food and Drug Administration has approved venetoclax (Venclexta) in combination with obinutuzumab (Gazyva) for the initial treatment of adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

A diagram showing cell growth and cell cycle/survival as well as cell migration. The growth factor receptor is associated with cell growth and cell cycle/survival. Integrins are associated with cell migration. A number of different proteins and their interactions are defined with arrows.

Researchers Turn On PTEN Tumor-Suppressor Protein in Cancer Cells

By NCI Staff
June 14, 2019

Researchers have discovered a potential way to turn on one of the most commonly silenced tumor-suppressor proteins in cancer, called PTEN. They also found a natural compound, I3C, that in lab studies could flip the on switch.

A pediatric patient wears a stethoscope and holds a stuffed bear as his father smiles at him

The Childhood Cancer Data Initiative: Why Data Sharing Is Essential to Progress

By Douglas Lowy, M.D.
June 12, 2019

NCI is laying the groundwork to develop the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI). NCI Acting Director Douglas Lowy, M.D., explains why an initiative with a focus on data sharing is essential to accelerating progress against childhood cancer.

A microscopic view of smoldering myeloma. Scattered cells are colored in pink and red hues; the smoldering myeloma, which is shown as three large clumps, is colored purple.

Drug Shows Promise in Slowing Progression of Smoldering Myeloma to Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 7, 2019

The drug lenalidomide (Revlimid) may delay the progression of smoldering myeloma to multiple myeloma, according to preliminary results from a clinical trial.

A schematic of the potential different uses for cancer-related proteins discovered through proteogenomic studies.

Studying Genes and Proteins Together Sheds New Light on Colon Cancer

By NCI Staff
May 28, 2019

Using novel proteogenomic techniques, scientists from NCI’s Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium have uncovered new features of colon cancer that may guide new treatment strategies.

Diagram illustrating how T-DM1 antibody-drug conjugate works by binding to HER2 receptors on cancer cells, followed by internalization and release of the emtansine drug payload inside the cell.

T-DM1 Approval Expanded to Include Some Women with Early-Stage HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

By NCI Staff
May 23, 2019

FDA has expanded the approved use of the drug ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla), also called T-DM1, to include adjuvant treatment in some women with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer.

X-ray image showing the hip and upper thigh bone area, revealing a metastatic tumor that has spread to the bone tissue.

When Cancer Spreads to Bone, A Single Dose of Radiation Therapy May Control Pain

By NCI Staff
May 21, 2019

New findings from a clinical trial suggest that a single dose of radiation therapy may control painful bone metastases as effectively as multiple lower doses of radiation therapy.

A Schematic Diagram of the Pediatric MATCH Trial

Pediatric MATCH Study Finds More Targetable Genetic Changes than Expected

By NCI Staff
May 16, 2019

An early report from the NCI–COG Pediatric MATCH trial shows that 24% of young patients with advanced cancer who had their tumors tested for genetic changes were eligible to receive one of the targeted therapies being tested.

Random round shapes colored dark pink, representing blood, are scattered randomly across the image. Near a cluster of blood, a blue and purple shape representing BPDCN cells is shown.

Tagraxofusp Proves Effective for BPDCN, A Rare Blood Cancer

By NCI Staff
May 15, 2019

New findings from a clinical trial of the drug tagraxofusp confirm its efficacy against the rare blood cancer blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).

A close-up of the arms and body of a doctor and patient. The patient is sitting on a couch and wearing casual clothing and his hands are together, indicating he is waiting for a response. The doctor holds a pen in one hand and a checklist in the other. They are wearing a white lab coat.

Prostate Cancer Prevention and Finasteride: A Conversation with NCI’s Dr. Howard Parnes

By NCI Staff
May 13, 2019

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial showed that finasteride can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but might increase the risk of aggressive disease. NCI’s Howard Parnes talks about subsequent findings and what they mean for men aged 55 and older.