Cancer Currents: An NCI Cancer Research Blog

Illustration of a double helix DNA chromosome strand behind a human silhouette

FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for Tumors with Specific Genetic Features

By Nadia Jaber
June 20, 2017

FDA approved pembrolizumab for patients with solid tumors that have specific genetic features, called mismatch repair deficiency and high microsatellite instability. This is the first approval based on a genetic feature, rather than cancer type.

Healthcare provider in white coat explaining information on a tablet to a man in yellow shirt and woman in purple blouse in a medical setting.

Abiraterone Improves Survival for Some Men with Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 19, 2017

In two large clinical trials, adding the hormone-blocking drug abiraterone to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) allowed men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer to live longer than men who were treated with ADT alone.

3D digital reconstruction of a mouse cell overexpressing the HER2 protein (shown in green) surrounded by purple cellular structures, demonstrating the protein associated with aggressive breast cancers.

Trastuzumab Emtansine Improves Survival in Previously Treated Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 14, 2017

Two clinical trials show that trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) improves survival compared with other standard treatments for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after treatment with other HER2-targeted drugs.

A vivid microscopy image of a single cell on a black background. The cell features a bright blue nucleus with green spots inside it, surrounded by red extensions that spread outwards.

Genomic Study Seeks Clues to Help Explain Breast Cancer Disparities

By NCI Staff
June 13, 2017

Using one of the largest collections of tumor samples from African Americans with breast cancer, researchers tried to assess the extent to which the molecular characteristics on these tumors might help to explain breast cancer disparities.

Two side-by-side PET scans of an adult body with multiple myeloma. The scans are mostly light grey; in the left scan, there are black areas spread throughout the shoulders, right arms, and throughout the lower body. On the right scan, after the BCMA-targeted CAR T cell treatment, there are approximately 80% less black areas; those that remain are mainly located in the midsection.

CAR T Cells: Expanding into Multiple Myeloma

By NCI Staff
June 12, 2017

Results from two early-phase trials presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting suggest that an immunotherapy using genetically engineered immune cells may be effective in patients with advanced multiple myeloma.

Urine collection sample inside a sealed plastic bag.

Biomarker Test Could Reduce Unnecessary Biopsies to Detect Prostate Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 9, 2017

Findings from a new study show testing for two biomarkers in urine may help some men avoid an unnecessary biopsy to detect a suspected prostate cancer.

A medical professional bandaging a patient receiving IV chemotherapy.

Less Chemotherapy May Be Best Choice for Some Patients with Colon Cancer, Study Shows

By NCI Staff
June 7, 2017

A shorter course of chemotherapy following surgery may be preferred to longer treatment for some patients with colon cancer, results of an international collaborative study suggest.

Microscopic tissue sample showing nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer cells with purple-pink staining, displaying irregular cellular structure and abnormal growth patterns.

FDA Expands Approval of Pembrolizumab for First-Line Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

By NCI Staff
June 6, 2017

FDA approved the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab to be used with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.

Infographic showing that oral HPV infections were 88% lower among young adults who received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine.

HPV Vaccination Linked to Decreased Oral HPV Infections

By NCI Staff
June 5, 2017

A study of more than 2,600 young adults found that the prevalence of oral infection with four HPV types, including two cancer-causing types, was 88% lower in those who reported receiving at least one dose of an HPV vaccine than in those not vaccinated.

3D molecular model of midostaurin, an FDA-approved drug for treating certain patients with acute myeloid leukemia, showing black carbon atoms, white hydrogen atoms, blue nitrogen atoms, and red oxygen atoms connected in a complex molecular structure.

Midostaurin Approved by FDA for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

By NCI Staff
June 1, 2017

The FDA has approved midostaurin for patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutations in the FLT3 gene. The approval also covers several rare conditions.