FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for investigational bemarituzumab as first-line treatment for patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b) overexpressing and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic and locally advanced gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma in combination with modified FOLFOX6 (fluoropyrimidine, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin), based on an FDA-approved companion diagnostic assay showing at least 10% of tumor cells overexpressing FGFR2b.
European Commission has approved Sarclisa (isatuximab) in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy.
NeoGenomics Inc., a provider of cancer-focused genetic testing services and global oncology contract research services, has launched an Amgen-sponsored testing program to support single-gene molecular testing for the biomarker KRAS G12C for eligible lung cancer patients at no cost to the patient.
President Joe Biden’s proposed Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health would be a welcome partner to NCI—particularly in conducting large, collaborative clinical investigations, NCI Director Ned Sharpless said.“I think having ARPA-H as part of the NIH is good for the NCI,” Sharpless said April 11 in his remarks at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. “How this would fit with the ongoing efforts in cancer at the NCI is still something to work out.”
David A. Tuveson was inaugurated president of the American Association for Cancer Research for 2021-2022.
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has established a branch at Princeton University.
Carl June has received the $1 million biennial Sanford Lorraine Cross Award, which honors life-changing breakthroughs and innovations in medical science.
Marcos J. de Lima was named director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, effective April 1.
Patrizia Cavazzoni was named permanent director of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research April 12.
Mark Juckett was named medical director of the Masonic Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office for the Cellular, Gene and Immunotherapy Initiative (CTO-CGI).
