Overall survival results from the LUX-Lung 8 trial comparing two EGFR-directed treatments, Gilotrif (afatinib) and Tarceva (erlotinib), in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung progressing after treatment with first-line chemotherapy, demonstrated that treatment with Gilotrif significantly reduced the risk of death by 19 percent, extending the survival of patients to a median of 7.9 months compared to 6.8 months on Tarceva.
Data from the phase III COMBI-d study showed a significant survival benefit for patients with BRAF V600E/K mutation-positive metastatic melanoma when treated with the combination of Tafinlar and Mekinist compared to Tafinlar alone.
Patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma that received Imbruvica (ibrutinib) in combination with bendamustine and rituximab experienced an 80 percent reduction in the risk of progression or death when compared to patients receiving bendamustine, rituximab and placebo in a phase III trial.
THE CANCER LETTERreceived a first place2015 Dateline Award for Excellence in Local Journalismfrom the Society of Professional Journalists June 9. The award recognizesMatthew Ong'sseries “Power Morcellation: A Hazardous Practice” as the winner in the Newsletter, Washington, D.C., category.
Janssen Research & Development initiated the rolling submission of its Biologic License Application for daratumumab to FDA for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, or who are double refractory to a PI and an IMiD.
THE SCRIPPS MERCY O'TOOLE Breast Care Center opened on the campus of Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego. The $5.3 million facility is located on the second floor of the Scripps Medical Building, and replaces the temporary breast health facility that opened last year near Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Lenvima (lenvatinib) launched in the U.K. as a treatment option for adult patients with progressive locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary, follicular, Hürthle cell) thyroid carcinoma, refractory to radioactive iodine.
CHRIS4LIFE COLON CANCER FOUNDATION and Smart Patients launched DATABLUE, a clinical trial database that helps colon cancer patients navigate trial processes on June 4.
MD Anderson Cancer Center and Nektar Therapeutics announced a research collaboration that includes a phase I/II clinical study to evaluate NKTR-214, a CD122-biased cytokine designed to preferentially stimulate production of CD8-positive T cells.
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY published Practical Tips for the Oncology Practice 6th Edition, a comprehensive business and management resource for oncology practices on June 8.
