Breast cancer screening tool predicts patient response to immunotherapies

Screenings overlook hereditary genetic risk for some cancers

Current screening protocols fail to catch a notable number of people carrying genetic mutations associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome, which increase the risk of developing certain cancers. This issue is particularly pronounced among underrepresented minorities.

July 19, 2024

Vol.50 No.29

Clinical Roundup

Electronic prompt for surgeons may reduce breast cancer overtreatment

University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center researchers have developed a novel prompt, or ‘nudge,’ embedded in the electronic health record that flags, for treating surgeons, older patients with early-stage breast cancer who may be at risk for unnecessary lymph node surgery.

July 19, 2024

Vol.50 No.29

Conversation with The Cancer Letter

Infections are a major cause of death in patients treated with CAR T-cell therapy
Meta-analysis focused on causes of death, excluding relapse, recurrence

More than half of deaths that are not attributed to disease progression or recurrence after CAR T-cell therapy are caused by infections—an unprecedented finding that experts say marks a shift from a conventional focus on mitigating treatment-specific adverse events to including prevention and management of infections.

July 12, 2024

Vol.50 No.28

By Matthew Bin Han Ong

In Brief

Mark Burkard named director of UI Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mark Burkard was named director of University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

July 12, 2024

Vol.50 No.28

In Brief

Sanaz Memarzadeh receives $4.1M to develop immune therapies for ovarian cancer

Sanaz Memarzadeh of UCLA has received two grants totaling $4.1 million to develop advanced cell-based immune therapies for high-grade serous ovarian cancers that have become resistant to conventional treatments.

July 12, 2024

Vol.50 No.28