$5.275 billion for NIH is a healthy chunk of change—but read the fine print

The Cancer History Project debuts first de novo book; meanwhile, FDA snafus continue

In last week’s issue of The Cancer Letter, the cover story featured something special: The first de novo book published by The Cancer History Project. The book, “Backwater to Blockbuster: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” co-written by Charles J. Sherr and William E. Evans, chronicles the previously untold story of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its rise to becoming a global leader in pediatric cancer research.

May 20, 2026

Cancer History Project Podcast

“Backwater to Blockbuster” chronicles the previously untold story of the explosive growth of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
In a conversation with Deborah Doroshow, co-authors Chuck Sherr and Bill Evans discuss their collaborative writing process

“Backwater to Blockbuster,” the first de novo book published by the Cancer History Project, traces the evolution of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to its current status of a powerhouse of research in pediatric cancer.

May 15, 2026

Vol.52 No.19

By Claire Marie Porter

Clinical

FDA clears fruit-flavored vapes, relaxes enforcement on black-market products with pending premarket applications
Critics say policies clear the way for major tobacco companies to enter fruit-flavored vape market

In a recent set of regulatory decisions that culminated in the resignation of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary on May 12, the agency appears to have reversed its hard-ball stance on flavored e-cigarettes.

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exit
Fruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner

The immediate impetus for FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s exit from the top job at FDA is arguably less significant than the legacy of dysfunction he leaves behind.

May 15, 2026

Vol.52 No.19

By Claire Marie Porter

How City of Hope is turning microbiome science into better cancer care

For years, clues pointed to the gut microbiome as a key factor in cancer treatment outcomes. Recent advances in gene sequencing are now clarifying its influence on how patients respond to therapy.

May 15, 2026

Vol.52 No.19

By Marcel van den Brink and Robert Jenq

Houston Methodist researchers identify B cells as driver of immunotherapy resistance in liver cancer

Despite major advances in immunotherapy, most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma fail to respond to current immune checkpoint inhibitors.

May 15, 2026

Vol.52 No.19

By Dan G. Duda

$5.275 billion for NIH is a healthy chunk of change—but read the fine print

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

The Cancer History Project debuts first de novo book; meanwhile, FDA snafus continue

“Backwater to Blockbuster” chronicles the previously untold story of the explosive growth of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
In a conversation with Deborah Doroshow, co-authors Chuck Sherr and Bill Evans discuss their collaborative writing process

FDA clears fruit-flavored vapes, relaxes enforcement on black-market products with pending premarket applications
Critics say policies clear the way for major tobacco companies to enter fruit-flavored vape market

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exit
Fruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner

How City of Hope is turning microbiome science into better cancer care

Houston Methodist researchers identify B cells as driver of immunotherapy resistance in liver cancer

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$5.275 billion for NIH is a healthy chunk of change—but read the fine print

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

The Cancer History Project debuts first de novo book; meanwhile, FDA snafus continue

“Backwater to Blockbuster” chronicles the previously untold story of the explosive growth of St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalIn a conversation with Deborah Doroshow, co-authors Chuck Sherr and Bill Evans discuss their collaborative writing process

FDA clears fruit-flavored vapes, relaxes enforcement on black-market products with pending premarket applicationsCritics say policies clear the way for major tobacco companies to enter fruit-flavored vape market

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exitFruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner

How City of Hope is turning microbiome science into better cancer care

Houston Methodist researchers identify B cells as driver of immunotherapy resistance in liver cancer

Never miss an issue!

Login

“Backwater to Blockbuster” chronicles the previously untold story of the explosive growth of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
In a conversation with Deborah Doroshow, co-authors Chuck Sherr and Bill Evans discuss their collaborative writing process

FDA clears fruit-flavored vapes, relaxes enforcement on black-market products with pending premarket applications
Critics say policies clear the way for major tobacco companies to enter fruit-flavored vape market

After a year-long reign over tumult at FDA, Makary heads for the exit
Fruit-flavored e-cigs were the final blow for the commissioner