FDA approves second drug for a site-agnostic indication; larotrectinib was tested across 17 cancer types

In the Headlines: Centering patients as cancer research infrastructure is dismantled

The Cancer Letter has covered—and will continue to cover—all the ways in which the current administration is fundamentally reshaping cancer research in the U.S. But this week, The Cancer Letter and the podcast focused on a patient story.

May 07, 2025

Vol.51 No.17

Clinical

Neoadjuvant dostarlimab averts brutal surgery in 80% of patients with dMMR solid tumors

Three years ago, researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center published stunning results: For the 5% of rectal cancer patients whose tumors are mismatch-repair deficient, neoadjuvant dostarlimab-gxly (Jemperli) has the makings of a silver bullet.

May 02, 2025

Vol.51 No.17

By Jacquelyn Cobb

Clinical

Kelly Spill opted for dostarlimab trial, avoiding rectal cancer treatment that would leave her infertile
Six years later, she is well—and pregnant with her third child

When Kelly Spill was eight months pregnant, she experienced some constipation and noticed blood in her stool. Her OBGYN wasn’t worried.

The White House “skinny budget” document cuts NIH by nearly 40%
The cuts are consistent with the previously leaked “passback” document

An updated version of President Trump’s budget request published on May 2 comes as a disappointment for those who hoped that the White House would rethink the draconian cuts contained in an earlier, confidential version of the document that ended up being leaked to the press.

May 02, 2025

Vol.51 No.17

By Jacquelyn Cobb and Claire Marie Porter

News Analysis

NIH eliminates the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors
Over its 28 year history, BSA shaped NCI-funded extramural science

After nearly three decades of reviewing NCI-funded extramural projects and sometimes saving NCI from its own folly, the Board of Scientific Advisors has been terminated as part of the Trump administration’s drive to reduce the size of the federal government.

NIH cuts threaten U.S. edge in biomedical research: “We are giving China the opportunity of a lifetime”
Cancer research also took center stage at Senate appropriations hearing

In the starkest opposition yet by Republicans to the Trump administration’s attacks on HHS agencies, senators from both parties sounded an alarm about the damage being done to biomedical research in the U.S.

May 02, 2025

Vol.51 No.17

By Claire Marie Porter

FDA approves second drug for a site-agnostic indication;

larotrectinib was tested across 17 cancer types

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

In the Headlines: Centering patients as cancer research infrastructure is dismantled

Neoadjuvant dostarlimab averts brutal surgery in 80% of patients with dMMR solid tumors

Kelly Spill opted for dostarlimab trial, avoiding rectal cancer treatment that would leave her infertile
Six years later, she is well—and pregnant with her third child

The White House “skinny budget” document cuts NIH by nearly 40%
The cuts are consistent with the previously leaked “passback” document

NIH eliminates the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors
Over its 28 year history, BSA shaped NCI-funded extramural science

NIH cuts threaten U.S. edge in biomedical research: “We are giving China the opportunity of a lifetime”
Cancer research also took center stage at Senate appropriations hearing

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FDA approves second drug for a site-agnostic indication;

larotrectinib was tested across 17 cancer types

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

In the Headlines: Centering patients as cancer research infrastructure is dismantled

Neoadjuvant dostarlimab averts brutal surgery in 80% of patients with dMMR solid tumors

Kelly Spill opted for dostarlimab trial, avoiding rectal cancer treatment that would leave her infertileSix years later, she is well—and pregnant with her third child

The White House “skinny budget” document cuts NIH by nearly 40%The cuts are consistent with the previously leaked “passback” document

NIH eliminates the NCI Board of Scientific AdvisorsOver its 28 year history, BSA shaped NCI-funded extramural science

NIH cuts threaten U.S. edge in biomedical research: “We are giving China the opportunity of a lifetime”Cancer research also took center stage at Senate appropriations hearing

Never miss an issue!

Login

Kelly Spill opted for dostarlimab trial, avoiding rectal cancer treatment that would leave her infertile
Six years later, she is well—and pregnant with her third child

The White House “skinny budget” document cuts NIH by nearly 40%
The cuts are consistent with the previously leaked “passback” document

NIH eliminates the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors
Over its 28 year history, BSA shaped NCI-funded extramural science

NIH cuts threaten U.S. edge in biomedical research: “We are giving China the opportunity of a lifetime”
Cancer research also took center stage at Senate appropriations hearing