A Collection of Hematology & Oncology Articles
The practice of oncology and hematology is in constant evolution. These articles highlight some of the most notable advancements and discoveries in the modern medical world. We invite you to use this site frequently and collaborate with medical professionals across the globe.
Welcome
At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), our physicians and advanced practice providers are deeply vested in clinical research to provide the most cutting-edge treatment options available to our patients. In our own practices we are fortunate to offer over 300 clinical trials across 37 locations including 3 dedicated Phase 1 Drug Development Units. We value every opportunity to share best practices and the latest research both within and outside of our institution. We welcome you to use this collection as a resource to support your own research and understanding as we strive together to advance cancer care one step at a time.
Recent Articles
Dexamethasone dose intensity does not impact outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a secondary SWOG analysis
Retrospective assessment of the SWOG0777 and SWOG 1211 studies showing that dose reductions in dexamethasone did not affect outcomes. Nice to see this does not have a negative impact, as I have been doing this for years in my elderly patients who would not tolerate the ultra-high dose steroids used in these trials.
Zanubrutinib, obinutuzumab, and venetoclax for first-line treatment of mantle cell lymphoma with a TP53 mutation
The BOVen regimen of Zanubrutinib, Obinutuzumab and Venetoclax showed impressive results in the TP53+ population, albeit in a small sample size here. This is on NCCN and could be considered the right patient.
Daratumumab with lenalidomide as maintenance after transplant in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: the AURIGA study
Direct comparison of Dara+len vs. len maintenance for those with +MMR after Auto-HSCT. MRD-neg conversion rates were higher in the combo arm. This is likely going to continue gaining traction in this group of patients.
Datopotamab Deruxtecan Versus Chemotherapy in Previously Treated Inoperable/Metastatic Hormone Receptor–Positive Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Breast Cancer: Primary Results From TROPION-Breast01
Dato-DXd is now approved in HR+, HER2-neg, metastatic breast cancer after prior therapy with endocrine-based therapy and chemotherapy. There was an impressive reduction in the risk of death or progression with an HR of 0.63. Watch out for ocular and pulmonary toxicity. HER2-ultra low testing will be burdensome but must be done for drug approval.
Datopotamab Deruxtecan Versus Docetaxel for Previously Treated Advanced or Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Randomized, Open-Label Phase III TROPION-Lung01 Study
Positive trial for the newest ADC on the block, Dato-DXd, is an ADC that delivers a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload via a TROP2 antibody. PFS was not impressive but favored DDxd at 4.4 vs 3.7 months in the docetaxel arm. This drug is now approved in metastatic breast cancer.
Pembrolizumab or Placebo Plus Adjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed, High-Risk Endometrial Cancer: Results in Mismatch Repair-Deficient Tumors
Study showing feasibility and possible improvements in DFS with chemo + pembro vs. chemo alone in the adjuvant setting of resected endometrial cancer in dMMR patients. While a nice idea / proof of principle, I would be more interested in how IO alone performs vs. chemo in this setting, particularly if a brief course of neoadjuvant IO is given prior to surgery.
Single or Double Induction With 7 + 3 Containing Standard or High-Dose Daunorubicin for Newly Diagnosed AML: The Randomized DaunoDouble Trial by the Study Alliance Leukemia
This study compared double induction vs. standard induction and a reduced dose of daunorubicin 90mg/m2 vs. 60mg/m2. The reduced dose was just as efficacious and double inductions do not seem to be beneficial. Probably less is more in this setting and once you get the CR, one can move forward with consolidation and start planning for transplant.
De-Escalation Strategies With Immune Checkpoint Blockers in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Do We Already Have Enough Evidence?
Very thought-provoking review of immune checkpoint blockade therapy and strategies to possibly de-escalate therapy in the future. Could we reduce doses, extend dose intervals or diminish the duration of treatment? There is some (low-level) data supporting these ideas. However, ongoing prospective studies, mostly being done in countries with nationalized systems, will be informative on these topics. Expect interest in this topic to increase in a couple of years.
FCS Physician Focus
Plasma Proteome–Based Test for First-Line Treatment Selection in Metastatic Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
FCS medical oncologist and hematologist Ernesto Bustinza-Linares, MD has co-authored an abstract published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal, JCO Precision Oncology, that uncovers a new testing method to determine personalized care options for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The abstract’s authors address the limitations of existing guidelines that recommend checkpoint immunotherapy, sometimes in combination with chemotherapy, for treating NSCLC, which often discounts patient variability and immune factors. The findings from the study show that by incorporating additional plasma proteome-based testing, combined with the standard protein inhibitor testing, clear differences in patient outcomes were observed after applying targeted treatments based on the testing results.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
