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
Erdafitinib or Chemotherapy in Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Erdafatinib was compared to chemo in the >=2nd line in patients who had FGFR2/3 mutations, fusions or alterations with metastatic bladder cancer. Survival endpoints were superior in the targeted group with a overall survival of 12 vs. eight months. In my experience, the challenge with this group of targeted agents is tolerability.
Nivolumab plus Gemcitabine–Cisplatin in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma
For metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the combination of nivolumab + gemcitabine (gem) /cisplatin (cis) resulted in an improved overall response rate (ORR) of 58 vs. 43%, progression-free survival (PFS) at 12 months of 34 vs. 22% and higher rates of complete response (CR) at 22 vs. 12%. This is the first study to improve upon the chemotherapy doublet of gem/cis in this disease setting. While an interesting treatment option, this has not yet made it into the NCCN guidelines and pembrolizumab + enfortumab seems to be a better tolerated, non-chemo option that is gaining traction.
Osimertinib with or without Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutated Advanced NSCLC
Osimertinib with chemotherapy improved the chance of being alive at two years compared to targeted therapy alone at 57 vs 41%. Further analysis of FLAURA2 and new studies will surely look to identify which patients benefit most from the combination of targeted therapy and chemotherapy. For young or healthy patients, this is an acceptable first line option. This is not yet reflected on NCCN but is likely to be added soon.
Tarlatamab for Patients with Previously Treated Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Very interesting study using tarlatamab, a bispecific T-cell engager that directs T-cells to malignant cells expressing delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3). This was a dose escalation phase II, ORR was 40% and the longevity of response in responders was impressive for this disease. Further studies are sure to come.
Amivantamab plus Chemotherapy in NSCLC with EGFR Exon 20 Insertions
Phase III study of amivantamab + chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone as first-line therapy in patients with Exon-20 EGFR mutations. While the results of this study are impressive, one wonders what the results would be if the comparator arm were a targeted option. This is not yet reflected in the NCCN guidelines but likely will be added.
Nimotuzumab Plus Gemcitabine for K-Ras Wild-Type Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Asian study of nimotuzumab (humanized EGFR-inhibitor) + gemcitabine (gem) vs. gem alone. The overall survival (OS) was 10.9 vs. 8.5 months in favor of the combination arm. While the OS difference is small, recall that the OS in the NALIRIFOX and FOLFIRINOX studies are similar. The safety profile of nimotuzumab + gemcitabine is superior to a triplet or double cytotoxic chemotherapy combination regimen. This drug is currently not available in the USA but is approved for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China.
Zanubrutinib Versus Ibrutinib in Symptomatic Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: Final Analysis From the Randomized Phase III ASPEN Study
Final results from the ASPEN study confirm the strong long-term superiority of zanubrutinib over ibrutinib in symptomatic WM. While overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) end-points are still to be reached, demonstrating the good prognosis of this disease, toxicities and response rates are much better with zanubrutinib. This is a cat-1 indication oof NCCN and a compelling option for use in this population.
Randomized Phase III Study Comparing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Surgery Versus Chemoradiation in Stage IB2-IIB Cervical Cancer: EORTC-55994
In the EORTC-55994 study, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation + surgery was not superior to chemoradiation for patients with stage IB2 – IIB cervical cancer. However, the toxicity was acceptable, so for patients with more locally advanced disease, it could be considered. Regardless, the SOC will remain concurrent chemotherapy and radiation for these patients.
FCS Physician Focus
Burden of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression among patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A retrospective study from community oncology practices
FCS medical oncologist and hematologist Lowell L. Hart, MD, FACP was first-author a study with FCS co-authors President and Managing Physician Lucio N. Gordan, MD, Director of Pharmacy Operations Kristen Boykin, Senior Vice President & Data Officer Trevor Heritage, PhD, and (Retired) Vice President of Pharmacy Services Ray Bailey BPharm, RPh, that evaluated ES-SCLC patients with chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression over a seven-year period, from January 2013 through December 2020. Within this cohort, 98% of the patients experienced at least one myelosuppressive episode following chemotherapy treatment, leading to the need for supportive care, creating additional costs in health care management and time lost in treatment for ES-SCLC.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
