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October 1, 2020
How an Expert Would Treat His Own Glioblastoma
With: Al Musella, DPMTwo years ago, our Curious Dr. George asked Al Musella, DPM, what he would do if he were diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, he revisits that question. Dr. Musella is President of the Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research… Read more »
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August 15, 2020
NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: 2020 UpdatesBookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from The ASCO Post curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently made key updates to its clinical practice guidelines. This news story provides a summary of the updates.
Go to full news story published by The ASCO Post.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 15, 2020
Intraoperative MRI Versus 5-ALA in High-Grade Glioma Resection: A Network Meta-AnalysisBookmark
George Lundberg, MDResearch paper from the Journal of Neurosurgery curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
The extent of tumor resection—how much of the tumor is able to be removed—at the initial surgery is probably the most important factor in prognosis of glioblastoma. This academic research paper explores methods that help surgeons maximize tumor removal.
Go to full paper published in the Journal of Neurosurgery.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 14, 2020
A Systematic Review of Tumor Treating Fields Therapy for High-Grade GliomasBookmark
George Lundberg, MDResearch paper from Journal of Neuro-Oncology curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
Tumor-treating fields (TTF) is a type of cancer treatment that uses alternating electric pulses. Its use for adults with high-grade gliomas remains controversial, and as outlined in this academic review paper, more high-quality research is needed.
Go to full paper published in Journal of Neuro-Oncology.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 4, 2020
FDA Grants Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to ONC201 for the Treatment of H3 K27M-Mutant GliomaBookmark
Press release from Oncoceutics curated by Executive Director Erika Vial Monteverdi.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to the drug ONC201 for treating a type of brain tumor known as “H3 K27M-mutant glioma,” which is primarily found in children. Alongside the Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc, and the company xCures, Cancer Commons has been supporting this program to help patients in need.
Go to full article published by Novocure on Business Wire.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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May 30, 2020
China NMPA Approves Optune for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed and Recurrent GlioblastomaBookmark
George Lundberg, MDPress release from Novocure curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
Chinese doctors managing one the most difficult tumors to treat, glioblastoma (GBM), now have another approved option, Optune, after favorable clinical trial results. The method has been previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Go to full article published by Novocure on Business Wire.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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Glory Cochrane
Wife of glioblastoma patient
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February 7, 2017
Testing for Tumor Mutations: Liquid Biopsy Versus Traditional Biopsy
Emma Shtivelman, PhDUpdate as of August 27, 2020: A lot has changed in the three-and-a-half years since this blog post was written. Liquid biopsies are by now widely recognized and used as a valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool. Many of the reservations… Read more »
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August 7, 2020
The Central Nervous System Tumor Methylation Classifier Changes Neuro-Oncology Practice for Challenging Brain Tumor Diagnoses and Directly Impacts Patient CareBookmark
George Lundberg, MDAcademic research paper from Clinical Epigenetics curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
Brain tumor treatment decisions may be improved by integrating methylation-based tumor classification into the diagnosis process. Methylation refers to specific chemical features of tumor DNA that may impact how well different treatments might work.
Go to full academic research paper from Clinical Epigenetics.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 7, 2020
Brain Tumor Liquid Biopsy Detects DNA Methylation ProfilesBookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from Clinical OMICs curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
Researchers have recently demonstrated a noninvasive way to diagnose and classify brain tumors using a blood test. This promising “liquid biopsy” method detects cell-free tumor DNA in the blood and analyzes its chemical features—specifically, its “methylation patterns”—with high sensitivity and accuracy. Such a test could help guide treatment decisions.
Go to full article published by Clinical OMICs.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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February 22, 2020
Predicting Prognosis in GlioblastomaBookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from The Pathologist curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
Liquid biopsy shows surprising apparent prognostic value in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Go to full article published by The Pathologist.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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October 1, 2019
Diagnostic Testing for Diffuse GliomasBookmark
George Lundberg, MDAnnouncement from the College of American Pathologists curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
What forms of testing should be done for diffuse gliomas? In this announcement, a global panel invites comments about proposals.
Go to full announcement published by the College of American Pathologists.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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March 7, 2019
Researchers Tap Genomic Technology to Develop Personalized Treatments for Pediatric GliomaBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt:
“Researchers at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals are using next-generation genomic technology to develop targeted therapies for high-grade pediatric glioma.
“Sabine Mueller, MD, PhD, adjunct associate professor of neurology, pediatrics and neurosurgery at University of California, San Francisco, and colleagues aim to treat as many as 44 children and young adults with this disease.”
Go to full article published by Healio on Feb 3, 2019.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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Some of the most promising new treatments for advanced brain cancer are currently being tested in patients enrolled in clinical trials. We help you stay up to date on the latest results from these studies.
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August 15, 2020
ATIM-14. Results of Phase II Clinical Trial of Oncolytic Herpes Virus G47∆ in Patients with GlioblastomaBookmark
George Lundberg, MDResearch paper from Neuro-Oncology curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
In a phase 2 clinical trial, glioblastoma patients were treated with a herpes virus that has been genetically engineered to kill cancer cells. The genetically engineered virus is injected directly into patients’ brain tumors. It is early and the numbers are small, but the trial produced amazing results compared to historical controls.
Go to full paper published in Neuro-Oncology.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 14, 2020
Is Polio the Answer to Curing Brain Tumors?Bookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from WKYC Studios curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
An experimental treatment in which the virus that causes polio is directly injected into glioblastoma (GBM) tissue has shown some promise, as reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018. This news story from WKYC provides a partial update from an ongoing subsequent clinical trial.
Go to full article published by WKYC Studios.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 14, 2020
A Phase II Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label Trial of Continuing Adjuvant Temozolomide Beyond Six Cycles in Patients With Glioblastoma (GEINO 14-01)Bookmark
George Lundberg, MDResearch paper from Neuro-Oncology curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
These clinical trial results suggest that six cycles of temozolomide is as effective as 12 for patients with glioblastoma and produces fewer side effects.
Go to full paper published in Neuro-Oncology.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 22, 2018
Bevacizumab and Temozolomide in First Recurrence of Glioma Without 1p/19q CodeletionBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt from The ASCO Post:
“In a phase II trial funded by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer and reported in The Lancet Oncology, van den Bent et al found no evidence of a survival benefit with the addition of bevacizumab (Avastin) to temozolomide in patients with a first recurrence of World Health Organization grade II or III glioma without the 1p/19q codeletion.
“In the open-label trial, conducted at 32 European centers, 155 patients were randomized between February 2011 and July 2015 to receive either temozolomide at 150 to 200 mg/m² on days 1 to 5 every 4 weeks for a maximum of 12 cycles (n = 77) or the same temozolomide regimen plus bevacizumab at 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks until disease progression (n = 78). Previous chemotherapy must have been stopped at least 6 months before enrollment, and radiotherapy, at least 3 months before enrollment. Overall, 44% of patients in the combination group and 47% in the temozolomide group had grade III disease.”
Go to full article published by The ASCO Post on Aug 20, 2018.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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August 5, 2018
First Patient Dosed in Phase I/II Trial of Novel Immunotherapy Combination in Newly Diagnosed GlioblastomaBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt from Targeted Oncology:
“The first patient has been dosed in a phase I/II open-label, multicenter trial investigating a novel immunotherapy combination in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). Fifty patients have been accrued in the trial, as of May 31, 2018, which will be conducted at 25 sites across the nation.
“This study aims to investigate the efficacy of INO-5401, a T-cell activating immunotherapy agent encoding multiple antigens in GBM, and INO-9012, an immune activator encoding IL-12, in combination with the PD-1 inhibitor cemiplimab (REGN2810).”
Go to full article published by Targeted Oncology on July 9, 2018.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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Marty Tenenbaum, PhD
Founder of Cancer Commons
Cancer affects many aspects of life, whether you’re newly diagnosed, in the midst of treatment, or in follow-up care. Learn about ways to maintain quality of life, such as palliative care and managing side effects.
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October 14, 2019
Pediatric Palliative Care: A Specialty Comes of Age
For a child with cancer, palliative care can provide much-needed relief from stress and symptoms—for the patient and their family alike. Palliative care is given alongside cancer treatment, and is not synonymous with “end-of-life” care. In fact, anyone with a… Read more »
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February 11, 2020
‘Impressed With Impact’ of Ketamine in Cancer Palliative CareBookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from Medscape curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
Depression is, for obvious reasons, common in patients with advanced cancer. The old, inexpensive drug ketamine—already approved for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—seems rapidly effective, according to small studies.
Go to full article published by Medscape.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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October 7, 2019
Emphasizing Oncogeriatrics
With:A Q&A with Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, MD, Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom, and Chair of the Young Interest Group of the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG); nicolo.battisti@gmail.com Q: Everyone knows that… Read more »
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December 3, 2018
Best Uses of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Patients with Cancer
With:A Q&A with Val Jones, MD, Medical Director of Admissions, Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Spokane, WA Originally published February 1, 2017 Q: Your principal practice in Spokane, Washington is physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). What do you find to be… Read more »
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September 14, 2018
Huge Progress in Palliative Care
With:A Q&A with Diane E. Meier, MD, FACP, Director, Center to Advance Palliative Care; Professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY; diane.meier@mssm.edu Originally published November 8, 2017 Q: You wrote in… Read more »
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July 23, 2018
Cancer Pain and the Opioid Epidemic
George Lundberg, MDA Q&A with Kevin Sevarino, MD, PhD, President-elect of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and Consulting Psychiatrist at Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford, CT Q: Opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose are huge American problems right now. Many cancer patents experience chronic… Read more »
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Learn more about what’s new in advanced cancer research and treatment, including screening and statistics, using artificial intelligence to improve treatment, and other new horizons in cancer care.
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November 10, 2020
How to Learn About Cancer in a Classroom: Shaping Compassionate Doctors
With:The patients and caregivers we serve here at Cancer Commons rely on their doctors to provide expert, compassionate care. Building the skills to give such care can begin early in a doctor’s education. Here, for a change of pace, our… Read more »
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September 9, 2020
Is Cancer the Best Way to Die?
With:In 2014, the prestigious medical research journal The BMJ published a controversial piece called “Dying of cancer is the best death.” Here, our Curious Dr. George asks the author of that piece, Richard Smith, CBE, FMedSci, if and how his thoughts… Read more »
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August 21, 2020
The Power of Precision Medicine is Exemplified by Tempus
With:Tempus—a tech company & partner of Cancer Commons—empowers doctors to make data-driven decisions for their patients in real time. Learn how.
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August 14, 2020
Exploiting Cancer’s Tactics to Make Cancer a Manageable Chronic DiseaseBookmark
George Lundberg, MDResearch paper from Cancers curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
Instead of focusing on “curing” cancer, the authors of this academic research paper focus on approaches to managing cancer as a chronic disease.
Go to full paper published in Cancers.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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June 29, 2020
Cancer Screening Programs Influence Incidence and Causes of Cancer DeathsBookmark
Lola Rahib, PhDArticle from ASCO Daily News curated by Director of Scientific and Clinical Affairs, Lola Rahib, PhD.
In collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Cancer Commons presented new research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)’s virtual 2020 meeting. The findings show that, by 2040, we will likely see notable changes in which cancer types are most common and which are most deadly, highlighting the influence of cancer screening programs. This research was led by Dr. Rahib at Cancer Commons.
Go to full article published by ASCO Daily News.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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May 30, 2020
What Have I Learned in More Than Half a Century in Cancer Medicine?Bookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from The ASCO Post curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
“Patients with cancer need to be embraced with love and compassion. They need caring beyond medicine.”Go to full article published by The ASCO Post.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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The coronavirus pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to cancer patients. We can help you understand how COVID-19 might impact your treatment and other aspects of your cancer care.
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June 10, 2020
How I Cope with the Tsunami of Cancer and COVID-19 Info
With: Kevin Knopf, MD, MPHOncologists worldwide face the challenge of staying on top of the latest treatments, research findings, and other information that could help them treat their patients more effectively. Now, they must do so in the context of COVID-19. Here, our Curious… Read more »
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August 7, 2020
Clinical Trials Gone VirtualBookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from GenomeWeb curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some clinical trials have gone virtual.
Go to full article published by GenomeWeb.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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May 20, 2020
How the Coronavirus Pandemic Impacts Cancer Care: Our Survey Results
With: Lola Rahib, PhDThe ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to cancer patients. Many have experienced changes to their care, and some face increased risk of infection or worse prognosis if they are infected. In partnership with the company xCures, Cancer Commons is… Read more »
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April 14, 2020
What Cancer Patients and Caregivers Need to Know About the Coronavirus Disease
In light of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, cancer patients may be wondering how their medical situation affects their vulnerability to infection and other ways the pandemic will affect their cancer care. What is the coronavirus disease? COVID-19 (the… Read more »
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April 3, 2020
How to Beat COVID-19 with Real-Time, Real-World Data
With: Mark Shapiro, PhDAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues, researchers around the world are working quickly to develop strategies to treat and prevent this disease. In partnership with the company xCures, Cancer Commons is studying how COVID-19 impacts cancer patients. Meanwhile, xCures has launched… Read more »
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March 17, 2020
These Underlying Conditions Make Coronavirus More Severe, and They’re Surprisingly CommonBookmark
George Lundberg, MDExcerpt from a National Geographic article:
“For now, the sole intervention for vulnerable cancer patients is social distancing and enhanced hygiene practices for their family and health care workers.”
Go to full article published by National Geographic.
If you’re wondering whether this story applies to your own cancer case or a loved one’s, we invite you to get support from Cancer Commons.
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