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September 9, 2019
How to Treat Uveal Melanoma that Recurs in the Liver?
With: Emma Shtivelman, PhDA Q&A with Emma Shtivelman, PhD, Chief Scientist at Cancer Commons; emma@cancercommons.org Q: Malignant melanoma may arise from multiple sites, including the eye. What would you recommend be done for a 50-year-old man in the San Francisco Bay Area who… Read more »
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November 24, 2020
Cancer Vaccine UV1 Plus Keytruda Shows Safety, Early Efficacy in Advanced Melanoma TrialBookmark
George Lundberg, MDA story from Immuno-Oncology News covers new results from a phase 1 clinical trial that indicate promising safety and early efficacy of a treatment that combines the drug Keytruda and an experimental cancer vaccine for people with advanced melanoma.
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October 22, 2020
Malignant Melanoma Treatment & ManagementBookmark
George Lundberg, MDOverview from Medscape curated by Contributing Editor George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
The dramatic array of treatment options now available for this serious disease is nicely summarized in this review. (Free registration required, written with a physician audience in mind.)
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August 7, 2020
FDA Approves Merck’s Keytruda, Foundation Medicine CDx for TMB-High Solid TumorsBookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from GenomeWeb curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug pembrolizumab (brand name Keytruda) for solid tumors based solely on whether they have a high tumor mutational burden—a high number of changes in the DNA of the cancer cells.
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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April 8, 2019
A Single Dose of a PD-1 Inhibitor Before Surgery May Predict Outcomes in Patients With MelanomaBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt:
“A single dose of a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor before resection for melanoma may predict clinical outcomes for patients. Researchers from the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania—who documented this finding in the largest cohort of patients to be treated with anti–PD-1 drugs before surgery—also showed that immune responses brought on by this therapy can peak as early as 7 days after treatment—much earlier than previous studies have shown. These findings were published by Huang et al in Nature Medicine.”
Go to full article published by The ASCO Post on March 7, 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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April 3, 2019
What’s New in Melanoma Treatment in 2019?
Emma Shtivelman, PhDIt has been over a year since I last wrote about new developments in treatment of melanoma, and it is time for an update. There is certainly some good news for melanoma patients! Neoadjuvant (before surgery) treatments for resectable melanoma… Read more »
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Hope S. Rugo, MD
UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center
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April 4, 2017
Metastatic Melanoma: Not Quite Curable…But Getting There
Emma Shtivelman, PhDBy 2050, the number of deaths due to malignant melanoma in the U.S. could be three times lower than peak levels reached before 1960. Researchers presented the data behind this prediction at the 2017 European Cancer Congress in January. It… Read more »
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August 15, 2020
Pembrolizumab Provides Long-Term Benefit in Melanoma, Regardless of BRAF+ Status or Prior Targeted TherapyBookmark
George Lundberg, MDArticle from OncLive curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
A new study shows that the drug pembrolizomab significantly prolongs survival in patients with metastatic melanoma, regardless of whether their tumors have mutations in the BRAF gene or if they’ve had prior treatment with targeted therapy.
Go to full article published by OncLive.
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 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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September 9, 2015
To PD-L1 or Not to PD-L1: That Is the Question
Emma Shtivelman, PhDThese days, it seems that I write mostly about immune checkpoint blockade drugs, or some other new immunotherapy treatment for cancer. This post is no different—it covers PD-L1, a protein that is at the center of clinical decisions for selecting patients who are likely to benefit from treatment with an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 drug.
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August 13, 2015
What Determines Whether a Melanoma Patient Will Respond to Checkpoint Blockade Drugs?
Emma Shtivelman, PhDOf all cancer types, melanoma is the most investigated in terms of its potential to be treated through immune system-based approaches. More immunotherapy drugs are approved for melanoma than for any other type of cancer, and more are in development. Recent additions to the immunotherapy arsenal are the ‘anti-PD-1’ immune checkpoint blockade drugs pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo).
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Some of the most promising new treatments for metastatic melanoma 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
ICI for Resected Stage IV MelanomaBookmark
George Lundberg, MDResearch highlight from Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology curated by Editor in Chief George Lundberg, MD, who notes:
In a clinical trial for metastatic melanoma patients, a combination of the drugs nivolumab and ipilimumab (both “immune checkpoint inhibitors,” or ICIs) outperformed nivolumab on its own, and nivolumab on its own outperformed a placebo.
Go to full research highlight published by Nature Reviews Clinical 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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October 22, 2018
Dual Neoadjuvant Checkpoint Blockade Feasible in MelanomaBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt from MedPage Today:
“Combination neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade therapy yielded promising outcomes in high-risk resectable melanoma, although toxicity was an issue, according to a phase II trial.
“The combination of ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo) led to improved progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) versus neoadjuvant nivolumab monotherapy in 23 patients with high-risk resectable melanoma, reported Jennifer A. Wargo, MD, of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and colleagues in Nature Medicine.”
Go to full article published by MedPage Today on Oct 11, 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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October 1, 2018
BRAF-MEK Inhibitor Combo Extends Survival in BRAF-Mutant MelanomaBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt from Cancer Network:
“The combination of encorafenib and binimetinib resulted in longer overall survival (OS) compared with vemurafenib in patients with BRAF V600–mutant melanoma, according to results of the COLUMBUS trial. Combined with an earlier report showing improved progression-free survival (PFS), this suggests the regimen should become an important option in this setting.
“Small-molecule BRAF inhibitors, originally introduced as monotherapy, offered improvements in outcomes for these melanoma patients. ‘However, response durations were short and BRAF inhibitor treatment was associated with the development of squamous cell skin cancer and other skin toxicities related to paradoxical MAPK pathway activation,’ wrote study authors led by Reinhard Dummer, MD, of University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland. Combinations of BRAF and MEK inhibition have improved the situation further, but better treatment options are still needed.”
Go to full article published by Cancer Network on Sep 26, 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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September 18, 2018
Could Adding a TLR9 Agonist Improve Responses in Metastatic Melanoma?Bookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt from Cancer Network:
“A phase I trial found promising activity and good tolerability with the combination of pembrolizumab and a stimulant of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) known as SD-101 in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, particularly in those who had not received prior anti–programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy.
“PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition has improved outcomes in metastatic melanoma, and studies have indicated that combination therapy can increase immune responses further. “Despite the improvement in response rates with combination immunotherapy, a large unmet need remains,” wrote study authors led by Antoni Ribas, MD, PhD, of the University of California, Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.”
Go to full article published by Cancer Network on Sep 5, 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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September 18, 2018
Overall Survival Improved With Encorafenib/Binimetinib Combination in BRAF-Mutant MelanomaBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt from The ASCO Post:
“In patients with advanced BRAF V600–mutant melanoma, combining the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib (Braftovi) with the MEK inhibitor binimetinib (Mektovi) improved overall survival compared to vemurafenib (Zelboraf) or encorafenib as monotherapy, with a favorable toxicity profile, according to updated results from the phase III COLUMBUS trial.
“Combined BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy is standard of care in advanced BRAF V600–mutant melanoma, but approved combinations have unique toxicities that may impact the ability to deliver optimal treatment (ie, vemurafenib/cobimetinib [Cotellic] is associated with photosensitivity).”
Go to full article published by The ASCO Post on Sep 10, 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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E. David Crawford, MD
Cancer Commons Advisor
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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April 8, 2019
New Study Suggests Diet May Affect Response To Cancer Immunotherapy DrugsBookmark
Emma Shtivelman, PhDExcerpt:
“People with a type of skin cancer who consumed a high-fiber diet responded better to immunotherapy treatment than those with poorer diets, according to data presented at a media preview of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting.
“Melanoma is a type of skin cancer which although very treatable if caught early, still kills approximately 9,000 Americans a year, mainly people who are diagnosed a more advanced stage of disease where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.”
Go to full article published by Forbes on Feb 27, 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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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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Molecular Testing Guides Treatment for Claudius’s Lung Cancer
Sarah Stanley Science Writer at Cancer Commons
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How to Advocate for Yourself: Advice from an Empowered Lymphoma Patient
Brad Power Lymphoma patient and Founder of Reengineering Cancer Treatment
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Grace Faces Anal Cancer with Strength, Support, and Song
Sarah Stanley Science Writer at Cancer Commons
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Pushing for the Best Possible Treatment for My Stage 4 Breast Cancer
Karen Peterson Advanced breast cancer patient
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Carla Takes Charge of Her Own Lung Cancer Treatment
Carla A Cancer Commons lung cancer patient
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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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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April 27, 2020
The Challenges of Using Artificial Intelligence to Improve Cancer Treatment
With: Razelle Kurzrock, MDJeff Shrager, PhDIn a previous post, CureMatch co-founder Razelle Kurzrock, MD, told us all about her company’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform that matches patients with treatments based on their cancer’s molecular profile. Here, AI expert Jeff Shrager, PhD, responds, and Kurzrock offers… Read more »
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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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