Cancer Treatment Updates
Ibrutinib plus rituximab superior to standard treatment for some patients with chronic leukemia
December 4th, 2018
A clinical trial showed that ibrutinib plus rituximab is superior to standard treatment for patients age 70 and younger with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Findings were announced at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting.Statement from NCI Director Dr. Norman E. Sharpless on the Death of Senator John McCain
August 27th, 2018
Senator John McCain, a long-time supporter of cancer research, passed away on August 25.NCI-led research team develops predictor for immunotherapy response in melanoma
August 20th, 2018
In a new study, NCI-led researchers developed a gene expression predictor that can indicate whether melanoma in a specific patient is likely to respond to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy.
Rosenberg, NCI-supported researchers to receive 2018 Albany Prize
August 15th, 2018
NCI’s Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., and two NCI-supported researchers have been named recipients of the 2018 Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research for their pioneering immunotherapy research.
Cetuximab with radiation found to be inferior to standard treatment in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer
August 14th, 2018
Results from a randomized clinical trial show patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer treated with radiation and cetuximab had inferior survival compared to the current standard treatment with radiation and cisplatin. The trial’s goal was to find a less toxic treatment approach without compromising survival.
NIH and Prostate Cancer Foundation launch large study on aggressive prostate cancer in African-American men
July 17th, 2018
RESPOND is the largest coordinated study on biological and non-biological factors associated with aggressive prostate cancer in African-American men. The study is an effort to learn why these men disproportionally experience aggressive disease.
NCI and VA collaborate to boost veterans’ access to cancer clinical trials
July 10th, 2018
NCI and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are launching the NAVIGATE program at 12 VA facilities across the country to make it easier for veterans to participate in NCI-sponsored clinical trials.
NCI-MATCH precision medicine clinical trial releases new findings, strengthens path forward for targeted cancer therapies
June 4th, 2018
The NCI-MATCH precision medicine clinical trial has reached a milestone with the release of results from several study treatment arms. Findings from three arms were released at the 2018 ASCO annual meeting, adding to findings from one arm released in 2017.
New approach to immunotherapy leads to complete response in breast cancer patient unresponsive to other treatments
June 4th, 2018
A novel approach to immunotherapy developed by NCI researchers has led to the complete regression of breast cancer in a patient who was unresponsive to all other treatments. The findings were published in Nature Medicine.
TAILORx trial finds most women with early breast cancer do not benefit from chemotherapy
June 3rd, 2018
Findings from the TAILORx clinical trial show chemotherapy does not benefit most women with early breast cancer. The new data, released at the 2018 ASCO annual meeting, will help inform treatment decisions for many women with early-stage breast cancer.