Society for Translational Oncology

From Cancer Treatments to Immune Systems: Why Team Science is Vital to Research Success https://buff.ly/3X8V2n4

Research leaders Craig Jordan, PhD, and Beth Tamburini, PhD, from CU Anschutz explain their collaboration-driven efforts to better health outcomes with CU’s support.

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Age Is Just a Number: Treatment Considerations for Endometrial Cancer in Older Women

Age Is Just a Number: Treatment Considerations for Endometrial Cancer in Older Women By Tiffany Y. Sia, MD, FACOG; William P. Tew, MD; and Jennifer J. Mueller, MD, FACOG Posted: 8/19/2024 12:22:00 PM Last Updated:

Association between social determinants of health and survival among the US cancer survivors population - BMC Medicine https://buff.ly/3AExbUW

Assessment of psycho-oncology in the Middle East and North Africa region: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://buff.ly/4dxZiUo

Researchers report an abnormally high rate of psychiatric burden among patients with cancer in the MENA region. Thus, establishing appropriate psycho-oncologic interventions within the MENA region is of utmost importance.

Assessment of psycho-oncology in the Middle East and North Africa region: a systematic review and meta-analysis The burden of psycho-oncology is not yet established within the Middle East and North Africa region. This study reviewed all available evidence characteriz

COMMENTARY: Variants of uncertain significance in precision oncology: nuance or nuisance? https://buff.ly/4fW3GOk

ASCO Releases Statement on Recommendations to Improve Accessibility to Cancer Clinical Trials https://buff.ly/4dmEtet

ASCO has issued a comprehensive statement outlining key recommendations aimed at enhancing the accessibility of cancer clinical trials. The organization's focus on improving access to these vital trials underscores the importance of ensuring that patients have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and potentially life-saving treatments.

ASCO Releases Statement on Recommendations to Improve Accessibility to Cancer Clinical Trials A research statement was released by ASCO that highlights 4 recommendations to improve access to clinical trials by patients with cancer.

Burden of 30 cancers among men: Global statistics in 2022 and projections for 2050 using population‐based estimates https://buff.ly/46Oz4u3

Substantial disparities in cancer cases and deaths were observed among men in 2022, and these are projected to widen by 2050.

Dan River Cancer Task Force Collaborates to Combat Cancer Disparities

Dan River Cancer Task Force Collaborates to Combat Cancer Disparities The Dan River Cancer Task Force is refocusing to address cancer disparities in Southside Virginia, focusing on education, prevention and early detection.

MASCC24 Highlights: The Ideal Location for Care Varies According to Disease, Patient and Family Characteristics - OncoDaily https://buff.ly/3WJNbfv

Addressing the Social Needs of People with Cancer https://buff.ly/3WM4T3w

Cancer disparities are a harsh reality in the U.S., with over 2 million diagnoses expected this year. Certain groups face deeper disadvantages:

American Indian and Alaska Native people have the lowest survival rates for nearly all cancers.
Black women with ovarian cancer live shorter lives than White women with the disease.
Rural residents are less likely to get regular screenings.
People in impoverished areas are more likely to die of cancer.
These disparities are often driven by nonbiological factors like income, education, discrimination, and access to resources. Cancer centers are now addressing patients' social needs with food pantries, free rides, and legal aid, aiming for a more holistic approach to care. Addressing these social determinants is crucial for improving cancer outcomes and survival rates.

HPV Tests with Self-Collection in a Health Setting Approved https://buff.ly/4fnJR2h

The expanded approval of two HPV tests now permits patients to self-collect a vaginal sample in a health care setting, eliminating the need for a pelvic exam. This self-collection option can improve access to cervical cancer screening.

HPV Tests with Self-Collection in a Health Setting Approved The expanded approval of two HPV tests allows the patient to collect a vaginal sample themselves in a health care setting rather than during a pelvic exam.

Patient-reported convenience and effectiveness of telehealth for breast cancer management https://buff.ly/4d7aOoS

The study’s findings suggest that telehealth can effectively and satisfactorily deliver healthcare services to patients with breast cancer during follow-up care. Patients reported high satisfaction levels with telehealth visits, indicating its potential for increased utilization in routine outpatient settings. This positive experience, coupled with patients’ willingness to continue using telehealth, implies improved access to care and suggests that telehealth can maintain or even enhance the quality of healthcare provided to patients with breast cancer. Overall, the study supports the integration of telehealth into breast cancer management practices to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Addressing Ageism With Geriatric Assessment in Clinical Practice and Research | JCO Oncology Practice https://buff.ly/4cN1Ey3

Ageism in healthcare, especially oncology, leads to harmful outcomes for older adults, including reduced access to life-saving treatments and exclusion from research. Tackling ageism is crucial for improving healthcare quality and outcomes. Interventions like geriatric assessment and management (GAM) can mitigate these biases by providing tailored care. The article emphasizes the need for systemic change through education, policy reforms, and increased representation of older adults in clinical trials.

Pain management inequities by demographic and geriatric‐related variables in older adult inpatients https://buff.ly/3y5hmFN

High-value breast cancer care within resource limitations https://buff.ly/3LudSQ4

A global alliance of breast cancer experts and advocates can improve care quality and value worldwide. Shifting to value-based, patient-centered outcomes is crucial. Achieving better outcomes at lower costs may require transforming health systems, including universal coverage and public-private partnerships.

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The American Cancer Society, Trial Library, and Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium have joined forces to enhance the recruitment of Black patients for clinical trials. This collaboration aims to address the underrepresentation of Black individuals in clinical research, ensuring that all populations have equal access to potentially life-saving treatments. By working together, these organizations can increase diversity in clinical trials, leading to more comprehensive and inclusive research outcomes. This initiative not only benefits the Black community but also contributes to advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare for all. Through their combined efforts, the American Cancer Society, Trial Library, and Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium are making significant strides towards promoting health equity and diversity in the field of clinical research.

American Cancer Society, Trial Library, and Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium Collaborate to Support Recruitment of Black Patients for Clinical Trials ATLANTA, July 11, 2024 — Today the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced a new collaboration with Trial Library, Inc., and the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium (PCCTC) to support a...

This study in The Oncologist Journal emphasizes the need for funding to support PROM completion in research and practice, especially in today's healthcare landscape where technology is increasingly used for efficiency.

Unleashing patient voices: empowering adverse event assessment with complete patient-reported outcomes This study investigated the feasibility of weekly PRO-CTCAE completion over 9 weeks in a prospective study with 30 patients with cancer undergoing chemothe

Patients facing social determinants of health (SDoH) barriers are at increased risk of treatment delays, particularly when their social needs are not met. Delays of 45 days or more in starting oncologic treatment are associated with these social obstacles. Early emergency department or inpatient admissions prior to diagnosis can enhance care coordination and result in shorter treatment initiation times. Despite limitations like the study being retrospective and potential self-reporting biases, these findings highlight areas where interventions can effectively reduce delays. Providing support in legal matters, transportation, caregiving, and housing can greatly benefit these vulnerable patients.

Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Cancer Treatment Delay in an Urban Population | JCO Oncology Practice PURPOSE Delays in oncologic time to treatment initiation (TTI) independently and adversely affect disease-specific mortality. Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to patients' disease management and health outcomes. Our academic center has vali...

Barriers and Challenges to Implementing a Quality Improvement Program: Political and Administrative Challenges. The author discusses obstacles in implementing quality improvement programs, specifically focusing on political and administrative challenges. Read more: https://buff.ly/3LfrjDF

Oncology drug pricing: potential Medicare savings on cancer-directed and supportive care medications through the Mark Cuban cost plus drug model https://buff.ly/4cXq7Rb

Prescription drug costs are a challenge for patients with cancer. The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) launched in 2022, aiming to provide transparently priced medications at reduced costs. This article describes the potential impact of MCCPDC on Medicare spending within oncology.

Oncology drug pricing: potential Medicare savings on cancer-directed and supportive care medications through the Mark Cuban cost plus drug model Prescription drug costs are a challenge for patients with cancer. The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) launched in 2022, aiming to provide transp

Dr Sindhuja Kadambi: It's Time to Address the Needs of the Aging Oncology Population

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In a recent discussion with AJMC, Dr. Sindhuja Kadambi emphasized the importance of addressing the unique needs of elderly individuals undergoing cancer treatment. She shed light on the common misunderstandings surrounding older patients that influence the type and standard of care they receive, as well as the specific challenges this demographic encounters in the realm of oncology. Furthermore, she underscored the significance of conducting geriatric evaluations in optimizing the care provided to this aging population.

Dr Sindhuja Kadambi: It's Time to Address the Needs of the Aging Oncology Population Sindhuja Kadambi, MD, MS, University of Rochester Medical Center, discussed in detail the unique considerations necessary for oncology care in the aging population.

The value of virtual molecular tumor boards for informed clinical decision-making https://buff.ly/3VYIgXH

This review focuses on the value of virtual molecular tumor boards for informed clinical decision-making in the care of patients with cancer. As precision medicine has led to an increase in the volume and complexity of information available for guiding clinical decision-making, virtual molecular tumor boards provide an opportunity to overcome many of the challenges associated with in-person molecular tumor boards. Real-world experience, including case studies from Argentina, Turkey, and Portugal, illustrates the value of this type of intervention in modern cancer management, and could help to strengthen the virtual molecular tumor board platform and further improve patient outcomes.

The value of virtual molecular tumor boards for informed clinical decision-making This review focuses on the value of virtual molecular tumor boards for informed clinical decision-making in the care of patients with cancer.

Program Helps Medically Underserved, Minority Cancer Survivors Be More Active https://buff.ly/3RUncQW

Physical activity can have many benefits for cancer survivors, from improving their quality of life to potentially making it less likely that their disease will come back. Yet studies have shown that many cancer survivors struggle to get the recommended levels of physical activity, particularly those affected by health inequities.

Now, according to the results of a new study, a program in Texas has shown it can get these cancer survivors moving more by supporting them in the communities where they live, and by getting their caregivers to become more active as well....

Did you know that some vaccines can treat—or even prevent—cancer? Learn more on the : https://bit.ly/4eOCmkM

ASCO Updates Guidelines for CDK4/6 Inhibitor Use in Breast Cancer
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ASCO has recently updated its guidelines regarding the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the treatment of breast cancer. This update comes at a crucial time when advancements in breast cancer treatment are constantly evolving. The revised guidelines provide healthcare professionals with clear recommendations on how to incorporate these inhibitors into the overall treatment plan for patients with breast cancer.

ASCO Updates Guidelines for CDK4/6 Inhibitor Use in Breast Cancer The new recommendation update modifies a 2020 ASCO guideline on the selection of optimal adjuvant chemotherapy and targeted therapy for breast cancer.

The Cervical Cancer Collection in the Oxford Oncology Hub offers a wide range of papers covering topics like incidence rates, diagnosis advancements, vaccination importance, and treatment developments. Papers discuss global prevalence, screening effectiveness, vaccine efficacy, distribution challenges, and novel therapies like immunotherapy. This collection is valuable for healthcare professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in staying updated on cervical cancer advancements. https://buff.ly/3RNZHJe

Exploring new therapeutic strategies for patients with colorectal cancer is of utmost importance. Immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue, albeit its efficacy is predominantly acknowledged in patients exhibiting microsatellite instability or deficient mismatch repair proteins. Delving into additional biomarkers holds the potential to widen the pool of patients poised to derive benefits from immunotherapy. Moreover, a comprehensive molecular classification into consensus subtypes could usher in novel perspectives, transcending the conventional “one biomarker, one treatment” paradigm towards an approach that discerns unique molecular profiles. This review comprehensively addresses the most important biomarkers aiding in the refined selection of patients likely to benefit from immunotherapy and their clinical implications, while also underscoring the significance of directing future studies towards consensus molecular subtype classification.

Predictors of response to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer The findings of this study underscore the necessity of moving beyond single biomarkers and toward a comprehensive understanding of the immunological landsc

The professorship established in memory of Robert A. Ingram will support Dan Reuland’s cancer screening and early detection research.

UNC Lineberger founder awarded Robert A. Ingram Distinguished Professorship - UNC News

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Scott Soefje, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, director of pharmacy cancer care at Mayo Clinic, discusses the role of pharmacists in supportive care for patients with cancer. Soefje highlights key innovations, promising technological advancements, and the benefits of relying on pharmacists to provide patients with quality-of-life care.

Enhancing Quality-of-Life Care: The Vital Role of Pharmacists in Supportive Care During Cancer Treatment Scott Soefje, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, discusses the crucial role pharmacists play in providing supportive care for patients with cancer.

ASCO Sets Six Guiding Principles for AI in Oncology ASCO has released “Principles for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Oncology,” to guide the Society’s consideration of all aspects of artificial intelligence (AI). With this manuscript, ASCO joins colleagues across medicine in offering principles that should be applied in devel...