Experts convened at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Annual Oncology Update 2024 to discuss new developments in cancer treatments, offering practical insights into managing blood, lung, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers. The meeting featured oncologists from NCI-designated cancer centers across Florida, summarizing major oncology updates for clinicians.
Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Dr. Mario Bilusic presented Phase 3 data from the PEACE-3 study, focusing on patients with advanced prostate cancer. The trial compared hormone tablets alone versus a combination of hormone tablets and a radioactive substance. Preliminary results indicated an improvement in median progression-free survival from 16.4 to 19.4 months. The full study publication is pending, but these initial findings suggest a promising new approach for hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
HER2+ Breast Cancer and Brain Metastases
Dr. Elisa Krill-Jackson shared updates on HER2+ treatments for breast cancer patients with brain metastases. A recent study on fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan showed significant efficacy in treating brain metastases. "The average progression-free survival at a year was more than 60%—a marked improvement over the recent HER2CLIMB regimen," Dr. Krill-Jackson noted, highlighting the potential of this therapy for patients with limited treatment options.
Gastric Cancer Treatment Strategies
Dr. Cindy Pabon addressed gastric cancer, noting a higher age-adjusted incidence in Miami-Dade County compared to the rest of Florida. She presented a refined approach to gastric cancer treatment, including the newly approved zolbetuximab, a CLDN18.2-directed cytolytic antibody, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy. This development offers a targeted treatment option for patients with CLDN18.2-positive gastric tumors.
Collaborative Cancer Care
Dr. Gilberto Lopes emphasized the importance of teamwork in cancer care. "This meeting brought us together to not only share important information but also brainstorm about how each of us can go back to our clinics or cancer centers and help every person living with cancer under our care now and in the future."
