Several significant advancements marked the oncology landscape in 2024, offering new hope and improved outcomes for patients. These developments span novel cancer drugs, supportive care interventions, surgical techniques, and updated screening guidelines, reflecting a multifaceted approach to combating cancer.
AOH1996: A Novel Cancer Drug in Early-Phase Trials
City of Hope Cancer Center's AOH1996, named in memory of Anna Olivia Healey, is currently undergoing phase 1 trials. Amanda Brink, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, emphasized the importance of understanding the early stage of research in phase 1 trials for oncology nurses and patients. This drug represents a unique opportunity to explore new therapeutic avenues, but its efficacy and safety are still under investigation.
Oral Cannabis Extract for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology indicates that oral cannabis extract is effective in the secondary prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The study focused on patients treated with moderately or highly emetogenic intravenous chemotherapy who were already receiving guideline-consistent antiemetic prophylaxis. The authors noted that availability, access, affordability, cultural attitudes, societal barriers, and legal barriers may limit implementation, but the data support the claim that the oral cannabis extract is an effective and safe option for the prevention of refractory CINV.
Fertility-Sparing Surgical Technique
John Paul Diaz, MD, highlighted a novel surgical technique called pelvic transposition, which may help women undergoing pelvic radiation preserve their fertility and improve their quality of life. This technique is suitable for patients with colorectal or gynecologic cancers receiving radiation to the affected areas. By moving a reproductive organ outside the field of radiation, this innovative approach aims to mitigate the harmful effects of radiation on fertility.
WHO Updates Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines
The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its guidelines for cervical cancer prevention to include the dual-stain cytology test, CINtec PLUS Cytology. Matt Sause, chief executive officer of Roche Diagnostics, stated that adding dual-stain cytology to the WHO guidelines reinforces the value of biomarker-based CINtec PLUS Cytology test to identify patients with an elevated risk of cervical cancer. HPV infections can cause cervical cancer, a potentially deadly disease that is highly preventable, and determining who is most at risk is critical.
