AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death, with significant advancements in treatment through targeted therapies. Anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, cetuximab and panitumumab, improve outcomes in wild-type RAS mCRC, but offer no benefit in RAS-mutant cases. BRAF mutations also predict resistance to anti-EGFR therapy. Combination therapies targeting EGFR, BRAF, and MEK show promise in BRAF-mutant mCRC. Comprehensive genomic profiling is crucial for identifying resistance markers and optimizing treatment strategies.

Fulvestrant 500 mg showed improved overall survival (OS) over anastrozole in first-line treatment for ER-positive advanced breast cancer, with a median OS of 54.1 vs. 48.4 months. The CONFIRM and FIRST trials supported fulvestrant's efficacy and safety, showing a 30% reduction in mortality risk and consistent benefits across subgroups.

4SC AG announced positive Phase I results for resminostat combined with FOLFIRI in advanced CRC, showing safety, tolerability, and clinical activity. Encouraging biomarker data from Phase II trials in HCC and HL suggest ZFP64 gene expression as a potential biomarker for resminostat treatment outcomes. 4SC plans further development and discussions with partners and regulators.

U.S. drug shortages have escalated, with 211 shortages in 2010 alone, affecting critical medications like cancer drugs. Causes include manufacturing issues, raw material shortages, and lack of an early warning system. The FDA and ASHP track shortages differently, with efforts to mitigate impacts through temporary importation and manufacturing assistance. Proposed legislation aims to improve notification and management of shortages.

Psycho-oncology in breast cancer, though nascent, shows promise with various interventions. Future research should compare intervention effectiveness, determine optimal timing and duration, identify patient characteristics predicting benefits, and explore novel, nursing, and peer support interventions. Addressing survivors', family, cultural/minority issues, and developing standardized outcome measures are crucial. Collaboration and support from research sponsors and professional organizations are essential for advancing psycho-oncology research.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, with over 2.6 million living with it in the US. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, funds diverse research aiming for a cure, directing 85% of funds to research. It supports clinical and genetic research, including new areas like breast cancer in women under 35 and psychosocial effects.

At the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting, Dr. Viktor Grünwald presented findings from the CLEAR trial, showing lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab significantly improved overall survival and prolonged time to tumor progression in advanced ccRCC patients compared to sunitinib. Patients on lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab had lower tumor burden at progression and longer second-line treatment duration, supporting its use as first-line therapy.