DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE

Break Through Cancer launches phase 2 trial using revumenib and venetoclax to eliminate minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia, aiming to prevent relapse and improve survival rates.

Clark’s Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry opened a new lab with $750,000 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, enhancing research on protein interactions and disease. Students like William Luschen-Miskovsky and Emily Schaffter now benefit from streamlined processes and industry-standard equipment, preparing them for biotech careers. The lab also supports high school STEM outreach, fostering future scientists.

Combining uproleselan with 7+3 chemotherapy did not significantly improve event-free survival (EFS) in older patients with newly diagnosed AML eligible for intensive chemotherapy, according to a phase 2/3 study (NCT03701308). The study's primary endpoint of EFS was not met, and further subgroup analysis is ongoing to identify potential efficacy signals. Topline data from the trial will be presented at a future medical meeting.

The TROPION-Lung01 trial showed datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) improved overall survival in advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, particularly those with nonsquamous histology. The study met its dual primary endpoint of improved progression-free survival, with a favorable safety profile. A new TROP2 biomarker, TROP2 normalized membrane ratio (NMR), was developed to predict Dato-DXd outcomes, potentially opening a new era in lung cancer biomarker development.

The 2024 NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship, co-hosted with the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, convened top experts across cancer research, biotech entrepreneurship, pharmaceuticals, investment, and patient advocacy at the National Press Club. The event highlighted cutting-edge cancer research advancements, early detection and intervention, AI in diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies, fostering innovative collaborations, and driving breakthrough solutions. Keynotes and panels discussed immunotherapies, biomarkers, personalized approaches, and AI-powered diagnostics. The summit also featured an Innovative Oncology Company Showcase and investor perspectives, culminating in awards and a panel on the future of cancer research.

Dana-Farber researchers developed a CRISPR-based rapid diagnostic for APL and CML, detecting gene fusions accurately in 2 hours, aiming to improve timely access to lifesaving treatments.

Two immunotherapy trials in thyroid cancer, one positive and one negative, highlight the potential of precision medicine. Atezolizumab with targeted agents improved overall survival in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) to 43 months in BRAF-mutant tumors. Dual immunotherapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab showed promise in ATC but did not meet response rates in aggressive thyroid cancers. The studies emphasize the need for sensitive biomarkers to enhance therapy.

Olanzapine significantly reduced severe nausea in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy, outperforming prochlorperazine. A cannabis extract also showed efficacy in relieving chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, though with more side effects.

MEDSIR's Business Director, Rui Rui Zhang, participated in the Nexus Conference in New Jersey, discussing clinical trials' challenges and opportunities across different regions. MEDSIR, a global leader in oncology research, emphasizes the importance of geographic diversity in trials to develop inclusive treatments.

The National Academy of Medicine elected 100 new members, including 12 with Harvard affiliations, recognizing their contributions in health and medicine.