REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

ESK981 Plus Nivolumab Fails to Show Antitumor Activity in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

6 months ago

• A Phase II trial evaluating ESK981, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, combined with nivolumab in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) was terminated due to futility. • The combination therapy of ESK981 and nivolumab did not demonstrate significant antitumor activity in patients with AR-positive mCRPC, showing a maximum PSA decline of only 14% in one patient. • The median radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) was 3.7 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 9.6 months, indicating limited clinical benefit from the treatment regimen. • Grade 3 treatment-related adverse events, including fatigue, anemia, and lymphopenia, were observed, further questioning the risk-benefit profile of this combination in mCRPC.

BART Trial: Adjuvant Radiotherapy Shows Tolerable Toxicity Profile in Bladder Cancer

8 months ago

• The BART trial investigated adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) following radical cystectomy and chemotherapy in high-risk muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). • Results indicated that ART did not significantly increase severe acute or late toxicity compared to observation alone. • Grade 2 acute toxicities, mainly bowel-related, were more frequent in the ART arm but resolved without intervention. • The study suggests ART is a safe and tolerable option for MIBC, with ongoing assessment for oncological efficacy.

Oral Microbiome Linked to Increased Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

8 months ago

• Researchers found certain oral bacteria are linked to a 50% increased risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). • Thirteen bacterial species were identified as influencing the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). • Tirzepatide shows promise in reducing hospitalization and death from heart failure in obese patients with HFpEF. • Soy consumption does not increase breast cancer risk and may even reduce it, contrary to previous concerns about isoflavones.