A novel artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by Google is better at grading prostate cancer biopsies than general pathologists and is as good at identifying cancerous samples, a new study reports. The study, “Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Gleason Grading of Prostate Cancer From Biopsy Specimens,” was published in JAMA Oncology. The study…
Screening the overall population for mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 that can cause breast and ovarian cancer is cost-effective in wealthier countries, from the viewpoint of both payers and society, an economic analysis study suggests. But these screenings are still too expensive to be cost-effective in less wealthy countries under such an analysis. “We must invest…
Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab and hyaluronidase) significantly extended the time people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma live without disease worsening, when added to a combination of Pomalyst (pomalidomide) and dexamethasone, a Phase 3 clinical trial shows. Darzalex Faspro is a subcutaneous, or under-the-skin, formulation of Janssen‘s Darzalex (daratumumab), which is administered intravenously (into the vein).…
Health Canada has approved a combination therapy of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) plus two cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The approval includes patients who have not received any form of systemic therapy for their metastatic disease and whose tumors contain no mutations in the EGFR or…
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Seattle Genetics’ Tukysa (tucatinib), when given alongside trastuzumab and Xeloda (capecitabine), for the treatment of patients with advanced inoperable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, who received at least one anti-HER2-based treatment for metastatic disease. The approval also includes those in whom cancer has already spread to the brain (brain metastases). With…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given fast track designation to Mersana Therapeutics’ XMT-1536 as a possible treatment for women with platinum-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer who received up to three prior lines of therapy. The designation also covers those who were treated with four different systemic therapies, regardless of their platinum-disease status. Fast track is meant to…
The online portal HealthTree has opened a free and online patient resource connecting multiple myeloma experts from around the world with patients to help them better understand their disease, so doctor visits can be better spent on personalized care. More than 120 myeloma specialists are expected to participate in HealthTree University (HTU), which offers a comprehensive curriculum…
A dual immunotherapy regimen of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) can prolong the survival of patients with untreated, inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), according to data from a Phase 3 clinical trial. Findings from this study about MPM, a severe form of cancer of the pleura (the protective lining surrounding the lungs), were presented by Bristol…
The first patients have been injected in a Phase 3 trial investigating the safety and performance of Blue Earth Diagnostics‘ imaging agent rhPSMA-7.3 (18F) in detecting prostate cancer in men with suspected disease recurrence, the company announced. The SPOTLIGHT trial (NCT04186845) is recruiting patients at several sites in the U.S. and at a single site in Finland.…
Elevar Therapeutics and Tanner Pharma Group have partnered to make Apealea (paclitaxel micellar) accessible in areas outside the U.S. where the medication is not available. The companies have created a global named patient program, also known as an early or expanded access program, which provides physicians with a framework to legally and ethically prescribe investigational…
