D2C7-ATC was tested in recurrent brain cancer

In a phase 1 trial, 81 people with recurrent malignant glioma received one infusion of D2C7-ATC. Among 72 with recurrent glioblastoma, people lived a median of 7.9 months; the treatment was generally well tolerated.

“These findings indicate that EGFR-targeted D2C7-ATC therapy prolongs survival in a subset of patients with IDHwt rGBM via intratumoral and systemic immune activation.”

What this means. An early trial in brain cancer, mainly testing safety and dose. Any new treatment here is years away from routine use.

Blood test linked to rucaparib outcomes in advanced prostate cancer

In a phase II study, 104 people with advanced prostate cancer received rucaparib and had blood tests for genomic instability. Cancer took longer to grow in those whose tests detected it; 43 people, or 41%, had a positive result.

“Plasma-derived GIS was associated with improved rPFS and higher response rates in rucaparib-treated patients and further stratified outcomes within mutation-defined populations.”

What this means. A mid-stage trial in prostate cancer. Good results at this stage usually still need a larger trial before approval.

Cobimetinib and vemurafenib showed activity in advanced thyroid cancer

In a phase II trial, 16 evaluable patients with advanced thyroid cancer received cobimetinib plus vemurafenib. Their cancer was controlled in 94% of cases, through a response or stable disease lasting at least 16 weeks.

“The combination of C + V met the prespecified criteria to declare a signal of activity in patients with TC and BTC with BRAF V600E mutations.”

What this means. A mid-stage trial in thyroid cancer. Good results at this stage usually still need a larger trial before approval.

PIK3CA mutations were common in advanced endometrial cancer

A molecular analysis of 107 patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer found PIK3CA mutations in 51.4% of samples. The study did not test a treatment, but its findings support testing drugs that block this pathway.

“In this post hoc analysis from the MITO END-3 trial, we confirmed the high frequency of PIK3CA mutations in EC, establishing this tumor as an ideal candidate for testing of PI3K inhibitors in clinical trials.”

What this means. A mid-stage trial in womb cancer. Good results at this stage usually still need a larger trial before approval.

RAS mutations found in one in five people with acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers analyzed 8,553 people newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia; 1,775 (21%) had RAS mutations. The link between these mutations and how long people lived varied with other cancer mutations and treatment.

“These data inform risk stratification and development of RAS-targeting strategies in acute myeloid leukaemia.”

What this means. Based on data or samples from people with acute myeloid leukaemia, a blood cancer. It is not a treatment trial.

Asian experts adapt guidance for early and locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Asian experts adapted treatment guidelines for people with early and locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, drawing on evidence from Western and Asian trials.

What this means. Updated official guidance for doctors caring for people with lung cancer.