Shorter radiation course matched standard treatment for high-risk breast cancer

In a trial of 1,494 patients with high-risk breast cancer after mastectomy, 16 radiation treatments worked as well as 25: cancer returned near the treated area within five years in 1.7% versus 2.2%. Severe skin reactions were less common.

“For patients with high-risk, operable breast cancer requiring PMRT with IMNI, the 16-fraction HypoRT regimen is noninferior to ConvRT for locoregional control, offers a superior acute toxicity profile, and demonstrates excellent cardiopulmonary safety.”

What this means. A large, final-stage trial in breast cancer. This is the kind of result regulators use when deciding whether to approve a treatment.

FDA approves Jemperli for some people with rectal cancer

The FDA approved Jemperli for some people with locally advanced rectal cancer, which may let them avoid chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

What this means. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bowel cancer. Doctors can now prescribe it outside a trial.

FDA approves dostarlimab for locally advanced rectal cancer

The FDA approved dostarlimab for adults with stage II or III locally advanced rectal cancer with a specific repair problem in the tumor. In a study of 154 patients, 47% of those assessed had no detectable cancer for at least 12 months after treatment.

What this means. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bowel cancer. Doctors can now prescribe it outside a trial.

Rusfertide improved treatment response in polycythemia vera

In a phase III trial, adults with polycythemia vera who needed frequent blood removal received rusfertide plus standard treatment or a placebo. At weeks 20 to 32, 77% on rusfertide responded, compared with 33% on placebo.

What this means. A large, final-stage trial in cancer. This is the kind of result regulators use when deciding whether to approve a treatment.

Cancer conference will examine how tumors evolve and resist treatment

The Frontiers in Cancer Science 2026 conference in Singapore will bring cancer researchers together November 11 to 13 to discuss how cancers evolve, resist treatment and respond to new approaches.

“Johnny Ong, MBBS, MMed, PhD , of the National Cancer Centre Singapore, will share how studying fluid from patients with peritoneal metastases has uncovered signals that support tumor progression and potential therapeutic targets.”

What this means. Based on data or samples from people with several cancer types. It is not a treatment trial.

Tumor features linked to residual disease in multiple myeloma

Researchers studied people newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma who received four-drug treatment. Features measured before treatment were associated with signs of cancer remaining after induction therapy.

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

Mocertatug rezetecan showed activity in ovarian cancer

In a phase I study, patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer received mocertatug rezetecan. At the highest dose evaluated, 62% had confirmed tumor shrinkage.

“First results from the global phase I BEHOLD-1 study suggest that the investigational B7-H4–targeted antibody-drug conjugate (an antibody that delivers chemotherapy straight to cancer cells) mocertatug rezetecan showed activity in two difficult-to-treat gynecologic cancers: platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer.”

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