Guideline recommends combination treatment for recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer

A panel recommends chemotherapy plus immune therapy, followed by maintenance treatment, as first-line care for medically fit people with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer. Other options depend on prior treatment and patient needs.

“Evidence supports platinum-based chemotherapy plus a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor as preferred first-line (the first treatment given) therapy for medically fit patients.”

Why it matters. A trial in head and neck cancer that split people into groups at random, the fairest kind of test.

FDA approves pimicotinib for tenosynovial giant cell tumor

In a trial of adults with symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumor, pimicotinib shrank tumors in 56% of patients by week 25, compared with 3% who received placebo.

“The prescribing information includes warnings and precautions for hepatotoxicity, embryo-fetal toxicity, and increased serum creatinine without affecting renal function. “TGCT can profoundly affect patients' daily lives through persistent pain, swelling, and loss of joint function,” said Sydney Stern, PhD, MS , TGCT Support, a Program of the Life Raft Group. “For symptomatic patients who are not likely to benefit from surgery alone, there remains need for treatment options which are tolerable and effectively address the burden of disease, shrink their TGCT, and improve pain and function.””

Why it matters. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several cancer types. Doctors can now prescribe it outside a trial.

Divarasib delayed growth in non-small-cell lung cancer

In a phase 3 trial, people with non-small-cell lung cancer who received divarasib had more time before their cancer grew than those given sotorasib or adagrasib.

Why it matters. A large, final-stage trial in lung cancer. This is the kind of result regulators use when deciding whether to approve a treatment.

Risovalisib tested in ovarian clear cell carcinoma

A phase 2 trial tested risovalisib in people with recurrent or persistent ovarian clear cell carcinoma with PIK3CA mutations. Researchers said the results support it as a potential treatment.

“These results support risovalisib as a potential novel treatment option for PIK3CA-mutated ovarian clear cell carcinoma, a rare yet lethal cancer in dire need of additional treatment options.”

Why it matters. A mid-stage trial in ovarian cancer. Good results at this stage usually still need a larger trial before approval.

Blood test distinguished early ovarian cancer from benign lesions

In 506 people, an RNA-based blood test distinguished early-stage ovarian cancer from benign lesions and performed better than CA125.

Why it matters. Based on data or samples from people with ovarian cancer. It is not a treatment trial.

Lab-built receptors target mutant KRAS in colorectal cancer

In lab tests, researchers found that a library of T-cell receptors from healthy donors could target mutant KRAS in about 10% of people with colorectal cancer. Some receptors also recognized normal KRAS, which needs further study.

Why it matters. Lab or animal research on bowel cancer. Not yet tested as a treatment in people; many lab results never reach patients.

Circulating tumor DNA may detect hidden disease in large B-cell lymphoma

After treatment for large B-cell lymphoma, circulating tumor DNA can detect residual disease that scans may miss. The authors discuss using it to guide care and say more data are needed.

Why it matters. Based on data or samples from people with lymphoma, a blood cancer. It is not a treatment trial.