In July 2015, we published a post called Patients Included In Research: Studying Cancer by Mutation Not Organ. In that post, we shared the goal that cancers would be treated not by the site of origin, but rather by their genetic features. Achieving this goal is closer than you think! This week the FDA announced accelerated approval** of a...
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In a nutshell This study assessed the effectiveness of using escalated BEACOPP plus rituximab chemotherapy in patients with advanced stage Hodgkin Lymphoma. The study concluded that adding rituximab to the standard escalated BEACOPP regimen did not significantly improve time to disease progression. Some background Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) is...
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We are adding to the list of respite opportunities that are available for adults with cancer. In addition to a couple of programs like the ones featured in Free Vacations for Adults affected by Cancer, there are a few foundations for adults with cancer that are much like the well-known Make-A-Wish Foundation (for children) which provide support for...
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In a nutshell This phase 2 trial aims to test the effectiveness of a combined treatment with nivolumab (Opdivo) and brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) in older patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. The main outcome to be measured will be the response of the tumor to the treatment. This trial is recruiting in California, Columbia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri,...
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In a nutshell The authors examined haploidentical (matched donor) stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT) as a treatment for patients who relapsed after autologous stem cell transplantation. The study concluded that haplo-SCT is a valid treatment for patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma. Some background Most cases of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) can be...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the amount of late complications that affect teenage and young adult Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. The authors concluded that these patients had higher risks of developing other cancers and getting sick compared to the general population. Some background Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is the most common cancer among...
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In a nutshell This study examined the outcomes for patients who received brentuximab vedotin before allogenic stem cell transplantation. The authors concluded that patients treated with brentuximab vedotin had generally good outcomes. Some background Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is generally considered a curable disease. However, some patients will not...
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In a nutshell The authors looked at several risk factors that may be associated with relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The authors found that 5 risk factors were independently associated with relapse after ASCT: stage IV cancer before ASCT; less than 3 months between previous treatment and relapse; performance status of 1 or...
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In a nutshell The authors looked at the use of ABVD chemotherapy in children and young adults. They concluded that ABVD is an effective treatment in both age groups. Some background Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is one of the most common cancers in children and young adults. HL is generally considered curable in children and young adults, and outcomes are...
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In a nutshell This study examined whether an early PET scan could identify patients who needed a different intensity of treatment. The authors concluded that patients who were switched to an increased intensity therapy after a positive early PET scan had better outcomes than patients who were treated as usual after a positive early PET...
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In a nutshell This phase 2 trial aims to test the safety and effectiveness of a combined treatment with ibrutinib (Imbruvica) and brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) in recurrent (when the cancer comes back) Hodgkin lymphoma patients or in those who did not respond to the first line of treatment. This trial is recruiting in California, United...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This phase 3 trial aims to test the safety and effectiveness of a combined treatment with brentuximab vedotin (BV; Adcetris) and combination chemotherapy in younger patients with recently diagnosed Hodgkin lymphoma. The main outcome to be measured will be the side effects related to treatment and the response of the tumor to the...
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