Article
Oncology
Paola Anna Jablonska, Chin Heng Fong, Timothy Kruser, Jessica Weiss, Zhihui Amy Liu, Hirokazu Takami, Yoshitaka Narita, Fabio Ynoe de Moraes, Archya Dasgupta, Choo Khoon Ong, James C. H. Yang, Jih Hsiang Lee, Nicholas Pavlakis, Paul Kongkham, Marcus Butler, David B. Shultz
Summary: In most clinical scenarios involving asymptomatic MBM, experts recommend the addition of radiotherapy to systemic therapy. However, recommendations vary significantly according to specialty, with medical oncology (MO) and clinical oncology (CO) more commonly recommending dual systemic therapy alone for up to 9 BRAF- MBM <2 cm.
RADIOTHERAPY AND ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margaret Ottaviano, Emilio Giunta, Marianna Tortora, Marcello Curvietto, Laura Attademo, Davide Bosso, Cinzia Cardalesi, Mario Rosanova, Pietro De Placido, Erica Pietroluongo, Vittorio Riccio, Brigitta Mucci, Sara Parola, Maria Vitale, Giovannella Palmieri, Bruno Daniele, Ester Simeone
Summary: BRAF mutations are common in melanoma patients, and treatment strategies targeting the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway have shown limited success due to the development of drug resistance. Further research is needed to improve outcomes for BRAF-mutant patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Oliver John Kennedy, Michal Kicinski, Sara Valpione, Sara Gandini, Stefan Suciu, Christian U. Blank, Georgina Long, Victoria G. Atkinson, Stephane Dalle, Andrew M. Haydon, Andrey Meshcheryakov, Adnan Khattak, Matteo S. Carlino, Shahneen Sandhu, James Larkin, Susana Puig, Paolo A. Ascierto, Piotr Rutkowski, Dirk Schadendorf, Marye Boers-Sonderen, Anna Maria Di Giacomo, Alfonsus J. M. van den Eertwegh, Jean-Jacques Grob, Ralf Gutzmer, Rahima Jamal, Alexander C. J. van Akkooi, Caroline Robert, Alexander M. M. Eggermont, Paul Lorigan, Mario Mandala
Summary: This study investigated the prognostic and predictive value of metformin in melanoma, and found that metformin had no significant impact on the efficacy of pembrolizumab, especially in BRAF-mutated melanoma.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Maria Chiara Sergi, Elisabetta Filoni, Giacomo Triggiano, Gerardo Cazzato, Valeria Interno, Camillo Porta, Marco Tucci
Summary: Mucosal melanoma (MM) is an aggressive cancer occurring in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, or urogenital mucosa, with a higher incidence among Asian population. MM differs from cutaneous melanoma (CM) in terms of their genomic and molecular landscapes, resulting in limited responsiveness to immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Novel therapies are needed to improve the survival rate of MM patients.
CURRENT ONCOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Rossella Puglisi, Maria Bellenghi, Giada Pontecorvi, Giulia Pallante, Alessandra Care, Gianfranco Mattia
Summary: Cutaneous Melanoma is a form of skin cancer characterized by elevated mutational load, high spread to distant organs, and resistance to therapies. Identification of biomarkers is crucial for accurate description of melanoma, early diagnosis, and selecting the best therapeutic option. New biomarkers are being evaluated for clinical use, but validation is still needed before their application. Regular updates on advances in this field are crucial for progress in melanoma research and treatment.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Alessandro Nepote, Gianluca Avallone, Simone Ribero, Francesco Cavallo, Gabriele Roccuzzo, Luca Mastorino, Claudio Conforti, Luca Paruzzo, Stefano Poletto, Fabrizio Carnevale Schianca, Pietro Quaglino, Massimo Aglietta
Summary: About 50% of melanomas have a BRAF mutation, with 10% of these having a V600K mutation. No specific studies have been conducted to establish a clinical and therapeutic gold standard for V600K melanoma patients. However, recent findings suggest that V600K melanoma is less dependent on the ERK/MAPK pathway and can be effectively treated with BRAF and MEK inhibitors or anti-checkpoint blockades. Nonetheless, V600K melanoma remains a medical need and is associated with poor prognosis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Lir Beck, Michal Harel, Shun Yu, Ettai Markovits, Ben Boursi, Gal Markel, Tamar Geiger
Summary: The study identified associations between the proteomic profiles of metastatic melanoma patients and clinical information such as survival and immunotherapy response, particularly highlighting the correlation between lung metastases and better immunotherapy response. Analysis of BRAF status and treatment history provided insights into the impact on immunotherapy response and suggested potential for improved treatment efficacy through combination therapy.
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Oncology
F. Dimitriou, G. V. Long, A. M. Menzies
Summary: This review discusses the latest clinical trial data, current treatment landscape, and future progress for the management of resected stage IIIB-IIID melanoma. Adjuvant therapy with immunotherapy or targeted therapy is recommended for improving recurrence-free survival in high-risk melanoma patients.
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Isabella A. J. van Duin, Sjoerd G. Elias, Alfonsus J. M. van den Eertwegh, Jan Willem B. de Groot, Willeke A. M. Blokx, Paul J. van Diest, Tim Leiner, Joost J. C. Verhoeff, Rik J. Verheijden, Olivier J. van Not, Maureen J. B. Aarts, Franchette W. P. J. van den Berkmortel, Christian U. Blank, John B. A. G. Haanen, Geke A. P. Hospers, Anna M. Kamphuis, Djura Piersma, Rozemarijn S. van Rijn, Astrid A. M. van Der Veldt, Gerard Vreugdenhil, Michel W. J. M. Wouters, Marion A. M. Stevense-den Boer, Marye J. Boers-Sonderen, Ellen Kapiteijn, Karijn P. M. Suijkerbuijk
Summary: Since the introduction of BRAF(/MEK) inhibition and immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), the prognosis of advanced melanoma has greatly improved. We investigated the relationship between time to first distant recurrence (TFDR) and patient outcomes after systemic treatment for advanced melanoma. The results showed that patients with a longer TFDR have prolonged PFS and OS, regardless of the type of treatment they received.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Saba S. Shaikh, Yan Zang, Janel Hanmer, Hong Wang, Yan Lin, Diwakar Davar, Hassane M. Zarour, John M. Kirkwood, Yana G. Najjar
Summary: This phase I trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of combined therapy with pembrolizumab, vemurafenib, and cobimetinib in untreated patients with BRAFV600E/K mutant advanced melanoma. The results showed that the triple therapy resulted in prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival, as well as a high objective response rate. However, significant adverse events led to the early closure of the study.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Pawel Rogala, Anna M. Czarnecka, Bozena Cybulska-Stopa, Krzysztof Ostaszewski, Karolina Piejko, Marcin Zietek, Robert Dziura, Ewa Rutkowska, Lukasz Galus, Natasza Kempa-Kaminska, Joanna Seredynska, Wieslaw Bal, Katarzyna Kozak, Anna Surus-Hyla, Tomasz Kubiatowski, Grazyna Kaminska-Winciorek, Rafal Suwinski, Jacek Mackiewicz, Piotr Rutkowski
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between different genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the risk of cervical cancer in Sichuan province, China.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Firas S. Ahmed, Laurent Dercle, Gregory V. Goldmacher, Hao Yang, Dana Connors, Ying Tang, Sanja Karovic, Binsheng Zhao, Richard D. Carvajal, Caroline Robert, Michael L. Maitland, Geoffrey R. Oxnard, Lawrence H. Schwartz
Summary: The study compared tumor response assessment using RECIST 1.1 and iRECIST in melanoma patients treated with pembrolizumab. It found that iRECIST was more appropriate in detecting pseudoprogression, leading to longer overall survival for patients with pseudoprogression compared to those with uncontrolled disease.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Riccardo Marconcini, Paolo Fava, Amedeo Nuzzo, Simona Manacorda, Marco Ferrari, Francesco De Rosa, Michele De Tursi, Enrica Teresa Tanda, Francesca Consoli, Alessandro Minisini, Nicola Pimpinelli, Francesca Morgese, Melissa Bersanelli, Marco Tucci, Maristella Saponara, Alessandro Parisi, Marcella Ocelli, Serena Bazzurri, Giulia Massaro, Riccardo Morganti, Isabella Ciardetti, Ignazio Stanganelli
Summary: In patients with a good prognosis (group A), TT showed statistically significant better PFS than IT, suggesting that TT can be a good first-line option for this patient category. It is only in patients with a poorer prognosis (group B) that we observed a crossing of the survival curves after the 3rd year in favor of IT. Few conclusions can be drawn regarding group C due to the small number of enrolled patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Ophthalmology
Yue Zeng, Chunhong Hu, Long Shu, Yue Pan, Lishu Zhao, Xingxiang Pu, Fang Wu
Summary: Conjunctival melanoma is a malignant ocular tumor arising from the conjunctiva. Treatment for early-stage involves surgery, while advanced cases have a poor prognosis and require further research.
SURVEY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Rodrigo Rigo, Philip Q. Ding, Eugene Batuyong, Winson Y. Cheung, John Walker, Jose G. Monzon, Tina Cheng
Summary: This real-world study on adjuvant treatments for melanoma shows that despite the effectiveness of the therapies, recurrence rates remain high, and long-term toxicities such as endocrinopathies and chronic inflammatory conditions are not uncommon.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Bhuvana A. Setty, Goodwin G. Jinesh, Michael Arnold, Fredrik Pettersson, Chia-Ho Cheng, Ling Cen, Sean J. Yoder, Jamie K. Teer, Elsa R. Flores, Damon R. Reed, Andrew S. Brohl
Article
Oncology
Jeremy J. McGuire, Niveditha Nerlakanti, Chen Hao Lo, Marilena Tauro, Thomas J. Utset-Ward, Damon R. Reed, Conor C. Lynch
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Katie L. McLeod, Amber M. Skinner, Lynda K. Beaupin, Susan T. Vadaparampil, Brooke L. Fridley, Damon R. Reed
Summary: Adolescent and young adult oncology patients are less likely to enroll in clinical trials than pediatric patients, despite efforts to improve enrollments. The majority of trial opportunities for AYA patients are at comprehensive cancer centers, with select diagnoses having more trials available in pediatric hospitals. A system that navigates patients across health systems would maximize AYA trial enrollments.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Anderson B. Collier, Mark D. Krailo, Ha M. Dang, Steven G. DuBois, Douglas S. Hawkins, Mark L. Bernstein, Lisa R. Bomgaars, Damon R. Reed, Richard G. Gorlick, Katherine A. Janeway
Summary: Analysis of seven Children's Oncology Group phase 2 trials for patients with relapsed/progressive solid tumors showed a 6-month event-free survival (EFS) of 12.7% for relapsed/progressive Ewing sarcoma patients, indicating poor outcomes. Despite docetaxel achieving its protocol-specified radiographic response rate, its EFS was similar to other agents, suggesting that a higher radiographic response rate may not lead to superior disease control. This EFS benchmark could be used as an additional endpoint in trials for recurrent Ewing sarcoma.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Viswatej Avutu, Aaron R. Weiss, Damon R. Reed, Safia K. Ahmed, Wendy A. Allen-Rhoades, Yen-Lin E. Chen, Lara E. Davis, Bree R. Eaton, Douglas S. Hawkins, Danny J. Indelicato, Shreyaskumar R. Patel, R. Lor Randall, Denise K. Reinke, Richard F. Riedel, Thomas J. Scharschmidt, Katherine A. Thornton, Dian Wang, Katherine A. Janeway, Lisa M. Kopp
Summary: This study identified common barriers to enrolling adolescents and young adults (15-39 years) onto the nonchemotherapy arm, including insufficient funding, lack of study awareness or interest, competing trials, and other factors.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Patrick J. Leavey, Nadia N. Laack, Mark D. Krailo, Allen Buxton, R. Lor Randall, Steven G. DuBois, Damon R. Reed, Holcombe E. Grier, Douglas S. Hawkins, Bruce Pawel, Helen Nadel, Richard B. Womer, G. Douglas Letson, Mark Bernstein, Kenneth Brown, Alexis Maciej, Paul Chuba, Atif A. Ahmed, Daniel J. Indelicato, Dian Wang, Neyssa Marina, Richard Gorlick, Katherine A. Janeway, Leo Mascarenhas
Summary: The study aimed to test whether the addition of VTC to interval compressed chemotherapy improved survival outcomes for Ewing sarcoma patients. The results showed no difference in survival outcomes between the two groups, with age and primary site not affecting the EFS event risk, but age >= 18 years being associated with increased risk of death at 5 years.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Dana Ketcher, Maija Reblin, Kelly J. Mansfield, Rachael McCormick, Amber M. Skinner, Amy K. Otto, Karrin Tennant, Sarah E. Wawrzynski, Damon R. Reed, Kristin G. Cloyes
Summary: This study explores the perceived importance of familial, peer, and health system social support for young adult cancer survivors, including those who identify as LGBTQ. The findings highlight both the positive aspects of social support and the barriers that prevent survivors from receiving adequate support, such as complex relationship histories and a lack of targeted programs. The study emphasizes the need for targeted support and training in the healthcare system to effectively meet the diverse needs of young adult cancer survivors.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Alicia Darwin, Amber Skinner, Damon R. Reed, Tawee Tanvetyanon
Summary: This study compared the incidences of immune-related adverse events between adolescent and young adult (AYA) melanoma patients and elderly patients. The results showed that AYA patients had lower incidence of skin rash but higher incidences of increased liver enzymes and hospitalization, and the differences in toxicities were attributable to the higher use of combined ICI regimen in the AYA cohort.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Oncology
Patrick J. Leavey, Mark D. Krailo, Steven G. DuBois, Damon R. Reed, Katherine A. Janeway, Leo Mascarenhas
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Amber Skinner, Melanie Buhlmann, Brooke L. Fridley, Damon R. Reed, Deborah Vicedo, Neil T. Mason
Summary: This study investigates material markers of financial toxicity in patients with a sarcoma diagnosis. The findings suggest that younger patients are more likely to experience financial strain and additional financial resources may be needed to support their care.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shengyan Xiang, Damon R. Reed, Mark G. Alexandrow
Summary: The CMG helicase is an important protein complex involved in DNA replication in mammalian cells. It plays a role in DNA melting and unwinding and is regulated by growth factors and signaling factors. Dysregulation of CMG can lead to genomic instability and contribute to tumorigenesis. This review aims to explore the regulation of CMG during its assembly and activation and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer.
Review
Oncology
Rina S. S. Fox, Grace E. E. Armstrong, Julia S. S. Gaumond, Taylor F. D. Vigoureux, Corinne H. H. Miller, Stacy D. D. Sanford, John M. M. Salsman, Emmanuel Katsanis, Terry A. A. Badger, Damon R. R. Reed, Brian D. D. Gonzalez, Heather S. L. Jim, Echo L. L. Warner, David E. E. Victorson, Laura B. B. Oswald
Summary: This review evaluated the prevalence, correlates, and psychosocial implications of social isolation and connectedness among young adult cancer survivors aged 18-39 years. The results showed that social isolation was similarly prevalent among young adults, older cancer survivors, and noncancer populations. Social isolation was related to worse psychological well-being, whereas social connectedness was often, but not always, related to better psychological well-being.
Article
Oncology
Thomas Cash, Mark D. Krailo, Allen B. Buxton, Bruce R. Pawel, John H. Healey, Odion Binitie, Karen J. Marcus, Holcombe E. Grier, Patrick J. Grohar, Damon R. Reed, Aaron R. Weiss, Richard Gorlick, Katherine A. Janeway, Steven G. Dubois, Richard B. Womer
Summary: Clinical trial updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results, and the study showed that interval-compressed chemotherapy (ICC) has superior survival outcomes in patients with localized Ewing sarcoma (ES) over a long-term period.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Michael E. Roth, Allison C. Grimes, Damon R. Reed, Aaron R. Weiss, Nupur Mittal, Susan K. Parsons, David R. Freyer
Summary: Over the past few decades, 5-year cancer survival has improved for all adolescents and young adults. However, there is still a need for improving survival in higher risk AYA subsets and addressing health outcomes and quality of life among long-term survivors. The Children's Oncology Group (COG) and other organizations have developed a large portfolio of AYA cancer clinical trials and initiatives to improve treatment approaches and standardize assessment of health-related quality of life.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sylvia L. L. Crowder, Rachel Sauls, Lisa M. M. Gudenkauf, Christy James, Amber Skinner, Damon R. R. Reed, Marilyn Stern
Summary: This qualitative study compared the lived experiences of extended and long-term young adult cancer survivors. Interviews revealed common themes of symptoms, psychosocial concerns, coping strategies, and changes in health behaviors. Extended survivors focused on appearance-related concerns, while long-term survivors were more concerned about job loss, fertility, and financial stress. Survivors acknowledged challenges with physical activity and nutrition during treatment, but emphasized the importance of these behaviors post-treatment for improving quality of life.