{"title":"Circulating tumor DNA in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer: clinical landscape and key open challenges.","authors":"Pietro De Placido, Heather A Parsons","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001180","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a promising biomarker for noninvasive detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), prognosis, and treatment monitoring in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (eTNBC), an aggressive subtype with high relapse risk. This review synthesizes the state-of-the-art and the advances in ctDNA technologies and evaluates their clinical relevance across the neoadjuvant, postneoadjuvant, and adjuvant settings.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>We highlight the most recent (last 18-24 months) key prospective studies demonstrating ctDNA's potential to predict pathological response and recurrence, emphasizing the prognostic value of the ctDNA dynamics and the implications of persistent positivity. We discuss tumor-informed versus tumor-agnostic assays, address challenges in detecting MRD, and explore future directions, including ultrasensitive detection strategies, novel methylation and machine learning-based approaches, and ctDNA-guided therapeutic interventions.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Despite encouraging results, the clinical utility of ctDNA remains unproven due to technical limitations, especially in assay sensitivity, timing of testing, and low ctDNA shedding/high relapse rate in early-stage disease. Randomized trials are essential to confirm the role of ctDNA in guiding treatment de-escalation or escalation, ultimately aiming to personalize care and improve outcomes in patients with eTNBC.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma.","authors":"Lawrence Liu, Myo Htut","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001167","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001167","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR T) in relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) has rapidly expanded with two FDA-approved agents and many more in the clinical trial pipeline. As such, we aim to review the standard of care and investigational products.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) and ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel) were initially approved in the fourth-line setting and quickly moved to the second-line and third-line settings due to efficacy. Delayed neurotoxicities remain a challenging entity to consider when deciding on CAR T versus other options. Given the high efficacy of cilta-cel, many trials are evaluating its role as frontline consolidation or even in smoldering myeloma. Many novel CAR T products are being studied and will improve the impressive armamentarium of RRMM therapeutics.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This is an exciting area with countless studies investigating novel CAR T constructs and sequencing in hopes of further extending and improving our patients' lives.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144648796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giacomo Guidi, Angelica Naldini, Giorgia Garganese, Simona Maria Fragomeni, Anna Fagotti, Nicoló Bizzarri
{"title":"Endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy for vulvar cancer, is it feasible?","authors":"Giacomo Guidi, Angelica Naldini, Giorgia Garganese, Simona Maria Fragomeni, Anna Fagotti, Nicoló Bizzarri","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001174","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001174","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The evaluation of lymph node status is crucial for the correct staging of patients with vulvar carcinoma and to assess whether adjuvant treatment is necessary. Classically, this procedure is performed with an open approach to the inguinal region; however, this procedure is associated with a significant complication rate.For this reason, the video-endoscopic approach to inguinal lymph node assessment has been proposed in recent years. This review aimed to provide an overview on the feasibility and outcomes of the video-endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>VEIL appeared to be a viable alternative to the open approach, with similar outcomes in terms of the number of lymph nodes removed and blood loss. While the postoperative complications rate was lower in the VEIL group, operative times tended to be longer. This may be due to the lack of standardization of the technique and to the variability in video-endoscopic approaches (laparoscopic vs robotic). Sentinel lymph node biopsy with endoscopic approach has also been described.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>VEIL appears to be feasible and safe, adding benefits in terms of postoperative complications. Nevertheless, few studies are available and further data is needed to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Novel molecular imaging approaches in oncology: towards a more accurate estimation of tumour response.","authors":"Amy Rose Sharkey, Anum Pervez, Gary J R Cook","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001166","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001166","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>With novel therapeutics improving cancer survival rates, the need for accurate treatment response assessment has become increasingly crucial. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours remains the standard imaging method for evaluation of treatment response, yet it has recognized limitations. Molecular imaging with targeted tracers offers earlier and more precise assessment of treatment efficacy, by capturing biological information beyond a change in tumour size. We discuss these recent advances, including tracers in clinical practice, and novel tracers in the pipeline, and how these can improve our assessment of treatment response.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The development of novel tracers is enabling more precise cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment, and enables the use of targeted treatments. Upcoming tracers offer the potential to predict treatment response prior to treatment, eradicating the morbidity associated with ineffective therapy. Improved PET hardware, such as total body PET, allows accurate insights into factors such as tumour uptake kinetics, which can be paired with artificial intelligence tools to allow prediction of tumour characteristics.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This review summarizes recent advances in molecular imaging, including tracers that target tumour metabolism, tumour microenvironment and other treatable tumour targets. These aim to improve treatment response assessment, with the hope of improving outcomes by offering personalized and timely treatment adjustments.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144599688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The evolving treatment paradigm of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in lymphoma.","authors":"Paolo Lopedote, John H Baird","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001169","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The field of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies is rapidly evolving. The number of approved indications for the existing CAR-T products is increasing, and, in parallel, so too is the number of novel products and disease targets being evaluated. Being able to navigate the available evidence is a priority for every hemato-oncologist.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Long-term follow up from pivotal trials, as well as real-world studies of commercial products in a range of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) have confirmed their ability to produce durable disease control with a manageable toxicity profile in a significant proportion of patients, including populations generally excluded from clinical trials. Nonrelapse morbidity and mortality risk profiles have been better established with long-term follow up, and risk reduction via antimicrobial prophylaxis and monitoring of hematologic recovery are being integrated as part of standard of care for these patients beyond the first-year posttreatment.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>A significant proportion of B-NHL patients can achieve long-lasting remission after CAR-T. Ongoing efforts have identified demographic and disease characteristics associated with optimal response and toxicity. Novel products targeting alternative B-cell antigens or utilizing an allogeneic platform might be an option for those whose disease recurs after anti-CD19 CAR-T, with multiple studies ongoing to define their role in the treatment algorithm.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mantle cell lymphoma: how to clarify the confusion around first-line treatment?","authors":"Morgane Cheminant, Elena Robin-Marieton","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>First-line treatment strategies for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have greatly improved in recent years. High dose cytarabine, autologous stem cell transplantation for eligible patients and anti-CD20 maintenance therapy for all patients, have contributed to enhanced results, establishing a standard of care with unprecedented long-term outcome. Recently, a growing number of effective options such as Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, combinations of targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, have emerged, leading to confusion regarding the optimal first-line approach.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>BTK inhibitors have reshaped MCL treatment landscape, optimizing outcomes and minimizing toxicity. They will now be essential to first-line treatment strategy for young patients, challenging the traditional role of autologous stem cell transplantation. Moreover, targeted therapies have opened new prospects on chemo-free treatments for older patients.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The variety of treatment options will enable tailoring therapy. Prognostic stratification at diagnosis is crucial, paving the way for personalized treatment. This underscores the need for clear guidelines to navigate the complexities of available therapies and ensure effective treatment selection.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Carmen Rodríguez-Rubio, Alvaro Tejerizo, Blanca Gil-Ibáñez
{"title":"Current opinion on laparoscopic surgery in gynecologic oncology: challenges and advances in elderly patients.","authors":"Carmen Rodríguez-Rubio, Alvaro Tejerizo, Blanca Gil-Ibáñez","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001175","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001175","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>As the global population ages rapidly, there is an increasing need to address the particular challenges faced by elderly women with gynecological cancers. This review focuses on the role of laparoscopic surgery (LPS) and highlights its benefits, limitations, and future directions in this vulnerable population. By examining recent findings, this study provides timely insights into the application of minimally invasive surgical techniques in the elderly.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Current literature underscores the benefits of LPS, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and fewer postoperative complications, making it a viable option for elderly patients. However, challenges such as frailty, comorbidities, and the physiological effects of pneumoperitoneum remain significant. Advances in frailty assessment tools, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, and robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) are transforming preoperative planning and surgical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Laparoscopic surgery offers considerable advantages for elderly women with gynecologic cancers, balancing oncologic efficacy with reduced perioperative morbidity. Future research must focus on inclusive trials and geriatric-specific guidelines to optimize outcomes and broaden the applicability of minimally invasive techniques in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Richter transformation: biological insights, diagnostic challenges and emerging therapies.","authors":"Romain Guièze","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001173","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001173","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>this review aims to underscore the significance of the growing number of advances related to Richter transformation (RT), an aggressive form of lymphoma arising in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The development of sequencing analytic tools and single-cell approaches has overcome the major challenge of cellular admixture in RT, enabling a deeper understanding of the genetic alterations driving transformation from CLL to RT. These techniques have also made it possible to detect RT clones long before clinical onset. In parallel, novel targeted therapies for CLL and immunotherapeutic strategies for lymphomas are offering renewed hope. Recent phase 2 studies notably support the potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors and bispecific T-cell engagers in RT, while experience with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies continues to grow, raising hopes for improved outcomes in this historically difficult-to-treat condition.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>recent research is focusing on better understanding the transformation process, improving the early detection of RT, and developing novel targeted and immunotherapy treatments and combinations for patients with RT.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in aggressive lymphomas.","authors":"Gilles Crochet, Marc André, Wivine Bernard","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001172","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review provides the latest update on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), as of April 2025, with a focus on specific patient populations, long-term toxicities, and the optimal sequencing of therapies, particularly in view of emerging treatments such as bispecific antibodies.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Currently, three autologous CAR T-cell therapies targeting CD19 (axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel, and lisocabtagene maraleucel) have been approved for third-line treatment of DLBCL, demonstrating durable complete remission rates of up to 40%. More recently, axicabtagene ciloleucel and lisocabtagene maraleucel have been approved for second-line therapy in refractory or early-relapsed DLBCL. Additionally, the emergence of CD20/CD3 bispecific antibodies has expanded therapeutic options for relapsed/refractory DLBCL, raising questions about the optimal sequencing of these therapies. Growing real-world evidence further supports the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy in specific populations, including elderly patients, patients with transformed indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and those with Richter's transformation. Finally, extended follow-up periods have allowed for a better characterization of the long-term toxicities associated with CAR T-cell therapy.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Recent data on CAR T-cell therapy in DLBCL provides valuable insights into its benefits for specific populations, the optimization of treatment sequencing, and the management of long-term toxicities.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Circulating tumor DNA in B cell lymphomas.","authors":"Marco Fangazio, Laurent Dewispelaere","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001178","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review evaluates the importance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a minimally invasive tool in lymphoma management.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Current literature demonstrates ctDNA's ability to alleviate the shortcomings of standard biopsy and imaging, providing real-time insights into tumor burden, clonal evolution, and treatment resistance. In Hodgkin lymphoma, ctDNA allows for comprehensive genomic profiling and treatment monitoring. In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), ctDNA correlates with disease burden and is valuable for tracking resistance, especially in CAR T-cell therapy. In rare subtypes like primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL), ctDNA enhances diagnostic precision and enables early relapse detection. Even in indolent lymphomas, ctDNA could prove useful in relapse monitoring and risk assessment.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>CtDNA analysis could become a key element in personalized lymphoma management, enabling earlier interventions and tailored treatment strategies. However, future efforts should focus on harmonizing methodologies and validating findings in large-scale trials to allow these techniques to be adopted in routine practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}