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":"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":"492-498"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","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":"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":"441-447"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","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}
Max Bakker, Maria T Kuipers, Marie José Kersten, Sanne H Tonino, Yasmina I M Serroukh
{"title":"Perspectives on T-cell engaging therapies in relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.","authors":"Max Bakker, Maria T Kuipers, Marie José Kersten, Sanne H Tonino, Yasmina I M Serroukh","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001160","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001160","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) are indolent subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL) characterized by a relapsing-remitting disease course. A promising novel therapeutic class emerges with T-cell engaging therapies, which include CD19 directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy and CD3xCD20 directed bispecific antibodies (BsABs). This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of their efficacy and safety along with logistical considerations in relapsed/refractory (r/r) iNHL.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Several pivotal CAR-T trials have presented impressive response rates and durable remissions in r/r FL, while data in MZL is scarce. CAR-T is given as a single infusion, but requires a complex logistical infrastructure. Different BsAbs have shown favorable efficacy with a lower rate of acute toxicities. Off-the-shelve availability favors its usability, although prolonged administration of BsAbs might impose a substantial burden for patients. Long-term infection risk is a concern for both treatments. Clinical studies that directly compare CAR-T and BsAbs are still lacking.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Both CAR-T and BsAbs have demonstrated promising efficacy as treatment modalities in iNHL. Decision making for T-cell engaging therapies should be tailored to patient specific factors and availability. Maturation of follow-up data will further guide evidence-based treatment choices in FL and MZL.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"393-400"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144282811","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":"Advantages of robotic surgery in obese patients with endometrial cancer.","authors":"François Zaccarini, Henrik Falconer","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001156","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer among women in high-income countries and the prevalence is projected to increase worldwide because of the obesity epidemic. Surgery is a key step in the management of endometrial cancer. Performing surgery and delivering care to obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) and especially to morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 ) is challenging.This review focuses on the advantages of robotic surgery in obese patients with endometrial cancer.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The emergence of robotic surgery is associated with increasing rates of minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer. Robotic surgery offers several advantages over conventional laparoscopy, especially in obese patients with endometrial cancer which has led to decreasing rates of conversion to laparotomy. The approach allows surgical staging on obese and morbidly obese patients without increasing complication rates or the length of hospital stay, while improving ergonomics for the surgeon.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Robotic surgery should be the preferred approach for obese patients with endometrial cancer. Current data confirm its safety and benefits for this group of women, particularly for obese patients with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m 2 .</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"464-469"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149991","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":"Current role and indications of minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology.","authors":"Ignacio Zapardiel","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001157","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001157","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"37 5","pages":"448-449"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144783706","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":"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":"506-511"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","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}
María Alonso-Espías, Myriam Gracia, Ignacio Zapardiel
{"title":"Benefits of laparoscopic approach in early-stage ovarian cancer and ovarian masses.","authors":"María Alonso-Espías, Myriam Gracia, Ignacio Zapardiel","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001159","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on the use and benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the management of ovarian masses and early-stage ovarian cancer.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>MIS did not negatively impact survival outcomes or increase perioperative complication rates in patients with early-stage ovarian cancer compared to open surgery, while providing the inherent benefits associated with this surgical approach. Regarding the type of MIS, both laparoscopic and robotic approaches can be used in well selected patients at specialized centers.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>MIS appears to be a feasible and well tolerated surgical option for the evaluation of ovarian masses and for the comprehensive staging of early-stage ovarian cancer patients. Compared to open surgery, MIS offers several advantages, including significantly reduced blood loss, a lower need for transfusion, shorter hospital stays and faster postoperative recovery, without compromising surgical results. Furthermore, extensive retrospective studies have shown comparable survival outcomes between both approaches. However, high-quality evidence from randomized clinical trials is still needed to establish definitive conclusions and draw international recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"470-477"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144149232","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":"Liquid biopsy in breast cancer: promises and challenges.","authors":"Sotiris Loizidis, Maria-Alexandra Stanciu, Michail Ignatiadis","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001168","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review aims to provide the latest updates regarding circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) applications in breast cancer. We discuss the current indications and recent research efforts including important ongoing trials.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>In the metastatic setting, ctDNA has an established role for identifying druggable mutations (e.g. PIK3CA, ESR1, etc.). Various ctDNA assays used in randomized trials have been approved by regulatory authorities as companion diagnostic devices. Beyond precision medicine, emerging evidence indicates that ctDNA could be used for disease monitoring and detecting acquired resistance mechanisms. In the early setting, two types of ctDNA detection assays can be used: tumor-agnostic and tumor-informed, both having pros and cons. The clinical utility of ctDNA as a surveillance tool for patients with early breast cancer after treatment with curative intent is under investigation. Moreover, many research groups have demonstrated the potential role of ctDNA as a biomarker for assessing response to neoadjuvant systemic treatment and modification of therapeutic plan.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>CtDNA is currently used in metastatic breast cancer for treatment selection, and its clinical utility in early breast cancer is prospectively evaluated.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"512-521"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625509","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}
Roberta Scafetta, Marco Donato, Giuseppe Curigliano, Francesco Pantano
{"title":"Immunotherapy in rare histologies of breast cancer: challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives.","authors":"Roberta Scafetta, Marco Donato, Giuseppe Curigliano, Francesco Pantano","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Immunotherapy has transformed the management of several malignancies, yet its role in rare breast cancer histologies remains poorly defined due to limited research and few dedicated clinical trials. This review critically assesses current knowledge and emerging opportunities for immunotherapy in these uncommon breast cancer subtypes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Rare breast cancer histologies exhibit heterogeneous immunogenicity, including variable expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), differing levels of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and distinct mutational burdens. Recent studies highlight potential immunotherapy responsiveness in metaplastic, invasive lobular, apocrine, and other rare breast cancer types, though predictive biomarkers like PD-L1 and tumor mutational burden (TMB) alone appear insufficient. Currently, only two clinical trials specifically target rare breast cancer histologies, emphasizing significant knowledge gaps.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The effectiveness of immunotherapy in rare breast cancer histologies remains limited, likely due to inadequate patient selection using current biomarkers such as PD-L1 and TMB. Further research must focus on refining predictive biomarkers to better identify patients likely to from immunotherapy and enhance outcomes in these challenging clinical settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144946039","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}
Luca Arecco, Gabriella Gentile, Riccardo Gerosa, Matteo Lambertini, Laurence Buisseret, Alex De Caluwé, Evandro de Azambuja
{"title":"Immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer: novel approaches and future perspectives.","authors":"Luca Arecco, Gabriella Gentile, Riccardo Gerosa, Matteo Lambertini, Laurence Buisseret, Alex De Caluwé, Evandro de Azambuja","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001183","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To summarize recent advances and emerging strategies for integrating immunotherapy into the neoadjuvant treatment of patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer (eBC). This review explores how combining immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with standard treatments and/or novel strategies may potentially improve responses and long-term outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that adding ICIs to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HR-positive eBC significantly increases pathological complete response (pCR) rates. However, this benefit should be balanced against an increase in side effects, particularly those immune-mediated. Innovative approaches, such as incorporating radiation therapy to neoadjuvant treatments and ICIs have shown promise in enhancing immune responses, potentially overcoming the lower immunogenicity of luminal-like eBC.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The integration of immunotherapy into neoadjuvant regimens offers a promising strategy to improve outcomes in HR-positive/HER2-negative eBC. While increased pCR rates are encouraging, further research with longer follow-up is necessary to establish the impact on long-term survival. Optimizing patient selection through robust predictive biomarkers and refining combination strategies will be crucial to maximize clinical benefit while minimizing toxicity.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144946041","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}