{"title":"Liquid biopsy in brain tumors: moving on, slowly.","authors":"Giulia Berzero, Valentina Pieri, Leonardo Palazzo, Gaetano Finocchiaro, Massimo Filippi","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001079","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Due to limited access to the tumor, there is an obvious clinical potential for liquid biopsy in patients with primary brain tumors. Here, we review current approaches, present limitations to be dealt with, and new promising data that may impact the field.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The value of circulating tumor cell-free DNA (ctDNA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the noninvasive diagnosis of primary brain tumors has been confirmed in several reports. The detection of ctDNA in the peripheral blood is desirable for patient follow-up but requires ultrasensitive methods to identify low mutant allelic frequencies. Digital PCR approaches and targeted gene panels have been used to identify recurrent hotspot mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) from CSF or plasma. Tumor classification from circulating methylomes in plasma has been actively pursued, although the need of advanced bioinformatics currently hampers clinical application. The use of focused ultrasounds to open the blood-brain barrier may represent a way to enrich of ctDNA the peripheral blood and enhance plasma-based liquid biopsy.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Monitoring CNVs and hotspot mutations by liquid biopsy is a promising tool to detect minimal residual disease and strengthen response assessment in patients with primary brain tumors. Novel methods to increase the relative and/or absolute amount of ctDNA can improve the clinical potential of plasma-based liquid biopsies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"521-529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141619599","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":"When do I ask for a DNA methylation array for primary brain tumor diagnosis?","authors":"Valeria Barresi, Pietro Luigi Poliani","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001089","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Despite remarkable advances in molecular characterization, the diagnosis of brain tumors remains challenging, particularly in cases with ambiguous histology or contradictory molecular features. In this context, DNA methylation profiling plays an important role in improving diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. This review aims to provide diagnostic guidance regarding when DNA methylation arrays represent a useful tool for the diagnosis of primary brain tumors.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Large-scale profiling has revealed that DNA methylation profiles of brain tumors are highly reproducible and stable. Therefore, DNA methylation profiling has been successfully used to classify brain tumors and identify new entities. This approach seems to be particularly promising for heterogeneous groups of tumors, such as IDH -wildtype gliomas, and glioneuronal and embryonal tumors, which include a variety of entities that are still under characterization.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>As underlined in the fifth edition of the WHO classification of central nervous system tumors, the diagnosis of brain tumors requires the integration of histological, molecular, clinical, and radiological features. Although advanced imaging and histological examination remain the standard diagnostic tools, DNA methylation analysis can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, with a substantial impact on patient management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"530-535"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153380","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}
Lorenzo Guidi, Laura Boldrini, Dario Trapani, Giuseppe Curigliano
{"title":"Antibody-drug conjugates in metastatic breast cancer: sequencing, combinations and resistances.","authors":"Lorenzo Guidi, Laura Boldrini, Dario Trapani, Giuseppe Curigliano","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001087","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Significant advancements have been made in treating metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). However, due to the development of resistance, patients experience disease progression. The aim of this review is to summarize current evidence on ADCs sequencing strategies and combination approaches in the treatment of MBC.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Concerning HER2 positive MBC, current evidence on the optimal ADC-sequencing is primarily about T-DXd, which demonstrated therapeutic value when used post-T-DM1. Conversely, data are limited about the reverse sequence. Similarly, in HER2-negative MBC, recent studies evaluated the sequential use of Sacituzumab Govitecan and T-DXd, which was associated with poor responses. Retrospective analyses have not demonstrated an optimal sequencing strategy for ADCs, and it is still very unclear whether switching the payload or targeting a different antigen may represent the best approach. Combinations may better overcome ADC resistance: interesting data associating immunotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors to ADCs appear promising, albeit data are still immature.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>In MBC, ADCs have expanded treatment options but their sequential use requires further study. Evidence suggests that sequencing ADCs with similar payloads is ineffective, though current data are inconclusive. More research is needed to optimize treatment strategies, including potential combination therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"487-494"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153362","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}
Nour Moukalled, Iman Abou Dalle, Jean El Cheikh, Yishan Ye, Florent Malarad, Mohamad Mohty, Ali Bazarbachi
{"title":"The emerging role of melflufen and peptide-conjugates in multiple myeloma.","authors":"Nour Moukalled, Iman Abou Dalle, Jean El Cheikh, Yishan Ye, Florent Malarad, Mohamad Mohty, Ali Bazarbachi","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001090","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The past two decades have witnessed an impressive expansion in the treatment landscape of multiple myeloma, leading to significant improvements in progression-free; as well as overall survival. However, almost all patients still experience multiple relapses during their disease course, with biological and cytogenetic heterogeneity affecting response to subsequent treatments. The purpose of this review is to provide a historical background regarding the role of alkylating agents and an updated data regarding the use of peptide-drug conjugates such as melflufen for patients with multiple myeloma.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The combination of daratumumab-melflufen-dexamethasone evaluated in the LIGHTHOUSE study showed a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to single-agent daratumumab (not reached vs. 4.9 months respectively; P = 0.0032), with improvement in overall response rate to 59% vs. 30% respectively; P = 0.03.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>There have been an interest in developing and utilizing peptide-drug conjugates such as melflufen for treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, especially in the relapsed setting given historical results with alkylating agents, the use of which has been limited by dose-related toxicities in a disease that remains largely incurable. Single agent melflufen initially showed promising results especially in specific subgroups of heavily pretreated patients before the decision to suspend all clinical trials evaluating this agent after results from the OCEAN phase 3 trial. Subsequent reported analyses especially for melflufen-based combinations appear promising and suggest a potential use of peptide-drug conjugates provided optimal patient selection, as well as identification of the best companion agent.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"583-592"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153371","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":"Biomarker-directed therapy in multiple myeloma.","authors":"Adam Bryant, Hang Quach","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001091","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Multiple myeloma is currently treated with a one-size-fits-all approach despite significant heterogeneity in patient outcomes and disease molecular constitution. A personalised approach would tailor therapy to unique patient or disease characteristics.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Well established prognostic biomarkers such as cytogenetic risk and patient frailty status are being evaluated as potential predictive biomarkers. Specifically, treatment intensity can be augmented in high-risk patients or conversely attenuated in those at lower risk or lower ability to withstand treatment toxicities. Alternatively, targeted therapy can be rationally designed to exploit vulnerable pathways in myeloma cells as identified using predictive biomarkers. The t(11;14) translocation, found in approximately 15-20% of myeloma cases, is a leading biomarker for response to BCL-2 inhibitors such as venetoclax.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Active research efforts exploring venetoclax combination therapies, as well as new generation BCL-2 inhibitors are underway. Following the development of venetoclax, numerous other cellular pathways are under investigation as candidate predictive biomarkers to rationally inform newer targeted therapies in myeloma.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"600-609"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153363","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}
Humberto Martinez-Cordero, Cynthia Fuentes-Lacouture, Alana von Glasenapp, Camila Peña
{"title":"The 5T's of health disparities in multiple myeloma in Latin America.","authors":"Humberto Martinez-Cordero, Cynthia Fuentes-Lacouture, Alana von Glasenapp, Camila Peña","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001088","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Health disparities or inequities, which are defined as differences in the quality of medical and healthcare between populations among racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, have been validated in numerous studies as determinants of survival and quality of life in different diseases, including cancer.Compared to the improvement in overall survival in developed countries in relation to better diagnostic opportunity and novel therapeutic approaches, low and middle-income countries still have significant barriers in accessing these therapies.The potential impact of overcoming these barriers is immense and offers hope for better outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>There is great heterogeneity in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to multiple myeloma among different latitudes. Latin America has been characterized by important limitations in using the best technologies currently available in developed countries.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Overcoming health disparities in multiple myeloma in LMICs could help improve survival and quality of life outcomes. Likewise, it is necessary to increase the representation of the Latin population in clinical studies, primarily in our region.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"610-614"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153370","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}
Ahmed Alnughmush, Riad El Fakih, Ruah Alyamany, Nasir Bakshi, Saud Alhayli, Mahmoud Aljurf
{"title":"Duodenal-type follicular lymphoma: comprehensive insights into disease characteristics and established treatment strategies.","authors":"Ahmed Alnughmush, Riad El Fakih, Ruah Alyamany, Nasir Bakshi, Saud Alhayli, Mahmoud Aljurf","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001093","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review aims to detail the characteristics and outcomes of duodenal-type follicular lymphoma (DTFL), a rare lymphoma variant. It focuses on integrating recent reports in treatment modalities and highlights emerging insights into the unique biological features of the disease.</p><p><strong>Recent finding: </strong>Recent studies confirm the indolent nature of DTFL, with extended follow-up periods showing favorable outcomes under watchful waiting strategies and a notable proportion of patients experiencing spontaneous remission. Additionally, advancements in understanding the disease's biology revealed that the tumor microenvironment is marked by specific genomic expressions indicative of chronic inflammation.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The observations of spontaneous resolution and the generally favorable progression of DTFL call for a conservative approach in initiating treatment. Clinical management should judiciously consider the disease's typically benign course against the potential risks of intervention, promoting customized treatment protocols tailored for cases with clinical necessity. Additionally, the discovery of an inflammatory tumor microenvironment and molecular evidence suggesting an antigen-driven process highlight critical areas for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"577-582"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153364","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}
Pier Paolo M Berton Giachetti, Elisa Giordano, Beatrice Taurelli Salimbeni, Dario Trapani, Giuseppe Curigliano
{"title":"Genomic tests for risk stratification in patients with early human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer.","authors":"Pier Paolo M Berton Giachetti, Elisa Giordano, Beatrice Taurelli Salimbeni, Dario Trapani, Giuseppe Curigliano","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001084","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genomic tests, particularly focusing on the most recent developments and looking at the future prospects of this field, yet to be thoroughly explored.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>HER2DX is a multifeatured assay, retrospectively proved to add prognostic information and to predict pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC) undergoing neoadjuvant treatment containing HER2-directed agents. Preliminary data have shown that the assay maintains its predictive capabilities even in the context of chemotherapy-free, anti-HER2 neoadjuvant regimens, potentially selecting patients suitable for treatment de-escalation, having highly HER2-driven malignancies.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Multigene prognostic assays have become essential tools in the management of EBC, providing crucial information for risk stratification.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"480-486"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153366","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}
Francesco Sanvito, Antonella Castellano, Timothy F Cloughesy, Patrick Y Wen, Benjamin M Ellingson
{"title":"RANO 2.0 criteria: concepts applicable to the neuroradiologist's clinical practice.","authors":"Francesco Sanvito, Antonella Castellano, Timothy F Cloughesy, Patrick Y Wen, Benjamin M Ellingson","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001077","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) 2.0 criteria aim at improving the standardization and reliability of treatment response assessment in clinical trials studying central nervous system (CNS) gliomas. This review presents the evidence supporting RANO 2.0 updates and discusses which concepts can be applicable to the clinical practice, particularly in the clinical radiographic reads.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Updates in RANO 2.0 were supported by recent retrospective analyses of multicenter data from recent clinical trials. As proposed in RANO 2.0, in tumors receiving radiation therapy, the post-RT MRI scan should be used as a reference baseline for the following scans, as opposed to the pre-RT scan, and radiographic findings suggesting progression within three months after radiation therapy completion should be verified with confirmatory scans. Volumetric assessments should be considered, when available, especially for low-grade gliomas, and the evaluation of nonenhancing disease should have a marginal role in glioblastoma. However, the radiographic reads in the clinical setting also benefit from aspects that lie outside RANO 2.0 criteria, such as qualitative evaluations, patient-specific clinical considerations, and advanced imaging.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>While RANO 2.0 criteria are meant for the standardization of the response assessment in clinical trials, some concepts have the potential to improve patients' management in the clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"536-544"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11493521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141619602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}