{"title":"Understanding financial toxicity in cancer care through a social-ecological lens.","authors":"Joshua A Budhu, Bridgette Thom, Fumiko Chino","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001215","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Financial toxicity, defined as the material hardship and psychological distress associated with the costs of cancer care, has become a central concern in oncology as treatment complexity and patient cost-sharing increase. This review uses the Social-Ecological Model to conceptualize financial toxicity across multiple levels of influence, shifting focus from individual behaviors to the broader interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal systems that shape financial risk.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Financial toxicity arises through interconnected drivers across the Social-Ecological Model. At the individual level, direct and indirect treatment costs contribute to material and psychological burden. Interpersonally, limited cost communication and negative insurance interactions exacerbate distress. Organizational factors, including billing practices, ancillary expenses, and inflexible workflows, shape time and financial demands. Community-level inequities such as transportation barriers and area deprivation further compound hardship. Promising interventions include essential-needs programs, patient navigation, food support, financial counseling, structured cost conversations, universal screening, reduced ancillary fees, consolidated appointments, and partnerships with community groups. Societal drivers - including insurance design, cost sharing, and rising out-of-pocket expenses - require policy reforms that expand coverage generosity, address drug pricing, improve utilization-management transparency, and strengthen protections against medical debt.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Conceptualizing financial toxicity through a social-ecological lens underscores that meaningful progress requires multilevel interventions and coordinated efforts across patients, clinicians, institutions, communities, and policymakers.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"146-154"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13006846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212468","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}
{"title":"Antibody-drug conjugates: new drugs - new toxicities.","authors":"Megan H Wong, Nur Rahman, Maryam Lustberg","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001214","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have reshaped the treatment of solid tumors, offering targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents using monoclonal antibodies to achieve precise antineoplastic effects. As the use of ADCs expands with the development of new agents and long-term safety data remain limited, clinicians must recognize, monitor, and manage treatment-related adverse events to optimize patient care.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>With the expansion of available ADCs, a broad spectrum of acute and chronic toxicities emerged from off-target payload effects, monoclonal antibody components, and linker instability. Recent studies have shown ADCs are associated with both common and serious treatment-related toxicities, underscoring the need for tailored management strategies.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This comprehensive review discusses the toxicity profile of available ADC treatments for solid tumors and outlines practical approaches for toxicity monitoring and management. As the future of ADC therapy continues to evolve, integrating proactive toxicity mitigation and supportive care into clinical practice is crucial for maximizing therapeutic effect while also preserving patients' quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"120-128"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212353","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}
Gerardo Palmisano, Daniele Omar Traini, Francesco Brunetti, Federico Caponi, Alessandra D'Amore, Alessandro Di Stefani
{"title":"Evolving paradigms in the management of basal cell carcinoma.","authors":"Gerardo Palmisano, Daniele Omar Traini, Francesco Brunetti, Federico Caponi, Alessandra D'Amore, Alessandro Di Stefani","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001223","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) remains the most common malignancy worldwide. While the majority of tumors are curable with surgery, a subset of locally advanced or metastatic cases requires systemic therapy. Over the last few years, a surge of translational and clinical advances has reshaped management, from Hedgehog pathway inhibition to immune checkpoint blockade and perioperative integration. This review summarizes these developments and their implications for clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Updated evidence confirms Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (HHIs) as the standard first-line therapy for advanced BCC, while programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade with cemiplimab has established durable responses after HHI failure. Real-world studies suggest potential benefit of earlier immunotherapy use. Emerging topical and neoadjuvant strategies, including patidegib and combined systemic-local approaches, highlight a transition toward functional preservation. Concurrently, imaging technologies such as line-field confocal optical coherence tomography and ex vivo confocal microscopy improve preoperative assessment and response monitoring, while clinical trials explore multimodal and perioperative regimens.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The modern management of BCC is evolving toward a precision-oncology model integrating molecular targeting, immunotherapy, and advanced imaging. These developments are redefining therapeutic sequencing and the boundaries between surgery and systemic treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"107-113"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212374","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":"Conducting clinical trials in supportive and palliative oncology: challenges and opportunities.","authors":"David Hui, Eduardo Bruera","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001216","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>High-quality research is essential to enhance the delivery and outcomes of supportive care for patients with cancer. In this review, we discuss key challenges and potential solutions for conducting supportive care clinical trials in oncology.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Structural barriers to supportive care research include limited infrastructure and investigators, insufficient funding, a paucity of foundational research, and a lack of standardized terminologies. Process barriers involve challenges in patient recruitment and retention, intervention design, control selection, and outcome assessments. Recognition of these barriers enables the development of targeted strategies to overcome them. Encouragingly, there is growing awareness of the importance of supportive care among investigators, clinicians, patients, and healthcare administrators, leading to an increase in research activity, funding, and publications. Research centers and professional organizations dedicated to supportive care are actively building capacity and fostering collaboration. Additionally, innovative study designs, personalized outcome measures, and multicenter research networks offer promising strategies to enhance both the quantity and quality of clinical trials.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Through interdisciplinary collaborations, we can continue to strengthen the infrastructure and refine the processes in supportive care trials. These efforts will help build a robust evidence base and ultimately improve outcomes for patients with cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"129-136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212414","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}
Wiam Al Bouzidi, Mariano Suppa, Veronique Del Marmol
{"title":"Skin cancer screening in solid organ transplant recipients: development of the SUNTRAC tool.","authors":"Wiam Al Bouzidi, Mariano Suppa, Veronique Del Marmol","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001222","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001222","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To summarize the development, validation, and current clinical use of the Skin and Ultraviolet Neoplasia Risk Assessment Calculator (SUNTRAC) tool. We also discuss key gaps, including the need for greater personalization, incorporation of additional risk factors, and clearer clinical protocols to support its integration into routine care.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Skin cancer remains the most frequent malignancy in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), driven by long-term immunosuppression and other patient-specific risk factors. The SUNTRAC tool was developed to stratify skin cancer risk in this population using five key variables: Caucasian ethnicity, prior history of skin cancer, older age at transplant, male sex, and thoracic organ transplantation. Based on these well established risk factors, patients are categorized into defined risk groups with tailored screening recommendations. Furthermore, large European studies have validated the SUNTRAC tool in diverse populations and extended its utility beyond squamous cell carcinoma to include basal cell carcinoma. Additional research has explored refinements to improve its accuracy and clinical applicability.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The SUNTRAC tool is the most recent risk stratification model specifically designed to assess skin cancer risk in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). Although international validation studies have demonstrated its utility across diverse populations, standardized guidelines for its clinical implementation remain lacking. Despite strong external validation and wide availability, SUNTRAC is still inconsistently implemented in transplant referral pathways and guideline-driven care, illustrating a persistent gap between evidence and routine practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"102-106"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212451","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":"Noninvasive skin imaging of melanocytic and nonmelanocytic tumours: recent findings.","authors":"Lucas Boussingault, Lyna Mtimet, Mariano Suppa","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001221","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Early diagnosis of skin cancer is essential for patient care. Noninvasive skin imaging devices have become increasingly used for the assessment of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). This article reviews the scientific literature published from March 2024 up to October 2025 and highlights the latest findings.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Reflectance confocal microscopy remains the technique of choice for melanoma and lentigo maligna as it enhances diagnosis and reduces unnecessary biopsies. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography confirms its utility for NMSC but shows growing potential for melanocytic lesions. Optical coherence tomography and high-frequency ultrasound provide evaluation of tumour thickness and margins. Dermoscopy and its high-magnification variant still serve as more accessible tools. Moreover, the addition of artificial intelligence and tele-imaging platforms is emerging.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Noninvasive skin imaging devices, combined with artificial intelligence, are useful throughout patient management as they improve diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and surgical planning. They reduce unnecessary biopsies, aim towards more personalized medicine and overall improve patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"95-101"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212462","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}
Henry C Y Wong, Nicolas H Hart, Alexandre Chan, Carolyn Ee, Carla Thamm, Raymond J Chan
{"title":"Global priorities for advancing cancer survivorship.","authors":"Henry C Y Wong, Nicolas H Hart, Alexandre Chan, Carolyn Ee, Carla Thamm, Raymond J Chan","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001217","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Cancer survivorship is increasingly recognized as an important component of cancer care, yet access to high-quality care remains inconsistent globally. This review highlights priorities for advancing survivorship care worldwide, focusing on equity of access, outcomes for vulnerable populations, multidisciplinary models, technology-enabled interventions, and global collaboration.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Survivorship needs differ across tumor streams and cancer sub-populations, especially older adults, adolescent, and people with advanced or metastatic cancers who face unique physical, psychosocial, and other practical challenges. Models that involve a variety of clinicians, such as oncologists and hematologists, primary care providers, nurses and allied health providers maintain quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and support patient preferences, yet most countries still rely on oncologist-led follow-up. Digital health and artificial intelligence have the potential to enhance symptom monitoring, improve patient engagement, and deliver personalized care. Surveys led by the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) reveal persistent disparities, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries and communities, highlighting evident gaps in supportive care access, infrastructure, and guideline implementation.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Advancing high-quality survivorship care requires embedding equity into research and policy, expanding multidisciplinary and technology-enabled care models, and strengthening global collaboration. Longitudinal studies, region-specific guidelines, and capacity building in low-resource and middle-resource settings are essential. Implementing these strategies can optimize the outcomes and ensure sustainable care delivery for cancer survivors worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"137-145"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212516","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}
Fatma Ben Abid, Mounir Bachouchi, Corina Van Den Hurk, Andrea Antonuzzo, Amine Souadka
{"title":"Supportive care in the world: an international opinion on MASCC's perspectives.","authors":"Fatma Ben Abid, Mounir Bachouchi, Corina Van Den Hurk, Andrea Antonuzzo, Amine Souadka","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001218","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Supportive care is no longer a secondary aspect of oncology; it is the foundation that enables people with cancer not only to survive but to live with dignity, comfort, and relief throughout and beyond treatment. In 2025, as cancer survival improves globally, the need to integrate supportive care as a universal standard has become increasingly urgent. This review is timely and relevant as it examines the current global landscape of supportive care and the persisting inequities that threaten its implementation across health systems.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Over the past three and a half decades, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) has been central to the evolution of the field by advancing research, developing evidence-based guidelines, training health care professionals, and amplifying the voices of patients and caregivers. Despite this progress, major disparities remain. High-income countries increasingly embed supportive care within standard oncology practice, while many low- and middle-income countries face limited access to essential medicines, trained staff, and survivorship programs.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This commentary reflects an international perspective on where supportive care stands and where it must go. It highlights MASCC's contributions and future vision through its Study Groups, Centers of Excellence, and the Supportive Care 2030 Movement, a global roadmap for equity, universal access, and improved patient-reported outcomes. Supportive care is not optional; it is a right and a prerequisite for quality cancer care and survivorship, requiring sustained innovation, inclusivity, and global commitment.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"114-119"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212519","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}
Sofie Abboud, Luigi Romano, Mireille Langouo Fontsa
{"title":"Melanoma in adolescents and young adults: special considerations.","authors":"Sofie Abboud, Luigi Romano, Mireille Langouo Fontsa","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001220","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001220","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Melanoma in adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15-39 years) occupies a unique position between pediatric and adult disease. Although uncommon, it represents a meaningful proportion of malignancies in this age group. Its distinct epidemiology, histopathological subtypes, and clinical features necessitate age-specific approaches. This review synthesizes current evidence to clarify the unique characteristics of AYA melanoma and to inform future research and clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Emerging data reveal notable age- and sex-specific differences in anatomical distribution, stage at presentation, and molecular alterations. AYAs more often present with superficial spreading and Spitzoid melanomas, frequently driven by BRAF, NRAS, or kinase fusions. Genetic susceptibility often interacts with ultraviolet exposure and tanning behaviors. Management generally follows adult protocols, including conservative surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and systemic immunotherapy or targeted therapies for advanced disease. Overall survival is favorable compared with older adults, though male patients consistently have worse outcomes. Survivors face an increased risk of second primary melanomas, highlighting the need for long-term surveillance. Psychosocial and reproductive health issues are increasingly recognized as essential components of care.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>AYA melanoma requires tailored, multidisciplinary strategies that integrate prevention, molecular profiling, long-term follow-up, and dedicated research frameworks to optimize clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"38 2","pages":"89-94"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146212485","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 landscape of bispecific antibodies in the treatment of lung cancer.","authors":"Xuanhong Jin, Chang Chang, Fei Zhou","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001206","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality, faces persistent challenges like resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. This review comprehensively outlines the evolving role of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), summarizing their mechanisms, clinical findings, and future directions. It is timely given emerging data and novel bsAbs that may reshape lung cancer treatment.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The article covers the development and clinical application of bsAbs in lung cancer, highlighting advancements in production technology and diverse formats. bsAbs are designed to simultaneously bind two different antigens, enabling mechanisms such as immune cell bridging and dual targeting of oncogenic pathways. Key themes include the use of bsAbs as first-line treatments, their role in second-line and later-line settings, and their application in neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The findings suggest that bsAbs represent a significant advancement in lung cancer treatment, offering new therapeutic strategies to address unmet needs. The development of next-generation bsAbs, including trispecific antibodies and conditional activation platforms, promises enhanced precision and safety. These innovations have the potential to improve outcomes for patients with advanced lung cancer. Future research should focus on optimizing patient selection through biomarker-driven approaches and exploring combination therapies to maximize the benefits of bsAbs.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"54-70"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145495064","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}