Andrea Franza, Chiara Fabbroni, Sandro Pasquali, Paolo Giovanni Casali, Roberta Sanfilippo
{"title":"New targeted therapies in liposarcoma: state of art and future perspectives.","authors":"Andrea Franza, Chiara Fabbroni, Sandro Pasquali, Paolo Giovanni Casali, Roberta Sanfilippo","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001055","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Liposarcomas (LPSs) represent the most common soft tissue sarcoma (STS) subtype, and exhibit distinct clinical molecular features according to histological subgroup. Chemotherapy (ChT), and in particular anthracycline-based schedules, still remains the standard of treatment for all LPS forms. However, given the increasing knowledge gained throughout last years about LPS molecular biology and their genomic profiling, new therapeutic alternatives with targeted drugs are now to be considered. In this review, we will highlight most promising ongoing and published clinical trials regarding targeted therapies in LPSs and provide some insights about future approaches and possible new treatment options for this rare disease.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Among all the explored targets, mouse double minute 2 homolog amplification and CKD4-Rb axis inhibition seem to be the most promising target in well differentiated/dedifferentiated LPS subtype. On the other hand, myxoid LPS is known to have a particular sensitivity for trabectedin, which acts like a targeted drug due to its specific action on cellular DNA. In addition to these, multiple other strategies are now being evaluated in LPSs, including the administration of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and 'new-old' cytotoxic agents, such as cabazitaxel, in a continuously growing scenario.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Although preliminary, results of recently published and ongoing examined clinical trials will hopefully be translated in clinical practice in the next future, leading the way to future research in this rare disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"291-296"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140897353","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":"Emerging therapies in Ewing sarcoma.","authors":"Sandra J Strauss, Pablo Berlanga, Martin G McCabe","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001048","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>There is an unmet need to improve outcomes for patients for Ewing sarcoma, a rare, aggressive sarcoma with a peak incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYA). Current therapy at diagnosis involves multiagent chemotherapy and local therapy, but despite intensification of treatment, those with metastases at diagnosis and recurrent disease have poor outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Improved understanding of Ewing sarcoma biology has identified novel targets with promising activity in Ewing sarcoma patients, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors that are now undergoing evaluation as combination and maintenance therapy. Other emerging therapies include those that target the EWSR1::FLI1 fusion oncoprotein, and act on DNA damage, cell cycle and apoptotic pathways. Immunotherapeutic approaches, particularly CAR-T-cell therapy directed at GD2, also hold promise. Recent collaborative clinical trials that have defined an international standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed Ewing sarcoma and novel platform studies with adaptive designs offer unique opportunities to investigate these therapies inclusive of all ages.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Close international collaboration between clinicians and biologists will allow us to prioritize promising emerging therapies and develop biomarkers to facilitate their incorporation into standard of care and more rapidly translate into benefit for Ewing sarcoma patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"297-304"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11155282/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141075578","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":"Health education in cancer patients: a renewed paradigm of \"active\" prevention.","authors":"Antonietta Iasiello","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CCO.0000000000001053","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"36 4","pages":"203-205"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141260442","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}
David Gómez-Peregrina, Carlo Maria Cicala, César Serrano
{"title":"Monitoring advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor with circulating tumor DNA.","authors":"David Gómez-Peregrina, Carlo Maria Cicala, César Serrano","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001040","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review explores the role of circulating tumor (ct)DNA as a biomarker for clinical decision-making and monitoring purposes in metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients. We discuss key insights from recent clinical trials and anticipate the future perspectives of ctDNA profiling within the clinical landscape of GIST.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The identification and molecular characterization of KIT/platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mutations from ctDNA in metastatic GIST is feasible and reliable. Such identification through ctDNA serves as a predictor of clinical outcomes to tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in metastatic patients. Additionally, conjoined ctDNA analysis from clinical trials reveal the evolving mutational landscapes and increase in intratumoral heterogeneity across treatment lines. Together, this data positions ctDNA determination as a valuable tool for monitoring disease progression and guiding therapy in metastatic patients. These collective efforts culminated in the initiation of a ctDNA-based randomized clinical trial in GIST, marking a significant milestone in integrating ctDNA testing into the clinical care of GIST patients.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The dynamic field of ctDNA technologies is rapidly evolving and holds significant promise for research. Several trials have successfully validated the clinical utility of ctDNA in metastatic GIST, laying the foundations for its prospective integration into the routine clinical management of GIST patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"282-290"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140897346","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":"Sarcoma incidence worldwide: regional differences in histology and molecular subtypes.","authors":"Ming-Jing Lee, Tom Wei-Wu Chen","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001046","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>There are numerous sarcoma subtypes and vary widely in terms of epidemiology, clinical characteristics, genetic profiles, and pathophysiology. They also differ widely between ethnic groups. This review focuses on the different incidence rates of sarcomas in different regions and the potential explanations for these disparities.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>In an intercontinental study using national cancer registry databases from France and Taiwan, the French population had a higher risk of liposarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, and synovial sarcomas, whereas the Taiwanese population had a higher incidence of angiosarcomas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The anatomical distribution of these sarcomas also varied between these two regions. In France, most angiosarcoma cases occurred in the extremities and trunk, whereas in Taiwan, angiosarcoma cases in the abdomen and pelvis were more common. Another international study showed that in addition to the common known TP53 and NF1 germline mutations, genes involved in centromere and telomere maintenance were also involved in sarcomagenesis. We reviewed factors related to genetics, environmental effects, chemical exposure, and radiation exposure that could explain the differences in sarcoma incidence among different geographical or ethnic regions.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Our understanding of the potential cause of sarcomas with different subtypes is limited. Establishing a comprehensive global database for patients with sarcomas from all ethnic groups is essential to deepen our understanding of the potential risk factors and the pathophysiology of all sarcoma subtypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"276-281"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140897358","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}
Yves Libert, Caroline Langhendries, Lisa Choucroun, Isabelle Merckaert
{"title":"Interventions aiming to improve advance care planning uptake in oncology: a scoping review of recent randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Yves Libert, Caroline Langhendries, Lisa Choucroun, Isabelle Merckaert","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001045","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve ACP uptake appears mixed. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize findings from recent RCTs assessing the efficacy of interventions designed to increase ACP uptake in cancer care.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The PubMed database was searched for studies published between 2021 and 2023. Ten RCTs were identified that evaluated a wide range of interventions aimed at encouraging or facilitating ACP communication among patients with advanced cancer, caregivers, and HCPs. Three RCTs developed ACP facilitation tools for patients and sometimes caregivers. Six RCTs involved integrating trained ACP facilitators into patient care, and one RCT used nudges to encourage oncologists trained in ACP discussions to initiate discussions with patients at highest risk of short-term mortality. Most of the reviewed interventions were based on previously tested intervention approaches or tools.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The key effects identified in this review are the facilitation of ACP discussions among patients, caregivers, and HCPs, and the documentation of patient preferences in the medical record. The direct involvement of facilitators in ACP document drafting and inclusion in patient files, as well as interventions prompting end-of-life discussions, contributed to this effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"233-247"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11155288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140916255","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}
Rukh Yusuf, Ding Quan Ng, Lilibeth Torno, Alexandre Chan
{"title":"Current evidence of integrative oncology modalities for managing adverse effects and survivorship issues among adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and survivors.","authors":"Rukh Yusuf, Ding Quan Ng, Lilibeth Torno, Alexandre Chan","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001033","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Symptom burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment has led adolescents and young adult cancer patients (AYAC) and survivors to seek different self-management strategies including integrative oncology (IO) modalities. IO holds great promise to improve survivorship issues in adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. This review aims to encompass the current evidence of IO modalities and to analyze the efficacy of IO for managing survivorship issues among AYA cancer patients and survivors.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Nineteen randomized controlled trials included in this review evaluated mind and body modalities including both physical and psychological (74%) and psychological only (26%) modalities. Most assessed IO modalities were physical activity (PA) (37%) and structured exercise (10%). Most effective IO modalities found were PA, massage, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and light therapy for treating AYA symptom burden. The Cochrane risk of bias (RoB-2) concluded 21% studies had high risk, 58% possessed some concerns and 21% had low risk.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Although evidence has shown that a number of IO modalities may improve survivorship among AYA cancer survivors, more rigorous study designs are needed in order for these modalities to be routinely recommended for use in clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":"36 4","pages":"211-222"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141260441","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}
Jean Klastersky, Isabelle Libert, Yves Libert, Marie-Aline Echterbille
{"title":"A new comprehensive and stratified concept for supportive care in cancer patients.","authors":"Jean Klastersky, Isabelle Libert, Yves Libert, Marie-Aline Echterbille","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001039","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Supportive care in oncology has evolved alongside effective anticancer treatments since the 1960s, beginning with the advent of chemotherapy for acute leukemia. It was initially focused on managing treatment-induced complications, and expanded to address broader aspects of patient well being; the scope of supportive care needs to be periodically re-assessed.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Early palliative care interventions, and more recently advance care planning emerged as vital components, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Despite barriers, such as prognostic uncertainty, these approaches have demonstrated significant benefits for patients with advanced disease. Additionally, the management of cancer survivors requires ongoing medical surveillance and psycho-social support. In the last years, integrative medicine has also emerged as a complementary approach to address survivors' holistic needs.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>A proposed stratified model of supportive care emphasizes interventions based on patients' prognosis, with interdisciplinary collaboration ensuring comprehensive care across all stages of the cancer journey. This model provides a framework for the development of integrated supportive care units.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"206-210"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140897193","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":"Active surveillance and emerging medical treatment options for desmoid: when and for whom?","authors":"Sylvie Bonvalot, Aisha Miah, Bernd Kasper","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001049","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This article discusses the evolving approaches to desmoid tumors management, shedding light on recent developments.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Active surveillance has become the primary approach for managing primary peripheral desmoid tumors. This strategy was initially based on evidence from retrospective studies. Roughly 50% of cases managed with active surveillance show spontaneous stabilization or regression. Recent prospective trials conducted in Italy, The Netherlands, and France (2022-2023) confirm the efficacy of active surveillance, revealing 3-year progression-free survival rates ranging from 53.4 to 58%. For the patients under active surveillance, decisions regarding treatment are based on significant tumor growth or progressive symptoms. Moreover, three contemporary randomized trials investigated medical treatments for progressive or recurrent desmoid tumors. Sorafenib, pazopanib, and nirogacestat demonstrated clinical activity, as evidenced by favorable progression-free survival and objective response rates.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>Active surveillance has solidified its position as the primary management approach for desmoid tumors, validated by three robust prospective studies. Three recent randomized trials explored medical treatment for progressive or recurrent desmoid tumors, revealing promising clinical activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"263-268"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140897339","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}
Charlotte Hanssens, Oumnia Mouna, Michel Meyers, Alain Hendlisz
{"title":"State-of-the-art and trends in fibroblast growth factor receptor-directed therapies in gastro-intestinal malignancies.","authors":"Charlotte Hanssens, Oumnia Mouna, Michel Meyers, Alain Hendlisz","doi":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001047","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CCO.0000000000001047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review is timely and relevant due to the increasing recognition of the significance of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family in cancer biology. Understanding the role of FGFRs and their dysregulation in various cancers is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The review highlights the importance of the FGFR family in cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and survival. It discusses how abnormalities in FGFR2, including overexpression, gene amplification, and other genetic alterations, contribute to cancer progression, particularly in gastro-intestinal cancers. The paper also emphasizes the promising results of FGFR-targeted therapies, especially tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in certain cancers such as cholangiocarcinoma and oesophagogastric cancers.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>The findings underscore the potential of FGFR-targeted therapies in treating cancers with FGFR dysregulation. However, the review also addresses the challenges associated with these therapies, including toxicities and mechanisms of resistance. Understanding these complexities is essential for optimizing the efficacy of FGFR-targeted treatments and improving patient outcomes in clinical practice and research efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":10893,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Oncology","volume":" ","pages":"320-325"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140897452","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}