Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-25DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000844
Anaïs Schavgoulidze, Jill Corre
{"title":"Risk Stratification in Myeloma: Defining Precision in the Genomic Era.","authors":"Anaïs Schavgoulidze, Jill Corre","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000844","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000844","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple myeloma (MM) exhibits marked clinical heterogeneity, with outcomes ranging from long-term disease control to rapid progression. Accurate identification of high-risk patients is therefore essential. Over the past decades, cytogenetic abnormalities have emerged as key prognostic factors, leading to successive staging systems integrating genomic data. However, limitations in existing models and a lack of standardization have hindered optimal risk assessment. The recent Consensus Genomic Staging (CGS) provides a unified definition of high-risk disease, emphasizing TP53 alterations, biallelic 1p32 deletion, and combinations of intermediate-risk lesions. Validation studies confirm its prognostic value, while also highlighting residual heterogeneity and the concept of functional high-risk disease. Advances in next-generation sequencing, particularly whole-genome sequencing, offer deeper insight into genomic complexity and may further refine stratification. Integration of genomic profiling, gene expression, and minimal residual disease assessment is likely to enhance precision medicine. Ultimately, improved risk stratification is critical to guide risk-adapted therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes in multiple myeloma.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149079713","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-09-01Epub Date: 2026-09-25DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000852
Yan Song, Poy Theprungsirikul, Annamaria Gulla, Kenneth C Anderson
{"title":"Proteostasis as a Therapeutic Backbone: Proteasome Inhibitors and Emerging Regimens.","authors":"Yan Song, Poy Theprungsirikul, Annamaria Gulla, Kenneth C Anderson","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000852","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000852","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multiple myeloma cells are uniquely dependent on proteostasis due to their exceptionally high immunoglobulin synthesis and protein turnover, rendering them hypersensitive to disruptions in protein degradation. Proteasome inhibitors targeting the 20 S catalytic core exploit this vulnerability and remain a therapeutic cornerstone in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory settings, anchoring both triplet and quadruplet regimens that incorporate anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory agents, antibody-drug conjugates, and nuclear export inhibitors. Beyond the 20 S core, emerging targets, including the 19 S regulatory particle, deubiquitinating enzymes, and the E1-E2-E3 ubiquitination cascade, offer opportunities to intensify proteotoxic stress and overcome resistance. Targeted protein degradation platforms, including CELMoDs, proteolysis targeting chimeras, molecular glues, and proteasome cap-recruiting chimeras, further expand the therapeutic repertoire. Compensatory stress responses involving autophagy, the unfolded protein response, and the bone marrow microenvironment modulate therapeutic vulnerability. Collectively, these advances position proteostasis not as a single druggable target but as an integrated therapeutic network amenable to rational, biomarker-informed combination strategies in multiple myeloma.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149079722","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000837
Yunan Nie, Frederick H Wilson
{"title":"Targeting Oncogenic Gene Fusions in Lung Cancer.","authors":"Yunan Nie, Frederick H Wilson","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000837","DOIUrl":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000837","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oncogenic gene fusions define a clinically important subset of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) for which targeted therapies have transformed outcomes. Over the past 15 years, successive generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (and more recently, monoclonal antibodies) have demonstrated substantial improvements in response rates, progression-free survival, and central nervous system control across multiple fusion-defined populations. This review consolidates current evidence for FDA-approved therapies targeting ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK, and NRG1 fusions in lung cancer, highlighting mechanisms of action, pivotal clinical trials, resistance patterns, and toxicity profiles. We also discuss advances in molecular diagnostics (including the growing role of RNA-based sequencing) and emerging strategies in the adjuvant and perioperative settings. Finally, we outline ongoing clinical trials and future directions aimed at overcoming resistance and expanding precision oncology approaches for patients with rare fusion-driven lung cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13453152/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583774","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000839
Humberto E Trejo Bittar, Sanja E Dacic
{"title":"Lung Cancer Biomarker Testing: IHC, Tissue Genomics, Digital Pathology, and ctDNA.","authors":"Humberto E Trejo Bittar, Sanja E Dacic","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000839","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000839","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Testing for predictive biomarkers in lung cancer has evolved to integrate immunohistochemistry, tissue-based next-generation sequencing (NGS), and liquid biopsy. Tissue-based NGS remains the foundation for comprehensive genomic profiling, enabling detection of actionable mutations and guiding personalized therapies. RNA-based assays complement DNA testing by improving fusion detection. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers a minimally invasive alternative for genotyping, monitoring treatment response, and assessing minimal residual disease, though sensitivity challenges persist in early-stage disease. Immunohistochemistry for PD-L1 and emerging antibody-drug conjugate targets further expands therapeutic options. Workflow optimization, including molecular tumor boards, reflex testing, and rapid assays, is critical to reduce turnaround times. Lastly, advances in digital pathology and AI promise novel biomarker discovery and integration into clinical practice, ensuring accurate interpretation and personalized treatment strategies in the rapidly evolving field of lung cancer personalized oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583837","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000840
Benjamin Y Lu, Sarah B Goldberg
{"title":"Medical Management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases in the Modern Era.","authors":"Benjamin Y Lu, Sarah B Goldberg","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000840","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000840","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brain metastases are a common complication among patients with non-small cell lung cancer and are historically associated with significant morbidity and limited survival. Although surgery and radiation therapy remain essential pillars in the clinical management of brain metastases, the development of several pharmacologic agents with activity in the central nervous system has broadened the role of systemic therapies for treating brain metastases. There is accumulating evidence that, in the appropriate clinical scenarios, systemic therapies may be used to manage both intracranial and extracranial disease while delaying local therapy and mitigating potential treatment-related morbidity. Determining the optimal treatment approach requires careful consideration of the intracranial tumor burden, location of lesions, pathologic and molecular profile, local and systemic therapy options, and overall prognosis. This review will provide updates on the medical management of non-small cell lung cancer brain metastases, with a focus on recent advances in systemic therapy options.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583820","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000834
Amin H Nassar, Jad Halawi, Roy S Herbst
{"title":"A Quarter Century of Transformation: Integrating Molecular Stratification and Immune Modulation Across the Continuum of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.","authors":"Amin H Nassar, Jad Halawi, Roy S Herbst","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000834","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has seen a paradigm shift over the past quarter century driven by systematic molecular characterization, the advent of targeted therapies, the implementation of low-dose CT screening, and the integration of immunotherapy across the disease continuum. Genomic profiling has defined oncogene-addicted subsets for which targeted agents now improve survival in both metastatic and resectable disease, while immune checkpoint inhibitors have displaced chemotherapy as first-line treatment for many patients without actionable drivers and have been incorporated into perioperative and consolidation strategies. Concurrently, adjuvant and consolidation tyrosine kinase inhibition has extended precision oncology into early-stage EGFR- and ALK-driven NSCLC. Here, we review pivotal therapeutic advances across metastatic, locally advanced, and early-stage disease; identify the need for more discriminating markers to refine treatment intensity and sequencing; and outline emerging approaches, including rational upfront combinations and the use of circulating tumor DNA to enable real-time, adaptive modulation of therapy in NSCLC.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583763","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000842
Tämer El Saadany, Núria Aeschlimann, Adrian Sacher
{"title":"KRAS-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Drugging the Undruggable.","authors":"Tämer El Saadany, Núria Aeschlimann, Adrian Sacher","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>KRAS driver mutations have classically been considered undruggable by direct inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as other solid tumors. However, recent advances have led to the first successful direct KRAS inhibitors, beginning with the development of KRASG12C inhibitors targeting the inactive GDP-bound state of KRAS. These initial KRASG12C (OFF) inhibitors demonstrated real but modest activity in KRASG12C-mutated mNSCLC. The development of more potent optimized KRASG12C (OFF) inhibitors has sought to improve upon the clinical activity of the initial raft of KRASG12C (OFF) inhibitors. Combination therapy with PD-1 inhibitors, as well as other classes of drugs, is also under intense investigation in NSCLC and other solid tumors. Nevertheless, primary and acquired resistance, as well as a variable and peculiar tendency to autoimmune hepatitis, have complicated efforts to develop this class of inhibitors in KRASG12C-mutated mNSCLC. In parallel, new direct inhibitor classes have emerged recently, including tri-complex ON-state inhibitors and dual-state ON/OFF inhibitors capable of targeting not only KRASG12C but also other KRAS mutations, as well as panKRAS and panRAS strategies. These agents have the potential to broaden the activity of initial KRASG12C (OFF) inhibitors and to avoid certain mechanisms of resistance and toxicity, but remain early in development with limited data. The KRAS therapeutic landscape is evolving rapidly, with many promising competing strategies each seeking to distinguish itself in an increasingly crowded therapeutic landscape.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583748","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000841
Rajal Sharma, Katerina Politi
{"title":"Basic and Translational Research Advances in NSCLC.","authors":"Rajal Sharma, Katerina Politi","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000841","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000841","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Treatments for lung cancer have advanced significantly over the last 2 decades, improving survival and long-term outcomes. However, lung cancer mortality remains high, and cures for metastatic disease have remained elusive. Here, we outline recent advances in our understanding of lung cancer biology and areas of interest for future therapeutic development, with a focus on resistance mechanisms, tumor heterogeneity, plasticity, minimal residual disease, and the tumor microenvironment. A comprehensive understanding of how these areas influence tumor biology will be essential for the development of future lung cancer therapies and to improve the care of lung cancer patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583783","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000835
So Yeon Kim, Gavitt Woodard
{"title":"Early-Stage NSCLC: Novel Surgical Techniques and Neoadjuvant, Adjuvant, and Perioperative Therapies.","authors":"So Yeon Kim, Gavitt Woodard","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000835","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000835","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Neoadjuvant and perioperative chemoimmunotherapy has transformed the treatment of tumors >4 cm or node-positive disease (stage II to IIIA, AJCC 8th edition) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, the addition of neoadjuvant immunotherapy to chemotherapy before resection has demonstrated improved pathologic complete response rate, event-free survival, and overall survival in stage II to IIIA NSCLC. The benefit observed with pathologic response after neoadjuvant therapy expands to include patients with stage II to IIIB NSCLC with sensitizing EGFR mutations with neoadjuvant osimertinib and is being evaluated with targeted therapies in additional actionable genomic drivers. Predictive biomarkers for pathologic response after neoadjuvant or perioperative therapies and biomarkers for disease recurrence, including evaluation of minimal residual disease through liquid biopsies, are under investigation to identify NSCLC patients who may have long-term survival with neoadjuvant or perioperative treatment. This chapter summarizes the current clinical landscape of neoadjuvant, perioperative, and adjuvant therapies and updates on surgical techniques for early-stage NSCLC.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583791","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}
Cancer journalPub Date : 2026-07-01Epub Date: 2026-07-24DOI: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000836
Mohammed Mohammed, Neal S McCall, Kristin A Higgins
{"title":"Optimizing the Care of Patients With Locally Advanced NSCLC With Multimodality Therapy.","authors":"Mohammed Mohammed, Neal S McCall, Kristin A Higgins","doi":"10.1097/PPO.0000000000000836","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000836","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Unresectable, locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (LA‑NSCLC) accounts for ∼20% to 30% of newly diagnosed cases of NSCLC and remains associated with poor long‑term outcomes. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) has long been the therapeutic backbone for unresectable stage III disease, and the addition of consolidative durvalumab represents a major advance, significantly improving progression‑free and overall survival. Nonetheless, early progression and treatment‑related toxicity limit benefit for many patients, prompting investigation into alternative immunotherapy sequencing and escalation strategies. To date, randomized trials evaluating concurrent immune checkpoint blockade or intensified consolidation have not demonstrated additional survival benefit. In contrast, emerging precision‑medicine approaches-including consolidative targeted therapy for oncogene‑driven tumors-have yielded profound improvements in selected populations. Concurrently, advances in radiation delivery emphasize individualized strategies to optimize local control while minimizing toxicity. This review summarizes evolving systemic and radiation‑based approaches for LA‑NSCLC, highlighting current limitations and future directions to improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9655,"journal":{"name":"Cancer journal","volume":"32 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148583799","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}