Surviving Burnout as an Oncologist
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is defining burnout in medical oncologists, analyzing the causes, and evaluating both individual and institutional approaches to overcome burnout.Recent FindingsBurnout is defined as a reaction to long-term work-related stress, which is a serious condition and has negative consequences at both personal and professional levels. In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on burnout in medicine in general and specifically in oncology given the complexity of care provided to oncology patients. More research is being done in this field and more coping strategies are evolvi...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - January 10, 2023 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Novel Insights of Anti-EGFR Therapy in HNSCC: Combined with Immunotherapy or Not?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy is still unfavorable in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Disorder of antitumor immunity and aberrantly expressed checkpoint biomarkers had been validated to involve anti-EGFR therapy tolerance and efficacy. Here we review the immunomodulation of anti-EGFR therapy in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of HNSCC and assist clinicians in finding the potential strategies to rescue anti-EGFR tolerance therapy in the era of immunotherapy for HNSCC.Recent FindingsAnti-EGFR therapy, especially cetuximab, was validated to ...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - December 31, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Management of Stage III Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Light of the New Staging System: a Critical Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients have a poor prognosis, especially in advanced stages. AJCC/UICC staging system 8th edition (TNM8) included depth of invasion (DOI) as part of T staging and stage III has become a heterogeneous group of lesions, composed of patients with larger DOI and/or width. Additionally, stage III includes N1, regardless of the primary tumor width or DOI. The real prognostic value of each of these characteristics and the need for adjuvant treatment for stage III patients is not well established.Recent FindingsTNM8 stratified OSCC into prognostic groups based on overa...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - December 31, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
PEGylated IL-10: Clinical Development in Cancer Immunotherapy, Where to Go?
AbstractPurposeof ReviewThe purpose of this review is to discuss the current understanding of the pegilodecakin (PEGylated interleukin 10) and its role in the inhibition of tumour growth and metastasis. This review also focuses on clinical data published to date that have evaluated the efficacy and safety of pegilodecakin.Recent FindingsPegilodecakin has shown significant promise in preclinical models, notable for decreased tumour burden and fewer sites of metastatic disease across various malignancies. It has been most widely assessed in a phase I/Ib clinical trial against several solid tumours, leading to the phase II an...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - December 31, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Novel Therapies for High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe treatment options for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), particularly following BCG, remain limited. We highlight recent, promising therapies for high-risk NMIBC.Recent FindingsSeveral therapies utilizing different mechanisms of action have demonstrated favorable results in the BCG-na ïve and BCG-unresponsive settings. These treatments include intravenous and intravesical immunotherapy, viral- and bacterial-based intravesical therapies, combination intravesical chemotherapy regimens, and novel intravesical chemotherapy administration. Overall, the efficacy and tolerability o...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - December 26, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Influence of Perioperative Anesthesia on Cancer Recurrence: from Basic Science to Clinical Practice
AbstractPurposeof ReviewIn this review, we will summarize the effects of these perioperative anesthetics and anesthetic interventions on the immune system and tumorigenesis as well as address the related clinical evidence on cancer-related mortality and recurrence.Recent FindingsCancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. For many solid tumors, surgery is one of the major therapies. Unfortunately, surgery promotes angiogenesis, shedding of circulating cancer cells, and suppresses immunity. Hence, the perioperative period has a close relationship with cancer metastases or recurrence. In the perioper...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - December 13, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Asparaginase: How to Better Manage Toxicities in Adults
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to help oncologists who predominantly treat adults better understand and manage asparaginase associated toxicities and prevent unnecessary discontinuation or reluctance of its use.Recent FindingsGiven the data supporting the benefit of incorporating multiple doses of asparaginase in pediatric type regimens, it is prudent to promote deeper understanding of this drug, particularly its toxicities, and its use so as to optimize treatment of ALL.SummaryAlthough asparaginase is associated with a variety of toxicities, the vast majority are not life threatening and do not preclude repeat ...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 30, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Olfactory Neuroblastoma: Morphological Reappraisal and Molecular Insights with Quantum Leap in Clinical Perspectives
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of review is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature focusing on the recent advances in the diagnosis, molecular underpinning, and targeted therapy of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB).Recent FindingsStudies focused on the molecular fingerprinting of ONB are critical to engage new promising treatment strategies. Molecular-based subtype classifications have been proposed (basal-like ONB and neural-like ONB) but are not widely used. The rationale for implementation of DNA methylation analysis and IDH2 sequencing in routine work-up for ONB is gaining recognition. Expression of soma...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 30, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Development of Effective Siglec-9 Antibodies Against Cancer
This study aims to review state-of-the-art advances in Siglec-9-directed antibodies and to highlight specific aspects of Siglec-9 antibodies that are suitable to mount anti-tumor immunity.Recent FindingsControversies surrounding studies on Siglec-9 antibodies can confound future studies. In this review, we have highlighted some controversies, explained the distinction between Siglec-9 agonistic and antagonistic (endocytic) antibodies, and discussed their suitability in sustaining anti-tumor immunity.SummarySiglec-9 is an immune checkpoint target and an immunoinhibitory receptor that can engage either sialic acid ligands or...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 29, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Use of Antihyperglycemic Drugs and Risk of Cancer in Patients with Diabetes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDiabetes is associated with an increased risk for several types of cancer. Therefore, use of antihyperglycemic medications to lower blood glucose may modify cancer risk. Here we review available data on the link between the most common classes of antihyperglycemic agents and cancer risk among patients with diabetes.Recent FindingsA database search was conducted between February 2022 and June 2022 on PubMed and Embase for systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the association between antihyperglycemic agents and risk of cancer. Use of biguanides such as metformin is associated with 20 â€...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 29, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Oncolytic Viruses and Cancer Immunotherapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOncolytic viruses (OVs) exert their antitumor effect through selective killing of cancer cells and induction of host anti-tumor immunity. This review aims to summarize the recent and current trials with OVs for the treatment of lung cancer.Recent FindingsSeveral OVs have been developed for the treatment of lung cancer including adenovirus, coxsackievirus B3, reovirus, and vaccinia virus and trials have demonstrated a safe toxicity profile. Early-phase trials in lung cancer with OVs have reported antiviral immune responses and evidence of clinical benefit. However, clinical efficacy of OVs in lung c...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 28, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Targeted Therapy for Melanomas Without BRAF V600 Mutation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment paradigm for patients with metastatic melanoma; however, there remains an unmet clinical need for alternative treatment options for those patients who are either intolerant or refractory to immunotherapy. Here we review the role and clinical efficacy of targeted therapies forBRAFV600 wild-type melanoma.Recent FindingsGenomic analyses inBRAFV600 wild-type melanoma have previously identified driver mutations along the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathways that can be targeted ...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 26, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Optimal Combination of Neuroendocrine Markers for the Detection of High-Grade Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Sinonasal Tract and Lung
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIdentification of neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation is critical to the classification of head and neck (HN) and lung tumors. In combination with tumor morphology, immunohistochemical (IHC) documentation of NE differentiation is necessary for the diagnosis of NE tumors. The purpose of this study is to determine the sensitivity and concordance of two novel NE markers (mASH1, INSM1) across a group of high-grade NE tumors of the sinonasal tract and lung, and to compare their expression with the current widespread use of conventional NE markers, synaptophysin (SYN) and chromogranin A (CGA). In additio...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 24, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Adjuvant Therapy in Node-Positive Endometrial Cancer: A Focus on Chemotherapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn advanced-stage and high-risk endometrial cancer, adjuvant treatment is the standard of care and typically includes chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Debate continues over the optimal use of these two treatment modalities together or separately. This review covers the historical literature leading to the current recommendation for adjuvant chemotherapy, in addition to looking forward to the relatively new field of targeted molecular treatment.Recent FindingsThe review covers recent phase III trials comparing chemotherapy to radiotherapy in high-risk endometrial cancer. Additionally, the ...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 22, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Targeting the PI3K Pathway in Gynecologic Malignancies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review explores the PI3K pathway aberrations common in gynecologic malignancies, the relevant therapeutic targets that have been explored to date particularly given their success in endometrial cancers, and predictive biomarkers of response to therapy.Recent FindingsLandmark trials have been noted involving this pathway, particularly in endometrial cancers. One phase II trial of the potent orally bioavailable mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, in combination with letrozole demonstrated an unprecedented clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 40% and high objective response rate (RR) of 32% in hormone agnostic...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - November 19, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
