Current Approaches in Hepatoblastoma —New Biological Insights to Inform Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs the most common pediatric primary liver cancer with rising incidence, hepatoblastoma remains challenging to treat. Here, we review the current understanding of the biology of hepatoblastoma and discuss how recent advances may lead to new treatment modalities.Recent FindingsStandard chemotherapy regimens including cisplatin, in addition to surgery, have led to high cure rates among patients with low stage hepatoblastoma; however, metastatic and relapsed disease continue to have poor outcomes. Recent genomics and functional studies in cell lines and mouse models have established a central role for...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 19, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Emerging Disparities in Prevention and Survival Outcomes for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer and Recommendations for Health Equity
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review is to describe less known and emerging disparities found in the prevention and survival outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) that are likely to play an increasingly important role in HNC outcomes and health inequities.Recent FindingsThe following factors contribute to HNC incidence and outcomes: (1) the effect of rurality on prevention and treatment of HNC, (2) dietary behavior and nutritional factors influencing the development of and survival from HNC, and (3) barriers and benefits of telehealth for patients with HNC.SummaryRurality, nutrition and diet, and...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 14, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
CAR T-Cell Therapy in the Older Person: Indications and Risks
AbstractPurpose of ReviewValidated metrics to optimize older adult patient selection for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CART) are lacking; however, some preliminary data suggests that geriatric assessments and cumulative illness rating score may be useful tools. In addition, interventions capable of enhancing outcomes in older adults receiving CART have yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this review is to present data extrapolating from other diseases and therapeutic modalities, related to product selection, toxicity mitigation strategies, comprehensive coordinated models of care, and functional optimization o...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 14, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Clinical Development of Anti-TIGIT Antibodies for Immunotherapy of Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewT-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a next-generation inhibitory receptor with multiple antibodies under exploration in cancer therapy. Here, we review the available data from the early trials and overview upcoming clinical trials on anti-TIGIT antibodies.Recent FindingsThere is a promising activity of anti-TIGIT, particularly in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with already phase 3 trials currently ongoing to confirm these early findings.SummaryNumerous anti-TIGIT antibodies are in clinical trials currently, and others are in preclinical developme...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 12, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Breast Cancer Survivorship: the Role of Rehabilitation According to the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health —a Scoping Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe population of breast cancer (BC) survivors is growing due to earlier diagnosis and effective combined treatments. A scoping review was performed to explore the role of rehabilitation in BC survivorship and the major issues in BC survivors with International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) perspective.Recent FindingsThe authors searched PubMed from January 1, 2018, up until November 9, 2021. The 65 selected publications were analyzed with the Comprehensive ICF BC Core Set (CCS) perspective and assigned to the categories of the CCS components along with the 3 areas of he...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 11, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Targeting The Tumor Microenvironment in Lymphomas: Emerging Biological Insights and Therapeutic Strategies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to discuss recent advances in elucidating the tumor microenvironment (TME) in B lymphomas and resultant novel therapeutic development.Recent FindingsWhile tumor morphology, immunophenotype, and molecular profile are established factors that predict outcome and guide therapy, the prognostic impact of infiltrating, non-tumor cells is now emerging. This is simultaneously facilitating the development of new therapies that target non-tumor cells.SummaryThe tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem composed of infiltrating cells and byproducts, extracellular matrix, and other n...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 11, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) and HCL Variant: Updates and Spotlights on Therapeutic Advances
This article aims to bring an update on the recent discoveries in hairy cell leukemia (HCL), especially findings in pathophysiology and therapeutic advances.Recent FindingsMajor discoveries have been made in genetics and epigenetics of HCL. Moreover, the importance of several signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment has been recently highlighted. These findings led to the development of new targeted therapies which have shown interesting results in recent clinical trials.SummaryHCL is a chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Most patients respond to purine nucleoside analogs (PNA) like cladribine or pentostatin....
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 11, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Surgical Oncology
The objective of this review is to address the rationale behind the application of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols that could improve oncologic outcomes in adult patients undergoing major surgery.Recent FindingsThe implementation of ERAS protocols has been associated with fewer postoperative complications as well as decreased return to intended oncologic treatment (RIOT). However, few studies have analyzed the influence of the application of ERAS protocols and long-term oncologic outcomes, although some of its individual elements have been associated with improvements in oncologic outcomes, including o...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 11, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Quality of Life and Survivorship in Lymphoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWith an increasing number of long-term lymphoma survivors, there has been emphasis on optimizing quality of life and identifying survivorship challenges. This review summarizes the latest advancements pertaining to health-related quality of life and survivorship in lymphoma.Recent FindingsQuality of life can vary from diagnosis through survivorship though some physical, social, and emotional effects may be persistent. Incorporation of patient reported outcomes enables recognition of factors that significantly impact quality of life. A greater understanding of quality of life and survivorship issues...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 8, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Predictors of Nodal Metastasis in Cutaneous Head and Neck Cancers
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe complex and varied drainage patterns in the head and neck present a challenge in the regional control of cutaneous neoplasms. Lymph node involvement significantly diminishes survival, often warranting more aggressive treatment. Here, we review the risk factors associated with lymphatic metastasis, in the context of the evolving role of sentinel lymph node biopsy.Recent FindingsIn cutaneous head and neck melanomas, tumor thickness, age, size, mitosis, ulceration, and specific histology have been associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM). In head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, tum...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 8, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Rechallenge and Resumption: a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThe reintroduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) after disease progression (rechallenge) or immune-related adverse events (irAEs) recovering (resumption) raises questions in terms of efficacy and safety.Recent FindingsHere, we reviewed literature data about ICIs rechallenge/resumption in cancer patients along with their clinical characteristics to explore those factors associated with better outcomes.SummaryHeterogenous results were pointed out across rechallenge studies with an overall response rate between 0 and 54%, and a progression free survival ranged from 1.5 to 12.9 months an...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 7, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Ependymoma: Evaluation and Management Updates
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review state of art and relevant advances in the molecular genetics and management of ependymomas of children and adults.Recent FindingsEpendymomas may occur either in the brain or in the spinal cord. Compared with intracranial ependymomas, spinal ependymomas are less frequent and exhibit a better prognosis. The new WHO classification of CNS tumors of 2021 has subdivided ependymomas into different histomolecular subgroups with different outcome. The majority of studies have shown a major impact of extent of resection; thus, a complete resection must be performed, whenever possible, at first surg...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 6, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Richter ’s Transformation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRichter ’s transformation (RT) occurs when chronic (CLL) transforms into an aggressive lymphoma. Despite improvements in the treatment of CLL, prognosis for RT remains poor. Here, we review current literature of RT, with a focus on novel treatment options.Recent FindingsEfforts are underway to improve outcomes for patients with RT. While small molecule inhibitors have limited efficacy as monotherapy, recent developments combining them with chemo-immunotherapy show promise. Studies exploring the use of cellular therapies including chimeric antigen receptor T-cells and bispecific antibodies are ong...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 6, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Thermal Ablation for the Management of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma in the Era of Active Surveillance and Hemithyroidectomy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThermal ablation presents a therapeutic option other than active surveillance and immediate surgery for patients with low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC). Here, we have reviewed the current oncologic outcome of thermal ablation in PTMC cases and compared it with active surveillance and surgery.Recent FindingsThermal ablation in PTMC cases revealed no tumor progression for pooled 5-year follow-up data. This oncologic outcome of thermal ablation was comparable to that of immediate surgery with less morbidity. Additionally, no patient who underwent thermal ablation received delayed surge...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 6, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
Mixed Phenotype/Lineage Leukemia: Has Anything Changed for 2021 on Diagnosis, Classification, and Treatment?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecent advances in the small field of the rare mixed phenotype acute leukemias (MPAL) are presented focusing on a better understanding of their pathophysiology and search for better therapeutic approaches.Recent FindingsThree aspects of respective classification, therapy, and immunophenotype of MPAL are reviewed. New proposals have been made to segregate MPAL subtypes based on their genomic landscape. In parallel, it was found that a large array of therapeutic approaches has been tested in the past few years with increasingly good results. Finally, we explored the use of unsupervised flow cytometry...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - April 5, 2022 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research
