Oncology Newsfeed

FDA Approves Isatuximab in Combination for R/R Multiple Myeloma

On March 31, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved isatuximab in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of therapy.

Read the FDA announcement.

Read the Sanofi announcement.

Posted 4/1/2021

Eisai and Advocacy Leaders Launch Initiative to Highlight Edometrial Cancer

On March 31, 2021 Eisai Inc. and advocacy leaders announced that they have teamed up to launch Spot Her, an initiative to end the silence around endometrial cancer and inspire women to listen, advocate, and put their health and the health of other women first, including helping women spot the signs of early endometrial cancer.The Spot Her initiative aims to embrace the power of every woman’s voice to take a stand on this important women’s health issue by providing support through education, resources, and strength through community.

For more information on this initiative, visit Spot Her.

Posted 4/1/2021

FDA Approves Daunorubicin + Cytarabine for Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia

FDA Approves Idecabtagene Vicleucel for R/R Multiple Myeloma

On March 26, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved idecabtagene vicleucel as the first B-cell maturation antigen directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma after four or more prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

Read the FDA announcement.

Read the Bristol Myers Squibb announcement.

Read the bluebird bio, Inc. announcement.

Posted 3/29/21

Bayer Announces No-Cost Genetic Testing Programs for NTRK Gene Fusions

On March 23, 2021, Bayer announced that it is collaborating with NeoGenomics, Tempus, and Veracyte to sponsor genomic cancer testing for actionable alterations, including NTRK gene fusions. These programs are available to eligible patients at no cost. Bayer will cover the full cost of the test regardless of the results, patient’s insurance coverage, and resulting treatment decision. 

Eligibility includes patients with RAI-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancer with high microsatellite instability.

Enrollment for the the programs is available for a limited time, and these genomic testing programs include:

• TempusxT
• Afirma Xpression Atlas
• Test4TRK^TM

Visit each program's website for more information. 

Posted 3/24/2021

FDA Approves Pembrolizumab for Esophageal or GEJ Carcinoma

On March 22, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab in combination with platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation.

Read the FDA announcement.

Read Merck's announcement.

Posted 3/23/2021

FDA Approves TheraSphere Y-90 Glass Microspheres for Patients With HCC

On March 18, 2021, Boston Scientific Corporation announced it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the TheraSphere™ Y-90 Glass Microspheres for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TheraSphere is the only radioembolization technology indicated for the treatment of unresectable HCC in the United States.

Read Boston Scientific Corporation's announcement.

Posted 3/19/2021

FDA Approves Tivozanib for R/R Advanced RCC

On March 10, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tivozanib for adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following two or more prior systemic therapies.

Read the FDA announcement.

Read AVEO Oncology's announcement.

Posted 3/11/2021

The USPSTF Announces Update to Lung Cancer Screening Recommendations

On March 9, 2021, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced it has updated its lung cancer screening recommendations. The task force now recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography in adults aged 50 to 80 years (previously 55 to 80 years) who have a 20 pack-years smoking history (previously 30 pack-years) or who have quit within the last 15 years. This update nearly doubles the number of people eligible for screening.

The update also has a direct impact on addressing disparities associated with lung cancer. The expansion of the eligible patient criteria will allow more patients of ethnic and racial minorities and women to qualify for lung cancer screening.

The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine.

Read the updated USPTSF recommendations.

Posted 3/9/2021

The FDA Approves Axicabtagene Ciloleucel for R/R Follicular Lymphoma

On March 5, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to axicabtagene ciloleucel for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. 

Read the FDA announcement. Read Kite's announcement.

Posted 3/8/21