Oncology

Metformin use is associated with reduced cancer risk

April 25, 2024 - Two recent studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute have correlated metformin use with lower cancer risks, implying that the drug may offer some protection against the illness. The first of these studies was a systematic review and meta-analysis published earlier this year. Researchers used databases such as PubMed,...


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NIH researchers develop AI tool for personalized oncology

by Veronica Salib

On April 18, 2024, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a proof-of-concept study in Nature Cancer detailing a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool to match patients with...

EPA finalizes chemical plant clean air standards

by Veronica Salib

On April 9, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a ruling to regulate toxic air pollution from chemical plants. The finalized ruling focuses on two primary...

AstraZeneca acquires Fusion Pharmaceuticals in $2 billion deal

by Veronica Salib

On March 19, 2024, AstraZeneca entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Fusion Pharmaceuticals in a $2 billion deal. Through this deal, AstraZeneca will expand its portfolio and gain access to...

FDA ODAC favors 2 CAR T-cell therapies for multiple myeloma

by Veronica Salib

A meeting of the United States FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) voted to expand the approval of Abecma and Carvykti, two types of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, for...

NIH Launches Cancer Screening Research Network for Early Detection

by Veronica Salib

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the NIH launched a clinical trial network for evaluating new cancer detection technologies or methods called the Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN), which will...

FDA Approves New First-Line Treatment for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

by Veronica Salib

Adding to existing pancreatic cancer treatment options, the United States FDA granted Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals approval for Onivyde — generically known as irinotecan liposome — for treating...

Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy Manages MDD in Cancer Patients

by Veronica Salib

On December 18, 2023, researchers published a study in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society, evaluating the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted group therapy to manage...

FDA Approves First Therapy for Progressing Desmoid Tumors

by Veronica Salib

On Monday, November 27, 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ogsiveo (nirogacestat), making it the first FDA-approved treatment for desmoid tumors. The drug is intended...

FDA Approves Truqap, Faslodex for HR-Positive Breast Cancer

by Veronica Salib

On November 16, 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved AstraZeneca’s Truqap (capivasertib) to be administered in combination with fulvestrant for adults with hormone...

Evaluating the Breast Cancer Therapeutics Market

by Veronica Salib

As breast cancer awareness month continues, gathering a comprehensive understanding of the breast cancer therapeutics market is critical, including current trends and market players, gaps, and predictions for the coming year. Understanding...

FDA Proposes Ban on Formaldehyde Hair Smoothing, Straightening Products

by Veronica Salib

A proposed rule by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed banning hair products that contain formaldehyde or...

New Reagent Delivers Biomolecules to Lung Tissue to Treat Lung Disease

by Veronica Salib

On August 2, 2023, Altogen Biosystems announced and launched a new targeted reagent that can deliver biomolecules to the lungs, treating pulmonary diseases. According to the announcement, the drug has...

Melanoma Drugs Repurposed Can Shrink Rare Brain Tumors

by Veronica Salib

A study published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that BRAF–MEK inhibitors — traditionally used in melanoma treatment — can shrink papillary...

How Monoclonal Antibodies Are Shaping the Future of Healthcare

by Alivia Kaylor

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), a groundbreaking class of therapeutic agents, have emerged as a transformative tool in modern medicine. With their remarkable precision and versatility, these engineered antibodies offer promising solutions...

FDA Launches Programs to Reduce Risk of Cancer Biomarker Testing

by Veronica Salib

Last week, on June 20, 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a pilot program to reduce the risk of laboratory-developed tests to identify cancer biomarkers. The program...

FDA Turns to China for Chemotherapy Drug Imports Amidst Shortage

by Veronica Salib

In a statement issued on May 24, 2023, Qilu Pharmaceutical Co, a Chinese pharmaceutical company, will export cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, to the United States. Amidst shortages that began in early...

National Cancer Institute Launches Precision Medicine Initiative

by Veronica Salib

On June 1, 2023, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a subset of the NIH, launched ComboMATCH, a precision medicine initiative for cancer patients. ComboMATCH — short for Combination Therapy...

Promising Results Seen in Pancreatic Cancer mRNA Vaccine Trials

by Veronica Salib

Adding to the significant progression of mRNA vaccines in cancer care, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) researchers have announced promising results from a phase 1 clinical trial using...

HHS Releases National Cancer Plan to Further Cancer Moonshot

by Veronica Salib

On April 3, 2023, the United States HHS released detailed information for a National Cancer Plan. The plan aims to facilitate the Cancer Moonshot initiative. The Biden administration reignited the...