Clinical studies

NeoLetExe

Letrezole provided stronger oestrogen suppression than exemestane and reduced the proliferation marker KI-67.

Significance: May influence the choice of aromatase inhibitor in neoadjuvant treatment, particularly in overweight patients.

References: BMC Cancer (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Breast Cancer Research and Treatment (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

VERITAC‑2 (C4891001)

Vepdegestrant (ARV‑471) demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival in patients with ESR1 mutation compared to fulvestrant.

Significance: First PROTAC degrader with documented clinical benefit in breast cancer. May become a new treatment option for hormone-resistant disease.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, New England Journal of Medicine (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

PETREMAC

Molecularly stratified treatment provided equal or better response than standard chemotherapy, with fewer side effects.

Significance: Supports personalised treatment based on genetic profiling.

References: JCO Precision Oncology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Annals of Oncology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Clinical Cancer Research (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

KeyForm‑007 (MK428A‑007)

The combination of favezelimab and pembrolizumab did not show improved survival compared to standard treatment.

Significance: Highlights the limited effect of immunotherapy in MSS colorectal cancer and the need for alternative approaches.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

KeyNote‑177 (MK3475‑177)

Pembrolizumab monotherapy improved progression-free survival by 40% in patients with MSI-H/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer.

Significance: Has changed first-line treatment in this biomarker-defined group.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, Lancet Oncology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

METIMMOX

ATLAS‑IT‑05 (C20‑315‑05)

LTX‑315 in combination with pembrolizumab provided disease control in patients who had previously not responded to PD‑1 inhibitors.

Significance: May render immunologically "cold" tumours susceptible to immunotherapy.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, Clinical Cancer Research (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

CheckMate 025 (CA209‑025)

Nivolumab improved overall survival compared to everolimus in patients with advanced kidney cancer.

Significance: Has contributed to a change in the treatment standard for advanced kidney cancer.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

CNIS793B12301

NIS793 combined with chemotherapy reduced tumour fibrosis and increased chemosensitivity.

Significance: May open up new treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer, which has limited therapeutic options.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

PEACE‑3 (1333‑GUCG)

The combination of enzalutamide and radium‑223 improved radiological progression-free survival and reduced the risk of death by 31%.

Significance: May be established as a new first-line treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with skeletal metastases.

References: European Urology (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

IPA (CO39303)

Ipatasertib improved progression-free survival in patients with PTEN loss, but not in the overall population.

Significance: Highlights the importance of genetic stratification for targeted therapy.

References: clinicaltrials.gov, Lancet (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

The FUZE Clinical Trial (Debio 1347‑201)

Evaluation of the FGFR inhibitor Debio 1347 in patients with solid tumours with FGFR mutations.

Significance: May provide targeted treatment for FGFR-driven tumours, which often have few treatment options.

References: clinicaltrials.gov

PALLiON

Early integration of palliative care reduced aggressive cancer treatment and improved quality of life.

Significance: Emphasises the importance of early palliative intervention for better patient experience and resource utilisation.

References: Palliative Medicine (journals.sagepub.com)

Subcutaneous versus intravenous morphine during the transition from oral to parenteral administration in palliative cancer patients

The study showed that both subcutaneous and intravenous morphine are safe and equally effective when patients in palliative care need to switch from oral to parenteral treatment. Intravenous morphine provided faster and higher peak concentrations, but without clinical advantages. Catheters were often used, had few complications, and generally remained in place until the patient's death.

Significance: The results support that both methods of administration are good alternatives in palliative cancer treatment. Although intravenous administration presents pharmacokinetic differences, this does not lead to better symptom relief. Further studies are needed in patients with potentially reduced subcutaneous absorption.

References: BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), PhD defence Eva Gravdahl (med.uio.no)

TIDL

The TIDL study is a three-year pilot study on the early diagnosis of lung cancer using low-dose CT, in which around 2000 participants at high risk for lung cancer have been screened.

Significance: The mortality rate of lung cancer can be reduced when the disease is detected early, at a stage where curative treatment is possible.

Reference: Acta Oncologica