Leaders from the Mass General Cancer Center will present research discoveries and outcomes from clinical trials in cancer at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held June 2-6, in Chicago.
ASCO brings together leading experts in cancer research to share the latest breakthroughs in cancer science and medicine. Presentations from Mass General Cancer Center researchers will cover a wide range of topics, from clinical studies to cancer biology – across the spectrum from prevention to survivorship.
Below are just a few highlights from this year’s top presentations. View a full list of Mass General Cancer Center presentations here.
Phase II trial of pembrolizumab in patients with brain metastases
When: June 2, 4:59 p.m. ET
Who: Priscilla Kaliopi Brastianos, MD
What: Brain metastases are an increasing challenge in oncology due to increasing incidence and limited treatments. Recent studies suggest that brain metastases harbor a tumor microenvironment characterized by immunosuppressive phenotypes, which contribute to treatment resistance. Therefore, a logical therapeutic strategy for brain metastases is to evaluate immune-based strategies that augment T cell cytotoxicity. Dr. Brastianos will share results, which show that pembrolizumab met the overall primary endpoint for intracranial benefit in patients with brain metastases. These results suggest that a PD-1 blockade may serve as the backbone of therapeutic strategies for a select group of patients with brain metastases and warrants further evaluation.
When: June 5, 2:15 p.m. ET
Who: Giselle Perez Lougee, PhD
What: Adolescent and young adults (AYAs) with cancer experience chronic stress and poor quality of life, particularly in early posttreatment as AYAs grapple with a “new normal.” Dr. Lougee will present findings that show virtual mind-body programs show promising efficacy in improving coping and distress among post-treatment AYAs. Findings offer a paradigm shift in the way survivorship care is delivered, suggesting that integrating a mind-body program into early post-treatment survivorship care can facilitate adjustment to life after treatment. This can have downstream effects on the long-term emotional and physical health of AYAs.
When: June 5, 2023, 12:30 p.m. ET
Who: Yael Bar, MD, PhD
What: Currently, tastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is FDA-approved for HER2-low, but not HER2-0 metastatic triple negative (TNBC) and hormone positive breast cancer. Therefore, identifying HER2-low status is of great clinical importance. Dr. Bar will present findings that show that HER2 status is dynamic in patients with TNBC and support the idea that HER2-low is a spectrum, not a specific entity. She will also share the novel finding that for patients with TNBC without a prior HER2-low result, repeat Bxs at progression can increase the chance of obtaining a HER2-low result and provide clinically impactful information.
When: June 3, 2023, 9 a.m. ET
Who: Dejan Juric, MD
What: SY-5609 is an oral, reversible, potent, and selective inhibitor of CDK7, a key regulator of transcription and cell cycle, currently under investigation in a Phase 1 study in patients with select advanced solid tumors (NCT04247126). In this Phase 1 study, it was combined with the SERD fulvestrant in advanced HR+, HER2- BC patients who are refractory to CDK4/6 inhibitor + hormonal therapy. Dr. Juric will present findings that show SY-5609 + fulvestrant has an acceptable safety profile consistent with SA SY-5609 or fulvestrant. The mechanistic rationale for CDK7 inhibition in HR+, HER2- BC, and the tolerability and encouraging early activity in this heavily pretreated population, support future investigation of SY-5609 in combination with SERDs, including defining the maximum tolerated combination dose using the 7/7 SY-5609 schedule.
When: June 5, 2023, 2:15 p.m. ET
Who: Elyse Park, PhD
What: ASCO recommends that all individuals diagnosed with cancer who smoke receive tobacco treatment support; as such, oncologists provide patients with the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) to support them. This study assessed patient-reported receipt of 5As in community and underserved practices. Dr. Park will share results, including that rates of assessing tobacco use and advising cessation at community cancer centers are high for addressing smoking but lower for actual assistance, particularly among patients with non-smoking-related tumors. This underscores the importance of clinicians discussing smoking, highlighting persistent smoking risks and the benefits of cessation, and providing actionable recommendations to reduce smoking risks for all patients.
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