Dr. Kan Gong: Research Progress in ASCO-GU 2023 Kidney Cancer

Dr. Kan Gong: Research Progress in ASCO-GU 2023 Kidney Cancer

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GU 2023) kicked off on February 16th in San Francisco, USA. In the field of kidney cancer diagnosis, a novel molecular imaging agent, 89Zr-DFO-girentuximab, has been shown to accurately diagnose clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In the first-line treatment area, the CheckMate 9ER study reported extended follow-up data, while the COSMIC-313 study presented data on IMDC subgroup patients. Additionally, research explored the improvement of complete response rates in first-line immunotherapy patients through local treatments and the benefits of reducing the number and duration of immunotherapy treatments for untreated survival. In the area of second-line treatment, CaboPoint reported positive anti-tumor activity of cabozantinib for immunotherapy-resistant patients.
Key Insights from the 2023 ASCO-GU Conference on Sacituzumab Govitecan in Advanced Urothelial Cancer

Key Insights from the 2023 ASCO-GU Conference on Sacituzumab Govitecan in Advanced Urothelial Cancer

Advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) has seen remarkable progress in recent years with the emergence of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting specific antigens. Trop-2, a cell surface antigen highly expressed in UC, has become a promising therapeutic target. Sacituzumab govitecan (SG), a next-generation Trop-2 ADC, received accelerated approval from the US FDA in April 2021 for treating adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC who had prior platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-(L)1 inhibitors. The 2023 ASCO-GU conference unveiled data from various cohorts of the TROPHY-U-01 trial and the latest advancements in UC treatment, encompassing late-line monotherapy, combination therapy, first-line combination therapy, and first-line maintenance therapy. Here, we summarize essential findings from these presentations, anticipating further insights after the conference.
Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy Research: SBRT vs Surgery; Conventional Radiation vs Large Fraction Radiation  

Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy Research: SBRT vs Surgery; Conventional Radiation vs Large Fraction Radiation  

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GU 2023) kicked off on February 16th in San Francisco, USA. In the field of prostate cancer radiation therapy, two phase 3 clinical studies were selected for oral presentation: The PACE-A study explores stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) compared to surgery for localized prostate cancer; The CHHiP study further reports survival and comorbidity outcomes with a 12-year follow-up.
Dr. Yao Zhu talks to Dr. Nguyen: Advances in Radiotherapy and Surgical Treatment of Prostate Cancer at ASCO-GU 2023

Dr. Yao Zhu talks to Dr. Nguyen: Advances in Radiotherapy and Surgical Treatment of Prostate Cancer at ASCO-GU 2023

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GU 2023) has concluded. During this conference, several studies related to early-stage/ localized prostate cancer radiotherapy or surgical treatment were presented as oral reports. Among them, the FORMULA-509 study presented by Dr. Paul L. Nguyen of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School showed that for high-risk patients with biochemical recurrence after radical surgery, combining 6 months of ADT (Androgen Deprivation Therapy) with novel hormonal therapy on top of salvage radiotherapy can improve patient survival. "Oncology Frontier" invited Dr. Zhu Yao from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center to have a discussion with Dr. Nguyen, delving into the interpretation of the FORMULA-509 study and other prostate cancer surgery and radiotherapy-related research presented at the conference.
Dr. Zhiren Chen: 3-year follow-up data from the START-FIT trial, showing an ORR of 67% for local advanced liver cancer patients

Dr. Zhiren Chen: 3-year follow-up data from the START-FIT trial, showing an ORR of 67% for local advanced liver cancer patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in China. In recent years, with the continuous improvement of diagnosis and treatment, the misdiagnosis rate and mortality of early-stage HCC have greatly decreased. However, many patients are already at an advanced stage when liver cancer is detected, making curative treatment impossible. For these inoperable HCC (uHCC) patients, how to maximize the rescue of the patient's life remains a major challenge. The emergence of local treatments, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and multidimensional combined treatments has promoted the transition of uHCC patients to earlier stages, enhancing their survival benefits. In 2022, the leading international journal, The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, published a single-arm Phase II clinical study called START-FIT by Dr. Zhiren Chen's team from the University of Hong Kong, China. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of TACE, SBRT, and PD-L1 inhibitors in treating patients with locally advanced uHCC. At the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023), the team presented the latest 3-year follow-up data from the START-FIT trial, garnering widespread attention. This report provides a comprehensive overview.
APPLE 2023 | Application of Arterial Therapy in Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Korean Experience

APPLE 2023 | Application of Arterial Therapy in Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Korean Experience

With the advancement and innovation in surgical techniques, interventions, radiofrequency ablation, and other treatment methods, there are increasing treatments for early hepatocellular carcinoma. Curative treatments, including liver resection, liver transplantation, interventional treatment, ablative treatment, and radiotherapy, have all achieved satisfactory results. However, how to effectively and minimally invasively treat early hepatocellular carcinoma and manage it in the long term, while ensuring patients achieve long-term survival and improving their quality of life, has been widely discussed in recent years. From July 6-8, 2023, the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023) was held in Seoul, South Korea. A special session on the evolving management of early HCC was set up. Notably, Dr. Hyo-Cheol Kim from Seoul University, introduced the application of arterial therapy in early hepatocellular carcinoma and shared experiences from Korean hospitals.
Dr. Linda Wong: Adjuvant Therapy Could Usher in a New Paradigm for Early-Stage Liver Cancer Treatment

Dr. Linda Wong: Adjuvant Therapy Could Usher in a New Paradigm for Early-Stage Liver Cancer Treatment

Early-stage liver cancer can be cured with radical surgery. However, tumor recurrence remains the primary challenge affecting patients' long-term survival. Currently, the five-year recurrence rate for early-stage liver cancer post-surgery is about 60%. Addressing this challenge and improving long-term survival for these patients is a pressing clinical issue. From July 6th to 8th, 2023, the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023) was held grandly in Seoul, South Korea. A special session on "Unmet Clinical Needs and Research Directions" was set up, inviting several internationally renowned liver cancer scholars for an in-depth discussion. During this, Dr. Linda Wong from the University of Hawaii shared her insights on the promising vision of adjuvant therapies, such as systemic therapy and TACE, for the cure of early-stage liver cancer.
Lenvatinib, PD-1 inhibitors combined with radiotherapy safe and effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus

Lenvatinib, PD-1 inhibitors combined with radiotherapy safe and effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in China. Most patients are diagnosed at intermediate or advanced stages. The formation of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a significant indicator of advanced HCC, with over half of late-stage HCC patients presenting with PVTT. Especially VP4 type (main portal vein), these patients usually have a poor prognosis. Most phase III clinical trials have excluded these patients. Lenvatinib is a new multi-targeted small molecule inhibitor now approved for advanced HCC. In Asian populations, Lenvatinib combined with a PD-1 inhibitor has shown good antitumor activity and safety. Radiotherapy has also brought about positive outcomes for HCC patients with PVTT. The 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023) was held in Seoul, Korea, from July 6-8, 2023. At the conference, the team from the affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, Tsinghua University, China, reported on a clinical study (Abstract Number: PE-117), exploring the preliminary efficacy and safety of Lenvatinib combined with a PD-1 inhibitor and radiotherapy in HCC patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus. Hepatology Digest invited Dr. Guangxin Li to share insights on the study and its clinical prospects.