Chemo Avoidable for Some Breast Cancers

Studies poised for presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting offer promising advancements in cancer treatment personalization. Early-stage, high-risk breast cancer patients may now safely avoid chemotherapy, with a genomic test identifying those who do not require this intensive treatment. In a trial of over 4,400 patients, more than two-thirds guided by Veracyte's Prosigna test safely skipped chemotherapy, maintaining comparable cancer-free survival rates.

Further research highlights significant differences in cognitive side effects between two common prostate cancer drugs. A 24-week study comparing darolutamide (Nubeqa) and enzalutamide (Xtandi) found that patients on Nubeqa experienced substantially smaller declines in thinking and memory skills. This finding may influence treatment choices when both options are available.

Additionally, a mid-stage trial demonstrated that an oral medication, Doptelet, can help patients with gastrointestinal cancers maintain sufficient platelet counts to continue their chemotherapy. Nearly 66% of patients receiving Doptelet recovered their platelet levels within two weeks, significantly improving their ability to stay on track with treatment compared to a placebo group.