Wondering about the updates in precision cancer treatment? The ASCO 2023 meeting discussed just that. ASCO stands for the American Society of Clinical Oncology. And your oncologist is likely one of the 45,000 physicians and oncology professionals who are members. Every year, thousands of oncologists and researchers — as well as industry professionals — gather to share the latest research findings. They also discuss treatment strategies and clinical trials.
Essentially, the ASCO meeting helps your oncology team stay informed on a wide range of cancer-related topics. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the nation.
Did your oncologist attend this year’s ASCO meeting? Ask them. If not, ask if they plan to attend one of the ASCO regional highlight conferences. If they do, they’ll likely discover something beneficial to your treatment.
Curious about the kind of information that’s shared at the conference? Keep reading. We highlight some key findings from this year’s meeting down below.
Precision Cancer Treatment: What’s New for Breast Cancer?
The ASCO meeting revealed a new study of a breast cancer treatment that benefits women with metastatic breast cancers expressing the HER3 protein. If your tumor expresses the protein — and is also hormone receptor-positive, triple-negative, or HER2 -low breast cancer and grows through other medications — Patritumab Deruxtecan may benefit. And while the drug is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company that makes the drug is expected to apply for approval.
What’s New for Melanoma?
Melanoma worsens its prognosis when it spreads from the original location to other parts of the body. However, a study of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine found a way to reduce the risk of spread. Essentially, the vaccine should be administered alongside Keytruda. Not only does that minimize the risk of spread, but it decreases the risk of death in high-risk melanoma.
What’s New for Cervical Cancer?
Women with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer who participate in the Keynote-826 trial benefit from immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. Does this sound like you? If so, ask your oncologist if adding supplemental immunotherapy is beneficial.
What’s New for Multiple Myeloma?
The CAR T cell therapy, Carvykti, reduces the risk of disease progression – when compared to two traditional treatments. One press release quotes an oncologist who says that the therapy delivers effective outcomes. Additionally, it’s safe for use during the early treatment phase.
What’s New for GI Cancers?
A drug commonly used in HER2-positive breast cancer, Enhertu, achieved positive results in other types of cancers that express HER2. The trial includes people with pancreas, biliary, and gastric cancers. So, do you know the HER2 status of your tumor? If not, ask your doctor.
Precision Cancer Treatment
Wondering if you’re a candidate for “precision” medicine? Precision medicine uses specific characteristics of your tumor to diagnose and plan treatment. An example is targeted therapy that treats specific types of cancer cells – like HER2+ cancer cells.
So, does this benefit you? Ask your doctor about the genomic profile of your tumor and how its specific characteristics apply to your treatment options.
Know Your Options for Precision Cancer Treatment
Cancer research is dynamic and new treatments are constantly developing, undergoing testing, and being reported. (And not just at ASCO.) So, make sure you’re frequently asking your medical team about new precision cancer treatment options.
Patients discover new treatments by participating in patient forums (specific to their diseases). One example is the Lungevity patient forum. However, make sure to verify the accuracy of any information you receive. If you aren’t sure how, ask your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional like our team.
Your Patient Cancer Advocate for Precision Cancer Treatment
As you can see, there’s a lot to keep up with in precision cancer treatment. So, if you need help staying up-to-date, Dana offers a free complimentary call to every client. During this, she listens to your story and offers ways to help in your unique circumstance.
Additionally, Cancer Champions offers an educational resource to help flatten the learning curve as you navigate the complex and unfamiliar nuances of a cancer diagnosis. This resource includes short videos, downloadable worksheets, and weekly live 1:1 Q&A with Dana.
Cancer is common. However, each person’s experience is unique. If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, we are here to help. Contact our team to get started and find peace in the chaos.