Join us on this episode of The Oncology Journal Club Podcast as we dissect the latest research that point to new standards of care.
Join our esteemed Hosts, Professor Craig Underhill, Dr. Kate Clarke and Professor Christopher Jackson for the low down on the latest oncology papers.
Craig looks at how three-agent regimens have revolutionised the treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Kate asks how alcohol affects lethal prostate cancer risk. And CJ explores the promising results of adjuvant pembrolizumab in resected renal cell carcinoma with his typical in-depth, high-speed and highly nuanced analysis.
Then we shift gears to our popular Quick Bites section (and yes, CJ is at the crackers again!). We look at the halted KeyVibe Adjuvant Melanoma Study, a Chinese trial on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, a small trial on dual tyrosine kinase inhibitors for BRAF mutant stage 3 melanoma, the TOPAS1 trial on divalimab in advanced biliary tract cancer and rural clinical trial enrolment.
As always, The OJC team provide a robust analysis of the latest findings in oncology research. Tune in for a comprehensive, insightful and entertaining review of cutting-edge oncology developments.
About The Oncology Journal Club:
We have taken an old concept and updated it with a new format. In each episode, a team of expert contributors will review topical journal papers and interview special guests who are leaders in their fields to help keep you informed of the latest developments on the go.
We hope you enjoy listening and find this a valuable and entertaining resource.
PAPERS:
Craig: Hussain M, Fizazi K, Shore ND, et al. Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer and Combination Treatment Outcomes: A Review. JAMA Oncol. 2024 May 9. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.0591. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38722620. Access online here.
Kate: Downer MK, Kenfield SA, Stampfer MJ, et al. Alcohol Intake and Risk of Lethal Prostate Cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. J Clin Oncol. 2019 Jun 10;37(17):1499-1511. doi: 10.1200/JCO.18.02462. Epub 2019 Apr 26. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2024 Apr 16;:JCO2400454. PMID: 31026211; PMCID: PMC6599404. Access online here.
CJ: Choueiri TK, Tomczak P, Park SH, et al. Overall Survival with Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in Renal-Cell Carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2024 Apr 18;390(15):1359-1371. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2312695. PMID: 38631003. Access online here.
QUICK BITES
CJ:
1. Merck Provides Update on Phase 3 KeyVibe-010 Trial Evaluating an Investigational Coformulation of Vibostolimab and Pembrolizumab as Adjuvant Treatment for Patients With Resected High-Risk Melanoma. May 13, 2024. Access online here.
2. Jia, R., Shan, T., Zheng, A., et al. Capecitabine or Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Versus Fluorouracil Plus Cisplatin in Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CRTCOESC): A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 3 Trial. J Clin Oncol 00:1-10. Access online here.
Kate:
1. Alexander M. Menzies, A.M., Lo, S.N., Saw, R.P.M., et al. Five-year analysis of neoadjuvant dabrafenib and trametinib for stage III melanoma. Annals of Oncology. May 14, 2024. DOI: Access online here.
2. Burris HA 3rd, Okusaka T, Vogel A, et al. Durvalumab plus gemcitabine and cisplatin in advanced biliary tract cancer (TOPAZ-1): patient-reported outcomes from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2024 May;25(5):626-635. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00082-2. PMID: 38697156. Access online here.
Craig:
1. Hegewisch-Becker S, Mendez G, Chao J, Nemecek R, et al. First-Line Nivolumab and Relatlimab Plus Chemotherapy for Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: The Phase II RELATIVITY-060 Study. J Clin Oncol. 2024 May 9:JCO2301636. doi: 10.1200/JCO.23.01636. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38723227. Access online here.
2. Gyawali B, Booth CM. Treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer: 25 years of innovation with little progress for patients. Lancet Oncol. 2024 Feb;25(2):167-170. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00516-8. PMID: 38301687. Access online here.
3. Stout NL, Nikcevich D, Henderson TO, et al. Improving Rural Clinical Trial Enrollment: Recommendations From the Rural Health Working Group of the Alliance Clinical Trials Network. J Clin Oncol. 2024 May 10;42(14):1722-1725. doi: 10.1200/JCO.23.01667. Epub 2024 Feb 27. PMID: 38412385. Access online here.
OTHER RESOURCES AND PODCASTS:
As Craig mentions, the ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale was discussed in Series 1 of The OJC. It was a main paper across three episodes (33, 34 and 35) and was also discussed in The OJC Meets Nathan Cherny.
Whilst these episodes were released in 2021, the analysis is still relevant and important, particularly for new trainees.
You can access these episodes below:
The OJC Episode 33: Was Beethoven’s death the result of medical malpractice?
The OJC Episode 34: A Manifesto for Good Trial Design
The OJC Episode 35: Sugary Drinks, Chernobyl and Meaningful Consumer Engagement
HOSTS:
Craig Underhill
Professor Craig Underhill
Professor Craig Underhill completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1987 at Melbourne University. He completed medical oncology training in Melbourne and worked as the Senior Clinical Research Registrar at Guy’s Hospital, London.
In 1998 arrived in Albury-Wodonga and established a medical oncology practice and clinical trials unit which has developed expertise and infrastructure to ensure the initiation of high quality trials. The research Unit lead by Dr Underhill has twice been awarded NSW Premier’s Award for Innovation in Cancer Clinical Trials, the inaugural award in 2009 and then again in 2012.
Dr Underhill is the VCCC Regional Oncology Lead and advocates for the increased access to clinical trials for regional Victorians and leads the VCCC teletrials program.
You can find Craig on X/Twitter here: @CraigUnderhill
Kate Clarke
Dr. Kate Clarke
Dr Kate Clarke (MBChB (Otago), FRACP) is a proud New Zealander with a real love for beautiful Aotearoa. Dr Clarke continues to work at being Tangata Tiriti. Much of her research and patient advocacy has an equity focus. Dr Clarke is grateful to her patients, students, whanau and colleagues for the knowledge and awhi they share. Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini.
Dr Clarke completed her medical training in Otago, Wellington and London. She has a holistic approach and is passionate about patient-centred care, and believes patients can and should play an active role in their healthcare. Her clinical experience covers a broad range of solid tumour malignancies with special clinical interest in colorectal cancer, upper gastrointestinal cancers and breast cancer.
Chris ‘CJ’ Jackson
Professor Christopher Jackson
Chris Jackson is Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Otago, Dunedin, and a medical oncologist at Dunedin Hospital and Mercy Cancer Care. He specialises in GI cancers and melanoma, teaches medical students and specialists-in-training, and is heavily involved in both national and international cancer policy, leadership and research.
He was previously the medical director of the Cancer Society of NZ, and his advocacy led to the funding of new cancer drugs, to the development of a new national cancer plan, and to the birth of the national cancer agency Te Aho o Te Kahu. He currently chairs the agency’s clinical committee and serves on the advisory board. In addition, he is on the programme board of the International Cancer Benchmarking Project, and is a founding member of the Common Sense Oncology movement.
Chris is a self-confessed Radiohead tragic, and recent convert to Crossfit (even though you didn’t ask).
Connect with CJ on X/Twitter: @drkiwicj
PRODUCER:
Rachael Babin
Rachael Babin is Host of The Oncology Podcast, Editor-in-Chief of The Oncology Newsletter, and Publisher of Oncology News Australia and The Oncology Network.
With a background in oncology communications and academic publishing, Rachael is happiest sitting behind the mic chatting to interesting people about the impact their work makes in oncology.
Connect on Twitter: @OncologyNewsAus
