WINTER 2020 NEWSLETTERSarcoma News CornerResearchers found that certain treatments such as single-agent immunotherapy could paradoxically result in an increase in tumor growth rate in certain sarcomas. Although the number of patients was small, this result could lead to better immunotherapies and better outcomes. If you are worried about a visit to the hospital because of the rapidly increasing number of cases of COVID-19, this database can give you information on specific hospitals. A new clinical trial for relapsed osteosarcoma compares a combo of chemo agents (ifosfamide and etoposide) with or without the new targeted treatment lenvatinib. Preliminary data in this abstract show very encouraging results! Interested in this clinical trial? Find more information here. Immune cells that are within a tumor often stop the immune system from attacking the cancer. Now, researchers have found a way to turn these cells against the cancer, by linking a toxic agent to a vitamin that the immune cells absorb. This could be a HUGE breakthrough in immunotherapy. Links to technical abstract. A study in children and young adults showed that sarcoma bone metastases that were not surgically removed could successfully be controlled with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). That’s good news! Links to technical abstract. A National Cancer Institute study on "exceptional responders" - patients in clinical trials that don't work for most people but have remarkably good outcomes for a small minority - identified that some had either specific mutations that worked well with the experimental drugs, or had tumors infiltrated with lots of immune cells. These could lead to better combinations of therapy. Good news! The FDA has given a new targeted drug, PTC596, both fast-track and orphan drug designation for leiomyosarcoma (LMS). These designations should encourage quick development of this drug. PTC596 is now in a phase 1 trial for LMS, combined with the chemo agent dacarbazine. Learn more about this clinical trial here. This intriguing technical article indicates that for advanced soft tissue sarcomas, higher than normal cumulative doses of doxorubicin, combined with heart-protective medicine, could be used with no significant increase in heart problems, AND better outcomes. Every individual’s Sarcoma is different. By replicating a person’s cancer in living orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (O-PDX) models, Certis Oncology can test multiple therapies simultaneously and determine the best treatment for their unique form of cancer. Personalized in vivo testing gives certainty to treatment decisions, and can save patients suffering, time, and expense associated with ineffective treatments. Interested in more sarcoma-related news? We post two news items every day on Facebook at facebook.com/sarcomaalliance. Virtual Sarcoma ExchangeWe'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in our third annual (and first virtual) Sarcoma Exchange conference. Although we were not able to meet up in person, this year's turnout was amazing and we could not have done it without you! If you were not able to attend and haven't seen our recordings yet, check them out on YouTube. Women In Sarcoma WebinarWe're excited to invite you to join us on January 22nd, 2021 at 9am Pacific Time for a "Women in Sarcoma" webinar. This webinar will be moderated by Dr. Gina D'Amato and will be a Q&A panel featuring prominent women serving in the sarcoma space. Come prepared with your questions! Click here to register or learn more. We're on the Radio!This year, the Sarcoma Alliance launched its first-ever PSA radio campaign, "Sarcoma, A Rare Cancer." Broadcast by over 100 national radio stations to date, the campaign aims to raise awareness for sarcoma and to reach people who might benefit from our programs and services. Please feel free to share the following resources with your networks and local radio stations:
Holiday ResourcesOur partner, Imerman Angels, created a wonderful resource packet for this holiday season that we're really pleased to share with you all. Managing the stress of cancer, COVID-19, and the holidays is a lot to deal with, and these resources are intended to help. Containing everything from articles and webinars to resources for children and relaxation, this packet is definitely worth checking out! You Are Not Alone Visit the Sarcoma Alliance's Online Support Group 24/7: Thank You, Donors!We would also like to express our appreciation to each and every person who donated to the Sarcoma Alliance this year. You all are the reason that we are able to serve as a resource for folks facing sarcoma! We'd also like to give a shout out to our fantastic major donors (listed below). Thank you for your investment in our work and our community. |