CancerNetwork®’s Week in Review: May 17, 2021

Each Monday, CancerNetwork® highlights the most important content from the previous week in oncology news.

The top articles from last week feature artificial intelligence (AI) technology and laser ablation systems earning breakthrough device designations from the FDA and a journal ONCOLOGY® article focusing on molecular profiling in academic and community practices for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Electron Intraoperative Radiotherapy Associated With Increased IBTR Rates for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

The long-term equivalence trial examined the rates of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) for patients receiving electron intraoperative radiotherapy and whole-breast irradiation at 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-up times.

The updated analysis of the single-center, randomized trial continued to show that patients with early-stage breast cancer who received accelerated partial breast irradiation with electron intraoperative radiotherapy had a higher rate of IBTR than patients who received whole breast irradiation.

Greater Sleep Disturbance Associated With External Factors in Patients With GI Cancers

In patients with gastrointestinal cancers, factors such as younger age and comorbidities, among others, were significantly associated with a greater likelihood of sleep disturbance.

According to Yufen Lin MSN, RN, of the Duke University School of Nursing, these findings provide new insights into the risk factors and co-occurring symptoms that could lead to higher levels of sleep disturbance in patients with GI cancers, which can, in turn, help health care providers identify and address these problems before they start.

AI Technology Platform With mRNA Analysis Designated as Breakthrough Device by FDA

For the detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oropharyngeal cancer, a novel technology has been granted breakthrough device designation by the FDA.

The propriety technology that is coupled with an AI platform may offer a novel method for detecting lesions normally discovered subjectively by clinicians through visual and tactile senses by way of saliva testing.

FDA Breakthrough Device Designation Is Granted to Avenda Health for Laser Ablation System in Prostate Cancer

A technology that uses AI to deliver focal laser therapy to prostate tumors was granted breakthrough device designation by the FDA, which will allow for the swift development and commercialization of the product.

The product intended for use as a male “lumpectomy” device was developed as an alternative to traditional surgery or radiation, for which the adverse effects of treatment can compromise quality of life.

Molecular Profiling Practices in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Academic vs Community Physicians

This study published in the journal ONCOLOGY® characterizes molecular profiling practice patterns in individuals with advanced PDAC who were referred to a tertiary clinical trials drug development unit.

This study characterizes molecular profiling practice patterns in individuals with advanced PDAC who were referred to a tertiary clinical trials drug development unit. Both academic and community physicians were found to order profiling about 50% of the time.

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