Cancer Information Highlights, September 5, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights, September 5, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights From the National Cancer Institute Updating you about cancer causes, prevention, screening, treatment, coping, and more   New from NCI Predictor for Immunotherapy Response   Read about research that may help predict which patients with melanoma are likely to respond to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Ribociclib Approval Expanded   The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the approved uses of ribociclib (Kisqali) for some women with advanced breast cancer. It’s the first approval under a new FDA program to speed the review of cancer drugs. Study Provides Closer Look at Postmenopausal Bleeding and Endometrial Cancer A new study has found that 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer after menopause reported vaginal bleeding before their diagnosis. Learn more about endometrial cancer and the study that led to these findings. NCI Director Reflects on the Life of Senator John McCain Upon the passing of Senator John McCain, Dr. Norman Sharpless recalls the Senator’s years of service and long-time support for cancer research. PDQ Summary Updates Breast Cancer Prevention We've added information to our PDQ breast cancer prevention summary about studies that looked at whether hormonal birth control use affects a woman's risk of breast cancer. Ovarian Epithelial, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Treatment We’ve revised our PDQ summary on ovarian cancer with updated information on treatment options for advanced disease. Drug Information Updates Iobenguane I 131 We've added a new drug summary for iobenguane I 131 (Azedra). It was recently approved by FDA for certain patients with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma that is locally advanced, has spread to other parts of the body, or cannot be removed by surgery. This is the first drug approved by FDA for this use. Lenvatinib Mesylate We’ve updated our drug summary on lenvatinib mesylate (Lenvima) with a recent FDA approval. The drug is now approved as first-line therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) that cannot be removed by surgery.   Also of Interest Understanding Cancer Prognosis Prognosis describes how serious a person’s cancer is and his or her chances of survival. Learn about factors that affect prognosis and statistics that are used to estimate it. Watch the videos on the bottom of the page that feature three patients and their doctor sharing their thoughts and feelings about prognosis. Childhood Cancers A cancer diagnosis is upsetting at any age, but especially so when the patient is a child. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, learn about the types of cancer that occur in children and basics about treatment, coping, and survivorship. Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Cancer Treatment You can learn more about what to expect during cancer treatment by talking with your doctor. This list of sample questions can help.