The lancet oncology
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2019
ReviewInternational myeloma working group consensus recommendations on imaging in monoclonal plasma cell disorders.
Recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma have increased the need for accurate diagnosis of the disease. The detection of bone and bone marrow lesions is crucial in the investigation of multiple myeloma and often dictates the decision to start treatment. ⋯ Given the multiple options available for the detection of bone and bone marrow lesions, ranging from conventional skeletal survey to whole-body CT, PET/CT, and MRI, the International Myeloma Working Group decided to establish guidelines on optimal use of imaging methods at different disease stages. These recommendations on imaging within and outside of clinical trials will help standardise imaging for monoclonal plasma cell disorders worldwide to allow the comparison of results and the unification of treatment approaches for multiple myeloma.
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2019
ReviewMaster protocols in clinical trials: a universal Swiss Army knife?
Master protocols combine several sub-trials, each with their own research objectives, which is usually presented as one single clinical trial application. Master protocols have become increasingly popular in oncology and haematology, as either basket, umbrella, or platform trials. Although master protocols are intended to accelerate drug development and to reduce futility, their use poses challenges to ethics committees, patients, study investigators, and competent authorities during the review and authorisation process of a clinical trial application. ⋯ We view master protocols as a good opportunity to identify new treatment options more quickly, particularly for patients with cancer. However, the complexity of trial documentation, the amount of information resulting from sub-trials, and the volume of changes and amendments made to clinical trial applications can cause issues during trial supervision, and during the analysis and review of a corresponding application for marketing authorisation. We draw attention to the potential issues arising from these trial concepts and propose possible solutions to avoid problems during clinical trial authorisation and trial conduct.
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2019
ReviewMapping a route to Indigenous engagement in cancer genomic research.
Precision oncology guided by genomic research has an increasingly important role in the care of people with cancer. However, substantial inequities remain in cancer outcomes of Indigenous peoples, including Indigenous Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand (New Zealand). These inequities will be perpetuated unless deliberate steps are taken to include Indigenous peoples in all parts of cancer research-as research participants, in research leadership, and in research governance. ⋯ This Personal View describes a precision oncology research roadmap for neuroendocrine tumour research, which seeks to reflect the values of New Zealand's Indigenous Māori people. This roadmap includes facilitating ongoing dialogue, Māori leadership, reciprocity, agreed kawa (guiding principles), tikanga (cultural protocols), and honest monitoring of what is and what is not being achieved. We challenge cancer researchers worldwide to generate locally appropriate roadmaps that honestly assess their practices to benefit Indigenous people internationally.
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2019
ReviewNovel prognostic clinical factors and biomarkers for outcome prediction in head and neck cancer: a systematic review.
Current algorithms for the clinical management of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) are based on a stage-dependent strategy where all patients at the same TNM stage receive the same treatment. Patient outcomes might be substantially improved by biomarker-guided treatment selection based on individual differences in the genetic and biological characteristics of tumours. ⋯ Despite notable successes in other tumour entities, the exploitation of molecular data for the improvement of tumour staging, prognosis, and individual treatment selection for patients with HNSCC has not yet become clinical routine. In this Review, we discuss and merge existing and new information on prognostic biomarkers for HNSCC, with the potential to improve clinical management of patients in the near future.
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The lancet oncology · Jun 2019
ReviewNovel prognostic clinical factors and biomarkers for outcome prediction in head and neck cancer: a systematic review.
Current algorithms for the clinical management of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) are based on a stage-dependent strategy where all patients at the same TNM stage receive the same treatment. Patient outcomes might be substantially improved by biomarker-guided treatment selection based on individual differences in the genetic and biological characteristics of tumours. ⋯ Despite notable successes in other tumour entities, the exploitation of molecular data for the improvement of tumour staging, prognosis, and individual treatment selection for patients with HNSCC has not yet become clinical routine. In this Review, we discuss and merge existing and new information on prognostic biomarkers for HNSCC, with the potential to improve clinical management of patients in the near future.