Podcasts about yervoy

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma and Biotech world. AbbVie has recently entered the obesity market through a deal with Gubra for Amylin, worth up to $2.2 billion. This move positions AbbVie among industry leaders like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The focus on redefining obesity as a chronic disease is gaining momentum, with recent FDA documents and The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology commission highlighting the importance of maintenance treatment. In immuno-oncology, experts are searching for the next breakthrough beyond Keytruda and Yervoy. Novel targets, combinations, and pre-emptive immunization are being explored as potential areas of growth. The upcoming World Orphan Drug Congress in 2025 will gather industry leaders to discuss the future of orphan drug development and rare disease care. Positive developments have been reported for Biogen and Eisai's Leqvio in Europe, AstraZeneca and Amgen's Phase III win for Tezspire, and advancements in non-opioid painkillers by Lexicon. The text also discusses the maturation of immuno-oncology, the potential of mRNA technology in rare diseases, recent FDA approvals for rare disease treatments, the evolving mindset towards treating obesity as a chronic disease, and updates on FDA-related news. Lastly, job opportunities in the biotech industry are available at AbbVie, Moderna, Arvinas Inc., and Sonothera. Share your input on topics to cover in the biopharma industry.

Good morning from Pharma and Biotech daily: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in Pharma e Biotech world.Moderna reported higher-than-expected losses in its fourth-quarter earnings report and is anticipating layoffs. The company's revenue was down substantially from the previous year. Meanwhile, controversial figure RFK Jr. was confirmed as the Health and Human Services Secretary, despite his history of anti-vaccine rhetoric. In other news, BMS' phase III Opdivo and Yervoy combination therapy failed in adjuvant melanoma, potentially limiting market opportunities. Amgen and Ideaya have ended their collaboration on a cancer combo therapy, with Amgen continuing to advance one component in a mid-stage trial for lung cancer. Pliant has brought in outside experts to review a study pause in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis research. Stay tuned for more updates on various biopharma companies and their developments.

In collaboration with KidneyCAN, CancerNetwork® spoke with Eric Jonasch, MD, a professor in the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology of the Division of Cancer Medicine, and the director of the von Hippel Lindau Center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, about the missions and goals of the Kidney Cancer Research Consortium. Jonasch is the principal investigator of an effort, supported by a Department of Defense (DoD)–funded grant, that aims to improve the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by developing a network of clinical trial centers that have expertise in both developing and executing new research efforts.  “We want to do the clinical trials that the industry wouldn't do otherwise and do the trials that are going to allow us to gain knowledge faster,” Jonasch said. “We do this by, number one, using novel agents; number 2, using more efficient and innovative clinical trial designs; and, number 3, incorporating correlative studies, including biopsies and various other circulating biomarkers analyses that allow us to get smarter faster.” Many of the ongoing and recently completed trials in the kidney cancer space focused heavily on immune therapy, utilizing checkpoint-blocking antibodies like nivolumab (Opdivo) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or CTLA-4–blocking agents like ipilimumab (Yervoy). Of the studies moving the space forward, Jonasch highlighted an ongoing phase 1b/2 trial (NCT05501054) evaluating ipilimumab, nivolumab, and ciforadenant (CPI-444), an A2A inhibitor, in RCC along with other trials. During the discussion, Jonasch mentioned the initiative to incorporate biopsies in treatment more frequently, particularly through giving a pre- and post-biopsy to see how the results change during therapy. This approach gives investigators an opportunity to see how cancer cells interact with immune cells.  Additionally, Jonasch stated that they wish to expand their efforts to the broader kidney cancer community, as currently, work in the consortium only takes place in 7 “ivory tower” institutions that may be difficult to access for some patients. One of the ways they're combatting this barrier is through working with the Veterans Affairs hospital system. Once that effort is complete, Jonasch hopes the consortium will be able to start helping more patient groups.  KidneyCAN is a nonprofit organization with a mission to accelerate cures for kidney cancer through education, advocacy, and research funding. You can learn more about KidneyCAN's work here: https://kidneycan.org/ Reference Beckermann K, Rini B, Haas N, George D, Jonasch E. Phase 1b/2 trial of ipilimumab, nivolumab, and ciforadenant (INC) (adenosine A2a receptor antagonist) in first-line advanced renal cell carcinoma. Oncologist. 2023;28(suppl 1):S13–4. doi:10.1093/oncolo/oyad216.022.

In today's episode, supported by Bristol Myers Squibb, we had the pleasure of speaking with Roxana S. Dronca, MD, about the FDA approval of subcutaneous nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy (Opdivo Qvantig; subcutaneous nivolumab) for advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Dr Dronca is a professor of oncology, a consultant in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Internal Medicine, and director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Jacksonville, Florida. On December 27, 2024, the FDA approved subcutaneous nivolumab across approved adult, solid tumor nivolumab indications, including as monotherapy, monotherapy maintenance after completion of nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy), or in combination with cabozantinib (Cabometyx) or chemotherapy. This regulatory decision was backed by findings from the phase 3 CheckMate-67T trial (NCT04810078) and includes indications for melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non–small cell lung cancer, urothelial carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, esophageal carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, and gastroesophageal junction cancer. In our exclusive interview, Dr Dronca discussed the significance of this FDA approval across multiple solid tumor indications, pivotal findings from the CheckMate-67T trial, and how this approval represents a paradigm shift in modern cancer care delivery.

In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Samuel A. Kareff, MD, MPH, about the intersections between early-phase clinical research and meaningful mentorship experiences during oncology/hematology fellowship. Dr Kareff is a medical oncologist and hematologist at the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, in Boca Raton, Florida. He formerly served as chief fellow during his hematology/medical oncology fellowship at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida. In our exclusive interview, Dr Kareff discussed the rationale for and design of a proposed phase 1 clinical trial investigating the oncolytic virus SVV-001 in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy) in patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma or neuroendocrine tumors. He also shared advice from his fellowship experience and emphasized how seeking out effective mentors can prepare fellows for the next steps in their careers. 

In deze podcast bespreekt prof. dr. ir. Koos van der Hoeven met dr. Daphne Dumoulin en dr. Robin Cornelissen (beiden Erasmus MC, Rotterdam) de vierjaarsupdate van de CheckMate 9LA-studie. In deze studie zijn patiënten met stadium IV niet-kleincellig longcarcinoom in eerste behandellijn gerandomiseerd naar de combinatie nivolumab en ipilimumab plus twee kuren platinabevattende chemotherapie of naar vier kuren chemotherapie. Aan bod komen onder andere de vierjaarsresultaten en zij vertalen deze naar de Nederlandse praktijk. Referenties 1. SmPC Opdivo (nivolumab). Te raadplegen via https://www.ema.europa.eu/nl/documents/product-information/opdivo-epar-product-information_nl.pdf 2. SmPC Yervoy (ipilimumab). Te raadplegen via https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/yervoy-epar-product-information_en.pdf 3. VPI Opdivo en Yervoy. Te raadplegen via https://www.hcp-portal.nl/deeplink/677bd91e-af91-4fc7-9ca1-894637f7ab01 4. Carbone DP, et al. J Immunother Cancer 2024;12:e008189. 5. Richtlijn Niet-kleincellig longcarcinoom. Te raadplegen via https://richtlijnendatabase.nl/richtlijn/niet_kleincellig_longcarcinoom/startpagina_-_niet-kleincellig_longcarcinoom.html 6. Advies Commissie BOM. Nivolumab en ipilimumab gecombineerd met 2 cycli chemotherapie als eerstelijnsbehandeling voor gemetastaseerd niet-kleincellig longcarcinoom. Medische Oncologie; oktober 2021. 7. Van den Heuvel MM, et al. Plaatsbepaling nivolumab, ipilimumab en chemotherapie in de eerstelijnsbehandeling van mNSCLC. Pulmoscript; december 2021. Disclosures Dr. Daphne Doumoulin: honoraria: AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer en Roche; advisory boards: Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb en MSD Dr. Robin Cornelissen: advisory boards: BMS, Johnson&Johnson, MSD, Pierre Fabre Medicament en Spectrum; speakers fee: BMS en Pfizer. Prof. dr. ir. Koos van der Hoeven: Astellas, Bayer, BMS, Daiichi Sankyo, Gilead, Novartis, Pfizer, Seagen, voorzitter Oncomid, lid Adviescollege VIG en lid RVT DICA. 7356-NL-2400046

Bristol-Myers Squibb started the year on a strong note, demonstrating their presence in the pharmaceutical industry. Their top-line growth in the first quarter was in line with internal forecasts, with products such as Eliquis, Opdivo, Reblozyl, Yervoy, and Breyanzi contributing to performance. The ability to sustain this momentum was a point of emphasis on the call.Alongside sound financials, Bristol-Myers Squibb has seen sales growth for its major brands. They have recorded key wins in their pipeline development, including cell therapy approvals and the launch of new trials. The acquisitions of Mirati Therapeutics, Karuna Therapeutics, RayzeBio, and SystImmune have enlarged the company's scope for growth, indicating planning beyond financial fortitude.Consumer trend analysis from the earnings call points towards an increased demand for products like Opdivo, Camzyos, and Sotyktu. Despite inventorial and gross-to-net impacts, products such as Eliquis, Opdivo, Reblozyl, and Breyanzi witnessed sales growth. The company plans to increase Sotyktu's commercial volume this year, in response to demonstrated consumer demand.Bristol-Myers Squibb's future strategy focuses on optimizing decision-making processes, refining its portfolio, and directing attention to high return on investment initiatives. The company projects significant cost savings by 2025, planning to reallocate these savings into growth brands and research and development. This signals an investment in fostering innovation and driving pragmatic growth. Future plans include the launch of KarXT for schizophrenia, and ramping up clinical programs for Krazati, RayzeBio's radioligand platform, and SystImmune's bispecific ADC.As the CEO mentioned in the earnings call, Bristol-Myers Squibb is relying on Opdivo as an important cog in the growth wheel of the company's future. This reliance on Opdivo is part of the larger growth strategy, indicating Bristol-Myers Squibb's focus on introducing innovative treatments in the field of life sciences. However, as with all business strategies, the outcomes will depend heavily on execution and market response. This brings forth the uncertainty associated with the future in spite of clear strategic direction and strong past performances. As much as Bristol-Myers Squibb has set its compass for a promising future, the path remains fraught with the challenges typical to the pharmaceutical industry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theprompt.email

After the 2024 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, Jun Gong, MD, and Daneng Li, MD, sat down to discuss the most relevant trial data to have come from the conference. They convened for a live X Space hosted by CancerNetwork®. During the discussion, they covered different trials across the gastrointestinal space, which included those evaluating different disease states from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to colorectal cancer (CRC), and those assessing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics. Gong, a hematologic oncologist focusing on gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Li, an associate professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope, each gave their perspective on the clinical trial data and discussed if they had implemented any of these study treatments into clinical practice.  The studies they covered included:  1.        Phase 3 NETTER-2 Trial (NCT03972488)1: - Investigated lutetium Lu 177 dotatate (Lutathera) plus octreotide vs octreotide alone for advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). - Lutetium Lu 177 significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall response rate (ORR) compared with octreotide alone. - The agent may be considered for patients with high-grade GEP-NETs who desire significant tumor shrinkage. 2.        Phase 3 EMERALD-1 Trial (NCT03778957)2: - Studied transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus durvalumab (Imfinzi) with or without bevacizumab (Avastin) for unresectable HCC. - Durvalumab/bevacizumab plus TACE improved PFS compared with placebo plus TACE. - TACE may be preferred over transarterial radioembolization (TARE) due to faster patient recovery. 3.        Phase 3 CheckMate-8HW Trial3: - Evaluated nivolumab (Opdivo) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) vs chemotherapy for first-line treatment of microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair deficient metastatic CRC. - Nivolumab/ipilimumab demonstrated superior PFS compared with chemotherapy. - Chemotherapy may no longer be the standard first-line treatment for this patient population. 4.        BESPOKE Study (NCT04264702)4: - Assessed the impact of minimal residual disease (MRD) detected by ctDNA on disease recurrence in patients with stage II and III CRC receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. - MRD positivity was associated with worse disease-free survival (DFS). - ctDNA clearance at 12 weeks indicated improved DFS.  5.        GALAXY Trial5: - ctDNA is a promising biomarker that can be used to predict recurrence in patients with CRC. - Patients with ctDNA-positive disease had a worse DFS than patients with ctDNA-negative disease. - This suggests that ctDNA may be useful for making treatment decisions, but more research is needed before it can be used in clinical practice. 6.        Phase 3 FRESCO-2 Trial (NCT04322539)6: - Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) improved the quality of life in patients with metastatic CRC when combined with best supportive care and significantly improved quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease or toxicity compared with placebo and best supportive care. - The study showed positive effects on PFS, response rate, disease control, and duration of response with the fruquintinib combination. - The findings from this trial supported the FDA approval of fruquintinib for metastatic CRC in November 2023.7 References 1.        Singh S, Halperin D, Myrehaug S, et al. [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in newly diagnosed patients with advanced grade 2 and grade 3, well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: primary analysis of the phase 3 randomized NETTER-2 study. J Clin Oncol. 2024(suppl 3):LBA588. doi:10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.LBA588 2.        Lencioni R, Kudo M, Erinjeri J, et al. EMERALD-1: a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study of transarterial chemoembolization combined with durvalumab with or without bevacizumab in participants with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma eligible for embolization. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(suppl 3):LBA432. doi.10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.LBA432 3.        Andre T, Elez E, Van Cutsem E, et al. Nivolumab (NIVO) plus ipilimumab (IPI) vs chemotherapy (chemo) as first-line (1L) treatment for microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient (MSI-H/dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): First results of the CheckMate 8HW study. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(suppl_3):LBA768. doi.10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.LBA768 4.        Kasi P, Aushev V, Ensor J, et al. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for informing adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC): interim analysis of BESPOKE CRC study. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42 (suppl _3):9. doi:10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.9 5.        Yukami H, Nakamura Y, Mishima S, et al. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with molecular residual disease: Updated analysis from GALAXY study in the CIRCULATE-JAPAN. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(suppl_3):6. doi:10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.6 6.        Stintzing S, Tabernero J, Satoh T, et al. Quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease or toxicity (Q-TWiST) analysis of fruquintinib + best supportive care (BSC) compared with placebo + BSC in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): results from the FRESCO-2 trial. J Clin Oncol. 2024;42(suppl 3):116. doi:10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.116 7.        FDA approves fruquintinib in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. FDA. News release. November 8, 2023. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://shorturl.at/isJW2

Kristen K. Ciombor, MD, MSCI, an assistant professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Medicine at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, recently spoke at an Around the Practice discussion regarding updates in the world of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). In this episode of the ONCOLOGY® On the Go Podcast, she discusses treatment updates, molecular testing options, and emerging targets in CRC. Ciombor also highlighted ongoing research in the space, including the phase 3 BREAKWATER (NCT04607421)1 trial and the phase 3 MOUNTAINEER-03 (NCT05253651)2 trial. She also discussed some of the most important presentations from the 2023 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress, including those covering the phase 2 MOUNTAINEER study (NCT03043313)3 and the phase 3 KEYNOTE-811 trial (NCT03615326).4 Additionally, she spoke about her work in the phase 2 ECOG-ACRIN trial (NCT04751370) assessing neoadjuvant nivolumab (Opdivo) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) in patients with microsatellite instability-high or mismatch repair deficient rectal cancer.5 “I'm hoping that we see more treatment options for patients [and that] we identify more patient subtypes that we can target and find actionable alterations for,” Ciombor said. References 1. Kopetz S, Grothey A, Yaeger R, et al. BREAKWATER: randomized phase 3 study of encorafenib (enco) + cetuximab (cetux) ± chemotherapy for first-line (1L) treatment (tx) of BRAF V600E-mutant (BRAFV600E) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). J Clin Oncol. Published online May 28, 2021. doi:10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.tps3619 2. Bekaii-Saab TS, Van Cutsem E, Tabernero J, et al. MOUNTAINEER-03: phase 3 study of tucatinib, trastuzumab, and mFOLFOX6 as first-line treatment in HER2+ metastatic colorectal cancer—Trial in progress. J Clin Oncol. Published online January 24, 2023. doi:10.1200/jco.2023.41.4_suppl.tps261 3. Strickler JH, Cercek A, Siena S, et al. Tucatinib plus trastuzumab for chemotherapy-refractory, HER2-positive, RAS wild-type unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer (MOUNTAINEER): a multicentre, open-label, phase 2 study. Lancet Oncol. Published online May 24, 2023. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00150-X  4. Janjigian YY, Kawazoe A, Bai Y, et al. embrolizumab plus trastuzumab and chemotherapy for HER2+ metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (mG/GEJ) adenocarcinoma: Survival results from the phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled KEYNOTE-811 study. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(suppl 2):S851-S852. doi:10.1016/j.annonc.2023.09.1424 5. Ciombor KK, Hong SC, Eng C, et al. EA2201: An ECOG-ACRIN phase II study of neoadjuvant nivolumab plus ipilimumab and short course radiation in MSI-H/dMMR rectal tumors. J Clin Oncol. Published online June 2, 2022. doi:10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.tps3644

Meet Dr. Ulka Vaishampayan* – an oncologist and leading expert in treating people with kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) which is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. She understands all too well how scary and overwhelming hearing the words “you have cancer” can be for anyone – especially when facing an advanced diagnosis in RCC. In these cases, Dr. Vaishampayan believes that information is power and people can feel better prepared to move forward if they have a support system and strong patient-doctor communication.  On today's episode of the Cancer Horizons podcast, Dr. Vaishampayan shares information that's important to understand about RCC and navigating a diagnosis, key questions patients and caregivers should ask their doctor, and insights into a potential dual immunotherapy treatment option for certain patients. When it comes to making a treatment plan, Dr. Vaishampayan believes in involving her patients closely in the process. “In my practice I tend to explain what options are available to someone, including the pros and cons of each, and I sometimes make a recommendation about a treatment approach if I feel that's appropriate in their case,” she explains. “I would still explain the reasons for my choice. My intention is that either way it's a discussion, as it should be a joint or shared decision-making process.” Terry Broussard**, a man who was diagnosed with advanced RCC, also shares advice from his experience. In Terry's case, his doctor recommended the dual immunotherapy treatment combination Opdivo® (nivolumab) plus Yervoy® (ipilimumab), which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for certain newly diagnosed adults whose kidney cancer has spread (advanced renal cell carcinoma) and have not already had treatment for advanced RCC. It is the first and only combination of two immunotherapies of its kind approved to treat advanced kidney cancer, or RCC. To learn more, listen to the podcast, visit www.Opdivo.com and see below for Important Safety Information. *Dr. Vaishampayan is a paid consultant of Bristol Myers Squibb. Dr. Vaishampayan's statements/opinions are those solely of Dr. Vaishampayan and are not necessarily those of Bristol Myers Squibb. Individual results/experiences may vary. **Terry is an actual patient who has been compensated by Bristol Myers Squibb. Terry's results may not be typical. Medication may not work for everyone. Indication OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is a prescription medicine used in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) to treat adults with kidney cancer in certain people when your cancer has spread (advanced renal cell carcinoma) and you have not already had treatment for your advanced RCC. It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age with melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer. It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children for the treatment of any other cancers. OPDIVO (10 mg/mL) and YERVOY (5 mg/mL) are injections for intravenous (IV) use. Important Safety Information for OPDIVO® (nivolumab) + YERVOY® (ipilimumab) What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY? OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with another therapy. Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including: Lung problems: new or worsening cough; shortness of breath; chest pain Intestinal problems: diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus; severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain or tenderness Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; severe nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen); dark urine (tea colored); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal Hormone gland problems: headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; eye sensitivity to light; eye problems; rapid heart beat; increased sweating; extreme tiredness; weight gain or weight loss; feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual; urinating more often than usual; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; your voice gets deeper; dizziness or fainting; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness Kidney problems: decrease in your amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; loss of appetite Skin problems: rash; itching; skin blistering or peeling; painful sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose, throat, or genital area Eye problems: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness. Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include: Chest pain; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of ankles Confusion; sleepiness; memory problems; changes in mood or behavior; stiff neck; balance problems; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs Double vision; blurry vision; sensitivity to light; eye pain; changes in eye sight Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness; muscle cramps Low red blood cells; bruising Getting medical help right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for these problems during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment if you have severe side effects. Possible side effects of OPDIVO + YERVOY OPDIVO and OPDIVO + YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including: See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?” Severe infusion reactions. Tell your healthcare team right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; shortness of breath or wheezing; dizziness; feel like passing out; fever; back or neck pain Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), of bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be severe and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with OPDIVO or YERVOY. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications. The most common side effects of OPDIVO, when used in combination with YERVOY, include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); constipation; decreased weight; and dizziness. These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088. Before receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have immune system problems such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus have received an organ transplant have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic) have received radiation treatment to your chest area in the past and have received other medicines that are like OPDIVO have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Females who are able to become pregnant: Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY. You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY. You or your healthcare provider should contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1- 844-593-7869 as soon as you become aware of a pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the- counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for OPDIVO and YERVOY.

Listen to a soundcast of the May 27, 2022 FDA approvals of Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (nivolumab and ipilimumab) for advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma."”

Along with the first-ever approval by the FDA of a so-called checkpoint inhibitor, the anti-CTLA-4 drug Yervoy, in 2001, came vindication; the treatment modality of immuno-oncology (IO) had arrived. Anti-PD-1 drugs soon followed with even greater—far greater impact. But then came some failures, and the presumed bright future of other IO assets began to dim. Until now. The first LAG-3-targeting drug was recently approved, and as of ASCO 2022, Immutep's LAG-3 asset is poised to replace IO/chemo in the front-line setting for NSCLC. Hear CEO Marc Voigt parse the data, and describe the development program going forward.

For more details, visit #DrGPCR Podcast Episode #60 page https://www.drgpcr.com/episode-60-with-dr-josephine-pina-cardarelli/ ------------------------------------------- About Dr. Josephine (Pina) Cardarelli Dr. Pina Cardarelli, CSO for GPCR Therapeutics Inc., based in South Korea, has recently been named President of GPCR Therapeutics, USA, a newly incorporated Biotechnology company in the Bay Area. The company's mission is to discover and develop highly effective cancer therapeutics by targeting heteromers of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Burixafor, their most advanced clinical candidate, will be in Phase II clinical trial next year. Additionally, they have a library of target GPCR heteromers for Oncology. Dr. Cardarelli heads the team of talented researchers that will be expanding at the US site. Dr. Cardarelli is a drug development leader with extensive experience driving drug discovery teams in bringing biologics to clinical proof of concepts. She has expertise in cell biology, pharmacology, translational medicine, oncology, immuno-oncology, immunology, and clinical development. Previously, she held the position of Vice President of Cell Biology & Pharmacology, at Bristol-Myers Squibb. She was an integral contributor to two therapeutics that are FDA approved, Yervoy and Opdivo. She was a participant in numerous due diligence (anti-CXCL8 mAb) and has managed external collaborations and alliances. Prior to this, she held the position of Vice President, at Medarex, Inc. While at BMS and Medarex, she led programs from target ID to clinical development that included, CXCL10 (Eldelumab), CXCR4 (Ulocuplumab), CD30, CD19, Fucosyl GM-1, & mesothelin-ADC, Glypican-3-ADC, CD70-ADC. She oversaw early discovery programs IL-23 p19 and IL23 p19/IL-17 bispecifics. At Medarex, she initiated and identified the lead mAb for the type I interferon-alpha receptor project, licensed to AstraZeneca (Saphnelo™ Anifrolumab) that has just received FDA approval for systemic lupus erythematosus. She has extensive experience working with Biologics, and Antibody Drug Conjugates as well as experience in IND fillings, IB updates, and responding to FDA inquiries. She is an inventor on 39 issued U.S. patents including anti-PD-1 patents, 22 EP patents, and greater than 100 global patents centered around therapeutic development. She has also authored forty-six peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Cardarelli received her Ph.D. in Physiology from Albany Medical College. ------------------------------------------- Dr. Josephine (Pina) Cardarelli on the web LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-pina-cardarelli/ Website http://gpcr.co.kr/ ------------------------------------------- Imagine a world in which the vast majority of us are healthy. The #DrGPCR Ecosystem is all about dynamic interactions between us who are working towards exploiting the druggability of #GPCR's. We aspire to provide opportunities to connect, share, form trusting partnerships, grow, and thrive together. To build our #GPCR Ecosystem, we created various enabling outlets. For more details, visit our website http://www.DrGPCR.com/Ecosystem/. ------------------------------------------- Are you a #GPCR professional? - Register to become a Virtual Cafe speaker http://www.drgpcr.com/virtual-cafe/ - Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter http://www.drgpcr.com/newsletter/ - Listen and subscribe to #DrGPCR Podcasts

The field of cancer immunotherapy exploded in 2011 with the FDA approval of an utterly novel, so-called “checkpoint” drug, the anti-CTLA-4 agent, Yervoy. The fires of that first-in-class success ignited a drug development rocket – the approval of the checkpoint-targeting drugs Keytruda and Opdivo occurred shortly thereafter. But then came a lot of dark, cold space. Until now. Frederic Triebel, the founder of Immutep, explains how his discovery – the checkpoint molecule called LAG-3 – is finally ready to reach for the stars.

TRACON Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:TCON) CEO Charles Theuer tells Proactive the group it has initiated 22 US clinical sites and enrolled more than 20 patients in the pivotal ENVASARC trial of single-agent envafolimab and envafolimab combined with Yervoy, which has triggered the initial Data Monitoring Committee review of safety data from each cohort. The group recently reported 1Q quarterly earnings, where it ended the quarter with cash and equivalents of $30.4 million, which it said will fund its operations into the second half of 2022.

1. Tucker: Does Fauci believe the vaccine is ineffective?  3. Perspectives on the Pandemic Leemon McHenry   4. Dr. Ryan Cole Blows The Whole COVID-19 Propaganda Away   Study identifies specific antioxidants that may reduce oncogenic HPV infection in women Louisiana State University, April 12, 2021 A study led by Hui-Yi Lin, Ph.D., Professor of Biostatistics, and a team of researchers at LSU Health New Orleans Schools of Public Health and Medicine has found that adequate levels of five antioxidants may reduce infection with the strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with cervical cancer development. Findings are published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Although previous studies have suggested that the onset of HPV-related cancer development may be activated by oxidative stress, the association had not been clearly understood. This study evaluated associations between 15 antioxidants and vaginal HPV infection status -- no, low-risk, and oncogenic/high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) -- in 11,070 women aged 18-59 who participated in the 2003-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.  Study results showed that lower levels of serum albumin and four dietary antioxidants - vitamins A, B2, E, and folate -- were associated with a higher risk of HR-HPV infection. Albumin is the most bountiful circulating protein in plasma, and decreased serum albumin was found to be associated with increased systemic inflammation and impaired immune response. Based on the four dietary antioxidants, the researchers developed a nutritional antioxidant score.  "Our results showed that the women with the lowest quartile of the nutritional antioxidant score had a higher chance of both high-risk and low-risk HPV infection compared with the women with the highest quartile score after adjusting for other factors such as age, race, smoking, alcohol, and the number of sexual partners in past 12 months," notes the paper's lead author Hui-Yi Lin, PhD, Professor of Biostatistics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Public Health.  Human Papillomavirus is a well-known risk factor for cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common female cancer and contributed to 7.5% of cancer deaths for women worldwide in 2018. Certain HPV strains are more likely to trigger precursor events leading to cancer development. These strains are called oncogenic or high-risk [HR] HPV strains. Almost all cervical cancers are directly linked to previous infection with one or more HR-HPV infections. "Currently, there is no effective antiviral therapy to clear genital HPV infection," adds Dr. Lin. "It is important to identify modifiable factors, such as antioxidants, associated with oncogenic HPV infection in order to prevent HPV carcinogenesis onset."     Exercise benefit in breast cancer linked to improved immune responses Tumors grew more slowly and responded better to immunotherapy in mice that exercised compared with sedentary mice. Massachusetts General Hospital, April 12, 2021 Exercise training may slow tumor growth and improve outcomes for females with breast cancer - especially those treated with immunotherapy drugs - by stimulating naturally occurring immune mechanisms, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS) have found. Tumors in mouse models of human breast cancer grew more slowly in mice put through their paces in a structured aerobic exercise program than in sedentary mice, and the tumors in exercised mice exhibited an increased anti-tumor immune response.  "The most exciting finding was that exercise training brought into tumors immune cells capable of killing cancer cells known as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells) and activated them. With more of these cells, tumors grew more slowly in mice that performed exercise training," says co-corresponding author Dai Fukumura, MD, PhD, deputy director of the Edwin L. Steele Laboratories in the Department of Radiation Oncology at MGH. As Fukumura and colleagues report in the journal Cancer Immunology Research , the beneficial effects of exercise training are dependent on CD8+ T cells; when the researchers depleted these cells in mice, tumors in mice that exercised no longer grew at a slower rate. They also found evidence that recruitment of CD8+ T cells to tumors was dependent on two chemical recruiters (chemokines) labeled CXCL9 and CXCL11. Levels of these chemokines were increased in mice that exercised, and mice that were genetically engineered to lack the receptor (docking site) for these chemokines did not recruit CD8+ T cells and did not have an anti-tumor benefit. "Humans whose tumors have higher levels of CD8+ T cells tend to have a better prognosis, respond better to treatment, and have reduced risk of cancer recurrence compared with patients whose tumors have lower levels of the immune cells, effects that were echoed by a reduced incidence of metastasis, or spread, of the cancers in mice that exercised," says co-corresponding author Rakesh K. Jain, PhD, director of the Steele Labs at MGH and Andrew Werk Cook Professor of Radiation Oncology at HMS. CD8+ T cells are also essential for the success of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab), which have revolutionized therapy for many types of cancer, but have to date had only limited success in breast cancer. The researchers found that exercise-trained mice displayed a much better response to immune checkpoint blockade, while the drugs did not work at all in sedentary mice.  "We showed that daily sessions of a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, continuous aerobic exercise training, lasting 30-45 minutes per session, induces a profound reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment that rewires tumor immunity, recruiting and activating CD8+ T cells to an unprecedented level with a non-pharmacological approach. Similar exercise training could be prescribed to a patient referred to an exercise oncology program," says Igor L. Gomes-Santos, PhD, lead author and exercise physiologist and post-doctoral fellow in the Steele Labs. He notes that current clinical guidelines focus on general wellness, improved fitness levels and quality of life, but not necessarily on improved cancer treatment, especially immunotherapy, and that this lack of evidence limits its application in clinical practice. More convincing, mechanism-based data are needed to motivate oncologists to discuss exercise training with their patients, to motivate patients to become more active and to expand implementation of outpatient exercise oncology programs, the investigators say.     Higher dietary total antioxidant capacity associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment National University of Singapore, April 12 2021.    The results of a study reported on April 7, 2021 in The Journals of Gerontology® Series A revealed a lower risk of cognitive impairment among older individuals who consumed more antioxidants. The study included 16,703 participants in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, which enrolled men and women aged 45 to 74 years between April 1993 and December 1998. Questionnaires completed upon enrollment provided information concerning dietary and supplement intake that was evaluated for antioxidant content using the Comprehensive Dietary Antioxidant Index and the Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity. Disease status and lifestyle factors were updated during follow-up visits conducted every five to six years. Cognitive function was evaluated 20.2 years after the beginning of the study. Cognitive impairment was detected among 14.3% of the participants. Among those whose Comprehensive Dietary Antioxidant Index Scores placed them among the top 25% of participants, the risk of having developed cognitive impairment was 16% lower than that of participants among the lowest 25%. Those whose Vitamin C Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity was among the top 25% experienced a risk that was 25% lower. When antioxidant nutrients were individually analyzed, greater daily intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and flavonoids was associated with a reduction in the risk of cognitive impairment. Among carotenoids, alpha carotene and beta cryptoxanthin were found to be protective and among flavonoids, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, flavones and flavonols were associated with lower risk. “These findings suggested that higher total antioxidant capacity of midlife diet was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment in later life,” authors Li-Ting Sheng and colleagues concluded. “The generalizability of results to other populations remains to be confirmed, and future studies with repeated measures of dietary variables and cognitive functions are still needed.     Beneficial effect of quercetin on ovalbumin-induced rhinitis Xian Jiao-tong University (China), April 8, 2021 According to news reporting originating in Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China, research stated, “Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, characterized by reversible goblet cells, smooth muscle hyperplasia, airflow obstruction, hyperactivity enhanced, ultra-structural remodeling, and airway mucus production. The current experimental study was aimed at scrutinizing quercetin’s inhibitory effect on airway inflammation in mice and its possible mechanism of action.” The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from Xi’an Jiaotong University, “The mice received varying doses of quercetin from 22-30 days (1, 10 and 50 mg / kg, p.o.) and montelukast (10 mg / kg, p.o.). Intranasal OVA has been instilled on the 21 days. Biochemical parameters, spleen weight, physiological parameters, interleukin (IL-113 and IL-6) parameters and immunoglobin-E (IgE) were calculated at the end of the experimental study. To investigate the potential mechanism of action, Paw edema and mast cell de granulation are estimated. Used to measure immune and inflammatory mediators, qRT-PCR technique. Quercetin significantly (P

Dr. Vicki Goodman, VP, Therapeutic Area Head, Late Stage Oncology at Merck discusses the recent Phase 3 KEYNOTE-204 positive EU CHMP opinion for expanded approval of KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that meet certain criteria. Vicki Goodman, MD, is Vice President, Therapeutic Area Head for Late Stage Oncology at Merck. In this role, she oversees Merck’s portfolio in lung cancers, women’s cancers, hematology, and head and neck cancer. Vicki joined Merck from Bristol-Myers Squibb where most recently she was VP, Head, Clinical Development Center of Excellence. She is a hematologist and medical oncologist with 15 years of drug development experience in both government and industry. Vicki trained in internal medicine and hematology/oncology at the University of Michigan. She then served as a medical officer at FDA for over two years and subsequently worked at GlaxoSmithKline for eight years. While at GSK, Vicki took on roles of increasing responsibility and worked on a range of projects including pazopanib (Votrient) and dabrafenib (Tafinlar), alone and in combination with trametinib (Mekinist). She also led the development of several early to mid-stage oncology drug candidates. She joined BMS in January 2015 as Vice President, Development Leader for Opdivo/Yervoy in Melanoma and GU tumors. In this role, she oversaw the approval of the first I-O combination (Opdivo and Yervoy) in advanced melanoma, approval of Opdivo in adjuvant melanoma, RCC and bladder cancer, and the initiation of several key phase 3 programs. In July 2017, she was appointed to lead BMS new asset development teams, overseeing a portfolio of experimental assets between proof of concept and first regulatory approval. Vicki served as a senior advisor to the BMS women’s network, has lectured and served as a panelist in women’s oncology leadership forums including at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Vicki was profiled in Fierce Women in Biopharma in 2016 and recognized for her contributions to oncology development by Gilda’s Club NYC in 2017.

Here are the links for everything discussed in Episode 44, I'm also including times here so feel free to skip ahead to the topics that interest you. (1:20) Combination of Opdivo & Yervoy approved for mesothelioma (4:53) Nucala approved with new indication (8:08) New age group approved for Kalydeco (10:46) Xeljanz approved for pcJIA CDC updates on COVID-19 & influenza reportingConnect with The Rx Daily Dose:Twitter      Instagram      YouTube      Linkedin       WebsiteEmail: therxdailydose@gmail.comConnect with Ian Parnigoni PharmD. on social media:Twitter       Instagram       Linkedin  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Here are the links for everything discussed in Episode 35, I'm also including times here so feel free to skip ahead to the topics that interest you. (1:19) Added indication for Pomalyst for Kaposi sarcoma (4:50) FDA approves Kynmobi for Parkinson's (8:57) Opdivo & Yervoy approval for mNSCLC w/ PD-L1 CDC updates on COVID-19 & influenza reporting Connect with The Rx Daily Dose:Twitter      Instagram      YouTube      Linkedin       WebsiteEmail: therxdailydose@gmail.comConnect with Ian Parnigoni PharmD. on social media:Twitter       Instagram       Linkedin  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Dr. Jack West recently had the privilege to spend time with Drs. Millie Das and Matthew Gubens for a series of case-based discussions regarding unresectable NSCLC . Dr. Millie Das specializes in the treatment of thoracic malignancies. She sees and treats patients both at the Stanford Cancer Center and at the Palo Alto VA Hospital. She is Chief of Oncology at the Palo Alto VA and also leads the VA thoracic tumor board on a biweekly basis.Dr. Matthew Gubens is a thoracic oncologist who treats patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma and other thoracic malignancies, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma, which are rare tumors of the mediastinum. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF.Recently the doctors sat down to discuss a series of case-based scenarios. In this video, the doctors discuss Checkmate 227's suggestion of an immunotherapy combination of Yervoy (Ipilimumab) and Opdivo (Nivolumab) as another treatment option.For more, please visit http://cancerGRACE.org/. To join the conversation, visit https://cancergrace.org/forum.

Earlier this week, on the 1st of October 2018 to be exact, two wonderful people have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology: James Allison and Tasuku Honjo. CONGRATULATIONS! These two men have more or less invented immunotherapy through their early experiments in the nineties, through which drugs like Keytruda, Opdivo and Yervoy […]

Dr. William Williams, BriaCell’s President & CEO, called in to SmallCapVoice.com, Inc. to discuss BriaCell Therapeutics Corp.’s history, management, advisory board, Bria-IMT™ (SV-BR-1-GM), the Company's lead product candidate as a targeted and safe approach to the management of cancer, and more. Recently, the Company announced the acceptance of a manuscript describing the novel mechanism of action of the Company’s lead product candidate, Bria-IMT™. The findings detailed in the paper provide a rationale for the encouraging clinical results observed with Bria-IMT™ in current and past clinical testing. The publication will appear in Frontiers in Immunology, the 5th most cited journal in Immunology worldwide. Bria-IMT™, also known as SV-BR-1-GM, has caused remarkable reduction of tumor size in some patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer. BriaCell is an immuno-oncology focused biotechnology company developing a targeted and safe approach to the management of cancer. Immunotherapy has come to the forefront in the fight against cancer, harnessing the body's own immune system in recognizing and selectively destroying cancer cells while sparing normal ones. Immunotherapy, in addition to generally being more targeted and less toxic than commonly used types of chemotherapy, is also thought to be a potent approach with the potential to prevent cancer recurrence. Bria-IMT™ (SV-BR-1-GM), the Company's lead product candidate, is derived from a specific breast cancer cell line. It is genetically engineered to release granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a substance that activates the immune system. We believe that Bria-IMT™ helps the body to recognize and kill tumor cells by activating T cells that attack the tumor and B cells that produce anti-tumor antibodies. The results of two previous proof-of-concept clinical trials (one with the precursor cell line not genetically engineered to produce GM-CSF and one with Bria-IMT™) produced encouraging results in patients with advanced breast cancer. Most notably, one patient with metastatic breast cancer responded to Bria-IMT™ with substantial reduction in tumor burden including breast, lung, soft tissue and brain metastases. BriaCell is currently conducting a Phase I/IIa clinical trial for Bria-IMT™ in patients with advanced breast cancer. In this trial, Bria-IMT™ treatment appeared safe with similar instances of tumor reduction as those observed in the earlier proof-of-concept trials. This trial is listed in ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03066947. The trial is being conducted along with the co-development of BriaDX™, the Company’s companion diagnostic test. Additionally, the FDA recently approved the roll-over combination study of Bria-IMT™ with pembrolizumab [Keytruda; manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.] or ipilimumab [Yervoy; manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company] for patients previously treated with Bria-IMT™ in the Company’s ongoing Phase I/IIa clinical trial in advanced breast cancer. The roll-over trial is listed in ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03328026. BriaCell is also developing Bria-OTS™, an off-the-shelf personalized Immunotherapy. Bria-OTS™ is a set of cell lines similar to Bria-IMT™ which are being engineered to express pre-manufactured HLA alleles. With a combined total of 15 different alleles Bria-OTS™ is expected to be able to match more than 90% of the US population. BriaCell’s BriaDX™ companion diagnostic reveals patient HLA types. One or two Bria-OTS™ cell lines carrying matching alleles are planned to be administered per patient. Bria-OTS™ eliminates the complex manufacturing logistics required for other personalized immunotherapies and is regarded as a personalized therapy without the need for personalized manufacturing. Yet another item in the BriaCell pipeline is a novel, selective protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) inhibitor. PKCδ inhibitors have shown activity in a number of pre-clinical models of RAS genes’ transformed cancers including bre...

Dr. Jack West, Swedish Cancer Institute, discusses current trials seeking to determine the efficacy of combining immunotherapy agents in lung cancer.

Dr. Jack West, Swedish Cancer Institute, discusses current trials seeking to determine the efficacy of combining immunotherapy agents in lung cancer.

Dr. Jack West, Swedish Cancer Institute, discusses current trials seeking to determine the efficacy of combining immunotherapy agents in lung cancer.

Dr. Mario Sznol, Yale School of Medicine, provides an overview of melanoma and its treatment, and discusses current melanoma immunotherapies and other agents under investigation.

Dr. Mario Sznol, Yale School of Medicine, provides an overview of melanoma and its treatment, and discusses current melanoma immunotherapies and other agents under investigation.

Dr. Mario Sznol, Yale School of Medicine, provides an overview of melanoma and its treatment, and discusses current melanoma immunotherapies and other agents under investigation.

Dr. Evan J. Lipson, Johns Hopkins University, discusses the incidence and treatment of side effects of immunotherapy and compares them to chemotherapy toxicities.

Dr. Evan J. Lipson, Johns Hopkins University, discusses the incidence and treatment of side effects of immunotherapy and compares them to chemotherapy toxicities.

Dr. Evan J. Lipson, Johns Hopkins University, discusses the incidence and treatment of side effects of immunotherapy and compares them to chemotherapy toxicities.

As we learn more about immunotherapy for lung cancer, combinations with multiple immunotherapy agents are being explored. Medical oncologist Dr. Eddie Garon considers whether combinations are likely to emerge as the leading immunotherapy approach.

As we learn more about immunotherapy for lung cancer, combinations with multiple immunotherapy agents are being explored. Medical oncologist Dr. Eddie Garon considers whether combinations are likely to emerge as the leading immunotherapy approach.

As we learn more about immunotherapy for lung cancer, combinations with multiple immunotherapy agents are being explored. Medical oncologist Dr. Eddie Garon considers whether combinations are likely to emerge as the leading immunotherapy approach.

Dr. Jack West summarizes the rationale for testing immune checkpoint inhibitors as a first line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC and highlights details of two trials testing this question.

Dr. Jack West summarizes the rationale for testing immune checkpoint inhibitors as a first line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC and highlights details of two trials testing this question.

Dr. Jack West summarizes the rationale for testing immune checkpoint inhibitors as a first line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC and highlights details of two trials testing this question.

Drs. Leora Horn, Ben Solomon, & Jack West review the potential rationale and possible limitations of combining different immuntherapy strategies with one another.

Drs. Leora Horn, Ben Solomon, & Jack West review the potential rationale and possible limitations of combining different immuntherapy strategies with one another.

Current clinical trials are examining the possibility of giving kidney cancer (also called renal cell carcinoma, or RCC) patients immunotherapy as their first option of care upon diagnosis.

Current clinical trials are examining the possibility of giving kidney cancer (also called renal cell carcinoma, or RCC) patients immunotherapy as their first option of care upon diagnosis.

Current clinical trials are examining the possibility of giving kidney cancer (also called renal cell carcinoma, or RCC) patients immunotherapy as their first option of care upon diagnosis.

As more immunotherapeutics become available to treat lung cancer, research must determine how to balance efficacy, toxicities, and cost. That means finding which patients who will benefit from which drugs while maintaining good quality of life.

As more immunotherapeutics become available to treat lung cancer, research must determine how to balance efficacy, toxicities, and cost. That means finding which patients who will benefit from which drugs while maintaining good quality of life.

As more immunotherapeutics become available to treat lung cancer, research must determine how to balance efficacy, toxicities, and cost. That means finding which patients who will benefit from which drugs while maintaining good quality of life.

Today in FirstWord:

Immunotherapy Forum Video #30: Immunotherapy for cancer has rewritten the rules for what we consider a successful response to treatment. Some tumors grow before they regress. Dr. Jedd Wolchok discusses why a new measurement criteria was developed.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #30: Immunotherapy for cancer has rewritten the rules for what we consider a successful response to treatment. Some tumors grow before they regress. Dr. Jedd Wolchok discusses why a new measurement criteria was developed.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #30: Immunotherapy for cancer has rewritten the rules for what we consider a successful response to treatment. Some tumors grow before they regress. Dr. Jedd Wolchok discusses why a new measurement criteria was developed.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #28: Doctors are still weighing the pros and cons of giving a cancer patient immunotherapy before or after resection surgery. In part 1 of 2 videos, Dr. Jason Luke details those risks and benefits.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #28: Doctors are still weighing the pros and cons of giving a cancer patient immunotherapy before or after resection surgery. In part 1 of 2 videos, Dr. Jason Luke details those risks and benefits.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #28: Doctors are still weighing the pros and cons of giving a cancer patient immunotherapy before or after resection surgery. In part 1 of 2 videos, Dr. Jason Luke details those risks and benefits.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #20: Dr. Lauren Harshman talks about clinical trials studying the CTLA-4 pathway, as well as vaccines. 

Immunotherapy Forum Video #20: Dr. Lauren Harshman talks about clinical trials studying the CTLA-4 pathway, as well as vaccines. 

Immunotherapy Forum Video #20: Dr. Lauren Harshman talks about clinical trials studying the CTLA-4 pathway, as well as vaccines. 

Immunotherapy Forum Video #18: Drs. Topalian and Wolchok sat for a moderated Q&A with Dr. Louise Perkins from the Melanoma Research Alliance following their presentations on immunotherapy for melanoma.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #18: Drs. Topalian and Wolchok sat for a moderated Q&A with Dr. Louise Perkins from the Melanoma Research Alliance following their presentations on immunotherapy for melanoma.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #18: Drs. Topalian and Wolchok sat for a moderated Q&A with Dr. Louise Perkins from the Melanoma Research Alliance following their presentations on immunotherapy for melanoma.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #17: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Jedd Wolchok discusses side effects related to immunotherapy, combination therapies, and information about new immunotherapies currently being studied for treating melanoma.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #17: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Jedd Wolchok discusses side effects related to immunotherapy, combination therapies, and information about new immunotherapies currently being studied for treating melanoma.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #17: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Jedd Wolchok discusses side effects related to immunotherapy, combination therapies, and information about new immunotherapies currently being studied for treating melanoma.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #16: In Part 1 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Jedd Wolchok provides a history of one of the first immunotherapy drugs, Yervoy (ipilumumab), and the evidence that led to its approval.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #16: In Part 1 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Jedd Wolchok provides a history of one of the first immunotherapy drugs, Yervoy (ipilumumab), and the evidence that led to its approval.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #16: In Part 1 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Jedd Wolchok provides a history of one of the first immunotherapy drugs, Yervoy (ipilumumab), and the evidence that led to its approval.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #15: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Suzanne Topalian discusses the immunotherapy drugs that are currently approved for the treatment of melanoma as well as future treatments on the horizon.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #15: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Suzanne Topalian discusses the immunotherapy drugs that are currently approved for the treatment of melanoma as well as future treatments on the horizon.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #15: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Suzanne Topalian discusses the immunotherapy drugs that are currently approved for the treatment of melanoma as well as future treatments on the horizon.

January 9, 2015 - Read the full Forbes article and watch the interview here: http://onforb.es/1DDwd2I. Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwitunes or on Stitcher by clicking here: http://bit.ly/ymotwstitcher. Jill O’Donnell-Tormey is the CEO and director of scientific affairs for the Cancer Research Institute, which focuses its research budget on promising cancer immunotherapy research. In recent years, new drugs like Yervoy, Opdivo and Keytruda have some people talking about “curing” cancer–and it isn’t just the patients. “As a scientist, I have been reluctant in the past to use the word “cure” when it comes to cancer, but the durable remissions we are now seeing in some previously untreatable patients gives me and many others great hope that we will, in fact, one day eliminate cancer deaths and effectively cure this disease,” O’Donnell-Tormey says. “The immune system plays an important role in cancer development and control, and we’re learning through scientific research how the two are related, with the end result being new ways to treat and in some cases prevent cancer with drugs that augment and direct the body’s inherent defenses,” she concludes. Please consider whether a friend or colleague might benefit from this piece and, if so, share it.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #2: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Drew Pardoll from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins explains what immunotherapy is and how it helps cancer patients live longer - many for five years or more.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #2: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Drew Pardoll from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins explains what immunotherapy is and how it helps cancer patients live longer - many for five years or more.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #2: In Part 2 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Drew Pardoll from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins explains what immunotherapy is and how it helps cancer patients live longer - many for five years or more.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #1: In Part 1 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Drew Pardoll from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins explains what immunotherapy is and how it helps cancer patients live longer - many for five years or more.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #1: In Part 1 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Drew Pardoll from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins explains what immunotherapy is and how it helps cancer patients live longer - many for five years or more.

Immunotherapy Forum Video #1: In Part 1 of 2 videos on this topic, Dr. Drew Pardoll from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins explains what immunotherapy is and how it helps cancer patients live longer - many for five years or more.

Today in FirstWord:

Dr. Guru Sonpavde highlights the top research news in immunotherapy for kidney cancer from the ASCO 2014 Annual Meeting.

Dr. Guru Sonpavde highlights the top research news in immunotherapy for kidney cancer from the ASCO 2014 Annual Meeting.

Dr. Guru Sonpavde highlights the top research news in immunotherapy for kidney cancer from the ASCO 2014 Annual Meeting.

Dr. Lauren Harshman discusses what combinations of drugs are being studied in kidney cancer patients.

Dr. Lauren Harshman discusses what combinations of drugs are being studied in kidney cancer patients.