Diagnostics and Screening

Criteria for Evaluating Multi-cancer Early Detection Tests

touchREVIEWS in Oncology & Haematology. 2021;17(1):3-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/OHR.2021.17.1.3

Somatic DNA mutational analysis has transformed how we characterize existing cancer and select treatments. For example, circulating tumour cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can be used to select targeted therapies, monitor treatment response and detect disease recurrence.1 However, early attempts with targeted sequencing of circulating tumour cfDNA to screen for multiple cancers were unsuccessful because of low sensitivity […]

Isabel T Rubio, European Cancer Summit 2020 – Primary Prevention Network

Dr Isabel T Rubio, Co-Chair of the European Cancer Organisation Primary Prevention Network, joins us to discuss outcomes of this year’s European Cancer Summit and the resolutions to improve screening and early detection of cancer across Europe. Questions How do you expect the cancer burden in Europe to change in the coming years, and is […]

Molecular Diagnostics in the Screening, Detection and Diagnosis of Cancer

European Oncology & Haematology. 2019;15(2):84–5

Molecular diagnosis and screening of cancer can be approached either in a broad, high-volume manner, or through using targeted, informed searches for specific genes. Technique selection will be critical in balancing patient benefit against healthcare resource cost, and physicians will need to consider how to prioritise their investigations in order to support accurate and efficacious […]

Judy Garber, ASCO 2019 – Progress and challenges in clinical cancer genetics

Following her Award Lecture, ‘Progress and Challenges in Clinical Cancer Genetics’, Judy Garber further discusses this topic at the ASCO 2019 annual meeting. The progress made in genetic testing and the benefits/challenges that remain are covered. Questions 1. What progress has been made in genetic testing for cancer susceptibility among individuals at high genetic risk, […]

Large-scale Genomic Testing Facilitates Precision Medicine in Routine Cancer Care

Oncology & Hematology Review. 2019;15(1):25–6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/OHR.2019.15.1.25

Over the last decade, genomics has become an increasingly important part of cancer care. In some tumor types, such as lung cancer and melanoma, genetic profiling for actionable mutations has become standard clinical practice.1,2 The development of novel targeted molecular therapies together with the increased availability of next-generation genomic sequencing has led to an interest […]

Wadie Bahou, ASH 2018 – Platelets and Platelet-related Biomarkers in Tumor Biology and Metastasis

Dr Wadie Bahou answers our questions about the role of platelets in tumor biology and metastasis and the significance and usefulness of platelet-related biomarkers in the detection and monitoring of hematologic and oncologic diseases. Questions: 1. What is the role of platelets in tumor biology and metastasis? (0:10) 2. Which platelet-related biomarkers have proven useful […]

Detecting an ALK Rearrangement via Liquid Biopsy Enabled a Targeted Therapy-based Approach for Treating a Patient with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Oncology & Hematology Review. 2018;14(1):38–41 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/OHR.2018.14.1.38

It has been clearly established that non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) associated with known molecular drivers (e.g., rearrangement of the ALK gene, or mutations activating the epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] gene) respond favorably to targeted, first-line therapies compared with standard chemotherapy.1,2 The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends EGFR and ALK testing (category 1), as […]

Radiopharmaceuticals for the Detection of Recurrent Prostate Cancer

European Oncology & Haematology. 2018;14(1):16–17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/EOH.2018.14.1.16

Q. What are the limitations of current methods of detecting biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer? The recommended imaging techniques for the diagnosis of metastases in prostate cancer are 99m-Tc bone scintigraphy for bone metastases and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for lymph nodes. These two techniques have a very low sensitivity–specificity for detecting […]

Molecular Diagnostics in Breast Cancer Routine Practice

European Oncology & Haematology, 2017;13(1):74–9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/EOH.2017.13.01.74

Adjuvant systemic treatment of breast cancer is moving away from the limited portfolio of traditional hormonal drugs and chemotherapy, towards a gamma of novel anti-hormonal and chemotherapeutic drugs, immunotherapeutic approaches and small molecules. All these therapeutic approaches are unfortunately effective in a limited number of patients and are often associated with high costs and significant […]