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The combination of relacorilant and nab-paclitaxel improved survival in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer following a break from platinum-based chemo.

Relacorilant Combo Sustains Ovarian Cancer Benefit Post Platinum Break

Biomarker data from CodeBreaK 300 suggest DNA and RTK pathway alterations may underlie resistance to sotorasib plus panitumumab in CRC.

Genomic Changes May Drive Sotorasib KRAS G12C+ Combo Resistance in CRC

In addition to a significant PFS benefit vs nab-paclitaxel alone, the combination provides an at-home option for patients with ovarian cancer.

Relacorilant/Nab-Paclitaxel Is Convenient, Safe in Ovarian Cancer

Nivolumab plus chemotherapy significantly improved OS vs chemo alone in resectable NSCLC, per updated CheckMate-816 findings.

Neoadjuvant Nivolumab Regimen Improves OS in Resectable NSCLC

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Bridget Hoyt is the assistant editor for Oncology Nursing News. She earned her BA in communication studies at Rider University with a minor in public relations. She can be reached at 

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Illuccix, a preparation kit for injectable Ga-68, has been approved to select patients for radioligand therapy before taxane chemotherapy.

Ga-68 Kit Approved for Pre-Taxane RLT Selection in mCRPC

Amanda Brink is a nurse practitioner at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. When she is not tending to patients in the hospital or clinic, she finds great satisfaction in crafting content to enlighten the public and her fellow nurses about a range of health topics.

Oncology nurses can help patients understand this novel mechanism of action and its potential as a treatment option.

WRN Inhibitors May Address Immunotherapy Resistance in MSI+ Tumors

Dato-DXd was granted accelerated approval for use in adults with EGFR-mutated NSCLC after EGFR-targeted therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy.

Dato-DXd Greenlit by FDA for Previously Treated EGFR-Mutated NSCLC

 in November 2021 as a senior editor and became the website's managing editor in October 2023. Before arriving at MJH Life Sciences, he spent nearly a decade covering professional and high school sports—including the New Jersey Devils and the NHL from 2016 to 2021—for The Star-Ledger and NJ.com. Email: chryan@onclive.com

Jax DiEugenio joined MJH Life Sciences in 2024, first as an editorial intern before transitioning into a full-time assistant editor for 

. A recent College of New Jersey graduate, Jax majored in Journalism/ Professional Writing with minors in Public Health and Anthropology. He is also pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Health, concentrating on health communications.

Oncology Nursing News connects oncology nurses and APPs with updates on therapy advances, side effect management, and patient-centered cancer care.

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Oncology nurses are important team members when it comes to counseling patients and their families about hereditary cancers, according to Michele Settelmyer, APN, MSN, WHNP-BC, of the Saint Frances Medical Center.
 

Oncology Nurses' Role in Counseling Patients on Hereditary Cancers

The FDA has granted acceleratedapproval to the antibody-drug conjugate datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk (Datroway; Dato-DXd) for the treatment of adults with epidermal growth factor receptor (

)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following previous EGFR-targeted therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy.

The approval is based on findings from the multicenter single-arm phase 2 TROPION-Lung05 trial (NCT04484142) and the multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled phase 3 TROPION-Lung01 trial (NCT04656652).

According to the FDA’s announcement, primary end points of objective response rate (ORR) and median duration of response (DOR), as assessed by blinded independent central review via RECIST v1.1, were found to be 45% (95% CI, 35%-54%) and 6.5 months (95% CI, 4.2-8.4), respectively.

The label for the TROP2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC), previously referred to as DS-1062a, includes warnings for interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pneumonitis, ocular adverse effects (AEs), stomatitis and oral mucositis, and embryo-fetal toxicity.

Additionally, it cites stomatitis, nausea, fatigue, leukocytopenia, hypocalcemia, alopecia, lymphocytopenia, decreased hemoglobin, constipation, neutropenia, dry eye, emesis, increased ALT, keratitis, increased AST, and increased ALP, as the most common AEs, including abnormal laboratory reports, associated with Dato-DXd.

Previous findings from the TROPION-Lung01 trial, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of Dato-DXd in patients with pretreated advanced or metastatic NSCLC, were reported in the 

 Patients enrolled in TROPION-Lung01 were randomly assigned 1:1 to treatment with 6 mg/kg of Dato-DXd (n = 299) or 75 mg/m

 of docetaxel (n = 305) administered intravenously once every 3 weeks until progression, unacceptable toxicity, or other reasons if applicable.

The primary analysis revealed a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 4.4 months (95% CI, 4.2-5.6) and 3.7 months (95% CI, 2.9-4.2) in the Dato-DXd and docetaxel arms, respectively. Likewise, the median DOR for all patients enrolled in the Dato-DXd arm was 7.1 months (range, 5.6-10.9), compared with 5.6 months (range, 5.4-8.1) in the docetaxel arm.

The median ages of patients in the Dato-DXd and docetaxel arms were 63 years (range, 26.0-84.0) and 64 years (range, 24.0-88.0), respectively. Stratification factors included histology, actionable genomic alteration status, geographic region, and immediate previous therapy with an anti-PD-1/PD-L1.

Treatment-related AEs of grade 3 or higher were reported in 25.6% of patients in the Dato-DXd arm and 42.1% of patients in the docetaxel arm. Any-grade adjudicated drug-related ILD or pneumonitis occurred in 8.8% and 4.1% of patients, respectively.

Dato-DXd’s efficacy and safety in treating advanced or metastatic NSCLC on or after targeted therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy was also evaluated in TROPION-Lung05.

 Out of 137 patients receiving 1 or more doses of Dato-DXd, 71.5% of patients received 3 or more lines of prior therapy, and 56.9% had 

Median DOR was 7.0 months (95% CI, 4.2-9.8), with an overall disease control rate of 78.8% (95% CI, 71.0%-85.3%). Of patients with 

 mutations, the ORR was 44%, compared with 35.8% in the overall population enrolled.

Grade 3 or higher TEAEs were reported in 28.5% of patients. The most common TRAEs was stomatitis, occurring at any grade in 56.2% of patients and at grade 3 or higher in 9.5% of patients. Additionally, 5 patients (3.6%) had adjudicated treatment-related ILD or pneumonitis, with 1 (0.7%) having a grade 5 event. Altogether, no new safety signals were found.

FDA grants accelerated approval to datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. FDA. News release. June 23, 2025. Accessed June 23, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-datopotamab-deruxtecan-dlnk-egfr-mutated-non-small-cell-lung-cancer

Ahn MJ, Tanaka K, Paz-Ares L, et al. Datopotamab Deruxtecan Versus Docetaxel for Previously Treated Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Randomized, Open-Label Phase III TROPION-Lung01 Study. 

. 2025;43(3):260-272. doi:10.1200/JCO-24-01544

Sands J, Ahn MJ, Lisberg A, et al. Datopotamab Deruxtecan in Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Actionable Genomic Alterations: Results From the Phase II TROPION-Lung05 Study. 

. 2025;43(10):1254-1265. doi:10.1200/JCO-24-01349

Keeping a positive outlook is proven to help with stress management, but when someone says to "think positive" or "be optimistic" during a time such as a cancer diagnosis, it can be much easier said than done. We know that cancer isn't all rainbows and butterflies, and once a patient enters a dark mindset, it can be hard to get out of it. But most of us have that one message of hope and inspiration that somehow manages to help bring some perspective and optimism to a situation.

You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live

. — Stuart Scott. Live your life by your own terms, not cancer's.

Remember how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. You may not be where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be

. It can be easy to get caught up in how far you have to go. Don't forget to look back, and recognize how far you have come. Every day brings you one step closer.

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as beautiful as you'd ever imagined

. Don't let cancer cause you to sell yourself short or forget your worth.

When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven't

. —Thomas Edison. Keep searching for what you're looking for. You will find it.

Your life is your story. Write well. Edit Often

. You can't control what happens to you, but you can control the way that you handle it. What do you want your story to say?

. You are here, breathing and living life. Even if it's not the life you want or hoped for, it's life. There's always something to be thankful for.

. Every small step counts. You might not reach your goal today but that is okay.

Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you

. Everyone has scars—whether you can see them or not. Wear yours with pride.

When it rains, look for rainbows. When it's dark, look for stars

. It may be hard to find your silver lining during a cancer diagnosis, but it's there. If you look for it, you will find it.

Optimism: someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster; it's more like a cha-cha. 

You may not be where you want to be right now, but you're just doing the dance that is called life.

I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night

. — Galileo. If you loved your life before cancer, do not be afraid of life after cancer. You will find beauty again.

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher

. — Oprah Winfrey. There is no time for negative energy during cancer .You need to be around people who inspire, challenge, and make you better.

. The bad thoughts will try and sneak in, but don't let them. Focus only on the good thoughts.

Don't look back. You're not going that way

. Don't waste time worrying about the things that you cannot control; such as the past. Keep moving forward.

. There's no other option. Tell yourself this affirmation every day - through treatments, doctors visits, and whatever else comes your way.

. You are not defined by what you are going through. Cancer will never have you. You are much more than your disease.

. Cancer is NOT a death sentence. It's just one word in your sentence; one part of your life.

. Nobody's perfect. If you feel broken, don't let that determine your worth. You can still do so much.

It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars. 

Try and find some beauty in your situation. You won't be the person you were before cancer, but that does not have to be a bad thing. 

For patients dealing with cancer, a daily dose of inspiration may make a big difference in their outlook on life. 

Survivorship

20 Inspirational Quotes for Cancer Survivors, Fighters, and Caregivers

The FDA approved the use of daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj (Darzalex Faspro) for patients who are newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma and are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant. In this patient population, daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj is given with bortezomib (Velcade), lenalidomide (Revlimid), and dexamethasone; this regimen is known as D-VRd and will be used as induction as well as consolidation leading toward the transplant.

The FDA approval is supported by data from the PERSEUS study (NCT03710603), which involved 709 patients who were randomly assigned to receive either the standard VRd regimen (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dexamethasone) or the daratumumab-enhanced regimen (D-VRd).

 The new, enhanced regimen of D-VRd achieved a 60% reduction in disease progression or death compared with the standard VRd.

 It also resulted in a deeper response at the end of consolidation, which could significantly delay disease progression. This latest quadruple therapy, D-VRd, is given as a first line of treatment when patients are likely to experience deeper responses, offering hope for patients with multiple myeloma who are transplant eligible.

Daratumumab (Darzalex) is a human immunoglobulin G1 k (IgG1k) monoclonal antibody designed to bind to CD38 proteins in multiple myeloma cells and activate immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, to attack and destroy myeloma cells. It essentially directly kills myeloma cells and/or enables the immune system to recognize and terminate them. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that helps antibody IgG1k reach the target, protein CD38. When the medication is administered, this enzyme breaks down the subcutaneous tissue surrounding the injection site. Permeability of the tissue is restored within 24 to 48 hours.

How It’s Administered and the Recommended Dose

This treatment requires the following premedications: oral acetaminophen (Tylenol), diphenhydramine plus phenylephrine (Benadryl), and intravenous or oral corticosteroids.

 The prescribing physician will determine the dose and route of the premedications, along with the wait time (usually between 1 and 3 hours).

Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj is a subcutaneous injection given in the abdomen. Nurses should choose a site approximately 3 in (7.5 cm) to the right or left of the patient’s navel. The standard dose for every patient is 1800 mg of daratumumab and 30,000 units of hyaluronidase per 15 mL. The entire 15 mL is given by a slow push over 3 to 5 minutes.

Hypersensitivities: These can be observed, especially after the first and second dose. Please follow your facility’s protocol for systemic allergic reactions (severe or life-threatening) and consider symptomatic management for local reactions (erythema, itching).

Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia: Monitor the patient’s complete blood cell count with differential and consider withholding the treatment until the count recovers.

Embryo-fetal toxicity: Female patients with reproductive potential should use effective contraception both while on treatment with daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj and for 3 months following treatment.

Interference with serological testing: Treatment with daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj could interfere with red blood cell antibody screening or cross-matching, so patients should be typed and screened before initiating therapy. Additionally, blood banks should be told whether a patient has received daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj. These serological changes can be seen up to 6 months after treatment.

What to Inform Patients About to Start Treatment

The most common adverse effects reported include nausea, fatigue, upper respiratory infections, and constipation. Coldlike symptoms and fatigue are very common, but any fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher should be reported to the provider.

Teach your patients about pancytopenia. The patient will be taking an oral corticosteroid for up to 2 days post treatment to reduce the risk of delayed reactions. Reaction times typically range from 4 minutes to 3.5 days. Please inform the patient when to seek medical attention. Some patients may need antiviral medications to prevent herpes zoster reactivation. Hepatitis B reactivation can also occur; please check the patient’s medical history or obtain a hepatitis B panel.

Advice for Nurses Who Administer This Agent

The injection will take 3 to 5 minutes—to protect your back, sitting down is strongly encouraged.

For successive injections, injection sites should be rotated. Avoid injecting into red, hard, bruised, scarred, or tender skin. The rate of injection should be slowed if a patient is in pain. Daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj should not be given alongside other subcutaneous treatments.

Use recommended personal protective equipment while administering the drug.

Darzalex Faspro (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj)-based quadruplet regimen approved in the U.S. for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who are transplant-eligible. Johnson & Johnson. July 30, 2024. Accessed April 30, 2025. https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/darzalex-faspro-daratumumab-and-hyaluronidase-fihj-based-quadruplet-regimen-approved-in-the-u-s-for-patients-with-newly-diagnosed-multiple-myeloma-who-are-transplant-eligible

Sonneveld P, Dimopoulos MA, Boccadoro M, et al. Daratumumab, bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for multiple myeloma. 

. 2024;390(4):301-313. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2312054

Darzalex Faspro. Prescribing information. Janssen Biotech Inc; 2024. Accessed April 30, 2025. https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/DARZALEX+Faspro-pi.pdf

Darzalex Faspro patient tips. Drugs.com. Updated August 7, 2024. Accessed April 30, 2025. https://www.drugs.com/tips/darzalex-faspro-patient-tips

A registered nurse gives best practices for use of subcutaneous daratumumab in multiple myeloma.

Rx Road Map: Subcutaneous Daratumumab in Multiple Myeloma

Less inflammatory diets were significantly linked to an overall survival (OS) benefit but did not significantly increase disease-free survival (DFS) for patients with surgically resected stage III colon cancer, according to findings from a secondary analysis of the phase 3 CALGB/SWOG 80702 trial (NCT01150045) presented at the 2025 American Society for Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

Investigators assessed the diets of 1625 patients using the empirical dietary inflammatory pattern (EDIP) scoring guide following the completion of 2 dietary questionnaires at different points of the study to place patients into quintiles by inflammatory levels of their diets. Patients in the highest quintile (indicating a more inflammatory diet) had an 87% higher risk of death compared with the lowest quintile (multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 1.87; 95% CI, 1.26-2.77; 

 = .01). Those in the highest quintile had a median OS of 7.70 years, while median OS was not reached in the lowest quintile.

“Our study showed that greater intake of a pro-inflammatory diet pattern is associated with worse overall survival in patients with stage III colon cancer,” detailed Sara K. Char, MD, of Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, in her presentation at the meeting.

While an unadjusted model showed a greater trend toward DFS for the lowest quintile, which had a median DFS of 7.21 years, vs those in the highest quintile, which had a median DFS of 6.81 years (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.08-1.97; 

 = .06), a multivariable-adjusted model demonstrated that this difference was not statistically significant (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.99-1.86; 

Regarding patient subgroups, the use of anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and celecoxib yielded no significant difference in OS (

Patients with stage III resected colon cancer had lower risk of death with less inflammatory diets and more regular physical activity.

Michele Settelmyer, APN, MSN, WHNP-BC

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