VARIOUS NEWS.

*FROM ASCO, ABOUT PROSTATE CANCER/EXCERPT
"
Despite its challenges, PSA remains the best serum-based biomarker in prostate cancer. Variations of PSA such as free-to-total PSA ratio may be used to risk stratify patients. Assessment of urine PCA3 (Progensa PCA3 assay), or assessment of prostate biopsy tissue GSTP1 methylation (ConfirmMDx assay), are marketed to help avoid unnecessary repeat biopsies.
The Oncotype DX prostate biopsy-based genomic test recently became commercially available, and is marketed to identify the presence of an aggressive genotype to aid initial treatment decision making.
Notably, none of these novel tests has been prospectively evaluated to assess effect on clinically meaningful outcomes such as survival or quality of life.
In the United States, there is limited regulatory oversight of molecular diagnostic tests. The FDA regulates “companion” diagnostic assays that are used to predict patient responses to approved products (e.g., KRAS). But for non-companion tests, there is no requirement prior to marketing that benefits be demonstrated in survival or quality of life."

*METASTATIC MELANOMA TREATMENT
AGENTS

1. Ipilimumab - antagonist of CTLA-4
2.Nivolumab -  antagonist of PD-1
3. MK-3475-  antagonist of PD-1
4. Vemurafenib- (this is Zelboraf)  - positive BRAF Mutation
5. Dabrafenib - positive BRAF Mutation
6. Trametinib -  MEK is the target
7. Combination of Trametinib and Dabrafenib have been successfully combined for greater effect
8. Nexavar, Sutent, Gleevec, Sprycel, Tasigna  are used in c-KIT positive Mutation
9. Adoptive T cell therapy

Adapted from YUSHAK et al.