In a study published today in Clinical Cancer Research, scientists at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that a blood-based test may help guide treatment decisions for a carefully selected group of women age 70 and over who have estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, who were considering endocrine (or hormone-blocking) therapy as the primary treatment and forgoing surgery and radiation.

A large cancer clinical trial is investigating whether adding sargramostim, an immunomodulatory cytokine, to dual immunotherapy consisting of nivolumab and ipilimumab can improve outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma. It builds earlier evidence suggesting this approach may enhance survival while reducing toxicity. Patient follow-up is ongoing.