American Cancer Society

BioXcel Therapeutics Announces Completion of Patient Enrollment in Safety Portion of Investigator-Sponsored Phase 2 Relapsed Pancreatic Cancer Trial of BXCL701 in Combination with KEYTRUDA®

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Feb. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing artificial intelligence to develop transformative medicines in neuroscience and immuno-oncology, today announced the completion of patient enrollment in the safety lead-in portion of the investigator-sponsored Phase 2 trial of BXCL701 in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). BioXcel Therapeutics, through its OnkosXcel Therapeutics immuno-oncology subsidiary, is collaborating with Georgetown Lombardi’s Dr. Louis M. Weiner, director of the cancer center, and Dr. Benjamin Weinberg, the study’s principal investigator. BioXcel Therapeutics and Merck & Co. are providing BXCL701 and KEYTRUDA for the trial, respectively.

Key Points: 
  • BioXcel Therapeutics and Merck & Co. are providing BXCL701 and KEYTRUDA for the trial, respectively.
  • The trial is evaluating BXCL701, an investigational, oral innate immune activator designed to inflame the tumor microenvironment and thereby augment the activity of checkpoint inhibitors.
  • “Pancreatic cancer represents a significant unmet medical need, ranking as the third-leading cause of cancer deaths1, yet remains an exceptionally difficult cancer to treat.
  • This Phase 2 trial marks the third cold tumor setting where we are testing BXCL701 in combination with KEYTRUDA.

Employers Agree Relying on Primary Care and Insurance Coverage Is Not Enough To Meet Cancer Screening Needs, According to New Survey

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

BURLINGAME, Calif., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Color Health today announced findings from its recent survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, highlighting employer perspectives on the rising cost of cancer, priorities for providing the most impactful care to employees, and potential strategies for reducing the burden of cancer on the workforce. Details are available in Color Health's 2024 Employer Insights Report: The State of Cancer.

Key Points: 
  • In 2024, over two-thirds (62%) of employers plan to offer a cancer screening program as a strategy for early detection and reducing costs.
  • Additional key findings include:
    Screening, early detection, and risk assessment/prevention are the highest priorities for cancer benefits, according to over 70% of benefits leaders.
  • 72% of benefits leaders agree that primary care providers are not getting enough employees screened for cancer.
  • "Because they provide healthcare coverage for nearly half of all Americans, employers are uniquely positioned to address gaps in cancer care.

Tobacco plain packaging progress continues worldwide with 42 countries and territories moving forward with regulations

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Presently, 42 countries and territories are actively moving ahead with plain packaging, with 25 having adopted the measure, 3 having it in practice, and 14 in the process of implementation.

Key Points: 
  • Presently, 42 countries and territories are actively moving ahead with plain packaging, with 25 having adopted the measure, 3 having it in practice, and 14 in the process of implementation.
  • progressing
    "There is a strong global trend for countries to implement plain packaging," says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, CCS.
  • There are now 25 countries and territories that have adopted plain packaging, up from only 9 countries in 2018 and 21 countries in 2021.
  • Guidelines under the international tobacco treaty, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), recommend that countries consider implementing plain packaging.

Tobacco plain packaging progress continues worldwide with 42 countries and territories moving forward with regulations

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024

TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An international report released today by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) reveals ongoing advancements in tobacco plain packaging worldwide. Presently, 42 countries and territories are actively moving ahead with plain packaging, with 25 having adopted the measure, 3 having it in practice, and 14 in the process of implementation. The CCS report, titled Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report, details global progress on plain packaging, ranks 211 countries and territories on the size of their health warnings on cigarette packages, and lists the 138 countries and territories that now require graphic picture warnings.

Key Points: 
  • Presently, 42 countries and territories are actively moving ahead with plain packaging, with 25 having adopted the measure, 3 having it in practice, and 14 in the process of implementation.
  • progressing
    "There is a strong global trend for countries to implement plain packaging," says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, CCS.
  • There are now 25 countries and territories that have adopted plain packaging, up from only 9 countries in 2018 and 21 countries in 2021.
  • Guidelines under the international tobacco treaty, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), recommend that countries consider implementing plain packaging.

STATEMENT BY FRED RYAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION AND INSTITUTE ON KING CHARLES' CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

Nancy and I faced that same decision ourselves. We made a conscious decision that it was important to 'go public' with the fact that -- in both her case and mine -- good medical supervision, early detection, and prompt treatment were the keys to victory over cancer. People need to know that cancer isn't something to run and hide from. Cancer is a fact that must be faced and dealt with. You have all done that, and with extraordinary courage."

Key Points: 
  • SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On behalf of the entire Reagan Foundation and Institute Board of Trustees, we send our well-wishes to King Charles and his family regarding his recent cancer diagnosis and announcement.
  • First you accept the challenge to fight cancer in any way you can…
    Nancy and I faced that same decision ourselves.
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with King Charles, his family, and all of the people of Great Britain.
  • May the King's courageous nature and strong will help him in this battle.

Breaking Barriers in Cancer Care: The American Cancer Society and Pfizer Announce a $15 Million, Three-Year Initiative to Bridge the Gap in Cancer Care Disparities

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and Pfizer Inc. (NYE: PFE) today announced the launch of “Change the Odds™: Uniting to Improve Cancer Outcomes,” a three-year initiative to bridge the gap in cancer care disparities.

Key Points: 
  • The American Cancer Society (ACS) and Pfizer Inc. (NYE: PFE) today announced the launch of “Change the Odds™: Uniting to Improve Cancer Outcomes,” a three-year initiative to bridge the gap in cancer care disparities.
  • “Change the Odds” will initially focus on breast and prostate cancer in medically underserved communities, with the potential to expand to additional cancer types.
  • “Cancer doesn’t discriminate – and neither should cancer care,” said Chris Boshoff, Chief Oncology Officer and Executive Vice President, Pfizer.
  • “Everyone should have the same opportunity to access the latest advances in care, regardless of their background or where they live.

The Inner Circle Acknowledges, Victoria Gough as a Top Pinnacle Professional

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

FAIRBURN, Ga., Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Victoria Gough is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional for her contributions in Interior Design.

Key Points: 
  • FAIRBURN, Ga., Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Victoria Gough is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional for her contributions in Interior Design.
  • Victoria Gough, the Chief Executive Officer and founder of VG Designs, LLC, is making waves in the world of interior design.
  • At the helm of VG Designs, Victoria Gough brings over two decades of experience in the interior design industry.
  • Victoria Gough remains an active member of professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers and the National Association of Professional Women.

Hologic Announces First and Only FDA-Cleared Digital Cytology System – Genius™ Digital Diagnostics System

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

“Our technologies have had a tremendous impact on decreasing cancer rates in women, and we are incredibly excited by the promise of Genius Digital Diagnostics.

Key Points: 
  • “Our technologies have had a tremendous impact on decreasing cancer rates in women, and we are incredibly excited by the promise of Genius Digital Diagnostics.
  • With the Genius Digital Diagnostics System, the glass slides are digitally imaged and an artificial intelligence algorithm is applied to pinpoint the cells that cytologists and pathologists should review.
  • The Genius Digital Diagnostics System also offers the opportunity for greater collaboration across lab and other healthcare settings.
  • The Genius Digital Diagnostics System is already commercially available in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

GRAIL Partners With Professional Golfers Steve Stricker and Juli Inkster to Raise Awareness of Multi-Cancer Early Detection at Second Annual Galleri Classic PGA TOUR Champions Tournament

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

As part of his record-setting year on the PGA TOUR Champions in 2023, Stricker tied for fifth place in the inaugural tournament.

Key Points: 
  • As part of his record-setting year on the PGA TOUR Champions in 2023, Stricker tied for fifth place in the inaugural tournament.
  • After losing her father to late-stage esophageal and liver cancer, cancer screening is a cause close to her heart.
  • Data from the National Cancer Institute demonstrated that finding cancer early improves overall 5-year survival rates from approximately 20% to 90%.
  • Galleri, a prescription-only test, is recommended for people over the age of 50, or those with an elevated risk of cancer.

New Canadian Cancer Society survey reveals the financial cost of cancer is one many in Canada cannot afford

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 4, 2024

Despite having a universal healthcare system, there are still out-of-pocket costs to individuals going through a cancer diagnosis in Canada.

Key Points: 
  • Despite having a universal healthcare system, there are still out-of-pocket costs to individuals going through a cancer diagnosis in Canada.
  • There are deep disparities in cancer risk, care and costs that can impact a person's cancer treatment, outcomes and overall experience.
  • "The Canadian Cancer Society is asking people to join us and call on governments across Canada to help make cancer care more affordable for those who need it."
  • Our Cancer Information Helpline is available nationwide and in 200 languages for anyone with questions about cancer, including financial questions (1-888-939-3333, [email protected] or live chat at cancer.ca ).