The Beacon (Audio) Mon, 06 Apr 2020 11:30:00 +0000 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:37:01 +0000 Libsyn WebEngine 2.0 http://beaconmedic.com en Copyright 2017 H. Jack West, MD http://beaconmedic.com JackWestMD@BeaconMedIC.com (JackWestMD@BeaconMedIC.com) Dr. Jack West reviews emerging new information and controversial topics in health care in general, cancer treatment in particular. https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/4/a/d/e/4ade04ca1517abc2/The_Beacon_Podcast_3000x3000_72dpi_v2a.png The Beacon H. Jack West, MD Cancer,Oncology,Health,Science,Medicine,Education,H,Jack,West,Jack,West,The,Beacon,The,Beacon,Podcast,Beacon,Medical,Interchange,Beacon no Dr. Jack West reviews emerging new information and controversial topics in health care in general, cancer treatment in particular. episodic no Dr. Jack West reviews emerging new information and controversial topics in health care in general, cancer treatment in particular.TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.comH. Jack West, MD Dr. David Spigel, Part 2: Identifying the Optimal Duration for Immunotherapy in Responding Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer (BMIC-075) Fri, 08 Mar 2019 12:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West interviews Dr. David Spigel of Sarah Cannon Research Institute on the evidence on an optimal duration of immunotherapy for long-responding patients with advanced NSCLC, weighing efficacy, potential toxicity, and cost concerns.

]]> Dr. Jack West interviews Dr. David Spigel of Sarah Cannon Research Institute on the evidence on an optimal duration of immunotherapy for long-responding patients with advanced NSCLC, weighing efficacy, potential toxicity, and cost concerns.

]]> 20:37 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West interviews Dr. David Spigel of Sarah Cannon Research Institute on the evidence on an optimal duration of immunotherapy for long-responding patients with advanced NSCLC, weighing efficacy, potential toxicity, and cost concerns. Dr. David Spigel, Part 1: Clinical Research and the Growing Complexity of Cancer Care in a Community Setting (BMIC-074) Tue, 05 Mar 2019 09:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West interviews Dr. David Spigel of Sarah Cannon Research Institute on the challenges of conducting clinical trials and delivering increasingly complex patient care, along with the possible future role of artificial intelligence and telemedicine.

]]> Dr. Jack West interviews Dr. David Spigel of Sarah Cannon Research Institute on the challenges of conducting clinical trials and delivering increasingly complex patient care, along with the possible future role of artificial intelligence and telemedicine.

]]> 24:33 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West interviews Dr. David Spigel of Sarah Cannon Research Institute on the challenges of conducting clinical trials and delivering increasingly complex patient care, along with the possible future role of artificial intelligence and telemedicine. Top 5 Most Influential Trial Findings in Lung Cancer Management in 2018 (BMIC-073) Fri, 28 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West summarizes his list of the top 5 most influential trials in lung cancer that reported results in 2018, including why they matter.

]]> Dr. Jack West summarizes his list of the top 5 most influential trials in lung cancer that reported results in 2018, including why they matter.

]]> 13:41 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West summarizes his list of the top 5 most influential trials in lung cancer that reported results in 2018, including why they matter. What does the CheckMate-331 trial of nivolumab vs. chemo for relapsed SCLC tell us? (BMIC-072) Fri, 21 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the trial design, key results, and implications of the CheckMate-331 trial of nivolumab (Opdivo) vs. standard chemotherapy for relapsed small cell lung cancer.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the trial design, key results, and implications of the CheckMate-331 trial of nivolumab (Opdivo) vs. standard chemotherapy for relapsed small cell lung cancer.

]]> 09:10 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the trial design, key results, and implications of the CheckMate-331 trial of nivolumab (Opdivo) vs. standard chemotherapy for relapsed small cell lung cancer. The IMpower130 Trial of Carbo/Nab-Paclitaxel +/- Atezolizumab: Does this Positive Trial Change Management? (BMIC-071) Tue, 11 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the IMpower130 trial of carboplatin + nab-paclitaxel with or without atezolizumab as first line treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC and whether this positive trial changes management in this setting.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the IMpower130 trial of carboplatin + nab-paclitaxel with or without atezolizumab as first line treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC and whether this positive trial changes management in this setting.

]]> 10:10 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the IMpower130 trial of carboplatin + nab-paclitaxel with or without atezolizumab as first line treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC and whether this positive trial changes management in this setting. Overall Survival Benefit for Local Ablative Therapy as Consolidation for Oligometastatic Stage IV NSCLC: Where Does it Fit in Practice Now? (BMIC-070) Sun, 09 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West describes recently updated results of a small randomized trial of consolidation local ablative therapy (LAT) for oligometastatic advanced NSCLC after initial systemic therapy & considers whether these results should shape clinical practice.

]]> Dr. Jack West describes recently updated results of a small randomized trial of consolidation local ablative therapy (LAT) for oligometastatic advanced NSCLC after initial systemic therapy & considers whether these results should shape clinical practice.

]]> 10:05 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West describes recently updated results of a small randomized trial of consolidation local ablative therapy (LAT) for oligometastatic advanced NSCLC after initial systemic therapy & considers whether these results should shape clinical practice. The IMpower132 Trial: Does This Change the Advanced NSCLC Landscape? (BMIC-069) Tue, 04 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the IMpower132 trial of platinum + pemetrexed with or without atezolizumab as first line treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC and where these results fit into management of patients in this setting.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the IMpower132 trial of platinum + pemetrexed with or without atezolizumab as first line treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC and where these results fit into management of patients in this setting.

]]> 06:51 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the IMpower132 trial of platinum + pemetrexed with or without atezolizumab as first line treatment for advanced non-squamous NSCLC and where these results fit into management of patients in this setting. The MYSTIC Trial has Failed on Overall Survival in Advanced NSCLC: What Does and Doesn't This Tell Us? (BMIC-068) Sun, 02 Dec 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the trial design of the MYSTIC trial of durvalumab alone or in combination with tremelimumab, what we know about results, and the implications for the current & future landscape in NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the trial design of the MYSTIC trial of durvalumab alone or in combination with tremelimumab, what we know about results, and the implications for the current & future landscape in NSCLC.

]]> 09:55 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the trial design of the MYSTIC trial of durvalumab alone or in combination with tremelimumab, what we know about results, and the implications for the current & future landscape in NSCLC. Pembrolizumab for Patients with Advanced NSCLC and a Performance Status (PS) of 2: Results of the PePS2 Trial (BMIC-067) Fri, 16 Nov 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West summarizes new information presented at ESMO 2018 on the PePS2 trial of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with advanced NSCLC performance status (PS) of 2, which demonstrated favorable efficacy and no concerning challenges with toxicity in this population.

]]> Dr. Jack West summarizes new information presented at ESMO 2018 on the PePS2 trial of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with advanced NSCLC performance status (PS) of 2, which demonstrated favorable efficacy and no concerning challenges with toxicity in this population.

]]> 04:25 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West summarizes new information presented at ESMO 2018 on the PePS2 trial of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with advanced NSCLC performance status (PS) of 2, which demonstrated favorable efficacy and no concerning challenges with toxicity in this population. Long-Term Management of Patients Doing Well on Immunotherapy for Advanced NSCLC: Insights from KEYNOTE-010 (BMIC-066) Wed, 14 Nov 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews longitudinal outcomes for patients on the KEYNOTE-010 trial of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) vs. docetaxel as 2nd line therapy for advanced NSCLC, with helpful new info on those completing 2 years of pembro & implications for practice.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews longitudinal outcomes for patients on the KEYNOTE-010 trial of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) vs. docetaxel as 2nd line therapy for advanced NSCLC, with helpful new info on those completing 2 years of pembro & implications for practice.

]]> 08:15 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews longitudinal outcomes for patients on the KEYNOTE-010 trial of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) vs. docetaxel as 2nd line therapy for advanced NSCLC, with helpful new info on those completing 2 years of pembro & implications for practice. Updated Results on PACIFIC Trial: Should we Revise Who Should Receive Consolidation Immunotherapy after Chemo/Radiation? (BMIC-065) Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West discusses the trial design of the PACIFIC trial of consolidation durvalumab (Imfinzi) after chemo/radiation for unresectable stage III NSCLC and highlights new data on overall survival and the different results in patient subgroups.

]]> Dr. Jack West discusses the trial design of the PACIFIC trial of consolidation durvalumab (Imfinzi) after chemo/radiation for unresectable stage III NSCLC and highlights new data on overall survival and the different results in patient subgroups.

]]> 07:34 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West discusses the trial design of the PACIFIC trial of consolidation durvalumab (Imfinzi) after chemo/radiation for unresectable stage III NSCLC and highlights new data on overall survival and the different results in patient subgroups. IMpower133: Is there Finally a New Standard of Care for Extensive Stage SCLC? (BMIC-064) Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the IMpower133 trial that integrated atezolizumab with first line chemo for extensive stage SCLC and discusses whether the results improve outcomes enough to change our standard of care in this setting.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the IMpower133 trial that integrated atezolizumab with first line chemo for extensive stage SCLC and discusses whether the results improve outcomes enough to change our standard of care in this setting.

]]> 07:31 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the IMpower133 trial that integrated atezolizumab with first line chemo for extensive stage SCLC and discusses whether the results improve outcomes enough to change our standard of care in this setting. "Best Treatment First": Implications for front-Loading Combinations in Lung Cancer (BMIC-063) Fri, 07 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West describes an emerging theme that the best outcomes for patients with lung cancer and likely other cancer are best served by receiving the best agents up front, a strategy that implies a value in integrating more treatments into early combos.

]]> Dr. Jack West describes an emerging theme that the best outcomes for patients with lung cancer and likely other cancer are best served by receiving the best agents up front, a strategy that implies a value in integrating more treatments into early combos.

]]> 09:21 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West describes an emerging theme that the best outcomes for patients with lung cancer and likely other cancer are best served by receiving the best agents up front, a strategy that implies a value in integrating more treatments into early combos. Local Therapy for Advanced NSCLC: Revising Outdated Principles for Selected Patients (BMIC-062) Tue, 04 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews general principles for how local therapies are increasingly appropriate for selected patients with advanced NSCLC, whether at initial management, for limited progression on systemic therapy, or as local consolidation therapy.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews general principles for how local therapies are increasingly appropriate for selected patients with advanced NSCLC, whether at initial management, for limited progression on systemic therapy, or as local consolidation therapy.

]]> 15:49 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews general principles for how local therapies are increasingly appropriate for selected patients with advanced NSCLC, whether at initial management, for limited progression on systemic therapy, or as local consolidation therapy. TIP or BEP for Intermediate or Poor Risk Testicular Cancer?: Highlights in GU Oncology from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-061) Fri, 31 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Dan Goldstein reviews results of a trial of chemo regimen TIP (paclitaxel, ifosfamide, cisplatin) vs BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) for intermediate/poor risk germ cell tumors, with discussion of outcomes in patients with a p53 mutation.

]]> Dr. Dan Goldstein reviews results of a trial of chemo regimen TIP (paclitaxel, ifosfamide, cisplatin) vs BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) for intermediate/poor risk germ cell tumors, with discussion of outcomes in patients with a p53 mutation.

]]> 03:52 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Dan Goldstein reviews results of a trial of chemo regimen TIP (paclitaxel, ifosfamide, cisplatin) vs BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) for intermediate/poor risk germ cell tumors, with discussion of outcomes in patients with a p53 mutation. Adjuvant Docetaxel for Intermediate or High Risk Prostate Cancer After Radiation: Highlights in GU Oncology from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-060) Wed, 29 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes findings of a trial presented at ASCO 2018 by Dr. Kellolumpu-Lehtinen, assessing the benefit of adjuvant docetaxel for patients after radiation for patients with high or intermediate risk localized prostate cancer.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes findings of a trial presented at ASCO 2018 by Dr. Kellolumpu-Lehtinen, assessing the benefit of adjuvant docetaxel for patients after radiation for patients with high or intermediate risk localized prostate cancer.

]]> 01:48 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes findings of a trial presented at ASCO 2018 by Dr. Kellolumpu-Lehtinen, assessing the benefit of adjuvant docetaxel for patients after radiation for patients with high or intermediate risk localized prostate cancer. What is Positive Predictive Value of PET PSMA in Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer? Highlights in GU Oncology from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-059) Mon, 27 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data on the positive predictive value of PET PSMA imaging in patients with biochemically relapsed prostate cancer, as presented by Wolfgang Fendler & colleagues at ASCO 2018.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data on the positive predictive value of PET PSMA imaging in patients with biochemically relapsed prostate cancer, as presented by Wolfgang Fendler & colleagues at ASCO 2018.

]]> 02:59 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data on the positive predictive value of PET PSMA imaging in patients with biochemically relapsed prostate cancer, as presented by Wolfgang Fendler & colleagues at ASCO 2018. New Data & Context for a PARP Inhibitor/Abiraterone Combination in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Highlights in GU Oncology from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-058) Fri, 24 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein considers new data by Clarke & colleagues on a combination of the PARP inhibitor olaparib with abiraterone for molecularly unselected metastatic prostate cancer, along with providing a context of results from similar prior research.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein considers new data by Clarke & colleagues on a combination of the PARP inhibitor olaparib with abiraterone for molecularly unselected metastatic prostate cancer, along with providing a context of results from similar prior research.

]]> 03:15 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein considers new data by Clarke & colleagues on a combination of the PARP inhibitor olaparib with abiraterone for molecularly unselected metastatic prostate cancer, along with providing a context of results from similar prior research. Is PROSTVAC the Vaccine Therapy We've Been Waiting for in Advanced Prostate Cancer? Highlights in GU Oncology from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-057) Wed, 22 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data by Drs. Gulley & colleagues on PROSTVAC vaccine in metastatic prostate cancer & discusses the implications of trials that fail in phase III despite looking extremely favorable in phase II studies.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data by Drs. Gulley & colleagues on PROSTVAC vaccine in metastatic prostate cancer & discusses the implications of trials that fail in phase III despite looking extremely favorable in phase II studies.

]]> 02:16 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data by Drs. Gulley & colleagues on PROSTVAC vaccine in metastatic prostate cancer & discusses the implications of trials that fail in phase III despite looking extremely favorable in phase II studies. Is More Better with Radium-223 for Metastatic Prostate Cancer? Highlights in GU Oncology from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-056) Mon, 20 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data in genitourinary oncology from ASCO 2018, including a study of higher dose or prolonged duration of radium-223 (Xofigo) compared to standard dosing for 6 months with this agent in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data in genitourinary oncology from ASCO 2018, including a study of higher dose or prolonged duration of radium-223 (Xofigo) compared to standard dosing for 6 months with this agent in patients with metastatic prostate cancer.

]]> 01:21 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data in genitourinary oncology from ASCO 2018, including a study of higher dose or prolonged duration of radium-223 (Xofigo) compared to standard dosing for 6 months with this agent in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Immunotherapy with Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Highlights in GU Oncology from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-055) Fri, 17 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes key data in genitourinary oncology from ASCO 2018, including new results on pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for metastatic prostate cancer, asking whether it could find a place as treatment for a subset of these patients.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes key data in genitourinary oncology from ASCO 2018, including new results on pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for metastatic prostate cancer, asking whether it could find a place as treatment for a subset of these patients.

]]> 02:31 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes key data in genitourinary oncology from ASCO 2018, including new results on pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for metastatic prostate cancer, asking whether it could find a place as treatment for a subset of these patients. Quality of Life on the Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab Combination for Metastatic Kidney Cancer: Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-054) Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data from ASCO 2018 on patient-reported quality of life on atezolizumab/bevacizumab compared to sunitinib in metastatic kidney cancer, along with the context of other treatment options in this setting.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data from ASCO 2018 on patient-reported quality of life on atezolizumab/bevacizumab compared to sunitinib in metastatic kidney cancer, along with the context of other treatment options in this setting.

]]> 02:31 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews data from ASCO 2018 on patient-reported quality of life on atezolizumab/bevacizumab compared to sunitinib in metastatic kidney cancer, along with the context of other treatment options in this setting. Pembrolizumab in First Line Clear Cell RCC & the Evolving Role of Immunotherapy in Metastatic RCC: Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-053) Mon, 13 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein discusses the results of a trial of first line pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as first line therapy for patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and the implications for the future role of immunotherapy in RCC.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein discusses the results of a trial of first line pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as first line therapy for patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and the implications for the future role of immunotherapy in RCC.

]]> 03:32 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein discusses the results of a trial of first line pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as first line therapy for patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma and the implications for the future role of immunotherapy in RCC. Does Adjuvant Sunitinib Offer a Benefit after Oligometastasectomy for Kidney Cancer? Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-052) Fri, 10 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes the findings of a randomized trial assessing the benefit of adjuvant sunitinib following resection of oligometastatic disease in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes the findings of a randomized trial assessing the benefit of adjuvant sunitinib following resection of oligometastatic disease in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

]]> 02:19 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein summarizes the findings of a randomized trial assessing the benefit of adjuvant sunitinib following resection of oligometastatic disease in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Is There Still a Role for Cytoreductive Nephrectomy for advanced Kidney Cancer in the Wake of the CARMENA Trial? Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-051) Wed, 08 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews the key data and limitations from the CARMENA trial that re-evaluated the role of nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), providing insight into how the data should be applied in clinical practice.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews the key data and limitations from the CARMENA trial that re-evaluated the role of nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), providing insight into how the data should be applied in clinical practice.

]]> 04:50 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews the key data and limitations from the CARMENA trial that re-evaluated the role of nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), providing insight into how the data should be applied in clinical practice. Can We Effectively Target FGFR with the Novel Agent Erdafitinib for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer? Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-050) Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews highlights in bladder cancer from ASCO 2018, including the novel agent erdafitinib as a treatment targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations in muscle-invasive, advanced bladder cancer.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews highlights in bladder cancer from ASCO 2018, including the novel agent erdafitinib as a treatment targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations in muscle-invasive, advanced bladder cancer.

]]> 03:11 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews highlights in bladder cancer from ASCO 2018, including the novel agent erdafitinib as a treatment targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations in muscle-invasive, advanced bladder cancer. Novel Agent Enfortumab, a Nectin-4 Inhibitor, for Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-049) Thu, 02 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews provocative and highly promising results with enfortumab, an inhibitor of nectin-4, as a treatment for advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews provocative and highly promising results with enfortumab, an inhibitor of nectin-4, as a treatment for advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

]]> 02:10 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews provocative and highly promising results with enfortumab, an inhibitor of nectin-4, as a treatment for advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Does Nab-Paclitaxel Improve Outcomes Compared to Paclitaxel in Second Line Treatment of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder (or other cancers)? Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-048) Tue, 31 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews trial results comparing nab-paclitaxel to standard paclitaxel in second line treatment of bladder cancer, comparing these results to those in breast cancer and raising questions of utility in pancreatic cancer.

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews trial results comparing nab-paclitaxel to standard paclitaxel in second line treatment of bladder cancer, comparing these results to those in breast cancer and raising questions of utility in pancreatic cancer.

]]> 01:53 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews trial results comparing nab-paclitaxel to standard paclitaxel in second line treatment of bladder cancer, comparing these results to those in breast cancer and raising questions of utility in pancreatic cancer. Could Immunotherapy Replace Neoadjuvant Chemo for Muscle-Invasive Transitional Cell Carcinoma? Highlights from ASCO 2018 (BMIC-047) Sat, 28 Jul 2018 01:01:49 +0000 Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews highlights in bladder cancer from ASCO 2018, including important studies evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy instead of chemotherapy for muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder?

]]> Dr. Daniel Goldstein reviews highlights in bladder cancer from ASCO 2018, including important studies evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy instead of chemotherapy for muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder?

]]> 03:46 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Daniel Goldstein reviews highlights in bladder cancer from ASCO 2018, including important studies evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy instead of chemotherapy for muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder? How do Patients with Advanced NSCLC on Daily Steroids Do on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors? (BMIC-046) Thu, 12 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West summarizes findings of a retrospective analysis from Dr. Arbour of MSKCC, evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC on daily steroids while receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor against PD-1 or PD-L1.

]]> Dr. Jack West summarizes findings of a retrospective analysis from Dr. Arbour of MSKCC, evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC on daily steroids while receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor against PD-1 or PD-L1.

]]> 09:19 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West summarizes findings of a retrospective analysis from Dr. Arbour of MSKCC, evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC on daily steroids while receiving an immune checkpoint inhibitor against PD-1 or PD-L1. Is Chemo the Key to the Best Combination for EGFR Mutation-Positive NSCLC? The Data Too Good to Overlook (BMIC-045) Mon, 09 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the remarkable results of the NEJ009 trial that tested the combination of carboplatin/pemetrexed with gefitinib as initial therapy compared to gefitinib followed by chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the remarkable results of the NEJ009 trial that tested the combination of carboplatin/pemetrexed with gefitinib as initial therapy compared to gefitinib followed by chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.

]]> 12:49 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the remarkable results of the NEJ009 trial that tested the combination of carboplatin/pemetrexed with gefitinib as initial therapy compared to gefitinib followed by chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. Is the Survival Benefit from Dacomitinib on the ARCHER-1050 Trial Enough to Make it a Contender as First Line Treatment for EGFR Mutation-Positive NSCLC Today? (BMIC-044) Thu, 05 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews results from ARCHER-1050, a trial of dacomitinib vs. gefitinib, in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, asks whether the demonstrated survival benefit is enough to make dacomitinib a player as first line treatment.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews results from ARCHER-1050, a trial of dacomitinib vs. gefitinib, in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, asks whether the demonstrated survival benefit is enough to make dacomitinib a player as first line treatment.

]]> 07:16 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews results from ARCHER-1050, a trial of dacomitinib vs. gefitinib, in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, asks whether the demonstrated survival benefit is enough to make dacomitinib a player as first line treatment. The Erlotinib/Bevacizumab Combination in EGFR Mutation-Positive Advanced NSCLC: Is Progression-Free Survival without Overall Survival Benefit Enough? (BMIC-043) Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West discusses results and the significance of two important Japanese trials that test the combination of erlotinib (Tarceva) with bevacizumab (Avastin), which shows a consistent improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival.

]]> Dr. Jack West discusses results and the significance of two important Japanese trials that test the combination of erlotinib (Tarceva) with bevacizumab (Avastin), which shows a consistent improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival.

]]> 10:28 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West discusses results and the significance of two important Japanese trials that test the combination of erlotinib (Tarceva) with bevacizumab (Avastin), which shows a consistent improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival. Small Trial Shows Big Risks of Giving First Line Pembrolizumab to EGFR Mutation-Positive Patients, Even with High Tumor PD-L1 Expression (BMIC-042) Thu, 28 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West summarizes a small trial from UCLA that tests the utility of giving first line immunotherapy to EGFR mutation-positive patients with high tumor PD-L1 expression, which led to poor outcomes that should cast a long shadow on this approach.

]]> Dr. Jack West summarizes a small trial from UCLA that tests the utility of giving first line immunotherapy to EGFR mutation-positive patients with high tumor PD-L1 expression, which led to poor outcomes that should cast a long shadow on this approach.

]]> 07:23 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West summarizes a small trial from UCLA that tests the utility of giving first line immunotherapy to EGFR mutation-positive patients with high tumor PD-L1 expression, which led to poor outcomes that should cast a long shadow on this approach. IMpower131: What is the Role for the Carbo/Nab-Paclitaxel/Atezolizumab Combination for Advanced Squamous NSCLC? (BMIC-041) Mon, 25 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West summarizes key data from the IMpower131 trial of patients with advanced squamous NSCLC & examines whether the carboplatin/nab-paclitaxel/atezolizumab combination is a strong treatment option in this patient setting.

]]> Dr. Jack West summarizes key data from the IMpower131 trial of patients with advanced squamous NSCLC & examines whether the carboplatin/nab-paclitaxel/atezolizumab combination is a strong treatment option in this patient setting.

]]> 08:23 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West summarizes key data from the IMpower131 trial of patients with advanced squamous NSCLC & examines whether the carboplatin/nab-paclitaxel/atezolizumab combination is a strong treatment option in this patient setting. Is Nivo/Ipi the Treatment of Choice for Patients with Advanced NSCLC, Tumor PD-L1 Under 1%, & High TMB? New Data from CheckMate 227 (BMIC-040) Fri, 22 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews data from the CheckMate 227 trial in patients with advanced NSCLC & tumor PD-L1 <1% that suggests potential utility of the nivolumab/ipilimumab (nivo/ipi) combination in patients with low PD-L1 and high tumor mutation burden (TMB).

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews data from the CheckMate 227 trial in patients with advanced NSCLC & tumor PD-L1 ]]> 09:09 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews data from the CheckMate 227 trial in patients with advanced NSCLC & tumor PD-L1 KEYNOTE-407: Practice-Changing Positive Trial for Advanced Squamous NSCLC (BMIC-039) Wed, 20 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews KEYNOTE-407, first line chemo/immunotherapy with pembrolizumab vs. chemo alone in advanced squamous NSCLC, which demonstrated a significant survival benefit that should change practice in this setting.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews KEYNOTE-407, first line chemo/immunotherapy with pembrolizumab vs. chemo alone in advanced squamous NSCLC, which demonstrated a significant survival benefit that should change practice in this setting.

]]> 09:45 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews KEYNOTE-407, first line chemo/immunotherapy with pembrolizumab vs. chemo alone in advanced squamous NSCLC, which demonstrated a significant survival benefit that should change practice in this setting. KEYNOTE-042: Should Pembrolizumab Replace Chemo for a Broader Population of Patients with Advanced NSCLC? (BMIC-038) Mon, 18 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the KEYNOTE-042 trial of pembrolizumab vs. chemo in PD-L1-positive NSCLC, highlighting key findings from the presentation in the Plenary Session at ASCO 2018, clinical implications, & whether it should change practice.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the KEYNOTE-042 trial of pembrolizumab vs. chemo in PD-L1-positive NSCLC, highlighting key findings from the presentation in the Plenary Session at ASCO 2018, clinical implications, & whether it should change practice.

]]> 11:17 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the KEYNOTE-042 trial of pembrolizumab vs. chemo in PD-L1-positive NSCLC, highlighting key findings from the presentation in the Plenary Session at ASCO 2018, clinical implications, & whether it should change practice. My Top 5 ASCO 2018 Abstracts in Stage I-III NSCLC, Small Cell Lung Cancer, & Mesothelioma (BMIC-037) Wed, 23 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews his top 5 abstracts in stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma at ASCO 2018, explaining why each is poised to change the landscape of patient care in this setting.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews his top 5 abstracts in stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma at ASCO 2018, explaining why each is poised to change the landscape of patient care in this setting.

]]> 07:25 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews his top 5 abstracts in stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma at ASCO 2018, explaining why each is poised to change the landscape of patient care in this setting. My Top 5 ASCO 2018 Abstracts in Advanced NSCLC (BMIC-036) Mon, 21 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews his top 5 abstracts in the advanced NSCLC track at ASCO 2018, explaining why each is poised to change the landscape of patient care in this setting.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews his top 5 abstracts in the advanced NSCLC track at ASCO 2018, explaining why each is poised to change the landscape of patient care in this setting.

]]> 10:31 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews his top 5 abstracts in the advanced NSCLC track at ASCO 2018, explaining why each is poised to change the landscape of patient care in this setting. Are Tumor Mutation Burden and Nivolumab/Ipilimumab Ready for Clinical Use? Insights from CheckMate 227 (BMIC-035) Fri, 11 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West considers whether the results from the CheckMate 227 trial comparing nivolumab/ipilimumab to chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC & high tumor mutation burden should change our management: AreTMB & nivo/ipi ready for prime time?

]]> Dr. Jack West considers whether the results from the CheckMate 227 trial comparing nivolumab/ipilimumab to chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC & high tumor mutation burden should change our management: AreTMB & nivo/ipi ready for prime time?

]]> 09:52 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West considers whether the results from the CheckMate 227 trial comparing nivolumab/ipilimumab to chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC & high tumor mutation burden should change our management: AreTMB & nivo/ipi ready for prime time? Nivolumab/Ipilimumab vs. Chemo in High TMB Advanced NSCLC: Key Results from CheckMate 227 (BMIC-034) Thu, 10 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the CheckMate 227 trial, summarizing highlights from efficacy & side effects of nivolumab/ipilimumab (nivo/ipi) compared to standard doublet chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC & high tumor mutational burden (TMB).

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the CheckMate 227 trial, summarizing highlights from efficacy & side effects of nivolumab/ipilimumab (nivo/ipi) compared to standard doublet chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC & high tumor mutational burden (TMB).

]]> full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD) KEYNOTE-189: Clinical Implications in Patients with Advanced Non-Squamous NSCLC and Negative (sub 1%) Tumor PD-L1 Expression (BMIC-033) Fri, 04 May 2018 10:15:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and negative (<1%) tumor PD-L1 on the KEYNOTE-189 trial, providing thoughts on the clinical implications of these findings in management of this patient subset.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and negative (]]> 06:43 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and negative ( KEYNOTE-189: Clinical Implications in Patients with Advanced Non-Squamous NSCLC and Low (1-49%) Tumor PD-L1 Expression (BMIC-032) Fri, 04 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and low (1-49%) tumor PD-L1 on the KEYNOTE-189 trial, providing thoughts on the clinical implications of these findings in management of this patient subset.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and low (1-49%) tumor PD-L1 on the KEYNOTE-189 trial, providing thoughts on the clinical implications of these findings in management of this patient subset.

]]> 06:28 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and low (1-49%) tumor PD-L1 on the KEYNOTE-189 trial, providing thoughts on the clinical implications of these findings in management of this patient subset. KEYNOTE-189: Clinical Implications in Patients with Advanced Non-Squamous NSCLC and High (≥50%) Tumor PD-L1 Expression (BMIC-031) Mon, 30 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and high tumor PD-L1 on the KEYNOTE-189 trial, providing thoughts on the clinical implications of these findings in management of these patients.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and high tumor PD-L1 on the KEYNOTE-189 trial, providing thoughts on the clinical implications of these findings in management of these patients.

]]> 08:11 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews clinical results in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC and high tumor PD-L1 on the KEYNOTE-189 trial, providing thoughts on the clinical implications of these findings in management of these patients. KEYNOTE-189: Key Summary of a Practice-Changing Trial in Advanced Non-Squamous NSCLC (BMIC-030) Fri, 27 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the trial design, efficacy endpoints, and toxicity results of the KEYNOTE-189 trial of pembrolizumab or placebo added to cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed chemo in advanced non-squamous NSCLC with any PD-L1 expression.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the trial design, efficacy endpoints, and toxicity results of the KEYNOTE-189 trial of pembrolizumab or placebo added to cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed chemo in advanced non-squamous NSCLC with any PD-L1 expression.

]]> 13:17 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the trial design, efficacy endpoints, and toxicity results of the KEYNOTE-189 trial of pembrolizumab or placebo added to cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed chemo in advanced non-squamous NSCLC with any PD-L1 expression. Is Chemotherapy More Effective After Prior Immunotherapy? (BMIC-029) Thu, 12 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West presents early data suggesting that chemotherapy may be more effective after prior immunotherapy than otherwise.

]]> Dr. Jack West presents early data suggesting that chemotherapy may be more effective after prior immunotherapy than otherwise.

]]> 05:14 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West presents early data suggesting that chemotherapy may be more effective after prior immunotherapy than otherwise. New Insights on Acquired Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for NSCLC: Implications for Treatment Options (BMIC-028) Tue, 10 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews new data on patterns of acquired resistance after a response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced NSCLC, along with the clinical implications of various options based on these observations.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews new data on patterns of acquired resistance after a response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced NSCLC, along with the clinical implications of various options based on these observations.

]]> 11:46 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews new data on patterns of acquired resistance after a response to immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced NSCLC, along with the clinical implications of various options based on these observations. Is immunotherapy ineffective in patients with driver mutation-positive advanced NSCLC? Time to walk that back. (BMIC-027) Fri, 06 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000  

Dr. Jack West summarizes the evolving data shaping our understanding of the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with EGFR- or ALK-positive advanced NSCLC, including more recent data that should change our perspective.

]]>  

Dr. Jack West summarizes the evolving data shaping our understanding of the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with EGFR- or ALK-positive advanced NSCLC, including more recent data that should change our perspective.

]]> 10:38 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MD  Dr. Jack West summarizes the evolving data shaping our understanding of the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with EGFR- or ALK-positive advanced NSCLC, including more recent data that should change our perspective. Chemo/Immunotherapy in Advanced Squamous NSCLC: What is the Impact of IMpower131? (BMIC-026) Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the preliminary positive result form the IMpower131 trial of chemo +/- atezolizumab immunotherapy and considers what the clinical significance of these findings should be for patients with advanced squamous NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the preliminary positive result form the IMpower131 trial of chemo +/- atezolizumab immunotherapy and considers what the clinical significance of these findings should be for patients with advanced squamous NSCLC.

]]> 09:27 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the preliminary positive result form the IMpower131 trial of chemo +/- atezolizumab immunotherapy and considers what the clinical significance of these findings should be for patients with advanced squamous NSCLC. Is Durvalumab (Imfinzi) in Stage III NSCLC Curing Patients or Just Treating Metastatic Disease Earlier? Importance of Overall Survival and Implications for Duration of Treatment (BMIC-025) Thu, 22 Feb 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West explores the importance of following the overall survival of patients on the PACIFIC trial and considers still open questions of whether consolidation durvalumab (Imfinzi) in stage III unresectable NSCLC should be discontinued after a year.

]]> Dr. Jack West explores the importance of following the overall survival of patients on the PACIFIC trial and considers still open questions of whether consolidation durvalumab (Imfinzi) in stage III unresectable NSCLC should be discontinued after a year.

]]> 06:45 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West explores the importance of following the overall survival of patients on the PACIFIC trial and considers still open questions of whether consolidation durvalumab (Imfinzi) in stage III unresectable NSCLC should be discontinued after a year. Durvalumab (Imfinzi) FDA Approved for Stage III NSCLC: Should It Become Standard of Care Without Overall Survival Benefit Demonstrated? (BMIC-024) Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews key results of the PACIFIC trial of the immunotherapy agent durvalumab (Imfinzi) vs. placebo in stage III NSCLC and explains the pros and cons of durvalumab as a new standard of care after concurrent chemoradiation.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews key results of the PACIFIC trial of the immunotherapy agent durvalumab (Imfinzi) vs. placebo in stage III NSCLC and explains the pros and cons of durvalumab as a new standard of care after concurrent chemoradiation.

]]> 07:56 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews key results of the PACIFIC trial of the immunotherapy agent durvalumab (Imfinzi) vs. placebo in stage III NSCLC and explains the pros and cons of durvalumab as a new standard of care after concurrent chemoradiation. A New Treatment Option for Uncommon EGFR Mutations (BMIC-023) Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the new FDA approval for afatinib (Gilotrif) for specific uncommon EGFR mutations, including G719X, L861Q, and S768I, in advanced NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the new FDA approval for afatinib (Gilotrif) for specific uncommon EGFR mutations, including G719X, L861Q, and S768I, in advanced NSCLC.

]]> 08:26 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the new FDA approval for afatinib (Gilotrif) for specific uncommon EGFR mutations, including G719X, L861Q, and S768I, in advanced NSCLC. Chemo-Immunotherapy in Non-Squamous NSCLC: Has the KEYNOTE-189 Trial Defined a Clear Standard of Care? (BMIC-022) Sat, 20 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the results and pending questions of the KEYNOTE-189 trial of chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) as first line therapy for advanced non-squamous NSCLC, as well as how they change the treatment landscape.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the results and pending questions of the KEYNOTE-189 trial of chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) as first line therapy for advanced non-squamous NSCLC, as well as how they change the treatment landscape.

]]> 06:48 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the results and pending questions of the KEYNOTE-189 trial of chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) as first line therapy for advanced non-squamous NSCLC, as well as how they change the treatment landscape. T Effector Gene Signature on IMpower150: Is There a Better Biomarker than PD-L1 for Immunotherapy? (BMIC-021) Thu, 21 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews provocative biomarker results on the IMpower150 trial that tested atezolizumab with carboplatin/paclitaxel +/- bevacizumab & revealed strongest benefit of atezo in those with T effector gene signature high expression or high PD-L1.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews provocative biomarker results on the IMpower150 trial that tested atezolizumab with carboplatin/paclitaxel +/- bevacizumab & revealed strongest benefit of atezo in those with T effector gene signature high expression or high PD-L1.

]]> 10:32 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews provocative biomarker results on the IMpower150 trial that tested atezolizumab with carboplatin/paclitaxel +/- bevacizumab & revealed strongest benefit of atezo in those with T effector gene signature high expression or high PD-L1. Atezolizumab in First Line NSCLC: Early Clinical Results from the IMpower150 Trial (BMIC-020) Mon, 18 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the preliminary clinical results on the IMpower150 trial that tested the value of adding the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab to carbo/paclitaxel/bevacizumab in patients with chemo-naïve advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the preliminary clinical results on the IMpower150 trial that tested the value of adding the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab to carbo/paclitaxel/bevacizumab in patients with chemo-naïve advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

]]> 11:41 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the preliminary clinical results on the IMpower150 trial that tested the value of adding the immune checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab to carbo/paclitaxel/bevacizumab in patients with chemo-naïve advanced non-squamous NSCLC. Genomic Sequencing for All Solid Tumors: Where Will This Lead Us? (BMIC-019) Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the implications, both encouraging and potentially detrimental, of a recent FDA approval for broad genomic (NGS) testing of all solid tumors, ushering in a new era of growing precision medicine and molecular oncology.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the implications, both encouraging and potentially detrimental, of a recent FDA approval for broad genomic (NGS) testing of all solid tumors, ushering in a new era of growing precision medicine and molecular oncology.

]]> 09:06 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the implications, both encouraging and potentially detrimental, of a recent FDA approval for broad genomic (NGS) testing of all solid tumors, ushering in a new era of growing precision medicine and molecular oncology. New Target & Treatment in Advanced NSCLC: Dabrafenib/Trametinib for BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive NSCLC (BMIC-018) Fri, 08 Dec 2017 18:57:51 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews data on the FDA-approved combination of dabrafenib/trametinib for patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive advanced NSCLC, as published by Planchard & colleagues in Lancet Oncology.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews data on the FDA-approved combination of dabrafenib/trametinib for patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive advanced NSCLC, as published by Planchard & colleagues in Lancet Oncology.

]]> 06:36 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews data on the FDA-approved combination of dabrafenib/trametinib for patients with BRAF V600E mutation-positive advanced NSCLC, as published by Planchard & colleagues in Lancet Oncology. Should Osimertinib Become First-Line Treatment of Choice for EGFR Mutation-Positive Advanced NSCLC, or Should it Be Saved for Later? (BMIC-017) Fri, 01 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the pros and cons of using osimertinib first line vs. "saving" it as a second line therapy, trying to determine the optimal sequence for EGFR-directed therapy in advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the pros and cons of using osimertinib first line vs. "saving" it as a second line therapy, trying to determine the optimal sequence for EGFR-directed therapy in advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

]]> 11:58 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the pros and cons of using osimertinib first line vs. "saving" it as a second line therapy, trying to determine the optimal sequence for EGFR-directed therapy in advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Dacomitinib: Dark Horse EGFR TKI Charges into a Crowded First Line Setting for EGFR Mutation-Positive Advanced NSCLC (BMIC-016) Tue, 28 Nov 2017 23:04:55 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the results of the ARCHER-1050 trial that showed superior efficacy with dacomitinib vs. gefitinib in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Is it too little, too late for dacomitinib, or can it find a place in a crowded first line setting?

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the results of the ARCHER-1050 trial that showed superior efficacy with dacomitinib vs. gefitinib in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Is it too little, too late for dacomitinib, or can it find a place in a crowded first line setting?

]]> 08:05 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the results of the ARCHER-1050 trial that showed superior efficacy with dacomitinib vs. gefitinib in EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Is it too little, too late for dacomitinib, or can it find a place in a crowded first line setting? Are the PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Completely Interchangeable in Lung Cancer Management? (BMIC-015) Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West addresses the question of whether the data with various PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in lung cancer management can be viewed as a class effect and whether these immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered interchangeable.

]]> Dr. Jack West addresses the question of whether the data with various PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in lung cancer management can be viewed as a class effect and whether these immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered interchangeable.

]]> 06:05 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West addresses the question of whether the data with various PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in lung cancer management can be viewed as a class effect and whether these immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered interchangeable. Will Immunotherapy Shift the Balance of Treatment for Borderline Resectable Stage III NSCLC Away from Surgery? (BMIC-014) Fri, 10 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the implications of the PACIFIC trial that establishes a role for durvalumab immunotherapy in stage III NSCLC, and which will likely lead to some patients shifting away from surgery in favor of chemoradiation followed by durvalumab.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the implications of the PACIFIC trial that establishes a role for durvalumab immunotherapy in stage III NSCLC, and which will likely lead to some patients shifting away from surgery in favor of chemoradiation followed by durvalumab.

]]> 07:13 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the implications of the PACIFIC trial that establishes a role for durvalumab immunotherapy in stage III NSCLC, and which will likely lead to some patients shifting away from surgery in favor of chemoradiation followed by durvalumab. Research Question or Standard of Care: The Barriers to Broad Adoption in Cancer Care (BMIC-013) Mon, 30 Oct 2017 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the key differences between findings that are worthy of clinical research and those that should be broadly adopted as a standard of care in cancer treatment, and differences in practice in academic vs. community practice.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the key differences between findings that are worthy of clinical research and those that should be broadly adopted as a standard of care in cancer treatment, and differences in practice in academic vs. community practice.

]]> 10:14 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the key differences between findings that are worthy of clinical research and those that should be broadly adopted as a standard of care in cancer treatment, and differences in practice in academic vs. community practice. Hyper-Progressive Disease on Immunotherapy in Advanced NSCLC (BMIC-012) Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews evidence that a subset of patients with advanced NSCLC demonstrate "hyper-progressing disease" (HPD), worsening cancer at a faster rate, on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, more commonly than seen in patients on chemotherapy.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews evidence that a subset of patients with advanced NSCLC demonstrate "hyper-progressing disease" (HPD), worsening cancer at a faster rate, on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, more commonly than seen in patients on chemotherapy.

]]> 07:34 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews evidence that a subset of patients with advanced NSCLC demonstrate "hyper-progressing disease" (HPD), worsening cancer at a faster rate, on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, more commonly than seen in patients on chemotherapy. Tumor Mutational Burden in Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Valuable Biomarker for Immunotherapy? (BMIC-011) Fri, 20 Oct 2017 23:48:34 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews new findings highlighting the utility of using the biomarker tumor mutation burden (TMB) to predict which patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) will benefit from nivolumab or the combination of nivolumab with ipilimumab.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews new findings highlighting the utility of using the biomarker tumor mutation burden (TMB) to predict which patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) will benefit from nivolumab or the combination of nivolumab with ipilimumab.

]]> 09:21 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews new findings highlighting the utility of using the biomarker tumor mutation burden (TMB) to predict which patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) will benefit from nivolumab or the combination of nivolumab with ipilimumab. How Should We Monitor Patients After Potentially Curative Surgery for Lung Cancer? Some Actual Evidence, at Long Last (BMIC-010) Fri, 29 Sep 2017 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews new evidence providing long-needed guidance on what patient surveillance after potentially curative surgery for early lung cancer makes a difference. The IFCT-0302 trial tests a minimal vs. maximal approach to answer that question.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews new evidence providing long-needed guidance on what patient surveillance after potentially curative surgery for early lung cancer makes a difference. The IFCT-0302 trial tests a minimal vs. maximal approach to answer that question.

]]> 07:32 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews new evidence providing long-needed guidance on what patient surveillance after potentially curative surgery for early lung cancer makes a difference. The IFCT-0302 trial tests a minimal vs. maximal approach to answer that question. Chemo/Immunotherapy Data Increasingly Compelling with Additional Follow-Up (BMIC-009) Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West assesses the merits of a combination of chemotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) based on the evolving efficacy data, especially the maturing results for overall survival, with longer follow-up of the KEYNOTE-021g trial.

]]> Dr. Jack West assesses the merits of a combination of chemotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) based on the evolving efficacy data, especially the maturing results for overall survival, with longer follow-up of the KEYNOTE-021g trial.

]]> 07:07 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West assesses the merits of a combination of chemotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) based on the evolving efficacy data, especially the maturing results for overall survival, with longer follow-up of the KEYNOTE-021g trial. Do Patients with Advanced NSCLC Doing Well on an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Reach a Point of Diminishing Returns after a Fixed Duration of Treatment? (BMIC-008) Wed, 13 Sep 2017 01:56:02 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the important, clinically relevant results of the CheckMate-153 trial that asks whether there is a value in continuing an immune checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced NSCLC doing well on immunotherapy.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the important, clinically relevant results of the CheckMate-153 trial that asks whether there is a value in continuing an immune checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced NSCLC doing well on immunotherapy.

]]> 07:13 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the important, clinically relevant results of the CheckMate-153 trial that asks whether there is a value in continuing an immune checkpoint inhibitor in patients with advanced NSCLC doing well on immunotherapy. The FLAURA Trial: Practice-Changing Results for Patients with EGFR Mutation-Positive NSCLC (BMIC-007) Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:59:03 +0000 Dr. Jack West summarizes the likely practice-changing results of the FLAURA trial of osimertinib vs. standard of care EGFR TKI therapy (gefitinib or erlotinib) as first line treatment for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West summarizes the likely practice-changing results of the FLAURA trial of osimertinib vs. standard of care EGFR TKI therapy (gefitinib or erlotinib) as first line treatment for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.

]]> 09:48 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West summarizes the likely practice-changing results of the FLAURA trial of osimertinib vs. standard of care EGFR TKI therapy (gefitinib or erlotinib) as first line treatment for patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Immunotherapy in Stage III NSCLC: The Practice-Changing Results of the PACIFIC Trial Usher in a New Standard (BMIC-006) Sat, 09 Sep 2017 08:13:31 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews data from ESMO 2017 & the NEJM paper on the PACIFIC trial of durvalumab vs. placebo as consolidation after chemoradiation for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC, focusing especially on why these results are practice-changing.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews data from ESMO 2017 & the NEJM paper on the PACIFIC trial of durvalumab vs. placebo as consolidation after chemoradiation for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC, focusing especially on why these results are practice-changing.

]]> 06:31 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews data from ESMO 2017 & the NEJM paper on the PACIFIC trial of durvalumab vs. placebo as consolidation after chemoradiation for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC, focusing especially on why these results are practice-changing. Is There Still a Value in Testing for PD-L1 Expression in Advanced NSCLC Today? (BMIC-005) Tue, 05 Sep 2017 10:00:00 +0000 Dr. Jack West explains the potential value PD-L1 expression during the initial workup of patients with advanced NSCLC, in the face of a broad FDA approval for chemo/immunotherapy regardless of PD-L1 status in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West explains the potential value PD-L1 expression during the initial workup of patients with advanced NSCLC, in the face of a broad FDA approval for chemo/immunotherapy regardless of PD-L1 status in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

]]> 02:51 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West explains the potential value PD-L1 expression during the initial workup of patients with advanced NSCLC, in the face of a broad FDA approval for chemo/immunotherapy regardless of PD-L1 status in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC. Better Communication Leads to Better Outcomes for Cancer Patients (BMIC-004) Sun, 03 Sep 2017 21:22:44 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews data from pivotal trials showing that platforms that enable better communication between the cancer patient and the clinic lead to better clinical outcomes, including longer overall survival.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews data from pivotal trials showing that platforms that enable better communication between the cancer patient and the clinic lead to better clinical outcomes, including longer overall survival.

]]> 03:46 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews data from pivotal trials showing that platforms that enable better communication between the cancer patient and the clinic lead to better clinical outcomes, including longer overall survival. Are Two Immunotherapy Agents Better than One? Will the MYSTIC Trial Prove to Be a Mistake? (BMIC-003) Tue, 29 Aug 2017 22:24:19 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the promise of combinations of immunotherapies for advanced NSCLC and the implications for the field of the initial report that the MYSTIC trial failed to show an improvement in progression-free survival with an IT combination.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the promise of combinations of immunotherapies for advanced NSCLC and the implications for the field of the initial report that the MYSTIC trial failed to show an improvement in progression-free survival with an IT combination.

]]> 06:36 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the promise of combinations of immunotherapies for advanced NSCLC and the implications for the field of the initial report that the MYSTIC trial failed to show an improvement in progression-free survival with an IT combination. Early Returns on the FLAURA Trial: Should Osimertinib be a First Line Agent in EGFR Mutation-Positive NSCLC? (BMIC-002) Tue, 29 Aug 2017 22:22:09 +0000 Dr. Jack West discusses the implications of a positive FLAURA trial, which revealed a significant improvement in progression-free survival for first line osimertinib over gefitinib or erlotinib in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.

]]> Dr. Jack West discusses the implications of a positive FLAURA trial, which revealed a significant improvement in progression-free survival for first line osimertinib over gefitinib or erlotinib in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC.

]]> 05:04 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West discusses the implications of a positive FLAURA trial, which revealed a significant improvement in progression-free survival for first line osimertinib over gefitinib or erlotinib in patients with EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC. Importing Immunotherapy into the Curative Setting for NSCLC: The Potential Implications of the PACIFIC Trial (BMIC-001) Tue, 29 Aug 2017 01:56:32 +0000 Dr. Jack West reviews the potential new role for immunotherapy in locally advanced NSCLC based on the early report that the PACIFIC trial of durvalumab after chemo/radiation is positive for a significant improvement in progression-free survival.

]]> Dr. Jack West reviews the potential new role for immunotherapy in locally advanced NSCLC based on the early report that the PACIFIC trial of durvalumab after chemo/radiation is positive for a significant improvement in progression-free survival.

]]> 04:31 false full TheBeacon@BeaconMedIC.com (H. Jack West, MD)H. Jack West, MDDr. Jack West reviews the potential new role for immunotherapy in locally advanced NSCLC based on the early report that the PACIFIC trial of durvalumab after chemo/radiation is positive for a significant improvement in progression-free survival.