New on NCI’s Websites for March 2023
, by Daryl McGrath
NCI’s collection of cancer information products is constantly growing, so periodically we provide updates on new and updated content of interest to the cancer community.
NCI Brings Cancer Data to Life
NCI’s Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT) celebrated International Love Data Week from February 13–17 with a blog post and video featuring Datum, an animated genomic data point.
Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer
NCI recently updated its fact sheet on artificial sweeteners and cancer risk. The page explains what artificial sweeteners are, discusses research in animals and humans, and addresses the role of artificial sweeteners in obesity.
NCI Funds More Research Grants, Thanks to Action by Congress
In this NCI Bottom Line blog post, NCI Director Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., discusses the opportunities created by NCI’s fiscal year 2023 budget, which includes a $386 million increase, plus an additional $22 million for the Cancer Moonshot established by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016.
Progress in Advancing Basic Cancer Research
A new page from NCI’s Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) highlights some of the fundamental discoveries made across the entire spectrum of cancer biology, from structural insights to mechanisms of metastasis. The page also features a timeline of DCB milestones and profiles of some of the researchers DCB helps support.
DCTD Pipeline Newsletter
NCI’s Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD) has published the latest issue of its quarterly Pipeline newsletter. The January 2023 issue highlights DCTD’s Medical Writing and Clinical Support Group; introduces Gregory Reaman, M.D., as the scientific director of the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI); and shares recent news.
Pragmatica-Lung Cancer Treatment Trial
NCI is launching Pragmatica-Lung, a phase 3 clinical trial comparing a combination of the drugs ramucirumab (Cyramza) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) with standard chemotherapy for people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The trial is designed to remove many of the barriers that prevent people from joining clinical trials.
CCR Milestones: Annual Highlights 2023
NCI’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) has published its annual Milestones report, which features some of the major scientific advances CCR teams have made in the past year.
CCR News: A Rare Look into What Makes Mesothelioma Aggressive, and Potentially Treatable
CCR researchers have analyzed a rare type of cancer called mesothelioma in unprecedented detail, identifying gene signatures associated with lower chances of survival. The findings also point to a subset of patients who respond well to certain therapies. This information could help more patients receive appropriate care in the future.
New Center for Global Health Blog Posts
NCI’s Center for Global Health (CGH) recently published a blog post by CGH Director Satish Gopal, M.D., M.P.H., titled World Cancer Day 2023: United We’re Stronger. Dr. Gopal reflects on achievements in 2022 and looks ahead to continuing to develop ideas and explore opportunities outlined in the 2021-2025 CGH Strategic Plan. Another recent post in the CGH Spotlight blog addressed London Global Cancer Week (LGCW): LGCW 2022: Utilizing Cancer Research Funding Data to Inform Action and Drive Collaboration.
New Cancer Prevention Science Blog Posts
NCI’s Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) recently published new posts in the Cancer Prevention Science blog: Trials Test Vaccines for Prevention or Delay of Cancers Associated with Lynch Syndrome, the most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer; NCI Funding Approved to Expand Research on Immunoprevention and Natural Products; and NCI Supports New Research into Prevention of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer.
New Center for Cancer Genomics Website
NCI’s Center for Cancer Genomics (CCG) recently launched its new website. The site highlights research sponsored by CCG, provides access to genomic data, publicizes funding announcements, offers CCG news and events—including cancer genomics-related blogs and podcasts—and shares information about the center and its history.
News Release: NCI Trial Leads to Atezolizumab Approval for Advanced Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma
An NCI-led clinical trial has resulted in the first approved treatment for advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the immunotherapy drug atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for the treatment of adults and children 2 years and older with ASPS that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery.
Inside Cancer Careers Podcast
NCI’s Center for Cancer Training (CCT) recently launched the Inside Cancer Careers podcast. The first episode features a conversation between Fred Hutchison Cancer Center’s Mary Grace Katusiime, Ph.D., and one of her mentors, Camille Lange, Ph.D., a scientific program manager at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. Dr. Lange shares the importance of building a strong professional network and having a personal professional motto throughout your journey. The second episode has Leah Hubbard, Ph.D., and Eric M. Johnson Chavarria, Ph.D., talking about administering grants as NCI program directors, followed by Dianna Ng, M.D., a pathologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, sharing the strategies that led her to receive an NCI career development award and her journey to a career in pathology.
How Cancer Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing cancer is a process, and no single test alone can diagnose cancer. This newly updated page covers tests that are often used to help diagnose cancer.