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Avelumab Receives Fast-Track for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
The PD-L1 inhibitor was granted orphan drug status just last month.
A new PD-L1 inhibitor being developed by Pfizer and Merck has been placed on the Fast Track by the FDA. Avelumab is a fully humanized anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody being developed for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive form of skin cancer. Just last month, the 2 companies published a joint press release announcing the orphan drug designation for avelumab.
The drug continues to be evaluated in a phase 2 study (JAVELIN Merkel 200) to assess safety and efficacy in in patients with metastatic MCC who have progressed after at least 1 prior chemotherapy regimen. The trial program for JAVELIN is simultaneoulsy testing the drug in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have progressed on platinum-containing doublet therapy and in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Racial Differences in CA-125 Levels Tied to Ovarian Cancer Treatment Delays
April 17th 2025Black and American Indian women with ovarian cancer were less likely to have elevated cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels at diagnosis, resulting in delayed chemotherapy initiation and highlighting the need for more inclusive guidelines.
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Elevated Inflammatory Marker Levels Associated With Increased Overactive Bladder Risk
April 15th 2025Systemic immune inflammation index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and systemic inflammation response index levels may offer a noninvasive method to identify individuals at increased risk of developing overactive bladder.
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