46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology

ZETA: Vandetanib in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Cancer
In this initial phase 3 trial of vandetanib, the agent significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared with placebo in patients with unresectable measurable, locally advanced, or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (hereditary or sporadic). The ZETA researchers also found significant increases in the objective response rate, the disease control rate, and biochemical response. This oncedaily oral inhibitor of RET, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling is the first therapy to demonstrate efficacy in this population. Wells SA, et al. Abstract 5503.

Effect of Early Palliative Care on Quality of Life, Aggressive Care at the End of Life, and Survival in Stage IV NSCLC Patients
For patients with newly diagnosed metastatic non–small cell lung cancer, researchers found that receiving palliative care soon after diagnosis was associated with improved mood and quality of life. Of significance is the prolongation of survival for these patients compared with those receiving standard oncology care. In addition, the palliative care patients received less aggressive endof- life care. Patient-reported outcomes included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Lung, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9. Data on endof- life care also were collected. Temel JS, et al. Abstract 7509.

Effect of YOCAS Yoga on Sleep, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors
A yoga program developed for cancer survivors was shown to improve sleep quality, decrease fatigue, and enhance quality of life. In this study, survivors with nonmetastatic disease and moderate or greater sleep deprivation participated in the yoga program twice a week for 4 weeks. The program combined breathing exercises, gentle yoga postures, and meditation. On comparing these survivors with those receiving standard care monitoring, researchers found that yoga participants not only experienced im proved sleep and quality of life but also reduced their use of sleep medication. The researchers concluded that their program should be considered for cancer survivors who report impaired sleep or fatigue. Mustian KM, et al. Abstract 9013.

Denosumab vs Zoledronic Acid in Patients with Bone Metastases from Castration- Resistant Prostate Cancer
Denosumab delayed the time to first on-study skeletal-related event (SRE) compared with zoledronic acid in patients with bone metastases from castration-resistant prostate cancer. Time to first and subsequent on-study SRE also was prolonged. In addition, researchers found that denosumab produced greater suppression of the bone turnover markers uNTx and BSAP than zoledronic acid. Adverse events were similar in both groups. Patients in this study were instructed to take supplemental calcium and vitamin D. SRE was defined as pathologic fracture, radiation or surgery to bone, or spinal cord compression. Fizazi K, et al. Late Breaking Abstract 4507