Ramy Sedhom: The GIANT TRIAL presented by Efrat Dotan at ASCO24

Ramy Sedhom shared on X/Twitter:

“Wanted to highlight a key RCT presented by Efrat Dotan at ASCO24. The GIANT TRIAL – first older adult focused treatment trial in pancreas cancer.

It highlights the importance of GERIONC trials and several key principles of oncology.

The study enrolled older adults with a Geriatric impairment. These patients were randomized to gem/abraxane q2 weeks or NALIRI.

When we screen for geriatric impairment, we find vulnerabilities (>40% with issues in cognition).

Most importantly median OS <5 month. Despite all innovations in oncology (genomics, radiomics, etc) function remains a key prognosticator.

Given this data, one must wonder whether treatment improves QOL – look fwd to seeing more data at time of publication.

A geriatric assessment evaluates nutrition, function, emotional health – these all impacted outcome

This work (practice changing) is also an ode to cooperative groups. at this years ASCO – they answered some of the most important pt facing?s (e.g. CIPN risk/modeling, etc). We must do all we can to preserve them, especially as we consider trends in oncology clinical trials.”

Source: Ramy Sedhom/X

Ramy Sedhom holds positions as Assistant Professor of Hematology and Oncology at Perelman School of Medicine and Director of Medical Oncology and Palliative Care at Penn Medicine’s Princeton Medical Center.

His work focuses on palliative care integration, geriatric assessment, psycho-oncology, caregiver distress, and remote patient monitoring, with publications in leading journals. Nationally, he contributes to guideline panels and committees, including the NCCN Guideline Panel for Older Adults with Cancer, and leadership roles within ASCO.