E-News - April 2026
Spotlight on Alliance Research in the News
Highlighting Alliance Impact in Research through March Media Mentions
At the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, we love sharing stories that show what’s happening in cancer research right now. Whether it’s a new clinical trial, a scientific breakthrough, or the work of one of our dedicated investigators, we want people to see the progress being made, and the real humans behind it.
These stories help explain why clinical trials matter so much in improving cancer care. They give providers a heads‑up about research that could change the way they treat patients, and they help patients and their loved ones discover studies that might offer new options. Most importantly, they build trust in science and the people doing the work to bring new solutions to patients.
By getting these stories out into the world through media and outreach, we’re broadening awareness, encouraging collaboration, and helping move innovation forward. It all brings us closer to what we’re here to do: find better treatments and better outcomes for everyone facing cancer.
Below are links to some of our recent media coverage.
Recent publications
ATOMIC trial establishes new standard of care for some colon cancers
Immunotherapy added to chemotherapy after surgery significantly improves outcomes for patients with some colon cancers, according to the results of the Alliance’s ATOMIC trial (Alliance A021502) published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trial results will change the standard of care for individuals with a subset of stage III colon cancer, reported The ASCO Post, OncoDaily, Targeted Oncology, Cancer Network, eCancer, Medical Xpress, GI & Hepatology News, Rochester’s KIMT, Newsbreak, NEJM Group, Cure, News Medical, Europe Says, First Word Pharma, Technology Networks, Health and Pharma, News USA Today, Business News This Week, Media Bulletins, Health Medicine Network, Mega Doctor News, Live Feeds, Brightsurf, Science Magazine, Mirage News, Memesita, American Biotech News, Pulse, China’s Oncology News, Germany’s Healthcare in Europe, Biermann Medizin, MedLab, Ruhr University, Hospital Portal and IDW, Italy’s Huffington Post, Fondazione Veronesi, La Repubblica, La Stampa, Pharma Star, and Salute, and Japan’s Nipponese News. The news is based on an Alliance news release.
Immunotherapy fails to boost small cell lung cancer survival
The results of NRG/Alliance LU005 published in Journal of Clinical Oncology show immunotherapy given during and after chemoradiation does not improve survival for patients with limited-stage, small-cell lung cancer, reported OncoDaily, Health Medicine Network, First Word Pharma, Europe Says, Medical Xpress, News Medical, Science Magazine, Mirage News, NotiUlti, Germanic News, Bioengineer, and Germany’s Biermann Medizin. The coverage is based on an Alliance news release.
Overactive bladder medicine helps hot flashes from hormone therapy
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that oxybutynin used to treat urinary incontinence helps alleviate hot flashes from hormone therapy given to treat prostate cancer, reported The Cancer Letter, Medscape, Archyde, Germany’s Arzetblatt, Mexico’s El Tiempo, Revista Factor RH and SuperMexicanos, and Panama’s 24 Hour News, The news was based on an Alliance news release on Alliance A222001.
Blood test may help identify which colon cancer patients benefit from NSAIDs
A blood test could help doctors decide which patients with colon cancer should receive anti-inflammatory medication along with chemotherapy after surgery, according to a study appearing in JAMA Oncology based on data from CALGB (Alliance) 80702. Media coverage in France’s Vidal was based on an Alliance news story.
New trial activations
New study aims to enhance communication of genetic risks in colorectal cancer
In time for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the Alliance has a new clinical study aimed at helping improve how patients with colorectal cancer share information about the genetic risks to their family members, reported MSN News, Inside Precision Medicine, Becker’s ASC Review, OncoDaily, News Medical, Science Magazine, Europe Says, Bioengineer, Memesita, Archynews, StemCell101, Newsbreak, Archdyke News, and Australia’s News Beep. The stories were based on an Alliance news release on the trial activation of Alliance A212101.
Alliance activates trial to enhance treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
The Alliance has initiated a new trial to explore therapeutic strategies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, reported Brightsurf, Bioengineer and Science Magazine. The article is based on an Alliance news story on the activation of Alliance A042302.
New trial aims to improve astrocytoma survival
A new clinical trial led by the Alliance will investigate if a combination of drug therapies after radiation therapy improves outcomes for people with grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma, a type of brain cancer, reported First Word Pharma, News Medical, Bioengineer, Science Magazine and Romania’s Monitorul de Stiri. The article is based on an Alliance news story regarding activation of Alliance A072301.
Oncology meeting highlights
Fewer lymph node biopsies for older women with early breast cancer
Fewer older women with early-stage breast cancer are undergoing routine sentinel lymph node biopsy, according to data that presented at the 2026 Miami Breast Cancer Conference, reported Cure. The significant shift in surgical practice over three years is due to recommendations from the Society of Surgical Oncology’s Choosing Wisely campaign based on data from CALGB (Alliance) 9343.
Diet high in fiber can help during colon cancer treatment
The anti-inflammatory properties of vegetables like leafy greats can help improve survival for patients with colon cancer, according to an analysis of CALBG/SWOG (Alliance) 8702, reported Europe Says, Brazil’s MSN, Correio Braziliense, TNH 1, Radio KissFM, GZH, Terra, Acidadeon, Catraca Livre and Radio Tupi 96.5 FM. The article cited an abstract on the topic presented at ASCO in 2025.
Cancer awareness
Alliance spotlights new and open colorectal cancer studies this March
March is time for raising awareness for colorectal cancer, the second most lethal cancer in the United States. These statistics underscore the urgency for continued innovation in detection, treatment, and prevention. Leading this charge, the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, alongside Alliance Foundation Trials, has several active trials tackling aspects of colorectal cancer, reported OncoDaily, Science Magazine, Bioengineer and Indonesia’s Tujujcahaya. The article was based on an Alliance news release.
