Two CCTG trials chosen for the 2016 ASCO Plenary Wednesday, June 08, 2016 Canadian Cancer Trials Group earned the unprecedented distinction of having two trials presented at the Plenary Session of the ASCO annual meeting on June 5th 2016. The largest gathering of cancer researchers in the world assembles annually at the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) annual meeting. Each year, thousands of research teams apply to exhibit their findings—four of these submissions are chosen for the plenary session to represent the year’s most exciting cancer treatment breakthroughs. In 2016, two of the top four findings were led by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG). It was the first time any research group has taken two of the coveted top four positions. Those in the field of cancer research were not surprised. “Go to any cancer meeting in the world and talk to any leading oncologist,” says Dr. Christopher Booth, a medical oncologist and CCTG collaborator. “They may not have heard of Kingston, Ontario, but they’ve definitely heard of CCTG.” The CE.6 presentation examined a new treatment for older patients with a type of brain cancer, glioblastoma. By adding temozolomide to a short course of radiation therapy it improved survival rates by 33 per cent. The MA.17R presentation focused on treatment for patients with breast cancer. The study proved that taking letrozole for ten years instead of five reduced the risk of recurrence by 34 per cent. Findings presented as plenary studies were adopted as standard practice almost immediately in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices around the world. Two cancer trials conducted by the Queen’s University-based Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) and lead scientific investigators Chris O’Callaghan and Wendy Parulekar have been recognized as among the highest impact studies in the world. Please see the links below to find out more about these important trials. 98.3 FlyFM - Queen's Cancer Trials Group Earns Top Spot No miracle cure for cancer suffered by Gord Downie, but research offers hope. Cancer trials recognized as best in the world Queen's News Release Asco News Release - Extended AI Therapy Improves DFS in Postmenopausal HR–Positive Breast Cancer Asco News Release - Temozolomide Improves Survival Over Radiation Alone in Elderly Patients With Glioblastoma CanIndia News: Canadian Cancer Society-funded glioblastoma trial reduces risk of death by 33 per cent Oncology Nurse Advisor: Adding Temozolomide to radiotherapy improves survival in elderly patients with newly diagnosed Glioblastoma Age Not an Issue: Chemo Also for Elderly Glioblastoma