Noted

• A recent study found that older patients who received stem cells from younger, unrelated donors with higher numbers of CD8 cells had significantly reduced risk of disease relapse and improved survival compared with those who received stem cells from donors with low numbers of CD8 cells, including older matched siblings (J Clin Oncol 2015 June 8 [Epub ahead of print]).

• Ventana Medical Systems announced that the FDA approved its ALK assay as a companion diagnostic to aid in the identification of patients with non–small cell lung cancer likely to benefit from crizotinib (Xalkori; Pfizer).

• In a phase III trial involving 326 patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the investigational antibody–drug conjugate inotuzumab–ozogamicin led to complete responses in 80% of patients compared with 33% of patients treated with standard care, usually chemotherapy. The findings were reported at the 20th Congress of the European Hematology Association in June.

• The FDA is teaming up with the online network PatientsLikeMe to better understand the side effects of 1,000 different drugs, including anticancer drugs, as reported by the site's 350,000 members. Because the data are generated by patients, the information provides insights into their experiences over time, including drug tolerance, adherence, and quality of life.

• Noted San Diego developer and philanthropist Conrad Prebys will donate $100 million to the Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute in nearby La Jolla, CA. In recognition of his contribution, the Institute has changed its name to the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute.

• Hawaii's governor signed a bill raising the legal smoking age to 21 statewide, making Hawaii the first state to do so. The law will also ban the sale, purchase, and use of electronic cigarettes by anyone under 21. The law will take effect on January 1, 2016.

For more news on cancer research, visit Cancer Discovery online at http://CDnews.aacrjournals.org.