Christina Bennett, MS

Christina Bennett, MS, is an independent medical journalist who writes about a variety of medical topics, including oncology, health care policy, and cell and gene therapies. She has a bachelor's degree in biomedical science and a master’s degree in science and technology journalism, both from Texas A&M University. She is a member of the Association of Healthcare Journalists and the National Association of Science Writers and was one of a dozen journalists selected for the 2017 National Cancer Reporting Fellowships.

All articles by Christina Bennett, MS

Approximately half of patients with advanced cancer who are enrolled in phase 1 clinical trials do n

Bladder Cancer

Bladder Cancer Surveillance Not Aligned With Risk: Study of VA Facilities

Christina Bennett, MS

October 1, 2018

Patients at VA facilities with high-risk early-stage bladder cancer tend to have cystoscopic surveillance at frequencies similar to those with low-risk disease.

Still unresolved is whether to screen the general population for MGUS, a largely asymptomatic condit

Multiple Myeloma

Higher Risk of MGUS in Relatives of Patients With Multiple Myeloma Confirmed

Christina Bennett, MS

September 24, 2018

First-degree relatives of patients with multiple myeloma were found to be at a higher risk of developing monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

If a patient develops any adverse event while on ponatinib, clinicians should perform a risk-benefit

Lymphoma

Brentuximab Vedotin Combo Active in Older Patients With Hodgkin Lymphoma

Christina Bennett, MS

September 24, 2018

Sequential dosing of brentuximab vedotin before and after standard doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine showed a survival benefit in a phase II trial.

Traditional genetic testing historically included the sequential analysis of single and generally we

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Drug Resistance Mediated by Epigenetic Changes

Christina Bennett, MS

September 24, 2018

Epigenetic changes in the tumor microenvironment may explain why prostate cancer patients develop resistance to androgen signaling deprivation therapy.

Postapproval studies are needed to further characterize the risk and long-term safety of immune chec

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Nilotinib and Dasatinib Confer Similar Outcomes for Chronic-Phase CML

Christina Bennett, MS

September 24, 2018

For patients in the chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia, nilotinib and dasatinib showed comparable efficacy as frontline single agents.

Bladder Cancer

Later-Line Treatments for Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder

Christina Bennett, MS

September 24, 2018

Researchers propose a treatment algorithm to clarify treatment options beyond the first line for metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

Study findings suggest that some clinicians are using immunotherapies in the types of patients not i

Hematologic Cancers

Pivotal Trial Underway for Zanubrutinib in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Christina Bennett, MS

September 20, 2018

The safety and efficacy of investigational agent zanubrutinib is being evaluated in a head-to-head phase 3 trial in Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Two studies found that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer found that it was potentially inferior

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Transplant Status May Affect CAR-T Therapy Outcomes in CLL and B-ALL

Christina Bennett, MS

September 19, 2018

Transplant-naive patients were more likely to achieve an optimal drug response — but were also more prone to severe cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.

Breast Cancer

Surgeon Attitudes May Influence Genetic Testing for Patients With Breast Cancer

Christina Bennett, MS

September 5, 2018

The likelihood of a patient with breast cancer receiving genetic analysis more than doubled if she went to a surgeon with a high propensity for ordering such tests.