Oncologist Treats Hantavirus on Cruise Ship; FDA Approves New Bile Duct Cancer Drug; Study Reveals Half of Lung Cancer Patients Go Untreated

In a series of developments that impact millions of Americans, the world of cancer treatment and infectious disease saw significant news this week. From a dramatic medical emergency at sea to major drug approvals and sobering statistics about lung cancer, here is what you need to know.

Doctor Turns Cruise Passenger into First Responder During Hantavirus Outbreak

When Oregon oncologist Stephen Kornfeld, MD, boarded the MV Hondius cruise ship, he expected a relaxing vacation. Instead, he found himself running a makeshift medical unit after the ship’s onboard physician became too ill to work. The cause: a hantavirus outbreak among passengers and crew.

Hantavirus is a rare but serious disease spread by rodents, particularly through contact with their droppings, urine, or saliva. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory illness that can be fatal. Early symptoms often mimic the flu—fatigue, fever, and muscle aches—but can quickly progress to coughing and shortness of breath as fluid fills the lungs.

For readers, this story is a stark reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can emerge in confined spaces like cruise ships. While hantavirus is not spread from person to person, it can travel through airborne particles when rodent waste is disturbed. Experts generally advise travelers to avoid areas with visible rodent droppings and to ensure proper ventilation in cabins. The CDC recommends that anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after potential rodent exposure seek medical attention immediately.

FDA Greenlights New Drug for a Rare Bile Duct Cancer

In a move that offers new hope for a small but desperate patient group, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved zenocutuzumab (brand name Bizengri) for a specific type of bile duct cancer. The drug is now authorized for patients with advanced, unresectable, or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma—meaning the cancer has spread or cannot be removed surgically—who have already received prior treatment and who test positive for a specific genetic marker called an NRG1 gene fusion.

Bile duct cancer is a rare and aggressive malignancy that affects the tubes connecting the liver to the small intestine. According to the American Cancer Society, only about 8,000 to 12,000 people are diagnosed with it in the U.S. each year. Because it often causes no symptoms until later stages, many patients are diagnosed when the cancer is already advanced. Treatment options have historically been limited to chemotherapy, surgery, or liver transplants.

The approval of zenocutuzumab is significant because it targets a specific genetic mutation rather than the cancer’s location in the body. Experts say this “precision medicine” approach is becoming more common in oncology. For patients with the NRG1 fusion—which is found in less than 1% of bile duct cancers—this drug may offer a targeted way to slow tumor growth. Patients should talk to their oncologist about genetic testing to see if they are candidates.

FDA Expands Use of a Once-Daily Pill for Blood Disorders

Incyte Corporation announced that the FDA has approved its extended-release version of ruxolitinib (brand name Jakafi) as a once-daily tablet for certain patients. This medication is already well-known for treating three serious blood-related conditions: polycythemia vera (a disease where the body makes too many red blood cells), myelofibrosis (a bone marrow disorder that causes scarring), and graft-versus-host disease (a complication of bone marrow transplants where donor cells attack the recipient’s body).

The new extended-release formulation means patients may only need to take the drug once a day instead of twice, which could improve convenience and adherence. For the roughly 200,000 Americans living with these conditions, this change can make daily management easier. Experts emphasize that while ruxolitinib does not cure these diseases, it helps control symptoms, reduce spleen size, and improve quality of life. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to see if the new formulation is right for them.

Cell Therapy Gets a Second Chance for Post-Transplant Cancer

Atara Biotherapeutics announced that the FDA will reconsider approval of tabelecleucel, a cell therapy for Epstein-Barr virus-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (EBV+ PTLD). The agency had previously rejected the treatment earlier this year, but now plans to give it another review.

EBV+ PTLD is a rare but serious cancer that can occur after an organ or bone marrow transplant. It is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (the same virus that causes mono) reactivating in patients whose immune systems are suppressed by anti-rejection drugs. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss. Without treatment, the condition can be fatal.

Cell therapies like tabelecleucel work by training the patient’s own immune cells to attack the virus-infected cancer cells. Experts say this approach is promising because it offers a targeted alternative to chemotherapy, which can be hard on already fragile transplant patients. If approved, it would become the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for EBV+ PTLD.

Radiologists Warn Against Whole-Body MRI Screening

Two radiologists published a “buyer beware” warning in a JAMA viewpoint regarding whole-body MRI scans for cancer detection. These scans, which are often marketed directly to consumers, promise to find cancer anywhere in the body using magnetic resonance imaging.

However, the experts caution that these scans frequently detect “incidentalomas”—small, harmless findings that lead to unnecessary follow-up tests, biopsies, anxiety, and medical costs. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not currently recommend whole-body screening for the general population. Instead, experts suggest sticking with proven screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, and low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. Readers should talk to their doctor before paying out-of-pocket for any whole-body scan.

FDA’s Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes Draws Criticism

The American Cancer Society (ACS) voiced strong opposition to the FDA’s recent authorization of fruit-flavored e-cigarette products. In a statement, the ACS said the decision “will hurt the fight against cancer.”

Flavored e-cigarettes have been shown to appeal to youth and young adults, leading to nicotine addiction at an early age. According to the CDC, more than 2.5 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2022. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development and increase the risk of future tobacco use. Experts argue that while e-cigarettes may help some adult smokers quit, flavored products undermine public health efforts by attracting a new generation of nicotine users.

Shocking Statistic: Over Half of Lung Cancer Patients Never Get Treatment

A new population-based cohort study published in JAMA Oncology found that more than half of U.S. patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) received no systemic therapy at all between 2006 and 2021. Systemic therapy includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drugs.

This finding is alarming because lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, killing about 130,000 people each year. Metastatic NSCLC—cancer that has spread beyond the lungs—is the most advanced stage, but treatments have improved dramatically in recent years, including immunotherapies that can extend survival. The study suggests that barriers such as lack of access to healthcare, insurance gaps, late diagnosis, and patient fears may be preventing people from getting life-saving care.

For readers, this highlights the importance of early detection and regular checkups. If you are a current or former smoker, talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan. If you are diagnosed, do not delay treatment. Seek a second opinion if needed, and ask about clinical trials.

Obesity Overtakes Oncology in Drug Pipeline Value

For the first time in 16 years, oncology has been knocked from the top spot as the largest contributor to biopharma pipeline value. According to a report from BioSpace, obesity has now taken over as the leading area of drug development investment.

This shift reflects the growing recognition of obesity as a global health crisis. More than 40% of U.S. adults are obese, according to the CDC, and the condition is linked to numerous diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and at least 13 types of cancer. Newer drugs like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) have shown remarkable weight-loss results, sparking massive investment. While this is good news for obesity treatment, experts worry it could divert resources from cancer research.

In Memoriam: Vietnam War Author and Former Quarterback Die of Cancer

Two public figures recently died from cancer, reminding us that the disease touches all walks of life. Philip Caputo, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the Vietnam War memoir A Rumor of War, died at age 84. His book remains a classic of war literature.

Former University of South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia, 38, announced on social media that he has been diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S. and is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. The American Cancer Society now recommends starting screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals. Garcia’s story underscores the importance of paying attention to symptoms like blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

– On cruises or travel: Be aware of rodent exposure. If you develop flu-like symptoms after potential contact, see a doctor immediately.

– For bile duct cancer: Ask your oncologist about genetic testing for NRG1 fusions if you have advanced disease.

– For blood disorders: Ask if the new once-daily ruxolitinib formulation is right for you.

– For lung cancer: If you are a current or former smoker, get screened. If diagnosed, do not assume treatment is futile—new therapies can help.

– For colorectal cancer: Start screening at age 45. If you are under 45 but have symptoms or a family history, talk to your doctor.

– For whole-body MRI: Be skeptical of direct-to-consumer ads. Stick with evidence-based screenings.

– For e-cigarettes: Avoid flavored products, especially if you are young or have children at home.

Cancer and infectious diseases remain major challenges, but this week’s news shows that progress is being made—one drug approval, one study, and one patient story at a time.

Source: MedPage Today