Laura Joszt, MA

The ninth annual Trending Now in Cancer Care survey identified current and emerging trends for US cancer programs, such as the ongoing threat of drug costs and popular services progams are planning to add in the next 2 years.

A new study examined what factors might prolong time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

The first and only test authorized by the FDA to detect and monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has received coverage for Medicare patients.

Healthcare across the globe is at a moment of change. During the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, a panel of experts discussed the transformation taking place in healthcare and the tough questions ahead that still need to be answered.

Prompt diagnosis and timely intervention is key in improving outcomes for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A new study in Multiple Sclerosis Journal outlines quality standards for timely, brain health–focused MS care.

The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review is creating a new analysis of significant drug price increases to determine if the price hikes are supported by new clinical evidence.

As patients with multiple myeloma live longer thanks to advancements in treatments, more attention is being paid to treatment-related toxicities that are becoming more relevant.

Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities typically have shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with standard-risk patients. In an analysis of 2 studies, patients with high-risk MM had improved outcomes when taking carfilzomib once a week compared with a twice-weekly dose.

In a new survey, clinicians highlight how the ongoing government shutdown, the longest in US history, is taking a toll on patients’ health as they miss appointments or are noncompliant with their medication.

Minimal residual disease in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be a powerful predictor of outcomes and a useful guide of treatment strategies.

Treating patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) early with disease-modifying treatment can reduce the risk of conversion to secondary progressive MS.

One-time curative treatments provide a huge challenge to health systems that were not created with them in mind. Despite having no approved treatments, bluebird bio has proactively released a model to pay for these one-time cures in a way that provides value to patients and the health system.

In the past year, there have been tremendous advancements in precision medicine, and the big upfront investments are starting to come to fruition, according to panelists at the 37th Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, held January 7-10 in San Francisco, California.

For patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), upper extremity (UE) impairment is not uncommon, and patients with primary progressive MS tend to have a higher prevalence of UE dysfunction and greater impairment.

Pediatric patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma who are treated with chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, known as combined modality therapy, have an improved 5-year survival rate compared with patients treated with chemotherapy alone.

January 4 marks the anniversary of the Orphan Drug Act, which was enacted in 1983. Since the law was passed, it has successfully encouraged more orphan drug development, but some now say drug makers are manipulating the system and the incentives need to be revisited.

Hospitals that are participating in Medicare’s mandatory bundled payment model for hip and knee replacements reported a decrease in spending per episode of $812 compared with control hospitals not participating in the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) program.

An evaluation of cognitive function measurements, performance in daily activities, and the perception of cognitive functions in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) found caregiver perceptions more closely correlate with the test measurements than patient perceptions.

Patients who are treated with chemotherapy for their solid tumors have an increased risk of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (tMDS/AML) despite advances in chemotherapy regimens, according to a new study in JAMA Oncology.

The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program was announced as part of the Affordable Care Act and penalized hospitals for higher-than-expected 30-day readmissions. However, new research finds that the policy may have done more harm than good with postdischarge mortality increasing for Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for heart failure and pneumonia.

Mature oligodendrocytes have been overlooked in the past as a way to treat multiple sclerosis, but a new study has found they might be able to help with remyelinating axons the same as new oligodendrocytes.

The practices that have been participating in CMS’ Oncology Care Model have undergone significant practice transformation in order to be successful in the program. However, even after being in the model for 2 years, there are still remaining opportunities for investment.

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who also have food allergies have more relapses than patients with no known food allergy, according to a new study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Throughout the year, The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) offered a number of video programs, including Peer Exchange discussions and interviews, on a range of topics. Here are the most-watched videos published by AJMC® in 2018.

Health providers are taking a serious look at loneliness because of the health implications. A new program from CareMore Health that tackles loneliness has shown positive health outcomes after 12 months.

Practices participating in the Oncology Care Model have now received performance results for 2 periods, and many practices were surprised that they didn’t perform as well as expected. In general, some of the practices have found it difficult to predict success in the model, but there have been positive results from the OCM.

After growing modestly between 2011 and 2016, the average premium for employer health plans rose sharply in 2017, growing 5.5% from 2016 to 2017 for family plans and 4.4% for single-person plans.

Recap of the November 7 meeting of The American Journal of Managed Care®’s The Institute for Value-Based Medicine®. The dinner discussion, “Advancing Quality in Oncology Care” was held in Seattle, Washington.

While the Oncology Care Model is likely not a sustainable mode for oncology care, it will probably inform what payment structure comes next.