Oncology

A Task Force composed of gastroenterology specialists, with a special interest in colorectal cancer, has released updated recommendations urging post-operative colonoscopy instead of endoscopy to improve survival.

Durvalumab is being developed for the treatment of PD-L1—positive patients with inoperable or metastatic urothelial bladder cancer

Evidence-Based Oncology, the multistakeholder publication of The American Journal of Managed Care devoted to cancer care, revisits the rapidly evolving field of immuno-oncology in its current issue. While one author calls the clinical impact of “tsunami proportions,” the healthcare system is grappling with how to pay for these therapies.

CMS, in collaboration with a working group of national organizations, has developed a set of Medical Oncology Measures to improve quality of care and avoid redundancy for providers of care.

A noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test manufactured by Exact Sciences, which received CMS coverage within months of its FDA approval, is not included under Humana’s coverage policy

Relatively simple improvements could increase patient satisfaction and potentially improve the important process of imparting patient information during enrollment of cancer patients into clinical trials.

Inhibiting the PIGF/VEGFR-1 signaling regressed tumor growth in obese, but not in lean mice, the author report.

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention has identified geographic and ethnic factors as an important determinant of vaccinating against the human papillomavirus.

Patients with advanced kidney cancer in the UK now have access to nivolumab through an early access scheme.

Carfilzomib, a proteasome inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for use in combination with dexamethasone or lenalidomide, in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have previously received 1 to 3 lines of therapy.

A summary of updated breast cancer screening guidelines, MEDPAC recommendations for 340B, and disparity in survival of young patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that the knowledge of genetic risk influenced surgical treatment decisions in women younger than 40 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer.

At the annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, Patrick Soon-Shiong, MD, introduced Cancer MoonShot, his vision for a coalition to improve cancer outcomes. His claims on federal support for the project, however, stirred some controversy.

While the number and diversity of immunologically-based anticancer agents have increased dramatically, a number of challenging questions persist: sequencing with existing regimens, selection of best responders, cost, and patient access.

While there are no significant differences in the results between filgrastim and tbo-filgrastim in a clinical setting, tbo-filgrastim offers significant cost savings over filgrastim.

Mice administered FOLFIRINOX through the implantable device had greater tumor regression and lower tissue toxicity.

An overview of patient assistance programs at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, including their innovative hospital-based explanation of benefits form, which can eliminate patient responsibilities and help expedite the turnaround times for payment processing with copay assistance.

The cost issues with immuno-oncology agents are real, but so is the value that they bring to the table. How can we improve access to these agents at a reasonable cost?

As physicians and researchers question whether certain treatments for early signs of breast cancer are necessary, the first large US study will seek to determine the best way to manage ductal carcinoma in situ.

Innovation has remained high on the administration’s agenda, as is evident from the allocations to tackle climate changes as well as find treatments for devastating health conditions.

Ensuring rapid, appropriate, and sustainable access to immuno-oncology therapies for patients in Europe: what role can policies play?

The panel members that have proposed the recommendations have found clinical utility for several genomic tests to guide clinical decision in women with early stage breast cancer.

The ads will be targeted at about 7000 "influencers" including lawmakers who could control whether drug prices are regulated. Many have called for Medicare to gain the right to negotiate drug prices.

To address the nationwide concern of costly immunotherapy agents, this article features health system inpatient and outpatient strategies that can help mitigate their costs.

Using data gathered from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, the authors of a JAMA Internal Medicine study identified a significant decrease in PSA testing referrals by primary care physicians compared with urologists.