Oncology

Advances made in the field of immuno-oncology (I-O) in 2015 have greatly expanded our understanding of I-O and added more complexity to its value assessment.

Supporting, funding, and protecting the research and development of new medicines and new treatments is more critical, now than ever, to provide better treatments and better outcomes to all cancer patients.

Data from 2 large studies of patients with metastatic disease who underwent myelosuppressive chemotherapy found that febrile neutropenia occurred in approximately 13% to 21% of patients. Associated costs of febrile neutropenia were found to range from $16,000 to $19,000 per episode for most hospitalized patients.

The annual Clinical Cancer Advances report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology highlights the accomplishments made in the last year in the fight against cancer.

On World Cancer Day, The American Journal of Managed Care would like to acknowledge the determination of cancer survivors and the support provided by various organizations to patients and their families.

The translation of immuno-oncology agents from the research to the practice arena may provide significant clinical benefit to patients with difficult-to-treat malignancies. The further development and marketing of these agents could escalate the discussion on care equity in a time of constrained resources.

Rising drug prices, the effect on the healthcare system, consumer push-back, and possible solutions were debated by the expert panel.

Assessment of the timing of histologic and molecular testing indicates that testing occurred prior to treatment initiation for most patients with metastatic non—small cell lung cancer.

Pediatric oncologists from across the country covened a task force to develop an ethical framework that guides decisions on allocation based on curability, prognosis, and the incremental importance of a drug to a patient’s outcome

Among 7 developed countries, the United States has the lowest proportion of deaths that occur in the hospital and the lowest number of days spent in the hospital during the last 6 months of life.

The generic manufacturer may try to maximize profits during the initial exclusivity period, says an expert from a leading health plan.

With increasing evidence of comparable efficacy and reduced toxicity of proton beam therapy, payers may have to reevaluate coverage policies.

What we're reading, February 1, 2016: some medical researchers disagree with sharing raw data used in their research; the medical community is torn on whether or not the annual checkup is worthwhile; and Donald Trump vows to extend healthcare coverage to the lower class.

Providing cancer patients with multiple life-threatening conditions with earlier palliative care consultation can be helpful in bringing down healthcare spending in enormous proportions, according to a new study published in Health Affairs.

Top managed care news of the week includes new recommendation to screen all adults for depression, new issue of The American Journal of Managed Care places attention on mental health care, and Donald Trump calls for Medicare to negotiate drug prices.

A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology concluded that tbo-filgrastim is similar to filgrastim for ASCT mobilization in patients with MM or NHL.

Mortality in adolescent and young adult Hodgkin lymphoma patients is significantly affected by ethnic and socioeconomic factors, as well as insurance status, according to a new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

At the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, physicians gathered to discuss the impact of alternate payment models on clinical practice.

A study presented at the 57th meeting of the American Society of Hematology finds that distance from the site of care could could adversely affect outcomes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

At the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, researchers from the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center presented analysis evaluating the factors that influence health outcomes in children with sickle cell disease.

Learn where clinical care pathways stand today and what the future holds with respect to developing and implementing them.

The FDA has created the Drug Trial Snapshot, which provides details on the demographic profiles of participants in clinical trials of approved drugs.

The 3 prescriptions for reforming the 340B Drug Discount Program proposed by authors in the December issue of Evidence-Based Oncology would limit safety net hospitals' abilities to treat vulnerable patients.

A review by an independent Data Monitoring Committee found that nivolumab improved overall survival in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, compared with the control arm.

A study presented during a health outcomes session at the American Society of Hematology meeting evaluated the difference in overall survival in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated in academic versus nonacademic hospitals.