Oncology

After having launched a palliative care program in 2014, Cambia Health Solutions is now looking for ways to improve patient access to these tools that can improve a patient's quality of life.

One of the biggest stories of 2015 has been the cost of cancer drugs, which create vexing questions for payers and policymakers, as well as doctors and families. The tough choices being made today are the theme of the latest special issue of Evidence-Based Oncology, a publication of The American Journal of Managed Care.

Patient awareness and educational support can improve their attitude as well as prepare them to make better informed decisions on clinical trial participation, a new study has found.

Moffitt Cancer Center said there's nothing wrong with the drug, but a spokesman said the trial is halted for now pending the outcome of the investigation.

A new study published by the American Cancer Society found that younger colorectal cancer survivors end up spending over $8500 annually in medical expenses and they also experience significantly greater loss of productivity compared with individuals without cancer.

This week The American Journal of Managed Care offers a special episode of highlights from the American Society of Hematology's annual meeting, including sessions on newly approved treatments, how the move to pay-for-performance affects hematologists, and the increasing role of patient-reported outcomes.

Top 10 videos from The American Journal of Managed Care's Summit and Insight programs.

Although rivaroxaban was approved by the FDA in 2012, there has remained a knowledge gap about how it works with cancer patients. A recent study found that the therapy is safe and effective when used among patients with cancer.

The statement from the obstetricians and gynecologists said that there aren't enough certified genetic counselors to meet demand. In a statement, the groups said this will limit access to care if patients must wait for assistance before ordering tests.

The most read articles in The American Journal of Managed Care's Evidence-Based Oncology ranged from personal narratives to healthcare policy issues that impact the broader population.

This week in managed care, Martin Shkreli, CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals was arrested on charges of fraud; new research find that drug costs continue to take up a larger share of healthcare spending; and 3 healthcare experts take a look at how to fix the 340B drug pricing program.

Pembrolizumab has been approved as first-line treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.

What we're reading, December 18, 2015: HHS report finds generic drug prices rising faster than inflation; UnitedHealthcare's real-time drug approval tool; and government overcharged by private Medicare Advantage plans.

Results of an analysis of 2012 cancer incidence and survival from various cancer registries, published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, indicates reduced incidence of overall cancer across the United States.

Eleven states already ban minors from using tanning beds, and most states have other restrictions such as requiring a parent's permission.

A new report by the Berkeley Research Group provides numbers on Medicare Part B spending by 340B entities, especially for oncology drugs.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology predicts financial stress on Medicare Part D beneficiaries on oral anticancer medicines, even after the expected closing of the donut hole in 2020.

NICE rejects promising oncology agents once again, citing high drug cost.

Several new FDA approvals and research advances in oncology have the potential for improved outcomes among cancer patients.

Updates on screening age recommendations for mammograms, CDC report on a decline in smoking rates in the country, and regulation of laboratory-developed tests.

There are 3 potential solutions for reforming the 340B drug pricing program, according to Michael Kolodziej, MD, national medical director of oncology solutions in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer at Aetna.

A retrospective analysis of phase 1 oncology studies that used biopsy-derived pharmacodynamic biomarkers, could not draw a correlation between subsequent drug development and biopsy sample collection.

While cost is an important component of value, it tells only a small part of the cancer care story. By focusing on issues of payment and cost alone, we miss our opportunity to engage cancer care stakeholders in the process of creating a more effective system of care.

This article describes provider networks and benefit design-including deductibles, cost-sharing, and maximum out-of-pocket limits-for oncology care in 2015 health insurance exchanges.

Depending on one's point of view, the 340B prescription drug program keeps safety net hospitals afloat or serves as a profit center at the expensive of community providers. Three leading voices-Rena M. Conti, PhD; Peter B. Bach, MD, MAPP; and Michael Kolodziej, MD; recommend reforms in the new issue of Evidence-Based Oncology, a publication of The American Journal of Managed Care.