Oncology

In this video, Vandana Abramson, MD, assistant professor of medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, discusses the various strategies utilized in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Martin Edelman, MD, Greenbaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, says that organizations like NCCN and ASCO have guidelines for the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

More comprehensive discussion of colorectal screening by primary care physicians was associated with higher screening rates among adults aged 51 to 80 years who were overdue for screening.

We studied contextual factors and found that locality, availability of primary care, and HMO membership influenced use of colorectal cancer screening in California.

Ira Klein, MD, MBA, FACP, chief medical officer, National Accounts Clinical Sales & Strategy, Aetna, addresses measurement programs used in oncology.

Interview With Andrew Pecora, MD, CPE, President, Regional Cancer Care Associates, Chief Innovations Officer and Vice President, Cancer Services, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

We only have to take a brief look back to see that 10 years ago, most specialty drugs were injectable agents used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and growth disorders. Today, the list of agents that is considered specialty includes many oral drugs and even some inhaled agents. In just more than 2 decades, the specialty drug market place has grown substantially.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy reduces hospitalizations and improves chemotherapy administration in elderly breast cancer patients, but increases overall Medicare costs during first year of therapy.

Bruce Feinberg, DO, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, says that there is a tremendous amount of waste in the system.

Darius Lakdawalla, PhD, Director of Research, Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics, University of Southern California, thinks that payers follow the lead of providers in oncology management.