Clinical

What we're reading, September 15, 2016: A United Nations panel challenges the market-based approach to drug research and development; an FDA panel recommends removing a serious health warning from Chantix's label; and older patients may want to wait to get their flu shot.

A cost-effectiveness analysis has found that Oncotype DX may not be economical to make clinical decisions on adjuvant radiation treatment in patients with DCIS.

Patricia Salber, MD, MBA, of The Doctor Weighs In, interviewed James D. Chambers, PhD, to discuss his findings on the impact of formulary drug exclusion policies.

A study published in JAMA Oncology has found that interventions to improve patient-centered communication was successful in patients with advanced cancer, but it failed to improve quality of life (QOL), patient-physician relation, or healthcare utilization toward the end of life.

Although daratumumab reduced the risk of disease progression and death for patients with multiple myeloma, the drug was associated with a higher rate of neutropenia.

Insurance companies are making it mandatory for individuals to speak with qualified genetic counselors prior to testing for some hereditary cancers.

The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus has been revolutionized by the development of direct-acting antivirals, but a small fraction of patients do experience resistance and treatment failure.

An early-phase, dose-finding study using a defined composition of chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, shows promise.

An update on some of the recent developments in the field of immuno-oncology.

Analysis showed that late-life cognitive activities may have a protective effect in preventing and delaying the development of Alzheimer's disease or other types of age-associated dementia.

Nearly 25% to 33% of family caregivers across the United States tend to ignore their own needs, resulting in poorer self-care and symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to a research study to be presented at the 2016 Palliative Care in Oncology Symposium.

The FDA has accepted for priority review the supplemental Biologics License Application for Merck's pembrolizumab (Keytruda).

A report released by a group of sickle cell disease (SCD) stakeholders, including the American Society of Hematology, aims to identify unmet medical needs for those diagnosed with SCD to improve their quality of life.

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has metastasized to the brain can do without whole-brain radiotherapy, according to a new study published in the journal Lancet.

Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, principal at ConscienHealth, explained that in order to prevent diabetes, a patient’s health-related risks needs to be addressed, and part of these risks stem from obesity. He added that a program like Medicare’s diabetes prevention program is exactly the tool the curb this progression.

Non-Hispanic blacks are less likely to receive opioid prescription at discharge during emergency room visits for back pain and abdominal pain compared with non-Hispanic whites, researchers found.

Results of a new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation has found that international guidelines lack standardization on screening recommendations for solid organ transplant recipients.

Roche has announced that phase 3 results from the OAK study evaluating atezolizumab (Tecentriq) indicate improved overall survival compared with docetaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non—small cell lung cancer.

What we're reading, September 1, 2016: new, stronger warnings on opioid labels; why competition hasn't curbed drug price hikes; and Zika funding bill likely won't pass the Senate.

While the majority of the adults infected with hepatitis C virus are baby boomers-people between the ages of 51 and 71 years-Alaska is seeing a large spike in infection rates among young adults.

Erelzi, developed by Sandoz has been approved for use against a number of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis.

A new study on the racial differences in patient experience revealed black patients reported better experience than whites do, even though they were less likely to recommend hospitals.

Scientists at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are evaluating the depth of a trained radiologist’s eye to detect abnormalities on a mammogram, in an attempt to improve screening and earlier detection of disease.

What We're Reading, August 30, 2016: the Justice Department is investigating police treatment of the mentally ill; researchers identify overtreatment based on imaging procedures; and 2 drug compounds may prevent the Zika virus from replicating in the body.

Researchers at Cancer Research UK have developed a strategy to make pancreatic cancer more responsive to chemotherapy and radiation.