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Integrating Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in lung cancer, for which there are drugs approved as second-line therapies, states Andrew L. Pecora, MD. First-line doublet chemotherapy is given for metastatic non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). If the patient has an ALK or EGFR mutation, treatment would include a targeted therapy.
Chemotherapy is never curative in metastatic NSCLC, says Pecora. An anti-PD-1 agent can be given once chemotherapy fails, although there is some debate regarding whether to give immuno-oncology agents up front in order to stimulate the immune system earlier in the disease process.
When nivolumab is added to ipilimumab, there is an increase in the rate of response, adds Pecora. The combination has the potential to improve survival. One issue with combining a PD-1 inhibitor with an anti-CTLA4 agent is toxicity. Once the immune system is stimulated, it can produce adverse effects that must be addressed quickly, says Pecora. Using these agents at a lower dose and/or altering the sequencing could, in theory, help reduce these effects.
Navigating Health Policy in an Election Year: Insights From Dr Dennis Scanlon
April 2nd 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with Dennis Scanlon, PhD, the editor in chief of The American Journal of Accountable Care®, about prior authorization, price transparency, the impact of health policy on the upcoming election, and more.
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Dr Dalia Rotstein: Physicians Must Be Aware MS Affects People of All Backgrounds
April 24th 2024Dalia Rotstein, MD, MPH, emphazises the importance of awareness that multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts patients from various backgrounds as clinicians think through ways to improve access to care and research efforts in MS.
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Navigating Health Literacy, Social Determinants, and Discrimination in National Health Plans
February 13th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the authors of a study published in the February 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® about their findings on how health plans can screen for health literacy, social determinants of health, and perceived health care discrimination.
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Downward Morbidity, Mortality Trends Discovered Among Patients With Ovarian Cancer, Liver Metastases
April 24th 2024This study indicates a declining trend in morbidity and mortality rates among patients with ovarian cancer and liver metastases, highlighting the efficacy of surgery and chemotherapy in improving survival outcomes.
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