Among young adults, 2-year cancer survival increased more in states with expanded Medicaid coverage; some pharmacies implemented purchase limits to help combat children’s medicine supply shortages; an FDA advisory panel will meet next month to discuss the state of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act is linked to better survival outcomes for young adults with newly diagnosed cancer, The Hill reported. The study also found the 2-year survival benefit was most notable among Hispanic and Black individuals, and individuals with breast cancer or stage IV cancers. Among young adults, 2-year overall survival increased more in states with expanded Medicaid coverage, with survival rising from 90.39% to 91.85% after the expansion in these states. According to the study authors, young Americans have historically not experienced the same survival improvements over time compared with pediatric and older patients, largely due to lack of health insurance.
As flu season began earlier than usual this year, shortages of children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol), amoxicillin, and other OTC medicines have led to purchase limits at some pharmacies, the Associated Press reported. According to experts, these shortages—which vary by location—are largely due to the higher number of children who are sick during this time of year and may continue through the winter season, but should not last as long as recent baby formula and prescription drug shortages. Because these OTC medicine shortages are occurring at the purchasing level and not the manufacturing level, pediatricians advise to look for alternative or generic versions of products and to check other stores.
An FDA advisory panel will meet January 26, 2023, to discuss the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, including whether vaccines need to be further modified to keep up with new variants and other changes, Axios reported. The last meeting of this kind was held in June 2022, when advisers recommended updated COVID-19 boosters targeting the Omicron variant. Following this meeting, the FDA will consider whether to recommend adjusting current vaccine authorizations, as well as the most efficient process to choose strains to include in primary and booster vaccine doses.
Inspiring Clinicians to Take Action on Closing Diabetes Care Gaps
December 7th 2023Clinicians and leaders from Duke University convened in Durham, North Carolina, to discuss unmet needs in the care of patients with diabetes and opportunities to close those gaps through coordination, education, support, and technology.
Read More
Prediction Model Identified Risk Factors for ED Visits in Patients With Lung Cancer
December 7th 2023A risk prediction model that was based on machine learning could help to make resource utilization more efficient by correctly predicting emergency department (ED) visits in patients with lung cancer.
Read More
Negotiations to extend US global HIV/AIDS relief work are deadlocked; the Biden administration delayed its rule on the proposed menthol cigarette ban until March 2024 after lobbying by civil rights groups; federal agencies have partnered with a digital health company to create an at-home test-to-treat program for flu and COVID-19.
Read More