Articles

The FDA’s Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) reviewed necitumumab (Eli Lilly & Co) for use in patients with metastatic squamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Necitumumab is an immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the interaction between the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its ligands. EGFR expression is elevated in NSCLC and affects >95% of squamous NSCLC tumors.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) new value framework abandons the Hippocratic Oath. No longer is the doctor’s first obligation to “apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures which are required.” Instead, ASCO’s value framework has the potential to help insurers “evaluate the relative value of new treatments” as they develop “benefit structures, adjustment of insurance premiums, and implementation of clinical pathways and administrative controls."

Cancer care is one of the fastest growing components of US healthcare costs and is estimated to reach $158 billion by 2020. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Value in Cancer Care Task Force attributes the rising cost of cancer care to several factors, including the overall aging of the population, the introduction of costly new drugs and innovative surgery and radiation techniques, and the adoption of more expensive diagnostic tests.

In a decade of provider risk, the CMS Oncology Payment Models are shifting toward risk management as part of the continued evolution toward integrated networks and bundled payments in healthcare.

Elotzumab’s “double whammy” mechanism of action acts directly on the tumor itself and enhances the activity of natural killer cells to kill the tumor.

Combination treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab doubled progression-free survival in patients with advanced melanoma, according to CheckMate 067 investigators.

Experts at the AVBCC 5th Annual Conference suggested that retrospective analyses of big data should more effectively differentiate between different approaches to cancer care based on care quality and evidence-based, clinically meaningful outcomes. Data silos can help in the short-term to prioritize process measures.

Similar to myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera is a Philadelphia chromosome–negative myeloproliferative neoplasm. Polycythemia vera is characterized by the clonal stem-cell proliferation of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Increased red blood cell mass results in the hyperviscosity of the blood, an increased risk for thrombosis, poor quality of life, and a shortened life expectancy.

Two oncologists from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia have added their weight to the growing call for less intensive follow-up of cancer survivors whenever appropriate.