Articles

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.

Philadelphia, PA—Although whole genomic sequencing can be done on a patient’s tumor, it does not mean that this will translate to a patient’s getting targeted therapy to identified genetic abnormalities, especially if that patient has pancreatic cancer.

Philadelphia, PA—In an era of personalized care, targeted cancer therapies are on the rise and are expected to reach nearly 60% of the global oncology and hematology drug markets by 2017. By testing for genetic biomarkers, physicians can predict patient response to cancer therapy and identify patients who will benefit most from these treatments, thus serving the 2 purposes of increasing the efficiency of treatment decisions and reducing the use of unnecessary drug prescribing and the associated costs.

Philadelphia, PA—The prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, remains poor. The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is often delayed to a late stage, which affects impact. Improving the understanding of the early signs and symptoms of this cancer may improve outcomes.

Philadelphia, PA—The growing focus on identifying and preventing overpayments and reducing waste in the healthcare system has prompted hospitals to adopt value analysis committees to curb unnecessary medical supply spending. In 2012, as many as 64% of US hospitals were using a value analysis committee to evaluate new devices and new supplies used in their institutions.

Chicago, IL—The combination of ibrutinib (Imbruvica) plus standard therapy with bendamustine (Treanda) and rituximab (Rituxan) significantly reduced the risk for disease progression or death by 80% compared with bendamustine plus rituximab alone in previously treated patients with chronic ­lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic leukemia (SLL), according to lead investigator Asher A. Chanan-Khan, MD, Chair, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.

Palliative care offers symptom relief, comfort, and peaceful death to patients with advanced cancer. Historically, palliative care was provided to patients who were near death. Based on recent research, however, the American Society of Clinical Oncology now recommends combining palliative care with curative treatment early in the disease course. Nevertheless, an important question remains: How early in the disease trajectory should patients with advanced cancer begin receiving palliative care?