Articles

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have announces a new collaboration with Pfizer to develop immune-based approaches to new therapies for cancer. This new effort is based on M.D. Anderson’s Moon Shots Program that aims to reduce cancer deaths significantly in the future, using the 6 moon shots that target 8 types of difficult-to-treat cancer.

Responding to the relentless economic pressures on patients and oncologists and the ever-escalating costs of cancer care delivery, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in collaboration with the Value in Cancer Care Task Force, is developing a working definition of “value” in oncology, as well as identifying how to incorporate the implications of that approach into clinical decision-making in patient care.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has launched a clinical trial to determine whether selecting therapies based on genetic mutations can improve outcomes in patients with metastatic solid tumors.

In a new study, researchers examined the correlation between the use of statins after a prostate cancer diagnosis and the risk of cancer-related and all-cause mortality (Yu O, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32:5-11).

New research shows promise in deciphering the underlying mechanism of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), according to findings from a recently reported study (Klampfl T, et al. N Engl J Med. 2013;369:2379-2390).

Transparent and comprehensive reporting of AEs in published results of oncology-related clinical trials is crucial for the treatment of patients with cancer. In efforts to improve reporting of clinical trials results, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension group developed 10 recommendations in 2003 for reporting AEs. A new study of 175 publications assessed the degree to which the publication of phase 3 trials in oncology adhered with CONSORT recommendations (Sivendran S, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32:83-89).

The anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (Rituxan), combined with chemotherapy agents, had been shown to prolong overall survival (OS) in physically fit patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but not in those with comorbidities.

The Patient Protection and Af­fordable Care Act (ACA) has been a major topic in the news of late. In addition to providing better healthcare and allowing the uninsured to obtain affordable insurance coverage, the ACA has provided funding for outcomes research and healthcare innovation.

New Orleans, LA—Novel options for the treatment of patients with hematologic conditions are in the pharmaceutical pipeline, with many drugs showing promising results. Here is a look at key studies presented at the 2013 American Society of Hematology annual meeting.

San Francisco, CA—Enzalutamide (Xtandi) prolonged survival and delayed radiographic progression of disease in men who had not received chemotherapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).