Articles

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).

New Orleans, LA—Mounting evidence from several research centers shows that autologous T-cells genetically engineered with a chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T; also called CTL019) achieve dramatic responses in patients with advanced leukemia and lymphoma who have exhausted all treatment options.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has proposed a radical new model for the reimbursement of oncology services under Medicare, with the new paradigm consisting of incentives for oncologists to emphasize quality rather than quantity of care as the greater good to the bottom line.

Vancouver, Canada—The odds of having a major complication after a radical cystectomy, which is performed as part of the treatment for bladder cancer, are higher for Hispanics than for Caucasians, researchers have found. They calculated that the rate of such complications was 23.53%  for Hispanic Americans compared with 16.09% for Caucasian Americans.

The recent Institute of Medicine report “Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care: Charting a New Course for a System in Crisis” addressed the important issues of delivering high-quality cancer care, including end-of-life care.