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A new geneexpression test may soon be used for the diagnosis of such nodules, which could reduce the use of diagnostic surgery in this population (Alexander EK, et al. N Engl J Med. Epub 2012 Jun 25).

The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study included a cohort of 14,337 childhood cancer survivors (which is believed to be the largest cohort of this type) and assessed the risk for gastrointestinal (GI) malignant neoplasms in this population (Henderson TO, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:757-766).

Cervical cancer remains an important public health issue. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has issued an update to its 2003 cervical cancer screening recommendations based on current evidence (Moyer VA, on behalf of the USPSTF. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156:880-891).

San Francisco, CA—In its national coverage decision (NCD) for sipuleucel-T in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) left the coverage decision for any off-label use of medications to the discretion of the local Medicare contractors, citing an absence of data on which to make a coverage decision.

Although the upfront cost of vemurafenib is high, its use to treat patients with metastatic melanoma actually results in a costsavings per health plan member per month (PMPM), according to an analysis presented at the 2012 Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy annual meeting.

San Francisco, CA—Knowledge of pharmacogenomics—the genomic factors contributing to individual variability in response to drug therapy (or personalized medicine)—enhances the ability to diagnose, prevent, and treat disease, especially a variety of cancers.

Houston, TX—“The key question on everyone’s mind is, how do we monetize the value of pathways?” said Peter G. Ellis, MD, Deputy Director of Clinical Services and Associate Chief Medical Officer, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Centers, PA, at the Second Annual Conference of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care.

Houston, TX—Hard times are getting even tougher for small oncology practices, said Leonard Natelson, Chief Executive Officer, Hematology/Oncology Associates, Rockland, NY, at the Second Annual Conference of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care.

Houston, TX—Payer-sponsored programs that promote appropriate end-of-life care are beneficial to all stakeholders, according to Ira M. Klein, MD, MBA, Chief of Staff to the Chief Medical Officer, Aetna Oncology Strategy.

Houston, TX—“Collaboration, coordination, data, and innovation are key to achieving value-based cancer care,” said Loreen M. Brown, MSW, Vice President of Reimbursement and Access Consulting, Xcenda, AmerisourceBergen Consulting Services.