Articles

Chicago, IL—Oncologists do not engage in hyperbole. It is not in their nature. If the word “unprecedented” is used to describe a clinical outcome, it’s because something truly remarkable has occurred; such is the case in the reporting of 2 investigations of advanced melanoma at the 2011 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for the drugs vemurafenib (PLX4032) and ipilimumab (Yervoy).

The focus on value in patient care has taken a prominent place in any discussion related to improving care delivery, but no agreement exists on what that “value” is.

The journey for healthcare costsavings is a never-ending process. One of the newest healthcare delivery models, which is mandated for Medicare beneficiaries in the healthcare reform law, is the accountable care organization (ACO).

Frank discussions with patients about their advanced cancer are challenging for physicians and their patients; however, avoiding such interactions is not a viable option, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

There is no end in sight to the rising cost of fighting cancer, according to Medco’s 2011 Drug Trend Report (www.drugtrendreport.com/2011-report), which forecasted the cost of cancer drugs will grow 34% to 42% over the next 3 years.

A new analysis of the Humana database shows that the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) molecular assay (OncotypeDX; Genomic Health) leads to targeted management of early-stage breast cancer and reduces payer’s costs (Hornberger J, et al. J Oncol Pract. 2011;7[3s]:e38s-e45s).

Orlando, FL—Lung cancer studies made news at the 2011 American Association of Cancer Research annual meeting.

Chicago, IL—One of every 10 patients with cancer abandons new prescriptions for oral oncolytics, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2011 annual meeting and concurrently published in the Journal of Oncology Practice (Streeter SB, et al. 2011; 7:46-51).

Chicago, IL—Exemestane (Aromasin) appears to be a good alternative to tamoxifen (Nolvadex) for prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, according to results of the randomized, placebo-controlled MAP.3 trial reported at ASCO 2011.

New understanding of the mechanism of cancer as genetic and molecular cancer–causing lesions has enabled the development of targeted therapies that are producing excellent results in early clinical trials.