Articles

On May 18, 2020, the FDA approved a new indication for atezolizumab (Tecentriq; Genentech), a PD-L1 inhibitor, for the first-line treatment of adults with metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumor has high PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 stained ≥50% of tumor cells or PD-L1 stained tumor-infiltrating immune cells covering ≥10% of the tumor area), and no EGFR or ALK genomic aberrations, as determined by an FDA-approved test.

The federal government is an active participant in shaping and delivering healthcare policy. The panelists in this session addressed the government’s response to COVID-19 and weighed in on some of the issues that their agencies frequently encountered as medical practices grapple with the new normal.

Nurses are on the front lines like no other healthcare personnel. In this panel, distinguished nursing professionals discussed topics and issues that have arisen during the pandemic. Led by healthcare educator Lillie D. Shockney, the comprehensive panel covered some of the myriad issues nurse navigators confront now, including rising cancer rates in an aging population, and a decline in numbers of oncology nurses and oncologists.

Researchers and clinical investigators are facing a series of unprecedented challenges as they adjust to necessary changes to their work environment resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. In this discussion, moderated by Rob Butcher, CEO, Swim Across America, a panel of researchers discuss the impact of the pandemic on conditions in laboratories, and how graduate students have had to adjust to interruptions in their career trajectories.

Telehealth continues to play a critical role in providing healthcare services to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a webcast titled COVID-19: Impact on Telehealth, Rick Lee, Executive Chairman, Healthy Platforms and CancerLife, along with a panel of experts, discussed the benefits and ongoing challenges associated with the use of telemedicine and the far-reaching impact of this technology beyond the current crisis.

Employers continue to face significant challenges as they strive to provide healthcare coverage for their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this discussion, moderated by Burt Zweigenhaft, PhD, D.Litt, a panel of experts explore solutions for some of the issues arising in a vastly changed healthcare market, and strategies for improving the way in which health benefits are conceived and implemented.

On May 15, 2020, the FDA approved a new indication for the first immunotherapy combination with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo; BMS) and the CTLA-4 inhibitor ipilimumab (Yervoy; BMS) as first-line treatment of adults with metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and PD-L1 expression of ≥1%, as determined by an FDA-approved test, but without EGFR or ALK genomic alterations.