ASCO 2015 Highlights

The evidence blocks were incorporated into the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines late last year and act as a visual representation of 5 key measures related to specific recommendations.

The updated National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline (version 2.2016) for the management of advanced melanoma reflects the increasing role of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted agents, as more data establish their superior efficacy over traditional chemotherapy.

The population of patients with multiple myeloma who are eligible for therapy has been expanded to include asymptomatic patients with certain features, according to the most recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline (version 3.2016).

The oncology National Practice Benchmark (NPB) annual report provides important information regarding oncology providers’ productivity, costs, practice revenues, and profits. Key findings from the 2015 report show that new patient visits and average drug spending are on the rise (Balch C, et al. J Oncol Pract. 2016;12:e437-e475).

The realignment of incentives and enhanced collaboration in cancer research are priorities that would speed the pace of discovery, with the goal to “end cancer as we know,” said Vice President Joe Biden at the 2016 American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting. Mr Biden discussed aspects of the new “Moonshot” initiative to eliminate cancer, which was initiated by President Obama at his 2016 State of the Union Address.

Anti–PD-1 treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab (Opdivo) significantly improved survival in patients with head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma that progressed after platinum-based therapy, according to data from a phase 3 clinical trial known as CheckMate-141.

Assessing quality care in the age of precision medicine can be challenging. In a special session at the 2016 Quality Care Symposium, various stakeholders presented their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities related to quality care in this rapidly changing landscape.

The chances for further policy changes in healthcare over the next several years are expected to be minimal, said panelists during a roundtable discussion at the 2016 National Comprehensive Cancer Network annual conference.

On November 20, 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ixazomib (Ninlaro; Takeda Oncology) capsules in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received at least 1 previous therapy.