ASCO 2015 Highlights

We review the latest clinical evidence from the phase 3 ICARIA-MM and IKEMA studies of isatuximab, an anti-CD38 mAb, in patients with RRMM. In addition, the cost implications of MM management and evolving approaches for mitigating the cost burden without compromising clinical outcomes for patients with MM are discussed.

The ICARIA-MM and IKEMA-MM phase 3 trials have been pivotal in identifying Isa’s high efficacy and favorable tolerability profile as a notable therapy in the role of RRMM management. Recently, there have been additional updates illustrating the unique effects of Isa. This article focuses on these updates and how they may inform the role of Isa in the treatment of MM.

The authors have discussed the cost drivers in myeloma therapy and have offered mitigating solutions, including pharmacy assistance programs and copay assistance, to help defray the financial burden on the patients.

In an interview, Nicholas Short, MD, shares objectives on the design and benefits of MD Anderson’s Tumor Lysis Syndrome clinical assessment for patient risk and impact on patient care.

For this supplement, expert faculty provided detailed perspectives based on their extensive experience in the management of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing on the incorporation and importance of biomarker testing in precision medicine for improved patient care.

Although it is well established that air pollution is associated with lung cancer, how this occurs has not been well described. For the first time, researchers have identified the mechanism by which particulate matter in the air may lead to non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in people who have never smoked.

In the phase 3 DETERMINATION trial—in which patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were randomly assigned to a standard triplet regimen with and without autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT), with all receiving lenalidomide (Revlimid) maintenance therapy until disease progression—patients with ASCT had significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) versus those who did not, but no difference in overall survival (OS) was observed between the 2 treatment arms.

Minority and marginalized communities have historically been underrepresented in local and federal governments and in dozens of private sectors globally. Pharma is no different; there exists a steep chasm that drugmakers have yet to bridge concerning research and trials.

The increased use of biosimilars within the US Oncology Network generated more than $6 million of savings in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Oncology Care Model (OCM) during the first half of 2020.