ASCO 2015 Highlights

Chicago, IL—A new analysis of mutations at baseline and at the end of treatment provides information about the response to ponatinib (Iclusig) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) enrolled in the phase 2 PACE study. The results were presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Berlin, Germany—Although little is known about the prevalence of lymphedema in patients with head and neck cancer, a series of studies showed that 75% of patients with head and neck cancer have problematic lymphedema internally and externally.

Hollywood, FL—As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid expansion necessitates that states soon come to grips with massive change in healthcare coverage. Matthew E. Brow, Vice President, Public Policy and Reimbursement Strategy, McKesson Specialty Health and the US Oncology Network, updated attendees at the Third Annual Conference of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care on progress in this area.

Hollywood, FL—Regardless of one’s personal opinion of the role of government in healthcare, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will be implemented, which means government will be playing a more significant role, as 2 speakers pointed out at the Third Annual Conference of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care.

>Hollywood, FL—A collaboration between the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the National Business Group on Health can help employers navigate the confusing landscape of employee benefits.

The US Food and Drug Administra­tion (FDA) approved a new indication for paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension, albumin-bound (Abraxane; Celgene) for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has resulted in few cases of durable remissions. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), an essential component of B-cell receptor signaling, mediates interactions with the tumor microenvironment and promotes the survival and proliferation of CLL cells.

>The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) revised its policy on financial conflicts of interest (FCOIs) in 2005, establishing for the first time certain types of financial relationships for clinical trial principal investigators.

Widespread adoption of prostate- specific antigen (PSA) screening has been associated with a 44% reduction in prostate cancer mortality. Although early detection of prostate cancer with PSA testing may lead to reduced mortality, it also leads to significant overdetection of cancer.

Chicago, IL—Routine surveillance imaging is of little value in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or classical Hodgkin lymphoma who are in remission, researchers from 2 institutions reported.