ASCO 2015 Highlights

Growth in Medicare Part B spending, increasing roles in specialty pharmacy, formation of accountable care organizations (ACOs), and bundling of payments for care are all anticipated trends in the Medicare and reimbursement arenas.

The medically under - served population needs easier access to healthcare and tools that provide a seamless transition between all phases of the treatment process, from screening through therapy and survivorship.

The estimated cost for physician practices to interact with health insurance plans is $23 billion to $31 billion annually, according to a 2009 national survey conducted by Casalino and colleagues (Health Aff. 2009;28:w533-w543).

Changes in oncology reimbursement have driven the consolidation of community oncology practices, as more of these practices are being squeezed financially, according to Ted Okon, BS, MBA, Executive Director, Community Oncology Alliance. Consoli dation decreases alternatives, and that means reduced competition, as many oncologists lose their practices.

Philadelphia, PA—The new biologic therapy eribulin (Halaven) was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Stephen C. Malamud, MD, Attending Physician, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City, discussed the benefits and risks associated with this new treatment option at a special session during the meeting.

Philadelphia, PA—The age of personalized cancer therapies is upon us. In oncology, personalized medicine encompasses the use of tests to determine the genes and gene interactions that can reliably predict an individual’s response to therapy or the chance of disease recurrence.

Philadelphia, PA—The National Com - prehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is an alliance of academic cancer centers in the United States that seeks to optimize decision-making and policies for improving the delivery of appropriate and effective cancer care.