ASCO 2015 Highlights

Myelofibrosis patients refractory to JAK inhibitor therapy typically have poor prognosis. Pelabresib demonstrates improvement in clinical outcomes while maintaining an acceptable safety profile in this patient subset.

Anemia is a common side effect in many patients with myelofibrosis on ruxolitinib therapy. Phase 2 clinical trial data demonstrate mitigation of anemia indices in this patient population by sotatercept.

Patients with myelofibrosis who are refractory to JAK inhibitors often lack safe and effective treatment options. Selinexor may slow disease progression by reducing growth of malignant myelofibrosis cells.

Ruxolitinib is an approved therapy for myelofibrosis but some patients experience serious side effects. Fedratinib is an effective therapeutic option for these patients without development of severe adverse events.

At the 11th Annual Summit of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC) in 2021, health plans and employers discussed the utility of value-based contracting for managing oncology care costs while maintaining focus on outcomes of value for patients.

Enhanced flexibility in delivery, increased investment in digital capability, and quick adaptation to events were some of the positive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care.

Oncologic drug pricing is being transformed with greater value in mind. At the 11th Annual Summit of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care in 2021, a panel led by moderator William McGivney, PhD, Managing Principal, McGivney Global Advisors, Wayne, PA, discussed innovation in drug pricing, how the current rebate system supports higher drug costs, balancing new interventions with profits, and the implications of drug price negotiations being considered in Congress.

The use of telehealth in the fee-for-service program surged by more than 4000% during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reducing disparities in cancer care, including those affecting research and treatment, requires a better understanding of the history of racism, noted experts during a panel discussion at the 11th Annual Summit of the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care in 2021. The panel, which was moderated by Sybil Green, JD, RPh, MHA, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, American Society of Clinical Oncology, examined barriers to equitable care and potential solutions to remove these barriers.

Currently, 31 biosimilar products have been approved by the FDA, 20 of which have been launched in the United States.