Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for July 2017. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
FDA Proposes Lowering Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes
MONDAY, July 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to begin a public dialogue about reducing nicotine levels in combustible cigarettes to non-addictive levels through achievable product standards, agency officials said Friday.
Chemo Plus Hyperthermia Active in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
MONDAY, July 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic carcinoma with malignant ascites, a combined systemic and intraperitoneal chemotherapy approach plus hyperthermia is well tolerated and active, according to a study published online July 25 in the Journal of Global Oncology.
Review: Positive Link for Alcohol, Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
MONDAY, July 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Alcohol intake seems to be positively associated with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), according to a review and meta-analysis published online July 28 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Thyroid Cancer Tied to Regular Thyroxine Use in Hypothyroidism
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with primary hypothyroidism who are regular thyroxine users have increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to a study published online July 19 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Interval Training Cuts CVD Risk in Testicular Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For testicular cancer survivors (TCS), a high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) intervention improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, according to a study published online July 14 in Cancer.
Intel Gained on Melanoma Risk for Renal Transplant Patients
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Renal transplant recipients have increased risk of developing melanoma, with specific risk factors that should be monitored, according to a study published online July 26 in JAMA Dermatology.
CRC Screen Up for Older Patients, Those Not in Labor Force
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Factors associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates at U.S. community health centers include age and insurance status, but not patient-provider communication, according to a study published online July 14 in Cancer.
Total, Saturated Fat Linked to Increased Risk of Lung Cancer
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — High intake of total and saturated fat is associated with increased risk of lung cancer, according to research published online July 25 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
2016 Saw Increase in Number of Physicians Since 2010 Census
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Census reports have demonstrated an increase in the number of physicians and in the actively licensed U.S. physician-to-population ratio from 2010 to 2016, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Regulation.
Lack of Training Linked to Cancer Patient Caregiver Burden
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For caregivers providing care to cancer patients, lack of training is associated with increasing burden, according to a study published online July 20 in Cancer.
Financial Incentives Found to Up Colonoscopy Participation
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a study published recently in Gastroenterology, a cash incentive of $100 was tied to increased colorectal screening rates in eligible adults.
Health Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Quantified in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For people age 50 years and older, having a favorable behavioral profile is associated with increased life expectancy and delayed onset of disability compared with the whole U.S. population, according to a study published online July 19 in Health Affairs.
Infection Is Most Common Complication of Prostate Biopsy
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The most common complication of prostate biopsy is infection, with mild bleeding also reported, according to an update of the American Urological Association White Paper published in the August issue of The Journal of Urology.
Many With Cancer Hospitalized, Undergo Imaging at End of Life
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — About half of cancer patients are hospitalized and undergo at least one imaging scan at the end of life, according to a study published online July 24 in the Journal of Oncology Practice.
Greater Engagement for Patients Who Read Visit Notes
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Greater engagement is reported by patients who read notes and submit feedback, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Obesity in Teens Ups Colon, Rectal Cancer Risk in Adulthood
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Obesity even in adolescence may raise the odds for colon and rectal cancers in adulthood, according to research published online July 24 in Cancer.
More Genetic Tests May Benefit Ashkenazi Jewish Cancer Patients
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For Ashkenazi Jewish patients with breast cancer, comprehensive sequencing identifies pathogenic mutations in genes other than BRCA1 and BRCA2 founder alleles, according to a study published online July 20 in JAMA Oncology.
Vascular Targeted Photodynamic Tx Aids Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For men with low-risk prostate cancer, vascular targeted photodynamic therapy achieves an 82 percent rate of absent clinically significant cancer in treated lobes, according to a study published in the August issue of The Journal of Urology.
Many Americans Qualify As ‘Overfat’
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Traditional measurements do not fully capture the high rates of “overfat” individuals in developed countries, according to a study published online July 24 in Frontiers in Public Health.
Average Increase in Physician Compensation 2.9% in 2016
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The AMGA 2017 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey reports that 77 percent of physician specialties experienced increases in compensation in 2016, with an overall weighted average increase of 2.9 percent.
MYCN Copy Number Tied to Poor Features in Neuroblastoma
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The rate of unfavorable features is increased in association with increasing MYCN copy number in patients with neuroblastoma, according to a study published online July 11 in Cancer.
AMA Module Offers Help for Adding Pharmacist to Practice
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new American Medical Association (AMA) education module has been developed to help embed clinical pharmacists within a medical practice.
Perceived Physical Activity Level Predicts Mortality
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Perceived physical activity is associated with mortality, even after adjustment for actual physical activity, according to a study published online July 20 in Health Psychology.
Educational Intervention Doesn’t Up Hand, Stethoscope Hygiene
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An intervention including education is not associated with an increased rate of hand hygiene or stethoscope hygiene, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
‘Expansion Pathology’ Method Could Mean Earlier Intervention
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new method, called expansion pathology (ExPath), which is a clinically optimized form of expansion microscopy (ExM), can be used for pathology and clinical research, according to a report published online July 17 in Nature Biotechnology.
Complications Up With Immediate Reconstruction After Mastectomy
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing mastectomy, the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) and noninfectious wound complications (NIWCs) is increased for those with immediate implant reconstruction (IR) versus delayed or secondary implant reconstruction (DR or SR), according to a study published online July 19 in JAMA Surgery.
NCI-Designated Care Often Excluded in Narrow Health Plans
THURSDAY, July 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Narrow network health plans are less likely to cover treatment by doctors at centers affiliated with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, according to a study published online July 5 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
More Patients Enrolled in Cancer Trials Under ACA
THURSDAY, July 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Affordable Care Act may have enabled more privately insured patients to enroll in clinical trials for cancer treatments, according to a study published online July 20 in Clinical Cancer Research.
68Ga-Somatostatin Analog PET-CT Linked to Reduced Costs
THURSDAY, July 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For imaging neuroendocrine tumors, 68Ga-somatostatin analog positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) is associated with reduced costs compared with 111In-octreotide scintigraphy, according to a study published online July 17 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.
ASCO Addresses Cancer Drug Pricing
THURSDAY, July 20, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Noting that new cancer drugs routinely cost more than $100,000 per year, and prices on many existing treatments continue to rise, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has issued a position statement to address these financial concerns.
Low Rate of Cancer Recurrence for Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Nipple-sparing mastectomy doesn’t raise a woman’s risk for breast cancer recurrence, according to a study published online July 17 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Chronic Disease Risk Rises With Even Slow, Steady Weight Gain
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Even a few extra pounds gained in early or middle adulthood can increase risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, according to a study published in the July 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
USPSTF: Ovarian Cancer Screen to Be Avoided for Most Women
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The potential harms of ovarian cancer screening outweigh the benefits, so only very specific groups of women should be screened for the disease, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) says in a draft recommendation.
Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation Statement
Single-Dose PCV13 Immunogenic, Safe in Pediatric Oncology
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For pediatric and adolescent oncology patients, a single-dose 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is safe and immunogenic, according to a study published online July 11 in Cancer.
Distress Screening Tied to Fewer ER Visits for Cancer Patients
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Adherence to distress screening protocols by cancer programs is associated with lower rates of medical service utilization, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
FDA Approves Nerlynx to Help Prevent HER2+ Breast CA Return
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Nerlynx (neratinib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help prevent human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer from returning.
Post UV Exposure, Tumor Number Down With Tomato Consumption
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Male mice consuming a red tomato diet have significantly lower tumor number after exposure to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light, according to a study published online July 11 in Scientific Reports.
High Court Rules Against Interstate Medical Liability
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Washington State high court has ruled against interstate medical liability, according to a report from the American Medical Association.
Better Prognosis With Surgery for HPV-Linked Oropharyngeal SCC
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have higher five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates after surgery alone, according to a study published online July 10 in Head & Neck.
Patient-Centered Communication Could Help Reduce Burnout
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Better patient-physician communication can improve care and reduce burnout, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Empowerment Linked to HRQoL in Teen, Young Adult CA Survivors
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors, empowerment is independently associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), according to research published online July 11 in Cancer.
Wait-and-Scan Strategy Feasible for Head, Neck Paraganglioma
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A wait-and-scan strategy seems to be feasible for patients with head and neck paraganglioma (PGL), according to a study published online July 10 in Head & Neck.
Higher Nodal Yield Tied to Lower Mortality in Oral Cavity Cancer
FRIDAY, July 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For clinically node-negative patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), higher nodal yield (above 24 nodes) is associated with lower mortality, according to a research letter published online July 13 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Early Career Burnout Can Be Contagious Via Social Networks
FRIDAY, July 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For early career teachers (ECTs), social network members’ burnout levels are associated with increased burnout levels, according to a study published in the August issue of Teaching and Teacher Education.
Abstract/ Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Tall, Obese Men at Higher Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The larger a man, the greater his risk of developing and dying from aggressive prostate cancer, according to a study published online July 13 in BMC Medicine.
Study Supports Observation Only for Most Low-Risk Prostate CA
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Men with early-stage prostate cancer who have surgery to remove their tumor do not live longer than those who receive no treatment at all, according a study published in the July 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Large Study Shows Eating Better at Any Age Can Prolong Life
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Sustained diet changes — even later in life — can extend people’s lives, according to research published in the July 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Blood Test for Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Feasible
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A new, low-cost blood test may be an effective way to detect pancreatic cancer early, according to a study published in the July 12 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Potential First U.S. Gene Therapy Now Under FDA Review
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The potential first gene therapy in the United States is being reviewed by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration expert panel.
Rivaroxaban OK for Stroke Prevention in Cancer Patients
WEDNESDAY, June 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban treatment for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with active cancer is similar to the general population, according to a study published in the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
Medicaid Enrollees Are Satisfied With Their Health Care
WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid enrollees are largely satisfied with their health care, and most are able to access the care they need when they need it, according to a research letter published online July 10 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Screening Up When Insurance Covers CT Colonography
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with insurance that covers computed tomographic (CT) colonography are nearly 50 percent more likely to get screened for colorectal cancer, according to a study published online July 11 in Radiology.
Health Service Use Unchanged From 1996-1997 to 2011-2012
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Utilization of health services was largely unchanged from 1996-1997 to 2011-2012, but expenditures increased, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
American Adults Without Health Insurance Rises by Two Million
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The number of American adults without health insurance has increased by about two million so far this year, according to a new Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index poll.
Patients Are Often Recording Doctor’s Visits
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients may be recording office visits, with or without permission, according to an opinion piece published online July 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Decisional Regret Doesn’t Differ by Treatment in Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer who attend a multidisciplinary clinic, decisional regret does not differ significantly between treatment groups, according to a study published online July 5 in Cancer.
Parkinson’s Patients Deemed at Higher Risk of Melanoma
MONDAY, July 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients with Parkinson’s disease are about four times more likely to develop melanoma, and conversely, patients with melanoma have a four-fold higher risk of developing Parkinson’s, according to a study published in the July issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
FDA Approves Endari for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease
MONDAY, July 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Endari (L-glutamine oral powder) to treat patients with sickle cell disease.
Low Platelet Count Linked to Thrombosis in aPL Carriers
MONDAY, July 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) carriers, low platelet count is associated with increased risk of developing thrombosis, according to a study published online June 29 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Subcirrhotic Liver Stiffness Cuts HCC Risk in Hepatitis B
MONDAY, July 10, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), achievement of subcirrhotic range of liver stiffness (sc-LS) with antiviral therapy (AVT) is associated with reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), according to a study published online June 30 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
No Advance Directives for Almost Two-Thirds of U.S. Population
FRIDAY, July 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An estimated two of three people in the United States have not completed an advanced directive, according to a review published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Nephrotic Syndrome Reported With Everolimus, Voriconazole
FRIDAY, July 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a case report published online June 29 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, nephrotic syndrome is diagnosed in a 32-year-old female with relapsed Hodgkin’s lymphoma who was on everolimus and initiated voriconazole.
High-Observation Protocol Cuts Length of Stay in Head, Neck CA
FRIDAY, July 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A high-observation protocol (HOP) appears to optimize clinical care for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing primary surgery, according to a study published online June 20 in Head & Neck.
Market Competition Linked to Change in Generic Drug Prices
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Market competition levels are associated with changes in the price of generic drugs, according to a study published online July 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Germline Mutations Up in Men With Prostate CA, One Other CA
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Germline deleterious mutations are enriched among men with prostate cancer and at least one additional primary cancer, according to a study published online June 28 in Cancer.
AMA: Doctors Should Make Sure Their Online Info Is Accurate
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a technologically advanced society, physicians need to take advantage of the internet to reach patients and exercise caution in their online presence, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
FDA Expands Use of Cooling Cap to Cut Chemo-Related Hair Loss
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A cooling cap approved in 2015 for use in breast cancer patients has received expanded approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Comparable Metabolic Effects for E-Cigarettes, Smoking
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarette smoking has the same deleterious effect on weight and metabolic parameters as traditional cigarettes, according to research published online June 29 in Obesity Reviews.
Insurance Status, Income Tied to Outcome in Pharyngeal SCC
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pharynx, insurance status and household income level are associated with outcome, according to a study published online June 29 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
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