Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for January 2016. 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.
Demand for Medical Office Space High and Increasing
FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Demand for medical office space for ambulatory care is at a high point and looks likely to continue increasing, according to an article published in Forbes.
Pre-Op MRI Improves Accuracy for Predicting Extent of DCIS
FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can add to mammography in predicting the extent of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology.
AMA Highlights Top Four Issues to Promote in State Legislation
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The top four issues that will be promoted in state legislation in 2016 were discussed at the 2016 American Medical Association (AMA) State Legislative Strategy Conference, according to a report published by the AMA.
Carbamazepine Affects Warfarin Anticoagulation
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For warfarin-treated patients, carbamazepine co-treatment is associated with subtherapeutic anticoagulative effect and increased warfarin dose requirements, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
FDA Approves Halaven for Advanced Liposarcoma
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Halaven (eribulin mesylate) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first chemotherapy drug shown to improve survival in people with advanced liposarcoma.
Clipping Nodes Improves Pathologic Evaluation
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Clipping nodes with biopsy-confirmed metastatic disease improves pathologic evaluation among patients with breast cancer, according to a study published online Jan. 25 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Rosacea Linked to Increased Risk of Glioma
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Rosacea is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing glioma, according to research published online Jan. 27 in JAMA Dermatology.
~1% of Physicians Account for One-Third of Malpractice Claims
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A small number of physicians account for a considerable proportion of all paid malpractice claims, according to a study published in the Jan. 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Alternative Payment Models Can Help Improve Patient Care
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Alternative payment models (APMs) have been and are being developed that can allow physicians to offer new and improved services to their patients, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Clinical Significance of Varying Degrees of Neutropenia Explored
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Neutropenia is associated with viral infections and hematological malignancies in a dose-dependent manner, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Extended Elevated Recurrence Rates for ER-Positive Breast CA
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive disease have elevated annualized hazards of recurrence during extended follow-up, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Possibility for Health Care Legislation Changes in 2016
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Given the current political climate and issues of bipartisan concern, 2016 could see certain changes to health care legislation, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Consistent CRC Detection Seen for Fecal Immunochemical Tests
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) can consistently detect colorectal cancer when used on an annual basis, and they are effective even in the second, third, and fourth years of screening, according to a study published online Jan. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Prednisolone Therapy Induces Procoagulant State
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For healthy subjects, 10 days of prednisolone therapy induces a procoagulant state, according to a study published online Jan. 21 in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
ACP Presents High-Value Care Advice for Hematuria
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In a clinical guideline published online Jan. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommendations relating to evaluation of hematuria are presented for clinicians.
Full Text
Adjuvant Therapy Ups Survival in Small-Cell Lung Cancer
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with early-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) undergoing resection, treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy or chemotherapy with cranial irradiation is associated with improved survival compared with surgery alone, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Risk of Malignancy Can Be Quantified Using Simple Rules
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of ultrasonography features can help identify the risk of malignancy for patients with an adnexal tumor, according to a study published online Jan. 18 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
About 1 in 7 Colorectal Cancer Patients Younger Than 50
MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one in seven colorectal cancer patients are under 50, and younger patients are more likely to have advanced-stage cancer, according to a report published online Jan. 25 in Cancer.
Considerable Symptom Burden With Adjuvant Endocrine Tx
MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) for primary breast cancer have considerable symptom burden, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Research Suggests Broader Role for HPV in HNSCC Etiology
MONDAY, Jan. 25, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 detection is tied to incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); and other HPVs, including γ11- and γ12-HPV species and β1-HPV-5 type, are also associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), according to a study published online Jan. 21 in JAMA Oncology.
Patient Satisfaction With Doctors May Be on the Rise
FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More Americans than ever are satisfied with their visits to the doctor, according to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll in September.
IV Thrombolysis Aids Patients Dependent Before Their Stroke
FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) treatment might benefit stroke patients who needed help with daily living before their stroke, according to research published online Jan. 21 in Stroke.
Many Seniors Getting Unneeded Mammography, PSA Screens
FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many older Americans are unnecessarily screened for breast and prostate cancer, according to a research letter published online Jan. 21 in JAMA Oncology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Pediatric Nasopharyngeal CA Has Different Patient Demographic
FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are more often black and present with stage IV disease, but they have lower mortality than adult patients, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Rectal Cancer Surgery Best at 56 Days Post Chemo/Radiation
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they’ve pinpointed the best length of time to wait to perform surgery for rectal cancer after chemotherapy and radiation treatment have been completed. The findings were published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Blood Test May Help Predict Acute Myeloid Leukemia Return
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A simple blood test may be an inexpensive, easy, and effective way to predict risk of recurrence of a common form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterized by a mutation in the NPM1 gene, according to research published in the Jan. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Pregnancy Ups Metastasis, Recurrence, Death in Melanoma
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women diagnosed with melanoma during or just after pregnancy are at greater risk from the cancer than other women, according to a study published online Jan. 20 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
CDX2-Negative Colon Cancer May Need More Tx Post Surgery
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Colon tumors that don’t produce the protein CDX2 are more likely to recur following surgical removal in patients with stage II colon cancer, according to study findings published in the Jan. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Slowing Noted in Growth of Cancer Expenditures
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 1998 to 2012, cancer care expenditures increased at an annualized rate of 2.9 percent, although the growth slowed from 2007, according to a study published online Jan. 15 in Cancer.
Cystectomy Plus Chemo Ups Survival in Bladder Cancer
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, cystectomy plus adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival versus cystectomy alone, according to a study published online Jan. 19 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Higher Substance Use Found Among Teens Who Tan
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New survey results suggest that teenagers who go to tanning salons may be more likely to smoke, drink, and use illegal drugs and steroids, according to a research letter published online Jan. 20 in JAMA Dermatology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Families Prefer Hospice Over Hospital for Dying Relatives
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Earlier hospice enrollment, avoidance of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions within 30 days of death, and death occurring outside the hospital are associated with perceptions of better end-of-life care among family members of older patients who are dying of lung or colorectal cancer, according to research published in the Jan. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on death, dying, and end of life.
Fluorescence Visualization-Guided Sx Efficacious in Oral CA
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with oral cancer, fluorescence visualization (FV)-guided surgery is associated with a reduction in local recurrence, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Physicians Choose Less Aggressive Care at End of Life
TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians facing death are less likely to demand aggressive care, according to two research letters published in the Jan. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on death, dying, and end of life.
Full Text 1 (subscription or payment may be required)
Full Text 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
KRAS, BRAF V600E Mutations Impact Survival in Colon Cancer
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with stage III colon cancer treated with leucovorin, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), KRAS and BRAF V600E mutations are associated with worse clinical outcome in patients with microsatellite-stable tumors, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Oncology.
Greater Transparency Being Promoted in Research
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Greater transparency is being promoted in clinical research, according to a health policy brief published online Jan. 14 in Health Affairs.
Full Text
Design of Physician Satisfaction Surveys Affects Results
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patient satisfaction scores are influenced by the design and implementation of patient surveys, according to an article published in the January-February issue of Family Practice Management.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Nonverbal Cues May Reveal a Physician’s Racial Bias
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A physician’s body language may reveal racial bias against seriously ill black patients, according to research published in the January issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
Electronic Cigarettes May Hinder Smoking Cessation Efforts
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — E-cigarette use actually lowers smokers’ chances that they’ll quit tobacco by about 28 percent, according to an evidence review published online Jan. 14 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
Diagnostic Imaging Down With High Deductible Health Plans
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — U.S. patients whose health insurance plans have high deductibles undergo fewer diagnostic imaging tests, according to a study published in the February issue of Medical Care.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Splenomegaly Ups Thrombosis in Essential Thrombocythemia
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), baseline splenomegaly is associated with increased risk of thrombosis, according to a study published online Jan. 7 in the American Journal of Hematology.
ER-Initiated Palliative Care Consult Ups QoL in Advanced CA
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced cancer, emergency department-initiated palliative care consultation is associated with improved quality of life, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in JAMA Oncology.
Geographic Variation in HPV Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevalence
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is geographic variation in the proportion of head and neck cancers attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV), according to a study published online Jan. 8 in Head & Neck.
Geographic Factors Impact HPV Vaccine Initiation in Teen Girls
THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Initiation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is highest among teen girls in poorer communities and in populations that are mainly Hispanic or mixed race, according to a study published online Jan. 14 in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
New Blood Test May Improve Tracking of Advanced Melanoma
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new blood test might improve doctors’ ability to track the spread of advanced melanoma, according to results of a small, preliminary study published in the January issue of Molecular Oncology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Stem Cell Sources Used for HSCT Vary by Country, Resources
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Use of bone marrow as the stem cell source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) increases with increasing incomes, according to a research letter published in the Jan. 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Incidence of Radiation-Induced Breast Cancer Examined
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is variability in radiation-induced breast cancer incidence and mortality associated with digital mammography screening, according to a study published online Jan. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text
Recommendations Developed for Antithrombotic Tx in VTE
TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — New recommendations have been developed for antithrombotic therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease: CHEST Guideline was published online Jan. 7 in CHEST.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
False-Positive Mammography Results Are Common
TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women undergoing digital mammography screening, false-positive results are common, especially among younger women and those with risk factors, according to research published online Jan. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text
Nivolumab, Contact Immunotx Treats In-Transit Melanoma
TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Nivolumab in combination with contact immunotherapy can successfully treat in-transit melanoma, according to two case reports published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of Dermatology.
USPSTF Recommends Biennial Screening Mammography
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published online Dec. 12 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text
Editorial 1
Editorial 2
Lingering Issues for Survivors of Childhood CA Affecting Vision
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Some survivors of childhood cancers that affect vision may face increased risk for long-term health and economic issues, two new studies suggest. The studies, published online Jan. 11 in Cancer, provide new insight that could help improve patient care and follow-up.
Abstract 1
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract 2
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Excessive Hair Growth Documented After IFN-β Tx
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Excessive hair growth can occur after local administration of interferon (IFN)-β treatment for malignant melanoma, according to a letter to the editor published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of Dermatology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
PF4/Heparin Antibodies Predict Mortality in HIT
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is infrequent in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but is associated with increased 30-day mortality, according to a study published in the Jan. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Measure of Outpatient Colonoscopy Quality Developed
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A risk-adjusted measure of outpatient colonoscopy quality can help inform patient choices and assist in quality-improvement efforts, according to research published in the January issue of Gastroenterology.
Prevalence of Folate Deficiency 14.1 Percent in Multiple Myeloma
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of folate deficiency is 14.1 percent among patients with multiple myeloma (MM), according to a letter to the editor published online Dec. 19 in the International Journal of Laboratory Hematology.
Lower Hospital Costs Tied to Palliative Care Consult
FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Palliative care consultation within two days of hospitalization is associated with lower hospital costs for patients with incurable cancer, with greater savings for greater number of comorbidities, according to a study published in the January issue of Health Affairs.
Research Supports Annual Mammograms for Elderly Women
FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Regular mammograms still benefit elderly women, according to research published in the December issue of The American Journal of Medicine.
Injectable Agent Illuminates Cancer During Surgery
FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new imaging technique that fluoresces cancer cells may eventually help surgeons locate and remove all of a cancerous tumor on the first attempt, according to a preliminary study published in the Jan. 6 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Increased Risk of Cancer Mortality for Organ Recipients
FRIDAY, Jan. 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Cancer mortality rates are elevated for solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), according to research published online Jan. 7 in JAMA Oncology.
U.S. Cancer Mortality Rates Down 23 Percent Since 1991
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Since peaking in 1991, cancer mortality rates in the United States have dropped by 23 percent, according to findings included in Cancer Statistics, 2016, the American Cancer Society’s latest annual report on cancer incidence, mortality, and survival. The report was published online Jan. 7 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Antibody Tx Reduces Graft-vs-Host Post Stem Cell Transplant
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Antibody therapy before stem cell transplant may benefit patients with acute leukemia, according to research published in the Jan. 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text
African-American Men Produce Less Prostate-Specific Antigen
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among men with Gleason score 3+3=6 prostate cancer, African-Americans produce less prostate-specific antigen than Caucasians, according to a study published in the February issue of The Journal of Urology.
Provider Volume Affects Outcome in IMRT for Head, Neck Cancer
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), provider volume is associated with outcome, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Dietary Glutamic Acid Linked to Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Dietary glutamic acid intake is associated with reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a study published online Dec. 30 in Cancer.
Considerable Subclinical Cardiac Disease in Childhood CA Survivors
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Adult survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for subclinical cardiovascular disease, according to a study published online Jan. 5 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Inherited Mutations in 18 Percent With Ovarian Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pathogenic germline mutations are common in women with ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal carcinoma (OC), according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Oncology.
Many Patients Using E-Mail As First Method of Provider Contact
TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic conditions, the ability to communicate with their doctor via e-mail may help improve their health, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the American Journal of Managed Care.
Full Text
Researchers Calculate Family Risk Estimates for Cancer
TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Having an identical twin diagnosed with cancer increases the other twin’s risk of developing not just that type but any form of cancer, according to research published in the Jan. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Axillary pCR Linked to Improved Breast Cancer Survival
TUESDAY, Jan. 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For women with breast cancer treated with primary systemic chemotherapy (PST), achieving axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with improved survival, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Oncology.
Support for First-Line Erlotinib in NSCLC With EGFR Mutations
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, erlotinib is active, and treatment beyond progression is feasible and may delay salvage therapy in selected patients, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Oncology.
Hawaii Becomes First State to Raise Smoking Age to 21
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hawaii has become the first state to raise the legal smoking age to 21 for both traditional and electronic cigarettes. State health officials hope the new law, effective Jan. 1, will make it harder for teenagers to try smoking or to develop the deadly habit, the Associated Press reported.
Health Highlights: Jan. 4, 2016
Not All PCPs Strongly Recommend HPV Vaccine
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pediatricians and family physicians (FPs) do not always strongly recommend the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, according to a study published online Jan. 4 in Pediatrics.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Interest in Tanning Practices Is Seasonal
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Interest in tanning peaks prior to the summer months, with the highest interest seen in March in the United States and Canada, according to a research letter published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Dermatology.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
β-Genus Human Papillomavirus Poses Skin Cancer Risk
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — β-genus human papillomavirus (β-HPV) is a risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in otherwise healthy individuals, according to a review published online Dec. 30 in JAMA Dermatology.
Diagnostic Factors May Help Patients Avoid Prostate Biopsy
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Initial diagnostic characteristics may be able to identify men initiating active surveillance who could avoid confirmatory biopsy, according to a study published in the January issue of The Journal of Urology.
Copyright © 2016 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
