Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for March 2018. 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.
Receptivity to Tobacco Ads Linked to Progression to Use
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adolescents, receptivity to tobacco advertising is associated with progression toward use, according to a study published online March 26 in JAMA Pediatrics.
3, 6 Month Adjuvant CAPOX Equally Effective for Colon Cancer
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with stage III colon cancer, three months of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) therapy is not noninferior to six months of therapy overall, according to a study published in the March 20 issue the New England Journal of Medicine.
Lag in Progress Against Lung CA Mortality in Midwest, Appalachia
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In the Midwest and Appalachia there are areas where progress against lung cancer mortality among women is lagging compared with the rest of the nation, according to a study published March 30 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
ACA Has Provided Better Access to Care for Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cancer survivors are more likely to have difficulty accessing and affording health care, but the proportion reporting these issues is decreasing, according to a study published online March 29 in JAMA Oncology.
Non-Invasive Test Can Detect Urothelial Cancer
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — UroSEEK, which uses DNA recovered from cells shed into urine, can detect urothelial cancer, according to a study published online March 20 in eLife.
Novel Interstitium Has Been Identified in Human Tissues
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A previously unrecognized interstitium has been identified in human tissues, according to a study published online March 27 in Scientific Reports.
Low-Dose Abiraterone Acetate Noninferior for Prostate Cancer
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), low-dose abiraterone acetate (AA) with a low-fat breakfast is noninferior to standard dose with fasting in terms of the mean change in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), according to a study published online March 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Molecular Minimal Disease in Remission Predicts AML Relapse
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The detection of molecular minimal residual disease is associated with increased relapse rates in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to a study published in the March 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Liquids in E-Cigarettes Are Heterogeneous, Frequently Toxic
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a heterogeneous group, and there is a positive correlation between the number of chemicals contained in the liquid and the likelihood of its toxicity, according to a study published online March 27 in PLOS Biology.
Reduced Overall Survival for Alcohol-Related Liver Cancer
WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reduced overall survival (OS) is seen for patients with alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), according to a study published online March 28 in Cancer.
EHR Usability Contributes to Possible Patient Harm Events
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health record (EHR) usability may contribute to possible patient harm events, according to a research letter published in the March 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Complete Genome Sequence Can Be ID’d From Amniotic Fluid
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The complete genome sequence of fetuses can be elucidated from amniotic fluid, according to a study published online March 15 in Clinical Chemistry.
Hepatitis C Screening Increasing Among Baby Boomers
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For baby boomers, born between 1945 and 1965, the odds of hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening increase over time, although the rates of screening are low, according to a study published online March 27 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Vigil Immunotherapy Tolerated Well for Recurrent Ovarian CA Tx
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Vigil immunotherapy shows good tolerability for recurrent ovarian cancer patients, and PARP 7, a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase protein, may play a significant role in survival for ovarian cancer, according to two studies presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, held from March 24 to 27 in New Orleans.
Ethical Duties ID’d for Short-Term Global Health Experiences
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a position paper published online March 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, ethical obligations have been detailed for physicians participating in short-term global health experiences (STEGHs).
Genetic Assay of PAP Tests May Help Dx Endometrial, Ovarian CA
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — PapSEEK, which incorporates assays for mutations in 18 genes and for aneuploidy in DNA recovered from fluids obtained during a routine Pap test, may aid in detection of endometrial and ovarian cancers, according to a study published online March 21 in Science Translational Medicine.
BMI Linked to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Chronic Hep B
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), body mass index (BMI) is significantly associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with the risk more pronounced for women than men, according to a research letter published online March 22 in JAMA Oncology.
Lean Approach May Help Tackle Burnout in Health Care Providers
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Lean approach, which emphasizes reducing waste and improving customer value by focusing on the big picture, can be used to address physician burnout, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
History of Cancer Tied to Lower Endurance, Higher Fatigability
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A history of cancer is associated with fatigability and poor endurance, particularly in older adults, according to a study published recently in Cancer.
MVPA Mortality Risk Reduction Not Tied to Exercise in Bouts
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with reduced mortality risk, regardless of whether it is accumulated in bouts, according to a study published online March 22 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab Tops Sunitinib for Advanced Renal CA
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with previously untreated clear-cell advanced renal-cell carcinoma, nivolumab plus ipilimumab is associated with better overall survival than sunitinib, according to a study published online March 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Unique Risks Associated With Texting Medical Orders
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite the popularity, convenience, and speed of texting medical orders, there are unique and alarming risks associated with the practice, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
Hydrochlorothiazide Tied to Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide is associated with a substantially increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, according to a study published in the April issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
H. Pylori Treatment Tied to Lower Metachronous Gastric Cancer Risk
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in patients who underwent endoscopic resection of early-stage gastric cancer or high-grade adenoma is associated with a reduced rate of metachronous gastric cancer, according to a study published in the March 22 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Blueprint Being Developed to Address Physician Burnout
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new, three-pronged approach is being applied to develop a blueprint for addressing physician burnout, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
USPSTF Recommends Skin Cancer Counseling for Fair-Skinned Youth
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S Preventive Services Task Force recommends counseling to prevent skin cancer for fair-skinned children and young adults, while selective counseling is recommended for adults aged over 24 years. These findings form the basis of a final recommendation statement published in the March 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Adcetris FDA Approval Expanded to Include Later-Stage Hodgkin’s
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) has been expanded to include adults with untreated stage III or IV classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the agency said Tuesday in a news release.
Personal Health Info Found in Recycling at Five Hospitals
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A considerable amount of personal health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) was found in the recycling at five Canadian teaching hospitals, according to a research letter published in the March 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Teen Cancer Survivors Have Strong Social Networks
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer often have stronger social networks than their non-cancer peers, according to a study published online March 8 in Cancer.
Prior Authorization Negatively Impacts Clinical Outcomes
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The burdens associated with prior authorization (PA) are high and include a negative impact on clinical outcomes, reported by 92 percent of physicians, according to the results of a survey conducted for the American Medical Association (AMA).
ACO Enrollment Ups Appropriateness of CA Screening
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Enrollment in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is associated with a reduction in breast cancer screening and an increase in colorectal cancer screening, according to a study published online March 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Dose-Escalated Radn Does Not Up Survival in Localized Prostate CA
FRIDAY, March 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Dose escalation from 70.2 to 79.2 Gy is not associated with improved overall survival (OS) in intermediate-risk prostate cancer, according to a study published online March 15 in JAMA Oncology.
Risk of Breast CA May Be Higher in Women With Schizophrenia
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of breast cancer in women with schizophrenia may be higher than that of the general female population, according to a review and meta-analysis published online March 7 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Poor Identified
THURSDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Improving colorectal cancer screening rates among lower-income populations requires addressing structural, personal, and health care system barriers, according to research published in the April issue of Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.
More Harms Than Benefits for E-Cigarettes at Population Level
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are associated with more harm than benefit on a population level, according to a study published online March 14 in PLOS ONE.
Review: Virtual Reality Distracts From Pain of Medical Procedures
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual reality (VR) appears to be an effective distraction intervention to relieve pain and distress during various medical procedures, according to a review published online Feb. 26 in The Clinical Journal of Pain.
Prevalence of Sunburn 34.2 Percent in U.S. in 2015
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of sunburn was 34.2 percent in 2015, and sunburn prevalence was higher in non-Hispanic whites, younger age groups, and those with sun-sensitive skin, according to a study published online March 14 in JAMA Dermatology.
Many Teens Using Tobacco Don’t Self-Identify As Users
THURSDAY, March 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many adolescent users of one or more specific tobacco product type do not self-identify as tobacco users, according to a study published online March 12 in Pediatrics.
Too Few Early Breast CA Patients Given Formal Genetic Counseling
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many women with early-stage breast cancer with indications for formal genetic risk evaluation do not receive formal counseling, according to a study published online March 12 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco System Releases Toxic Chemical
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of the I quit original smoking (iQOS) heat-not-burn system chars the tobacco plug, and the device releases a toxic chemical, according to a study published online March 13 in Tobacco Control.
Drug Copayments Often Exceed Prescription Drug Costs
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Drug copayments frequently exceed prescription drug costs, with overpayments affecting 23 percent of all prescriptions, according to a research letter published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Digital Intervention Can Increase Colorectal Cancer Screenings
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Mobile Patient Technology for Health-Colorectal Cancer (mPATH-CRC), a digital health intervention which allows patients to self-order tests, can increase rates of screening, according to a study published online March 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
U.S. Spends Twice As Much for Similar Health Care Utilization
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Spending on health care is much higher in the United States than other high-income countries, but utilization rates are similar, according to a study published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Vit D Concentration Associated With Reduced Risk of Cancer
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with reduced risk of total cancer in a Japanese population, according to a study published online March 7 in The BMJ.
Racial Variation in Median Age of Female Breast Cancer Diagnosis
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The median age of diagnosis of female breast cancer is higher for white patients than for black, Hispanic, and Asian patients, according to a research letter published online March 7 in JAMA Surgery.
More Evidence Colonoscopy Cuts Colorectal Cancer Mortality
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Screening colonoscopy significantly reduces mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a Veterans Affairs study published online March 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Three-Pronged Approach Can Improve Physician Engagement
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The three-pronged approach implemented by one practice successfully improved physician engagement, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Odds of Opioid Prescriptions Up in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The odds of opioid prescription are increased for patients with head and neck cancer (HNCA) versus those with lung or colon cancer (LCCA), according to a research letter published online March 8 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Median Household Income Predicts Survival in Anal Cancer
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Lower median household income (MHI) is associated with worse survival for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), according to a study published online March 12 in Cancer.
NCCN Recommends New Drugs Beyond FDA-Approved Indications
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) often makes recommendations for new molecular entities beyond the indications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to a study published online March 7 in The BMJ.
Doctors Facing Challenge to Help Needy While Protecting Practices
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians are increasingly being challenged to protect their practice finances while helping patients without insurance, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Most Women Willing to Trade Off Benefits, Risks of Breast Screening
THURSDAY, March 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — On average, women are willing to accept some additional unnecessary follow-ups and costs for additional cancer detection, although there is considerable heterogeneity in preferences for screening, according to a study published in the February issue of Value in Health.
No Benefit for Aggressive Therapy in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For men with metastatic prostate cancer, there is no survival advantage for aggressive therapy over conservative androgen deprivation therapy only, according to a study published online March 2 in Cancer.
Single PSA Screening Doesn’t Cut Prostate Cancer Mortality
TUESDAY, March 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A single prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is not associated with a significant difference in prostate cancer mortality after follow-up of 10 years, but is associated with increased detection of low-risk prostate cancer, according to a study published in the March 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Increase in Other Flavored Tobacco Use After Menthol Ban
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a ban on menthol cigarettes results in an increase in those attempting to quit, and an increase in use of other flavored tobacco or electronic-cigarette use, according to a study published online March 5 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Excretion of Volatile Organic Compounds Up in Teen E-Smokers
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adolescents smoking electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) only have significantly higher excretion of volatile organic chemical compounds than non-smokers, although the levels are lower than among those using cigarettes in addition to e-cigarettes, according to a study published online March 5 in Pediatrics.
Limited Evidence for Clinical Validity, Utility of ctDNA
MONDAY, March 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is little evidence for the clinical validity or utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays for solid tumors, according to a special article published online March 5 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Markups for Oncology Services Vary at the Hospital Level
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is significant variation in markup of outpatient oncology services across hospitals in the United States, according to a study published online Feb. 17 in the American Journal of Managed Care.
Calcium ± Vit D Supplements Up Risk of Colon Adenomas, Polyps
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Calcium supplements, taken with or without vitamin D, may increase the risk of sessile serrated adenomas or polyps (SSA/Ps), according to a study published online March 1 in Gut.
Risk of Mental Health Visits Up in Childhood Cancer Survivors
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Survivors of adolescent cancer have higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes than the general population, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Cancer.
Unmet Health Needs for Patients With Uveal Melanoma
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most patients with uveal melanoma have unmet health information and psychological needs, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
S. epidermidis Producing 6-HAP May Protect From Skin Neoplasia
THURSDAY, March 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis producing 6-N-hydroxyaminopurine (6-HAP) may provide protection against skin neoplasia, according to research published online Feb. 28 in Scientific Advances.
Higher Nut Consumption May Cut Recurrence, Death in Colon CA
THURSDAY, March 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with stage III colon cancer, nut intake, specifically tree nut intake, is associated with reduced incidence of cancer recurrence and mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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