Latest news in hematology and oncology

Among the top stories in hematology and oncology is the correlation between colonoscopies and appendicitis, which occurred approximately seven times more frequently in the week following the examination. The President’s Cancer Panel is addressing price increases of cancer drugs, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients could be missing out on potentially beneficial counseling, and new guidelines issued by the American Society for Radiation Oncology with recommendations in regard to whole breast irradiation. - by Jake Scott

Colonoscopy may be associated with appendicitis

Appendicitis occurred approximately seven times more frequently in the week following colonoscopy, according to study results from a large Veterans Administration cohort. Read More.

President’s Cancer Panel: ‘Urgent action’ needed to address rising drug prices

The President’s Cancer Panel today issued several recommendations intended to ensure the prices of cancer drugs are aligned with their value. Read More.

ASTRO issues guidelines for whole breast radiation therapy

A new guideline issued by the American Society for Radiation Oncology recommends the use of hypofractionated whole breast irradiation for patients with breast cancer regardless of tumor stage, age or chemotherapy receipt. Read More.

Genetic counseling underused for breast cancer

Only half of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who could benefit from genetic counseling received it, according to study results published in Journal of Clinical Oncology. Read More.

Adjuvant radiotherapy improves outcomes for high-risk prostate cancer

Adjuvant radiotherapy appeared associated with better outcomes than surveillance followed by early-salvage radiotherapy among patients with prostate cancer with adverse pathological features who underwent prostatectomy, according to study results published in JAMA Oncology. Read More.