Top stories in hematology/oncology: FDA approves Imbruvica-Gazyva combination, lifestyle factors that may reduce cancer risk, extend survival

Among the top hematology/oncology stories last week were the FDA approval of Imbruvica-Gazyva combination for treatment-naïve patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a Q&A with the authors of a new book that explores how six lifestyle factors may help reduce cancer risk, improve quality of life and prolong survival for individuals with cancer.

Other highlights included a Q&A focusing on the potential explanations for why breast cancer is associated with such high costs and what should be done to address the problem, a study that found mastectomy did not eliminate the need for additional breast imaging or biopsy and the FDA expanding its approval of pemetrexed for injection to include its use in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy for first-line treatment of metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.

FDA approves Imbruvica-Gazyva combination for treatment-naive chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The FDA approved ibrutinib for use in combination with obinutuzumab for treatment-naive patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Read more.

Book examines lifestyle factors that may reduce cancer risk, extend survival

A new book explores how six lifestyle factors may help reduce cancer risk, improve quality of life and prolong survival for individuals with cancer. Read more.

High costs of breast cancer-associated lymphedema can 'cripple' patients financially

Individuals with breast cancer continue to face high health care costs years after a diagnosis, according to study findings published in Journal of Supportive Care and Cancer. Read more.

Mastectomy may not eliminate need for future imaging, biopsy

Mastectomy did not eliminate the need for additional breast imaging or biopsy among women who underwent the procedure for breast cancer, according to study results. Read more.

FDA expands Alimta approval for lung cancer

The FDA expanded the approval of pemetrexed for injection to include its use in combination with pembrolizumab and platinum chemotherapy for first-line treatment of metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer. Read more.