Top stories in hematology/oncology: Marijuana use rising among patients with cancer, genetic testing may reduce costs for breast cancer treatment

Among the top stories in hematology/oncology last week were a study that found a high proportion of patients with cancer are among a growing number of Americans who used marijuana over the past several years and study results that suggested personalizing treatment for patients with breast cancer based on tumor genetic profiles could reduce costs during the first year of care.

Other highlights included a Q&A focusing on a new treatment strategy designed to improve outcomes for patients with kidney cancer, the FDA approval of pembrolizumab with axitinib for the first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and a study that found older patients with progressive and life-limiting cancer often are prescribed preventive medications that likely will have little clinical benefit while increasing out-of-pocket costs in the last year of life.

Rates of marijuana, prescription opioid use higher among patients with cancer

A high proportion of patients with cancer are among a growing number of Americans who used marijuana over the past several years, likely reflecting greater availability of cannabis as a result of widening legalization, according to study results published in Cancer. Read more.

Use of genetic testing to guide breast cancer treatment could reduce costs

Personalizing treatment for patients with breast cancer based on tumor genetic profiles could reduce costs during the first year of care, according to results of a retrospective study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Read more.

Trial to assess novel therapeutic approach for kidney cancer

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are testing a new treatment strategy designed to improve outcomes for patients with kidney cancer at high risk for recurrence after surgery, according to a press release. Read more.

FDA approves Keytruda-Inlyta combination for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

The FDA approved pembrolizumab in combination with axitinib for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Read more.

Preventive drugs overprescribed for patients with advanced cancer

Older patients with progressive and life-limiting cancer often are prescribed preventive medications that likely will have little clinical benefit while increasing out-of-pocket costs in the last year of life, according to a retrospective study published in Cancer. Read more.