Top stories in hematology/oncology: FDA grants priority review to crizanlizumab for sickle cell disease, sugary beverages may increase risk for cancer

Among the top stories in hematology/oncology last week were the FDA granting priority review to crizanlizumab for prevention of vaso-occlusive crises among patients with sickle cell disease and a study that found the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with a significantly increased risk for cancer.

Other highlights included a Q&A centering on a study that found many women with newly diagnosed breast cancer did not receive BRCA testing, research that indicated race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status may impact mortality risk among young cancer survivors and a study that found that hurricane disaster declarations were associated with shorter survival for patients receiving radiotherapy for lung cancer.

FDA grants priority review to crizanlizumab for pain crises in sickle cell disease

The FDA granted priority review to crizanlizumab for prevention of vaso-occlusive crises among patients with sickle cell disease. Read more.

Sugary drinks may ‘represent a modifiable risk factor for cancer prevention’

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages appeared to be associated with a significantly increased risk for cancer, according to results of a large prospective study published in The BMJ. Read more.

BRCA testing underutilized despite access, coverage

Many women with newly diagnosed breast cancer did not receive BRCA testing, despite having insurance coverage and access to specialty genetic services, according to a study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Read more.

Race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status associated with increased risk for death among young cancer survivors

Non-Latino white adolescents and young adults who are cancer survivors have a lower risk for subsequent death compared with survivors of other races and ethnicities, according to research published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum. Read more.

Hurricane disaster declarations associated with shorter survival for patients receiving radiotherapy for lung cancer

Patients undergoing radiation for non-small cell lung cancer at the time of a hurricane disaster declaration demonstrated shorter OS than patients who completed treatment under normal conditions, according to a research letter published in JAMA. Read more.