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FDA approves Xarelto to prevent blood clots in hospitalized patients, other top stories in hematology/oncology

The FDA’s approval of Xarelto to prevent blood clots in acutely ill hospitalized patients was one of the top stories in hematology/oncology last week.

A report on how breast surgery may be safer by itself rather than when combined with plastic and gynecologic surgeries was another top story.

FDA approves Xarelto to prevent blood clots in acutely ill hospitalized patients

The FDA approved rivaroxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism among acutely ill hospitalized patients who are at risk for blood clots but not at high risk for bleeding, according to a press release from the agent’s manufacturer. Read more.

Breast surgery alone may be safer than in combination with plastic, gynecologic surgeries

Women who underwent combined breast, plastic reconstructive and gynecologic surgery exhibited higher rates of postoperative complications, readmission and reoperation than women who underwent breast surgery alone, according to study results published in Breast Journal. Read more.

Urine test shows potential for detection, personalized treatment of bladder cancer

Investigators from Georgetown University Medical Center and Fudan University in China have developed a novel noninvasive and individualized technique for the detection and treatment of bladder cancer. Read more.

Molecular analysis may aid in tailoring treatment for certain patients with colorectal cancer

Patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer appeared to have significantly worse survival outcomes after first-line anti-EGFR-based therapy if they had uncommon molecular alterations of anti-EGFR primary resistance, according to results of an exploratory analysis of a phase trial. Read more.

Phase 3 trial of pegilodecakin for metastatic pancreatic cancer fails to meet primary endpoint

A randomized phase 3 trial that evaluated the addition of pegilodecakin to FOLFOX for treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer failed to meet its primary endpoint of overall survival, according to the agent’s manufacturer. Read more.