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Should direct-to-consumer genetic tests be used for health screening? Read the week’s top stories in hematology/oncology

A discussion with the author of a study that found direct-to-consumer genetic tests had an “alarming” rate of clinical false-negative results for two limited variant screening tests — including the test for BRCA1 and BRAC2 — was last week’s top story in hematology/oncology.

Another top story was about a population-based study that showed the incidence of invasive melanoma decreased in recent years among adolescents and young adults in the United States.

Direct-to-consumer genetic tests may provide false assurance to patients at risk

The advent of direct-to-consumer genetic testing has brought a complex science into the realm of mainstream culture, with more and more consumers using these tools to determine their ancestry and ethnicity. Read more.

Melanoma rates decline among US adolescents, young adults

Incidence of invasive melanoma decreased among adolescents and young adults in the United States between 2006 and 2015, according to results of a population-based study published in JAMA Dermatology. Read more.

FDA grants priority review, breakthrough therapy designation to Opdivo-Yervoy combination for HCC

The FDA granted the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab priority review and breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma previously treated with sorafenib, according to a company-issued press release. Read more.

Novel blood tests could improve cancer detection

Two novel blood assays demonstrated efficacy in detecting various cancer types at different disease stages, according to results of two studies presented at ASCO Breakthrough in Bangkok. Read more.

Penn program addresses ‘barriers and bias’ unique to women in oncology

Although sex disparities have started to narrow, much work remains in the effort for women to have truly equal opportunities in the medical field, according to panelists from A Seat at the Table: Removing Barriers & Bias for Women in Oncology, an inaugural event hosted by University of Pennsylvania. Read more.