End to cancer treatment draws mixed reactions, other top stories in hematology/oncology

Last week’s top story in hematology/oncology examined how a traditional end to cancer treatment — the ringing of a bell — is a cause for celebration, but it can also provoke painful memories for patients.

Also, two modeling studies revealed how cervical cancer can be eliminated in most lower-middle-income countries over the next century.

Read these and more top stories in hematology/oncology below.

Ringing the cancer bell leads to ‘sharpened, starker memory’ of treatment pain

For many patients with cancer, it is a moment of triumph and closure: the ringing of the cancer bell to signify the completion of treatment. This tradition, introduced in the United States in 1996, is now a fixture at many cancer centers, including 51 of the 62 NCI-designated centers. The bell-ringing is considered a celebratory event, often attended by the patient’s family and clinic staff. However, it does not always lead to fond memories or a positive view of the treatment experience. Read more.

Cervical cancer elimination ‘could be achieved’ by 2120

High HPV vaccination coverage for girls and scaled-up screening and treatment may lead to the elimination of cervical cancer in most lower-middle-income countries over the next 100 years, according to results of two modeling studies published in The Lancet. Read more.

ASCO names refinement of surgical cancer treatment ‘Advance of the Year’

The American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, has named the refinement of surgical treatment of cancer as the Advance of the Year, recognizing emerging novel systemic therapies that changed the role of cancer surgery. Read more.

City of Hope appoints chair of hematology and hematopoietic cell transplantation

Eileen Smith, MD, has been appointed chair of the department of hematology and hematopoietic cell transplantation at City of Hope. Read more.

Gene test shows potential in radiotherapy decision-making for postmenopausal breast cancer

A 21-gene recurrence score appeared useful for assessing locoregional recurrence risk among certain postmenopausal women with breast cancer who underwent whole-breast radiotherapy or mastectomy without postmastectomy radiotherapy, according to results of an analysis of a phase 3 SWOG study published in JAMA Oncology. Read more.