Top in hem/onc: Top-ranked cancer centers, mammography costs
A recent study showed that patients who are treated at top-ranked cancer centers are more likely to have better survival outcomes than patients who are treated at those centers’ affiliates. It was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.
Another top story examined the value of routine screening mammography for women aged 40 to 49 years.
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Read these and more top stories in hematology/oncology below:
Top-ranked cancer centers superior to affiliates in survival outcomes
Patients who undergo complex cancer surgery at top-ranked cancer centers achieve better survival outcomes than patients who undergo such treatments at those centers’ affiliate hospitals, according to research published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.
Mammography for women aged 40 to 49 years associated with high, widely variable costs
The value of routine screening mammography for women aged 40 to 49 years has been a topic of debate, particularly when weighing the clinical benefits against the risks. Although guidelines issued by professional societies differ on the age at which women should start annual screening, most private insurance companies will reimburse for the costs of mammography in this younger population. However, information is scarce regarding the cost impact of these screenings. Read more.
FDA expands Opdivo-Yervoy approval for lung cancer
The FDA expanded the approval of nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb) plus ipilimumab (Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for treatment of lung cancer, according to the agents’ manufacturer. Read more.
First-line doxorubicin plus trabectedin effective, safe for metastatic leiomyosarcoma
Doxorubicin in combination with trabectedin (Yondelis; Janssen, PharmaMar) appeared to be an effective and safe first-line therapy for metastatic leiomyosarcoma, according to results of the phase 2 LMS-02 study presented during the ASCO20 Virtual Scientific Program. Read more.
Gene therapy appears to reduce sickle cell disease-related complications
LentiGlobin gene therapy (bluebird bio) led to reductions in sickle cell disease-related complications and hemolysis, according to results of a phase 1/phase 2 trial presented at the virtual American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy Annual Meeting. Read more.