Top in hem/onc: Blood group A and COVID-19 severity, vitamin D and reduced cancer risk

A new study indicated that SARS-CoV-2 may be drawn to the blood group antigen A found on the lining of the lungs. A closer look at the findings and what they might mean for practice was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.

Another top story was about an association between vitamin D and reduced risk for advanced-stage cancer. The benefits of vitamin D were even more pronounced among study participants with a normal BMI.

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

Study suggests link between COVID-19, blood group A and ‘ancient’ protein family

The influence of blood group on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity has been studied extensively since the start of the pandemic, with inconsistent results. Read more.

Study finds association between vitamin D, BMI and advanced cancer

Although extensive research has explored the potential association between vitamin D and cancer, studies have produced conflicting results. Read more.

Merck withdraws Keytruda indication for metastatic small cell lung cancer

Merck voluntarily withdrew pembrolizumab’s indication in the United States for treatment of certain patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer. Read more.

Regularly attending screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality risk

Undergoing mammography for 2 consecutive years before a breast cancer diagnosis conferred a significant reduction in mortality compared with skipping one or both screenings, according to prospective study results published in Radiology. Read more.

Exposure to artificial light at night may increase risk for thyroid cancer

Living in an area with higher levels of outdoor artificial nighttime light appeared to be associated with a higher risk for developing thyroid cancer, according to an observational study published in Cancer. Read more.