Top in hem/onc: FDA alert on breast implants; cancer risk after 9/11 exposure

Last week, the FDA issued a safety alert informing patients and providers about a risk for squamous cell carcinoma and various lymphomas in the scar tissue surrounding breast implants.

Binita Ashar, MD, director of the Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said the risk is rare; however, she stated that “when safety risks with medical devices are identified, we wanted to provide clear and understandable information to the public as quickly as possible.” It was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.

The second top story was about a study that found a heightened risk for myeloma precursor disease in emergency response workers and recovery workers who were exposed to the World Trade Center site after 9/11. Researchers believe increased myeloma screening for the exposed workers may allow for therapeutic interventions that will extend their chances of survival.

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

FDA safety alert: Cancers reported in scar tissue around breast implants

The FDA has issued a safety alert regarding reports of squamous cell carcinoma and various lymphomas in the scar tissue surrounding breast implants. Read more.

Workers exposed to World Trade Center site at greater risk for myeloma precursor disease

Emergency response and recovery workers, law enforcement and construction workers who reported to the World Trade Center site after 9/11 had a twofold higher risk for myeloma precursor disease compared with the general population. Read more.

Online search for oral chemotherapy drug will likely lead your patient to ‘rogue’ pharmacy

As patients with cancer look to the internet for deals on costly medications, results of a study showed most online pharmacies that claimed to sell the oral chemotherapy drug imatinib engaged in illegal, unsafe or misleading activities. Read more.

Breast oncologist aims to normalize challenges, ‘give back’ in new leadership positions

Maryam LustbergMDMPH, has made it a priority to support patients and their families, give back through mentoring and normalize struggles women oncologists face. Read more.

Cedars-Sinai appoints surgical oncologist as department chair

Cristina R. FerroneMD, has been appointed chair of the department of surgery at Cedars-Sinai. Read more.