Top in hem/onc: Assisted reproductive tech and cancer risk; disparities in breast cancer

The number of children conceived via assisted reproductive technology is increasing globally, and research suggests that these children may have a higher risk for childhood cancer.

According to Shiue-Shan Weng, PhD, a researcher at the Institute of Public Health at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, and colleagues, assisted reproductive technology was associated with an increased risk for leukemia and hepatic tumor, among others. They also reported that preterm birth or low birth weight could not explain the increased cancer risk. It was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.

The second top story was about the persistence of racial disparities in breast cancer death rates, despite an overall decline in breast cancer deaths.

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

Assisted reproductive technology linked to increased risk for childhood cancers

Conception via assisted reproductive technology appeared to be associated with increased risk for childhood cancers compared with natural conception or subfertility and nonassisted reproductive technology conception methods, study results showed. Read more.

Breast cancer death rate declines, but racial disparities have ‘remained unabated’

Breast cancer death rates in the United States declined sharply over the past 30 years but racial disparities persist, according to a report from American Cancer Society. Read more.

First woman NCI director aims to advance Cancer Moonshot, tackle disparities

Years ago, Monica M. Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, made a decision that would guide her future: If presented with an opportunity to lead a large cancer clinical trial group, she would say “yes.” Read more.

BLOG: Is it really a ‘leaky pipeline’ if we are actively pushing people out?

I am a Black physician in training, and at times, I feel like I may lose my spot. In 2015, Black residents accounted for approximately 5% of all residents, yet they accounted for almost 20% of those who were dismissed, according to reporting by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Read more.

Myelofibrosis trial yields ‘wholly unprecedented’ finding

The investigational therapy GB2064 reduced fibrosis in the bone marrow of patients with myelofibrosis, according to results of a phase 2A study released by the agent’s manufacturer. Read more.