Top in hem/onc: Molecular testing in lung cancer; gender disparities in NIH funding
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Despite its benefits, data suggest that comprehensive molecular testing in patients with non-small cell lung cancer is underutilized due to a lack of resources.
Healio spoke with lung cancer experts about the value of comprehensive molecular testing, challenges to its widespread use and ongoing efforts to promote guideline-concordant genotyping at community and academic centers. It was the top story in hematology/oncology last week.
Another top story was about an uptick in NIH funding for women surgeon scientists from 2010 to 2020; however, disparities remain in comparison to their male counterparts.
Read these and more top stories in hematology/oncology below:
Comprehensive molecular testing in lung cancer ‘absolutely crucial’ yet underutilized
Precision medicine has shown great potential to improve treatment outcomes and prolong survival of patients with lung cancer, as biomarker-driven therapies continue to extend their reach in this space. Read more.
More women surgeon scientists receive NIH funding than in 2010, yet gender gaps remain
More women surgeon scientists received NIH funding in 2020 than in 2010, but disparities remained in the proportion of women in the surgical workforce compared with those funded by the NIH, according to a study published in JAMA Surgery. Read more.
GSK to withdraw multiple myeloma therapy from US market
GSK has started the process of withdrawing Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin-blmf) from the U.S. market. The FDA requested the action after a confirmatory trial of the multiple myeloma therapy failed to meet requirements specified under the agency’s accelerated approval regulations. Read more.
Risk for lymphoma after postmastectomy breast implant reconstruction ‘still extremely low’
Women who underwent implant reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ had a significantly increased relative risk for anaplastic large cell lymphoma, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.
Fludarabine shortage requires flexibility, alternative approaches for CAR-T and HSCT
For the second time in the last 2 years, a drug related to the administration of cellular therapy — fludarabine — has been placed on the FDA’s drug shortage list. Read more.