Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for June 2016. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
BRCA1 Mutations May Raise Risk of Serous/Serous-Like Uterine CA
THURSDAY, June 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Women with BRCA mutations undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) do not have increased risk for uterine cancer, but the risk of serous/serous-like endometrial carcinoma is increased for BRCA1+ women, according to a study published online June 30 in JAMA Oncology.
Midostaurin Beneficial in Advanced Systemic Mastocytosis
THURSDAY, June 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The experimental drug midostaurin may reverse organ damage in patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis, according to a study published in the June 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Teaming With a Partner Ups Efficacy of Melanoma Self-Exams
THURSDAY, June 30, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Enlisting a partner to assist with skin checks can improve the detection of cancer recurrence for melanoma patients, according to research published online June 29 in JAMA Dermatology.
Cancer Immunotherapy May Induce Arthritis, Sicca Syndrome
WEDNESDAY, June 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Certain cancer immunotherapy drugs may increase risk for rheumatic disease, according to a study published online June 15 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
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Pharmacy Programs to ID Opioid Abuse Effective, but Underused
WEDNESDAY, June 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Pharmacy programs to reduce opioid abuse are effective but underused, according to a new study published in the July issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
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Electronic Record Demands Are Overwhelming Many Physicians
WEDNESDAY, June 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Physicians using electronic practice tools report higher rates of burnout and increased frustration with the amount of computerized paperwork, according to research published online June 27 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
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Prostate Cancer Diagnoses Down From 2011 to 2013
WEDNESDAY, June 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — From 2011 to 2013 there was a decrease in prostate cancer (PC) diagnoses, especially for younger men and low-risk disease, according to a research letter published online June 23 in JAMA Oncology.
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Benefits for Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
WEDNESDAY, June 29, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is associated with reductions in positive surgical margins, postoperative radiation therapy, and 30-day mortality, according to a study published in the July issue of The Journal of Urology.
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Too Many Elderly, Terminal Patients Getting Unnecessary Tx
TUESDAY, June 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients dying in old age often receive unnecessary end-of-life medical treatments in hospitals, according to research published online June 27 in the International Journal for Quality in Health Care.
Coprescribing Naloxone to Opioid Users Helps Reduce ER Visits
TUESDAY, June 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients on long-term opioid therapy who receive prescriptions for naloxone are less likely to return for emergency care related to opioid use, according to a study published online June 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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End-of-Life Care Received Varies Based on Type of Disease
TUESDAY, June 28, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Family-reported quality of end-of-life care is significantly better for patients with cancer or dementia than for patients with other chronic conditions, according to research published online June 26 in JAMA Internal Medicine to coincide with presentation at AcademyHealth’s Annual Research Meeting, held from June 26 to 28 in Boston.
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Patients Face High Hospital Bills Despite Having Insurance
MONDAY, June 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Costs of hospitalization for privately insured adults rose more than 37 percent over five years, with patients paying more than $1,000 on average by 2013, according to research published online June 27 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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ADT Plus Radiotherapy Ups Survival in Metastatic Prostate CA
MONDAY, June 27, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For men with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa), overall survival (OS) is improved for those treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and prostate radiotherapy (RT), compared with ADT alone, according to a study published online June 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Genetic Picture of Colorectal Cancer Clarified
FRIDAY, June 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Scientists have identified new gene mutations that may be tied to colorectal cancer (CRC). The study was published online June 22 in Nature Communications.
2017 Will Bring Premium Rate Increases Under ACA
FRIDAY, June 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act will rise in 2017, analysts and insurance brokers say.
12-Gene Recurrence Score Valid in Colon Cancer Without Chemo
FRIDAY, June 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The 12-gene Recurrence Score assay is valid for stage II and III colon cancer without chemotherapy, according to a study published online June 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Candesartan Doesn’t Prevent Trastuzumab Cardiotoxicity
FRIDAY, June 24, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In patients with early breast cancer, candesartan does not protect against trastuzumab-related cardiotoxic effects, according to a study published online June 23 in JAMA Oncology.
Interim PET-CT Can Guide Treatment in Advanced Hodgkin’s
THURSDAY, June 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Adapted treatment guided by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) results is associated with good outcomes in advanced Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to a study published in the June 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Pre-Op Breast MRI Affected by Patient Positioning
THURSDAY, June 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) — There is evidence that the position a woman is placed in during preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could influence the scan’s accuracy, according to research published online June 22 in Radiology.
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CDC: Alternative Medicine a Booming Business in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, June 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Americans spent more than $30 billion out of pocket in 2012 on chiropractors and other complementary health practitioners, as well as supplements and other forms of alternative medicine, according to research published online June 22 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Statistics Reports.
Use of Patient Navigators Improves Cancer Screening Rates
WEDNESDAY, June 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The use of patient navigators improves cancer screening rates among low-income and ethnic minority patients, according to a study published online June 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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25(OH)D Levels Linked to Survival in Pancreatic Cancer
WEDNESDAY, June 22, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Prediagnostic 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels are associated with survival in pancreatic cancer, according to a study published online June 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Surgery Tied to Longer Survival for Lung Cancer Patients
TUESDAY, June 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with advanced stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) might live longer if treated surgically, but few patients are actually undergoing surgery, according to a study published online June 9 in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
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Exercise May Be Protective Against Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
TUESDAY, June 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Lack of exercise is associated with an increased risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and mortality, two new studies suggest.
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Tips Provided for Leveraging Social Media
TUESDAY, June 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — During a presentation at the 2016 American Medical Association Annual Meeting, Kevin Pho, M.D., founder and editor of the popular physician blog KevinMD, shared insights into making a difference in health care through use of social media.
Three-Drug Tx Ups Survival in Light-Chain Amyloidosis
TUESDAY, June 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with heart failure due to light-chain amyloidosis (AL), three-drug therapy with bortezomib, dexamethasone, and an alkylating agent (BDex+AA) is associated with improved survival, according to a study published in the June 28 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Study Looks at Recurrence After Laparoscopic Radical Cystectomy
TUESDAY, June 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Early unexpected recurrences after laparoscopic radical cystectomy occur in 8.7 percent of patients with favorable pathological characteristics, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
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Persistent High Spending Common in Year Before Death
TUESDAY, June 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Almost half of older Medicare beneficiaries have high persistent spending throughout the full year before death, according to a study published in the June issue of Health Affairs.
Reset Room Can Help Address Physician Burnout
MONDAY, June 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The creation of a reset room is one of several solutions that can help physicians and medical providers address burnout, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
PSA Cut Point of ≥0.4 ng/mL Predicts Progression
MONDAY, June 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A prostate-specific antigen cut point of ≥0.4 ng/mL predicts future disease progression, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
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Life Expectancy Doesn’t Influence Care of Keratinocyte Carcinoma
MONDAY, June 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Life expectancy does not appear to influence patterns of treatment for keratinocyte carcinoma (KC), according to a study published online June 15 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Strategy Needed to Address Impending Physician Shortage
FRIDAY, June 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Steps should be taken to combat the impending physician shortage of between 61,700 and 94,700 doctors that the United States is expected to face over the next decade, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Number of Circulating Tumor Cells Up After Surgery in SCCHN
FRIDAY, June 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Most patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) have an increase in the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) after surgical resection, according to a study published online June 5 in Head & Neck.
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Gross Total Resection for the Best Results in Glioblastoma
FRIDAY, June 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More extensive surgeries may best optimize patient survival in glioblastoma multiforme, according to research published online June 16 in JAMA Oncology.
Enhanced Recovery Pathway Helpful in Gyn-Onc Surgery
FRIDAY, June 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An enhanced recovery pathway is beneficial for gynecologic oncology patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery, according to a study published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Feasible As Outpatient Surgery
FRIDAY, June 17, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Laparoscopic nephrectomy can be safely performed as outpatient surgery in select patients, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
Potential Impact of Single-Payer Health Care Discussed
THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is promoting his version of single-payer health care, although the actual impact of such a system is unclear, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Tasquinimod Improves Radiographic PFS in mCRPC
THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For chemotherapy-naive men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), tasquinimod is associated with improved radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), according to a phase III study published online June 13 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Prices for Care Rise Significantly As Multi-Hospital Systems Emerge
THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Hospital prices in California increased substantially from 2004 to 2013, with a larger increase in hospitals that are members of multi-hospital systems, according to a study published online June 9 in Inquiry.
Implantable Ultrasound Device Augments Chemo in Glioblastoma
THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — An implantable ultrasound device (SonoCloud) appears to enhance chemotherapy treatment in glioblastoma, according to research published online June 15 in Science Translational Medicine.
Increased Prevalence of HPV for Men With Phimosis
THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Men with phimosis have increased prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and high-risk HPV genotypes compared with asymptomatic men, according to a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology.
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USPSTF Reaffirms Need for CRC Screen Beginning at Age 50
THURSDAY, June 16, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Reiterating a recommendation last made in 2008, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is advocating that regular colorectal cancer (CRC) screening begin at age 50 and continue until at least age 75. The updated recommendation was published online June 15 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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No Conclusive Link Between Melanoma Risk, PDE5 Inhibitors
WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The small apparent increase in risk of melanoma in men prescribed phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors may be explained by greater sun exposure, according to new research published online June 14 in PLOS Medicine.
aHSCT Should Be Standard of Care for HIV-Related Lymphoma
WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients living with HIV are at high risk for lymphoma, and, according to a study published online June 13 in Blood, autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (aHSCT) should be standard treatment in these cases.
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Many PCPs Discuss Low-Dose CT Screening With Patients
WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Many family physicians discuss low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer with patients at high risk, although referrals remain low, according to a study published online June 13 in Cancer.
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Four-Step Strategy Suggested for Boosting Practice Quality of Care
WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Four steps can help doctors improve patient care and office efficiency, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Midlife PSA Levels Predict Future Lethal Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, June 14, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in midlife predict future lethal prostate cancer (PCa) risk, according to a study published online June 13 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Many Patients Prescribed Opioids Sharing Leftover Pills
MONDAY, June 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — More than half of patients prescribed opioids receive more than they need, and many share the drugs or fail to store them securely, according to research published online June 13 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Report Describes Primary Clear Cell Sarcoma of Head, Neck
MONDAY, June 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Three cases of primary clear cell sarcoma of the head and neck have been described in three male patients, according to a review published online June 6 in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology.
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SBRT, Proton Beam Therapy Use Increasing for Prostate CA
MONDAY, June 13, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For men with prostate cancer, the use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and proton beam therapy increased from 2004 to 2011, according to a study published online May 25 in Cancer.
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Risk of S. aureus Bacteremia Up in Patients on Glucocorticoids
FRIDAY, June 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients taking systemic glucocorticoids are at higher risk for community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (CA-SAB), according to research published online June 8 in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Sex Disparities in Chemo Use for Advanced Bladder Cancer
FRIDAY, June 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among patients with stage IV bladder cancer, women are less likely than men to receive systemic chemotherapy, and they have lower overall survival (OS), according to a study published online May 25 in Cancer.
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High-Dose Steroid No Benefit to Platelets in Preeclampsia
FRIDAY, June 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) — High-dose methylprednisolone does not prevent platelet decline in women with preeclampsia and platelet counts below 150 × 109/L, according to a study published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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California’s Right-to-Die Law Now in Effect
THURSDAY, June 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — California on Thursday becomes the fifth and largest state in the country to allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives.
Chemo Ups Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
THURSDAY, June 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with early-stage breast cancer with no preexisting metabolic syndrome (MetS), chemotherapy is associated with increased risk of MetS, according to a study published online May 24 in Cancer.
Patient Experience Linked to Urologic CA Surgical Outcomes
THURSDAY, June 9, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patient experience is associated with urologic cancer surgical outcomes, according to a study published online June 2 in Cancer.
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Fatty Acid Fractions in Breast Adipose Tissue May ID Carcinoma
WEDNESDAY, June 8, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal women, fatty acid fractions in breast adipose tissue may be associated with invasive ductal carcinoma, according to a study published online June 7 in Radiology.
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Exercise Cuts Cardiac Events in Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, June 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with non-metastatic breast cancer, exercise is associated with reductions in the incidence of cardiovascular events, according to a study published online May 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Frailty Prevalence >8 Percent in Young Adult HCT Survivors
TUESDAY, June 7, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Among young adult hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors, the prevalence of frailty exceeds 8 percent and is associated with increased risk of mortality, according to a study published online June 2 in JAMA Oncology.
125I Brachytherapy Ups Anastomotic Leakage in Rectal CA
MONDAY, June 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rectal carcinoma, intraoperative iodine-125 seed implantation brachytherapy is associated with increased risk of anastomotic leakage (AL) and pelvic autonomic nerve dysfunction, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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Operative Hysteroscopy Doesn’t Cut Postmenopausal Bleeding
MONDAY, June 6, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Operative hysteroscopy does not reduce recurrent bleeding in women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), thickened endometrium, and benign endometrial sampling, according to a study published online May 26 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
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Too Few Patients Receive Surgical Treatment for Ovarian Cancer
FRIDAY, June 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Surgery may significantly extend ovarian cancer patients’ lives, but one in five women do not have the procedure, according to a study published online May 5 in Gynecologic Oncology.
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15.5 Million Americans Now Surviving Cancer
FRIDAY, June 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Cancer survivors in the United States reached record numbers this year — 15.5 million — and the American Cancer Society predicts they’ll total more than 20 million in another decade. The report, prepared by the American Cancer Society in collaboration with the U.S. National Cancer Institute, was published online June 2 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
More Evidence That Low-Dose Aspirin Ups Survival in CRC
FRIDAY, June 3, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who take low-dose aspirin may have better survival odds, according to a study published online May 31 the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Breast Cancer Survivors Benefit From Mindfulness Meditation
THURSDAY, June 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Mindfulness meditation seems to help breast cancer patients better manage symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and fear of recurrence, according to a study published online May 31 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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AMA Module Promotes Training of Medical Assistants
THURSDAY, June 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A new training module can improve training for medical assistants (MAs), according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA).
Patients Like to See Physicians Wearing White Coats
THURSDAY, June 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Most patients prefer that physicians wear white coats, according to research published online June 1 in JAMA Dermatology.
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HSCT No Better Than Chemo in Philadelphia-Negative ALL
THURSDAY, June 2, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients ≥40 years of age with Philadelphia (Ph)-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) in first remission is associated with lower cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), but worse non-relapse mortality (NRM), compared with chemotherapy alone, according to a study published online May 6 in the American Journal of Hematology.
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Gene Database Offers Doctors Insights Into Breast, Ovarian CA
WEDNESDAY, June 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A BRCA gene database can help physicians better understand their patients’ genetic risk for breast and ovarian cancer, researchers say.
Vigilance Urged for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
WEDNESDAY, June 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are discussed in a review published in the May 31 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Prophylactic Antibiotics Cut Risk of Anti-EGFR Skin Rash
WEDNESDAY, June 1, 2016 (HealthDay News) — For patients receiving anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment, the risk of developing skin rash is reduced for those taking prophylactic antibiotics, according to a review published online May 23 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
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