Oncology

Researchers in the United Kingdom have identified a blood test for circulating free DNA that may help physicians predict whether or not a patient with breast cancer is likely to respond to an initial round of chemotherapy, enabling earlier initiation of alternate treatments.

Peter Yu, MD, director, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, president-elect, ASCO, discusses results of a review that examined men's treatment decisions after seeing a rise in their PSA levels.

This National Cancer Institute video provides key facts and statistics on prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

This presentation by Michael S. Cookson, MD, MMHC, vice chairman and Hart Professor of Urologic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, addresses prostate cancer treatment options for 6 common clinical scenarios.

Charles M. Perou, PhD, professor of genetics, pathology & laboratory medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses a trial (CALGB 40601) presented at the 2014 ASCO Annual Meeting.

Nancy Lin, MD, of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women's Cancers at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the differences between breast cancer subtypes and looks at recent drug approvals and research directions for the future.

This presentation by Carol DeSantis, MPH, an epidemiologist with the American Cancer Society (ACS), covers key findings and statistics from the ACS report "Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2013-2014."

Researchers seek improved biomarkers to distinguish between malignant and benign disease.

The United States stands to be a key player in the global oncology biosimilars market, which is predicted to generate up to $12 billion in revenue by 2020.

According to a retrospective study and a registry analysis, statin therapy may reduce the rate of local breast cancer recurrence in certain types of breast cancer.

Kjel Jonhson, PharmD, Vice President of Global Oncology for IMS Health, discusses emerging trends in the treatment of cancer that specialty pharmacies need to be aware of.

LBH589, when used in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, improved progression-free survival among relapsed and refractory patients with multiple myeloma.

A genetic test in development by Micromedic may help identify patients who are likely to develop bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Patients with prostate cancer may benefit from bone mineral density screenings prior to initiation of therapy, researchers concluded.

Global oncology trend report finds that increased use of hospital outpatient facilities shifts cost burden to patients.

Findings presented at 50th Annual Meeting of ASCO show aromatase inhibitor effective for premenopausal women when combined with ovarian function suppression.

Results from 2 large, long-term clinical trials show benefits of extended-duration treatment with tamoxifen, resulting in an update to treatment guidelines.

Patients with HIV who smoke may be at even greater risk of developing smoking-related cancers.

Donna M. Smith, PharmD, director of clinical affairs at Avella Specialty Pharmacy discusses developments in the treatment of lung cancer that specialty pharmacies need to be aware of.

Emerging therapies and the role of specialty pharmacies in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer were discussed during a continuing education session at the annual Armada summit.

Gazyva is a novel anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved, in combination with chlorambucil, for the treatment of previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

Clinical trial results show that several new combination therapies offer great promise for the treatment of challenging neuroendocrine tumors in the gastrointestinal area.

With cancer ranking third among disease states in specialty spending, there is a growing emphasis on programs that focus on cost management and patient adherence to complex medication regimens.

Assessment, interventions, and outcomes information is vital to specialty pharmacy stakeholders.

The complexities of cancer and the ever-changing medication regimens employed in its treatment call for the specialized competencies of oncology-focused pharmacies. High-touch care and oncology expertise can improve outcomes.