Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for February 2019. 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.
Mental Health Disorders Up After Head & Neck Cancer Diagnosis
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), the prevalence of mental health disorders (MHDs) is significantly higher after cancer diagnosis, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Robotically Assisted Devices Not Approved for Cancer Surgery
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The use of robotically assisted surgical devices for breast removal and other cancer-related surgeries is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because there is no proof of its safety or effectiveness in such cases, the agency says in a warning to doctors and patients.
Performance Improvement Sustained After DBT Adoption
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Performance improvements after adoption of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) relative to digital mammography (DM) performance have been sustained, regardless of DBT volume, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in Radiology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Intervention Can Reduce Racial Differences in Lung Cancer Care
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — An intervention that includes race-specific feedback and real-time electronic warnings can reduce racial differences in care for early-stage lung cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 4 in Cancer Medicine.
Lymphadenectomy Does Not Up Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced ovarian cancer who have undergone intra-abdominal macroscopically complete resection and have clinically negative lymph nodes, lymphadenectomy is not associated with longer overall or progression-free survival, according to a study published in the Feb. 28 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Adjuvant Tx for Early Testicular Cancer Does Not Harm Sperm
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For clinical stage I testicular cancer (TC) patients, adjuvant treatment after orchiectomy has no long-term significant effect on sperm production, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in the Annals of Oncology.
Decline Observed in HPV Type 16/18 Cervical Precancers in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The proportion of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18-positive cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 to 3 or adenocarcinoma in situ (CIN2+) declined from 2008 to 2014, according to a study published online Feb. 21 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Tumor Control Durable With Pembrolizumab in Merkel Cell Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (aMCC), pembrolizumab is associated with durable tumor control and favorable overall survival, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Poor Food Intake Common in Hospitalized Patients
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Approximately one-third of adult inpatients are at risk for malnutrition and poorer outcomes due to not eating their meals, despite being allowed to eat, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Stereotactic Radiation Feasible for Oligometastatic Cancer
TUESDAY, Feb. 26, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) for recurrent oligometastatic cancer is a feasible and tolerable treatment option, according to a phase 2 study published in the January issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.
Single-Application FIT Moderately Sensitive, Specific for CRC
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Single-application fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have moderate-to-high sensitivity and specificity for colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a review published online Feb. 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA: Thermography No Substitute for Mammograms
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Despite claims to the contrary, thermography should not be used in place of mammography for breast cancer screening, detection, or diagnosis, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Genetic Variant Tied to Leukemia Risk in Hispanic Children
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Genetic variations have been identified in the ERG gene that are associated with an increased risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Hispanic children, according to a study recently published in Blood.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
2014 to 2017 Saw Improvement in Burnout for U.S. Physicians
MONDAY, Feb. 25, 2019 (HealthDay News) — From 2014 to 2017, there was an improvement in burnout and satisfaction with work-life integration among U.S. physicians, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
National Health Spending Set to Increase 5.5 Percent Annually
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — National health spending is projected to increase at an annual rate of 5.5. percent from 2018 to 2027, with fundamental economic and demographic factors the main drivers, according to a report published online Feb. 20 in Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Most Patients Do Not Disclose Complementary Medicine Use
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Just one-third of users of biologically based complementary medicine (CM) disclose their use to traditional health care providers, according to a review published online Feb. 7 in Scientific Reports.
One-Third of PCPs Discuss Breast Cancer Treatments With Patients
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — One-third of primary care providers (PCPs) report participating in breast cancer treatment decisions, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Cancer.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
44.4 Million Estimated to Be Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer by 2069
FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In the absence of further intervention, in the next 50 years, an estimated 44.4 million women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer globally, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in The Lancet Oncology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA Advances Regulation to Ensure Sunscreen Safety, Efficacy
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration took steps Thursday to tighten regulation of over-the-counter sunscreen products.
More Information: FDA
More Information: EWG
8 More U.S. Communities to Be Assessed for PFAS Toxin Exposure
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Eight additional communities near current or former U.S. military installations that will be included in assessments of human exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were announced Thursday by federal officials.
U.S. Agencies Probing Johnson & Johnson Over Asbestos in Talc
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Johnson & Johnson is being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over possible asbestos contamination of the company’s baby powder and other talc-based products.
The New York Times Article
More Information – American Cancer Society
Sacituzumab Govitecan Promising in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — An antibody-drug conjugate, sacituzumab govitecan-hziy, shows promise in refractory metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, according to a study published in the Feb. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Rivaroxaban Does Not Reduce VTE Incidence in High-Risk Cancer Patients
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In high-risk ambulatory patients with cancer, the incidence of venous thromboembolism or death due to venous thromboembolism during 180 days is not significantly reduced for rivaroxaban compared with placebo, according to a study published in the Feb. 21 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Vertical Integration Has Little Impact on Quality Measures
THURSDAY, Feb. 21, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Vertical integration between hospitals and physicians has little impact on quality measures, while increased hospital market concentration is strongly associated with reduced quality in measures of patient satisfaction, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Medical Care Research and Review.
Experimental Test May Quickly Diagnose Sepsis
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A blood test that can quickly diagnose dangerous sepsis infections has been developed, according to research published in the Feb. 1 issue of Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
New Kaiser Permanente Medical School Plans to Waive Tuition
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A new medical school to be opened by California-based health system Kaiser Permanente will waive tuition for all students in its first five graduating classes.
The New York Times Article
More Information
Structural, Clinical Barriers Prevent Cancer Trial Participation
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Structural and clinical barriers prevent most cancer patients from participating in clinical trials, according to a review published online Feb. 19 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Black-White Cancer Mortality Gap Decreasing in Some Age Groups
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Cancer death rates are decreasing faster in blacks than whites in the United States, according to a report published online Feb. 14 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Glottic Carcinoma Can Be HPV-Related Disease in Young Adults
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — An increased incidence of glottic carcinoma related to human papillomavirus (HPV) has been documented in recent years among young patients, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Combo Regimens Effective for Tx of Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For first-line therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, pembrolizumab plus axitinib and avelumab plus axitinib both show improved survival versus sunitinib, according to two studies published online Feb. 16 in the New England Journal of Medicine to coincide with the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, held from Feb. 14 to 16 in San Francisco.
Abstract/Full Text – Rini
Abstract/Full Text – Motzer
Editorial
More Information
FDA Warns About ‘Miracle’ Young Blood Infusion Treatments
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The use of plasma infusion therapies (often called “vampire” treatments, in which people undergo infusions of a young donor’s blood) is on the rise across the United States, often costing thousands of dollars per treatment, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Inappropriate Use of Fentanyl Preps Seen Despite Awareness
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Despite adequate levels of prescriber, pharmacist, and patient knowledge regarding transmucosal immediate-release fentanyls (TIRFs), the rates of inappropriate use are high, according to a study published in the Feb. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
HealthDay Article
USPSTF Says Screen Women With Higher Risk for BRCA Mutations
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for women at increased risk for carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation as well as genetic counseling and testing as indicated for those screening positive. These recommendations form the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online Feb. 19 by the USPSTF.
Draft Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation
Oncotype DX Not Cost-Effective for Low-Risk Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The multigene expression test Oncotype DX (ODX) is not cost-effective for women with breast cancer who are at low risk for recurrence, according to research published online Jan. 22 in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Hospital Prices Growing Faster Than Physician Prices
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Growth in hospital prices and payments outpaced growth in physician prices and payments from 2007 through 2014, according to a report published in the February issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Artificial Intelligence Predicts Survival in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence software can predict prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) above established prognostic methods, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in Nature Communications.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Risk Factors ID’d for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Mortality
FRIDAY, Feb. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Age, stage, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) are risk factors for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-specific death in older patients, according to a study published online Feb. 1 in Cancer.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Cancer Death Risk Up for Kidney Transplant, Dialysis Patients
THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dialysis and kidney transplant patients have more than a 2.5-fold increased risk for cancer death, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
.jpg)
Cancer Survivors Have Lower Levels of Physical Activity 
Pharmacist-Led Med Review Improves Medication Quality in Older Patients With Cancer 
Mindfulness, Tai Chi May Benefit Cancer Survivors .jpg)
Mortality Lowest at Hemoglobin Concentrations Above WHO Thresholds 
Lower Cognitive Functioning During 60s Linked to Subsequent Stroke Risk 
Polypharmacy of Prescription Medications Increased for U.S. Older Adults 
Nearly 1 in 10 Older Adults Used Cannabis in the Past Year 
Lower Vertebral Bone Mineral Density Linked to Cognitive Decline 
