Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for November 2018. 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.
Teva Recalls Two Blood Pressure Medications
FRIDAY, Nov. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — All lots of amlodipine/valsartan and amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination blood pressure tablets have been recalled by Teva Pharmaceuticals due to higher-than-acceptable levels of a chemical that may cause cancer.
FDA Approves Firdapse for Rare Autoimmune Disorder
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Firdapse (amifampridine) tablets have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).
FDA Approves Treatment for AML Patients With Gene Mutation
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Xospata (gilteritinib) tablets were approved today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults with an FLT3 mutation, the agency announced in a news release. The FDA also granted expanded approval to the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay used to detect the FLT3 mutation in AML patients.
Liquid Biopsy Can Assess Tx Response of Peds Brain Tumors
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A liquid biopsy using blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can effectively quantify changes in mutation levels among pediatric patients being treated for diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), according to a study recently published in Clinical Cancer Research.
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Persistent Back Pain Linked to Earlier Mortality in Older Women
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Frequent persistent back pain is associated with increased mortality in older women, according to a study recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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Higher-Volume Hospitals Have Better Laryngectomy Outcomes
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Laryngectomy outcomes appear to be associated with hospital volume for such cases, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
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FDA Approves First Biosimilar to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Drug
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Truxima (rituximab-abbs) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first biosimilar to the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma drug Rituxan, the agency said today.
FDA to Update Medical Device Approvals Process
Genomic Newborn Screening Could ID Cancer Predisposition Syndrome 
Cancer-Attributable Costs High for Seniors, Vary With Cancer Phase, Type, Race 
Few Young Adults Receive Palliative Care as Part of Advanced Cancer Treatment 
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Remote Patient-Reported Outcome Monitoring Empowers Patients With Cancer 
Tobacco Treatment Program Effective in Oncology Settings 
Odds of HPV-Related Cancers Up for People With HIV, Solid Organ Transplant Recipients 
