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.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
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.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
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.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
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
TUESDAY, Nov. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A major update of the United States’ system for approving medical devices was announced yesterday by the Food and Drug Administration.
CBS/AP News Article
More Information
FDA Approves Vitrakvi for Cancers With Certain Genetic Trait
TUESDAY, Nov. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Vitrakvi (larotrectinib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adult and pediatric patients whose cancers have a specific genetic feature.
Four Principles Underlie Patient and Family Partnership in Care
TUESDAY, Nov. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patient and family partnership in care should include treatment of patients and families with dignity and respect, their active engagement in all aspects of care, and their contribution to the improvement of health care systems and education of health care professionals, according to a position paper published online Nov. 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Position Paper
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Recommended Therapies for Polycythemia Vera Underused
TUESDAY, Nov. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among older patients with polycythemia vera (PV), therapeutic phlebotomy and hydroxyurea (HU) are associated with improved overall survival and decreased risk for thrombosis but are underused, according to a study recently published in Blood Advances.
One in Five Readmitted After Head, Neck Cancer Reconstruction
TUESDAY, Nov. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nearly one in five patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery reconstruction is readmitted within 30 days of surgery, according to a study published online Nov. 8 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
ACA Coverage Substantial, but Did Not Impact Labor Markets
MONDAY, Nov. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Millions of workers gained insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without adverse effects on labor markets, according to a report published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Urban Institute.
Report: How Have Workers Fared Under the ACA?
FDA Approves New Treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
MONDAY, Nov. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced the approval of Daurismo (glasdegib) tablets for use in combination with a low dose of the chemotherapy cytarabine to treat newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment is indicated for patients aged 75 years or older who have comorbidities that may prevent the use of intensive chemotherapy.
Youth Smoking Decline Mirrors Rise in Vaping Popularity
MONDAY, Nov. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Even with the rapid rise in popularity of electronic cigarettes, there has been a simultaneous decline in smoking prevalence among U.S. teens and young adults, suggesting e-cigarettes may not prompt young people to start smoking, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Tobacco Control.
Lung Cancer Screening Implementation Guide Developed
MONDAY, Nov. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Lung Association and the American Thoracic Society have established a website to guide implementation of lung cancer screening, according to an editorial published in the Nov. 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Implementation Guide for Lung Cancer Screening
Obesity Tied to Increased Risk for Early-Onset CRC in Women
MONDAY, Nov. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Obesity is associated with an increased risk for early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) among women, according to a study recently published in JAMA Oncology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required
ADT May Up Risk for Heart Failure in Prostate Cancer Patients
MONDAY, Nov. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy is associated with an increased risk for heart failure, according to a study published online Nov. 7 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA Approves Drug to Treat Rare Immune Disease
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Gamifant (emapalumab-lzsg) for the treatment of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in pediatric (as young as newborn) and adult patients who have refractory, recurrent, or progressive disease or intolerance with conventional HLH treatment.
Increased Risk for Oral Cancer With Exposure to High PM2.5
TUESDAY, Nov. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Taiwanese men exposed to high concentrations of fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) have an increased risk for oral cancer, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine.
FDA Approves First-Line Tx for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
MONDAY, Nov. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday expanded approval for the use of Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) injection in combination with chemotherapy for adult patients with specific types of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).
Patient Education Ups VTE Prophylaxis in Hospital Setting
MONDAY, Nov. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A patient-centered education bundle intervention can reduce nonadministration of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in JAMA Network Open.
Obesity as a Teen Ups Risk for Later Pancreatic Cancer
FRIDAY, Nov. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Men and women who are obese as adolescents are at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer in adulthood, according to an study published online Nov. 12 in Cancer.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required )
CDC: 8.8 Percent Uninsured in U.S. in First Half of 2018
FRIDAY, Nov. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In the first six months of 2018, 8.8 percent of U.S. individuals of all ages were uninsured, which was not significantly different from 2017, according to a report published Nov. 15 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Name-Brand Medications Driving Spike in U.S. Drug Spending
THURSDAY, Nov. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Rising drug spending in the United States is being fueled by expensive name-brand prescription medicines, a new study shows.
NBC News Article
Blue Cross Blue Shield Report
FDA Moves to Restrict Flavored E-Cig Sales, Ban Menthol Cigarettes
THURSDAY, Nov. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said today it will take steps to limit or ban access to flavored electronic cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars.
The New York Times Article
Statement From FDA Commissioner
Breast Cancer Recurrence Rate Not Up With Autologous Fat Transfer
THURSDAY, Nov. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with breast cancer, reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (AFT) seems not to increase the rate of locoregional recurrence versus conventional breast reconstruction, according to a study published online Oct. 10 in JAMA Surgery.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Patient Experiences Shed Light on Diagnostic Errors
THURSDAY, Nov. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Data from patient- and family-reported error narratives indicate that problems related to patient-physician interactions are major contributors to diagnostic errors, according to a study published in the November issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
AMA to Collect Data on Suicide Among Doctors-in-Training
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — By collecting data on suicides by medical students, residents, and fellows, the American Medical Association hopes to identify ways to reduce suicides among doctors-in-training. The data collection policy was approved at a meeting yesterday.
Under Pressure, JUUL Withdraws Most Flavored E-Cigs From Market
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — JUUL Labs, which commands 70 percent of the U.S. electronic cigarette market, announced yesterday that it would cease selling most flavored versions of its popular vaping pods in retail stores.
The New York Times Article
JUUL Statement
Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Ahead of the Holidays
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is an urgent need for blood and platelet donations in the United States because donations during September and October fell 21,000 units short of hospital needs, the American Red Cross says.
Heart Disease Leading Cause of Death in Low-Income Counties
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The leading cause of death varies with income in the United States, with heart disease still the leading cause of death in low-income counties, according to a study published online Nov. 13 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Coordinated Care Needed for Cancer Survivors, Caregivers
TUESDAY, Nov. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is an urgent need for coordinated, comprehensive, personalized care for cancer survivors and caregivers, according to a report published online Oct. 30 in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.
Denosumab Promising for TDT-Induced Osteoporosis Treatment
TUESDAY, Nov. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Denosumab (DNM), a fully human monoclonal antibody against the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), may be beneficial for managing transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT)-induced osteoporosis, according to a study published online Oct. 31 in Blood Advances.
Many Women Have Not Heard of Ovarian Cancer Before Dx
FRIDAY, Nov. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many women are not knowledgeable about ovarian cancer before diagnosis despite most women experiencing prediagnosis symptoms, according to a report published online Oct. 18 by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
FDA to Ban Most Flavored Electronic Cigarettes
FRIDAY, Nov. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s efforts to reduce teens’ use of flavored electronic cigarettes, a ban on sales of most flavored e-cigarettes in retail stores and gas stations across the United States is to be introduced, according to media reports.
Progress Toward Goals in Global Health Is Slowing
FRIDAY, Nov. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Global progress in health has slowed, and improvements in health have been unevenly distributed, according to a series of articles published in a special issue of The Lancet, highlighting the fact that global progress in health is not inevitable.
The Lancet – The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Genetic Test Helps ID Benign Versus Malignant Thyroid Nodules
FRIDAY, Nov. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A multigene genomic classifier (GC) test for thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology shows high sensitivity and negative predictive value, according to a study published online Nov. 8 in JAMA Oncology.
Income, Lifestyle May Contribute to Disparity in Cancer Deaths
FRIDAY, Nov. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Socioeconomic and health-related behaviors contribute to county-level disparities in cancer deaths, according to a study published online Oct. 5 in JAMA Network Open.
Improved Long-Term Pregnancy Outcomes for Goserelin + Chemo
THURSDAY, Nov. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For premenopausal women with stage I to IIIA estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer, goserelin plus chemotherapy is associated with an increased likelihood of becoming pregnant without an increased risk for adverse effects, according to a study published online Oct. 29 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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Most Specialty Oral Anticancer Meds for Blood Cancers Are Initially Rejected by Insurers 
Personalized Support Boosts Families" Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancers .jpg)
Cancer Survivors Have Lower Levels of Physical Activity 
Pharmacist-Led Med Review Improves Medication Quality in Older Patients With Cancer 
Lower Cognitive Functioning During 60s Linked to Subsequent Stroke Risk 
Nearly 1 in 10 Older Adults Used Cannabis in the Past Year 
Polypharmacy of Prescription Medications Increased for U.S. Older Adults 
Lower Vertebral Bone Mineral Density Linked to Cognitive Decline 
