Oncology

Building on a previous report that revealed corrupt business practices among the big 3 PBMs, a second interim report finds that PBMs heightened prices for important specialty generic drugs to increase their profit margins.

New data shows that, in high-risk patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, cemiplimab reduces the risk of disease recurrence and death.

Wildfire smoke carries toxic compounds that can trigger respiratory inflammation and cause cellular damage.

Brentuximab vedotin is approved for treatment of adult and pediatric with classical Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with chemotherapy.

According to the investigators, BBO-8520 represents a first-in-class approach to treating patients with previously treated KRASG12C-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

A new indication for the antibody-drug conjugate expands the future clinical potential of the treatment in patients with the rare breast cancer.

Datopotamab deruxtecan was also granted breakthrough therapy designation in December 2024.

The new Medicare cap limits out-of-pocket drug costs to $2000 annually.

The designation was supported by data from the phase 2, open-label, randomized, multi-center ARTEMIS-002 clinical trial, which assessed the safety and efficacy of GSK’227.

Pharmacists play a vital role in cancer prevention and early detection by educating patients on risk factors, counseling on screening guidelines, and promoting adherence to evidence-based recommendations for common cancers, such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancer.

As of January 10, there are 5 major fires across a combined 36,560 acres—Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia—and the 2 largest fires are a combined 11% contained.

While waiting for budgetary approvals, there are some simple initiatives outpatient oncology practices can initiate that yield high rewards and quick wins yet cost little more than an investment of time.

Invikafusp alfa (STAR0602; Marengo Therapeutics Inc) is being investigated as a treatment for advanced colorectal cancer with high tumor mutational burden.

In a phase 2 trial (NCT05400226), abenacianine helps surgeons visualize tumors in lung during surgery and is safe and well-tolerated in patients.

Serplulimab plus HLX04 demonstrates a favorable safety profile in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

The late former president played a critical role in advancing cancer care, as well as efforts to eradicate preventable diseases.

For patients with multiple myeloma who may experience an infection while receiving teclistamab, supplementation with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can help resolve and prevent serious complications.

The new designation for the selective PPAR⍺ antagonist follows positive phase 1b/2 clinical trial results.

Palbociclib demonstrates safety and efficacy in combination with anti-HER2 and endocrine therapies.

The advisory emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to reducing alcohol-related cancer by combining prevention, education, and treatment to improve public health outcomes.

AI is revolutionizing oncology drug development, enhancing therapeutic identification and reducing approval times, but use of this tool must be carefully implemented to mitigate risks and ensure regulatory compliance.

Sunvozertinib was originally approved in China, making it the world’s first and only oral treatment for these patients.

A pooled analysis showed regular consumption of coffee and tea was associated with decreased risk of certain cancers.

If approved, the combination of avutometinib with defactinib could be the first FDA-approved treatment option for low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

Calcipotriol in combination with 5-FU triggers Th2 immunity to prevent skin cancer.

The analysis shows patients achieved deep and durable responses despite being ineligible for the CARTITUDE-1 trial.

Pharmacists should be aware of the impacts that anemia in patients being treated for cancer has on daily activities and overall quality of life.

Compliance is achievable for outpatient oncology practices with careful planning and execution.

Patients with hormone receptor–positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 breast cancer are particularly at risk.

Patients with relapsed, refractory disease achieved deep, durable responses with equecabtagene autoleucel.