Trending News Today: Olaparib Improves Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer

A new study testing olaparib (Lynparza) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer has revealed that the drug, when added to the current standard of care, bevacizumab (Avastin), improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with a group of patients given bevacizumab monotherapy, Reuters reported. Olaparib added to bevacizumab reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 41% in the overall trial population. The combination also improved PFS to a median of 22.1 months compared with 16.6 months for those treated with bevacizumab alone, according to the article.

Due to rising health care benefit costs, large employers are increasing efforts to stem the increases, The American Journal of Managed Care reported. Based on the survey results, employers are beginning to implement new initiatives in 2020 for more virtual care solutions (51%) and new strategies on high cost claims (39%). Additionally, the survey revealed that 44% of employers ranked musculoskeletal issues as the top condition that impacts their costs and 85% ranked it among the top 3 conditions. However, the research noted that 25% of employers ranked cancer as the top condition.

Swedish researchers have developed an app called the Interaktor, a user-friendly and convenient alternative for patient contact and involvement with the health care team, which can aid in symptom management, self-care, and further enhance patient involvement, according to Oncology Nurse Advisor. The Swedish investigators examined usage and usability through 74 women with breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The second trial included 75 men with locally advanced prostate cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Study results show that 80% of the participants completed daily reporting during treatment and most patients viewed the information pages with self-care advice numerous times.