Preventive Mastectomy May Not Benefit, but Decision Tool Can Help
October 26th 2015Contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPM) have been a growing trend among women at average risk of breast cancer with a diagnosis of cancer in one breast, but the procedure is not medically recommended for this population.
Crafting a Harmonized Approach to Safety
October 26th 2015In her role as division head of Occupational & Environmental Medicine at the University of Maryland, Melissa A. McDiarmid, MD, MPH, spends a lot of her time working with individuals who have been occupationally or environmentally exposed to toxic substances..
Trabectedin Now FDA-Approved for Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcomas
October 23rd 2015Trabectedin (Yondelis) chemotherapy was approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with specific metastatic soft tissue sarcomas-liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma-who previously received chemotherapy that included an anthracycline.
Onivyde FDA Approved to Treat Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
October 22nd 2015The FDA has approved MM-398, branded as Onivyde (irinotecan liposome injection) in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy and leucovorin for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The treatment follows prior administration of a gemcitabine-based regimen.
American Cancer Society Raises Age to 45 for First Mammogram
October 21st 2015The American Cancer Society (ACS) has revised its breast cancer screening guidelines, recommending that women at an average risk of breast cancer receive a mammography annually starting at age 45-5 years later than previous recommendations formulated in 2003.
Aprepitant Shows Promise for Managing Cough in Lung Cancer
October 12th 2015The antiemetic NK-1 antagonist aprepitant (Emend) was shown to significantly reduce cough in patients with lung cancer, according to findings of the first antitussive trial in patients with lung cancer using objective quantification of cough.
Automated Symptom Monitoring Eases Caregiver Stress During Home-Based Cancer Care
October 9th 2015A novel approach using an automated system of remote monitoring coaching system can help relieve particular stressors caused by adult children caring for their parents receiving hospice care at home.
Few Women Receive Genetic Counseling Before BRCA Testing
October 8th 2015Genetic counseling before BRCA genetic testing improves patient knowledge, understanding, and satisfaction. However, a new analysis has found that most women undergoing BRCA genetic testing did not receive counseling prior to testing, despite national guidelines and recommendations.
Promoting Patients' Nutritional Health During and After Treatment
October 7th 2015Good nutrition is an important component in any patient's cancer journey. A healthy diet is needed to maintain appropriate body weight and strength, absorb the proper nutrients, keep body tissue healthy, and fight infection.
Optune Approval Expanded for Newly Diagnosed GBM Patients
October 6th 2015Optune (formally the NovoTTF-100A System) in combination with adjuvant temozolomide, has been approved by the FDA to treat patients newly diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Goals Defined for Palliative Care in Oncology Practices
October 5th 2015The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) have partnered to create a consensus definition of high-quality palliative care incorporated into oncology practices.