Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for December 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.
Long-Term Reduction in CRC Risk After Negative Colonoscopy
MONDAY, Dec. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For average-risk patients, a negative colonoscopy result is associated with a long-term reduction in the risk for colorectal cancer and related deaths, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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New Guidelines Address Care for Malignant Pleural Effusions
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — New clinical practice guidelines for the management of malignant pleural effusions were published in the January issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
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Many Veterans Oppose Cessation of Colorectal Cancer Screening
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many veterans have strong preferences against colorectal cancer (CRC) screening cessation even when provided with information about the potential low benefit of screening, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Risk for Breast Cancer Increased With False-Positive Screening Result
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women with prior false-positive screening results have an increased risk for screen-detected and interval breast cancer for more than 10 years, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the British Journal of Cancer.
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Obese Patients Exposed to Higher Radiation Doses for X-Rays
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with obesity undergoing projection radiography receive a higher dose area product (DAP) than normal-weight adults, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in the Journal of Radiological Protection.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation Can Reduce Phantom Limb Pain
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of primary targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) can prevent or reduce pain in below-the-knee amputees, according to a report published online Dec. 27 in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
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Low-Priced Generic Drugs Most Likely to Have Shortages
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The lowest-priced generic drugs are more likely to experience shortages, according to a study published in the November issue of Value in Health.
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Elevated Risk for Lung CA in Lung Transplant Recipients Explored
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recipients of a lung transplant, especially a single lung transplant, have an elevated risk for lung cancer, particularly in the native lung, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the American Journal of Transplantation.
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ASH Develops Practice Guidelines for Venous Thromboembolism
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has developed new guidelines for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE); the clinical practice guidelines were recently published in Blood Advances.
Prophylaxis for Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized Medical Patients
Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Treatment of Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism
Venous Thromboembolism in the Context of Pregnancy
Optimal Management of Anticoagulation Therapy
Health Care Screening Practices Impact Skin Cancer Diagnosis
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Undergoing health care screening practices is associated with an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with skin cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 26 in JAMA Dermatology.
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Initiative Can Cut Gender Gap in Medical School Faculty Salaries
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An institutional gender equity initiative (GEI) can reduce gender-based salary gaps among medical school faculty, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
New AAP Guideline Available for Infantile Hemangioma Treatment
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed its first guideline for the management of infantile hemangiomas (IHs); the clinical practice guideline was published online Dec. 24 in Pediatrics.
Risk of Arterial Thromboembolic Events Up Prior to Cancer Diagnosis
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In older adults, the risk of arterial thromboembolic events begins to increase 150 days before the date of cancer diagnosis and peaks 30 days before, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in Blood.
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Fecal Occult Blood Test May Improve CRC Outcomes in Some
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with several improved outcomes in men but not women, according to a study recently published in the British Journal of Surgery.
HPV Ups Cervical Cancer Risk, Even With No Cellular Signs
MONDAY, Dec. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The presence of certain high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types predicts future risk for high-grade cervical cancer even among women with no cellular indications of cancer at baseline, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in Cancer.
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FDA Approves Drugs for Treatment of Two Rare Blood Diseases
MONDAY, Dec. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rare blood diseases, the agency announced Friday.
More Information – Elzonris
More Information – Ultomiris
FDA Warns Companies on Unsafe, Unapproved Stem Cell Treatments
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After infections tied to unapproved stem cell treatments sent 12 people to the hospital this past year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a stern warning about the products.
CDC: Weight, Waist Size, BMI Increased for Many U.S. Adults
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 1999-2000 to 2015-2016, there was an increase in mean weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) for many U.S. adults, according to the Dec. 20 issue of the National Vital Statistics Reports, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups Higher Than Expected
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite numerous difficulties, early figures show that sign-ups for health coverage next year under the Affordable Care Act are higher than expected.
Growth in Use of Telemedicine Seen From 2005 to 2017
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2005 to 2017, there was a substantial increase in telemedicine use, although use was still uncommon in 2017, according to a research letter published online Nov. 27 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Pembrolizumab Promising for Metastatic Head, Neck SCC
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, pembrolizumab has a favorable safety profile and is associated with prolongation of overall survival, according to a study published online Nov. 30 in The Lancet.
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Sorafenib for Desmoid Tumors Ups Progression-Free Survival
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sorafenib prolongs progression-free survival among patients with desmoid tumors, according to a study published in the Dec. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Modified-FOLFIRINOX Beneficial in Resected Pancreatic Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with resected pancreatic cancer, adjuvant therapy with a modified regimen of chemotherapy with fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX), compared with gemcitabine, results in significantly longer survival, according to a study published in the Dec. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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New Law Boosts Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A sickle cell disease prevention and treatment program in the United States has been reauthorized to receive nearly $5 million each year over the next five years.
NBC News Article
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Endocrine Tx Does Not Impair Neuropsychological Performance
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For early-stage breast cancer survivors, endocrine therapy (ET) appears to have no effect on neuropsychological performance or impairment over six years of follow-up, according to a study published online Nov. 28 in Cancer.
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Exercise Linked to Reduced Mortality for Patients With Cancer
TUESDAY, Dec. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with cancer, participation in prediagnosis and postdiagnosis recreational physical activity is associated with reduced mortality, according to a study published online Nov. 28 in Cancer Causes & Control.
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‘Aggressive Steps’ Needed to Stop Adolescent Use of E-Cigarettes
TUESDAY, Dec. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — “Aggressive steps” must be taken by parents, teachers, health providers, and government officials to prevent children and teens from using electronic cigarettes, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H., said in an advisory.
Exclusion of Doctors From Public Health Insurance Up 2007 to 2017
TUESDAY, Dec. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2007 to 2017, the number of physicians excluded from Medicare and state public insurance programs increased, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in JAMA Network Open.
2010 to 2014 Saw Increase in Anemia After Hospitalization
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Moderate anemia after hospitalization increased from 2010 to 2014 in parallel with reduced red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, although this increase was not associated with increased subsequent RBC use, rehospitalization, or mortality within six months, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Risk for Zoster Up Before Dx, During Tx of Hematologic Cancer
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk for herpes zoster (zoster) is elevated during the two years preceding diagnosis and during treatment of hematological cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Cisplatin Superior to Cetuximab for HPV+ Oropharyngeal Cancer
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive low-risk oropharyngeal cancer, cetuximab shows no benefit compared with the standard cisplatin regimen in terms of reduced toxicity and results in worse tumor control, according to a study recently published in The Lancet.
Post-Inflammatory Polyps Not Linked to Colorectal Neoplasia
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), post-inflammatory polyps (PIPs) are associated with greater severity and extent of colon inflammation and higher rates of colectomy, but not with development of colorectal neoplasia (CRN), according to a study published online Dec. 7 in Gastroenterology.
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Apixaban Prevents VTE in Cancer Patients Initiating Chemotherapy
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among patients with cancer starting chemotherapy who are at intermediate-to-high risk, rates of venous thromboembolism are significantly lower for thromboprophylaxis with apixaban versus placebo, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Persistent Discrimination ID’d Among Physician Mothers
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician mothers experience discrimination in a range of ways, which can impact the medical profession, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in The BMJ.
Medication Beliefs Affect Uptake of Preventive Tx for Breast Cancer
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Beliefs about medication are associated with uptake of tamoxifen as a preventive therapy among women at increased risk for breast cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in Clinical Breast Cancer.
Risk Factors Identified for Late Recurrence of Liver Cancer
THURSDAY, Dec. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Late recurrence after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection is associated with sex, cirrhosis, and several aggressive tumor characteristics of the initial HCC, according to a study recently published in JAMA Surgery.
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Medication Errors Resulting in Death Most Common in Elderly
THURSDAY, Dec. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medication errors in acute care that result in death occur most often in patients older than 75 years, with the most common error category being omitted medicine or ingredient, according to a study published online Nov. 22 in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy.
Wearable Sensor Can Measure Personalized Ultraviolet Exposure
THURSDAY, Dec. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A millimeter-scale, wireless, battery-free, miniaturized dosimeter can monitor ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and appears to work well in different settings, according to research published online Dec. 5 in Science Translational Medicine.
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Novel Breast Imaging Technique Might Cut Unnecessary Biopsies
THURSDAY, Dec. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A novel technique, quantitative three-compartment breast (3CB) image analysis of dual-energy mammography combined with mammography radiomics, could reduce unnecessary breast biopsies, according to a study published online Dec. 11 in Radiology.
Radical Prostatectomy Has Lasting Benefit for Localized Cancer
THURSDAY, Dec. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Men with localized prostate cancer benefit from radical prostatectomy, with a mean of 2.9 years gained, according to a study published in the Dec. 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Enrollment Under the Affordable Care Act Down From Last Year
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is down with just days left to sign up, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Prostate Cancer Linked
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Men with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk for prostate cancer (PCa), according to a study published online Dec. 4 in European Urology.
2017 Saw Slowing in National Health Care Spending
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — National health care spending slowed in 2017, according to a report published online Dec. 6 in Health Affairs.
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Tailored Feedback at CRC Screen Improves Lifestyle Behaviors
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An individually tailored written feedback (TF) intervention at sigmoidoscopy screening is associated with small improvements in cancer-preventive lifestyle behaviors, according to a study published in the December issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
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Young Breast Cancer Patients Face Higher Risk for Osteoporosis
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk for bone loss rises sharply in young breast cancer patients who received standard treatment, according to a study recently published in Breast Cancer Research.
U.S. Medical Schools See Increase in Diversity
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After implementation of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) diversity accreditation standards, U.S. medical schools saw increasing percentages of female, black, and Hispanic matriculants, according to a research letter published in the Dec. 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Paid Childbearing Policies Lacking for Residents
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Policies for paid childbearing or family leave for residents are lacking at top-ranking medical schools and may be exacerbated by lack of direction from specialty boards, according to two research letters published in the Dec. 11 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Breast CA Detection Rate Up With Digital Mammography in the U.K.
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Digital mammography (DM) has increased the overall cancer detection rate by 14 percent, with higher detection rates for grade 1 and 2 invasive cancers, according to research published online Dec. 11 in Radiology.
Free Flap Breast Reconstruction Safe in Elderly Patients
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Free flap breast reconstruction is a viable and safe procedure in elderly patients, according to a study published in the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Consensus Decision Pathway Developed for Tobacco Cessation
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An expert consensus decision pathway has been developed for tobacco cessation treatment; the report was published online Dec. 5 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Visual Registration + Image Fusion Best for Targeted Biopsy
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The combination of visual registration and image fusion should be used when targeted biopsy is being performed on men with suspected prostate cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 5 in European Urology.
HIT-Related Stress Linked to Burnout Among Physicians
MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Stress related to use of health information technology (HIT) is common and predictive of burnout among physicians, according to a study published online Dec. 5 in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.
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Higher Risk for Breast Cancer After Childbirth May Last 20+ Years
MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The increased risk for breast cancer that occurs after childbirth can last more than 20 years, according to research published online Dec. 11 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Ultrarestrictive Opioid Rx Protocol Cuts Postoperative Opioid Use
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An ultrarestrictive opioid prescription protocol (UROPP) can reduce the number of opioids prescribed to patients after gynecologic and abdominal surgery without negative health consequences, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Most Insured Patients Not Using Online Portals
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nearly two-thirds of insured adults with a previous health care visit did not use an online patient portal in 2017, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs.
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Breast Screening Linked to Lower Risk for Breast Cancer Death
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women who have participated in mammography screening have a lower risk for dying from breast cancer within 10 and 20 years after diagnosis, according to a study recently published in Cancer.
Colonoscopy Receipt Varies After Advanced Adenoma Diagnosis
THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with three or more adenomas or any adenoma with villous/tubulovillous features do not receive a subsequent colonoscopy within 3.5 years, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
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Smartphone App Uses Fingernail Bed Images to Detect Anemia
THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An app that detects color and metadata from fingernails can identify hemoglobin levels in the blood, according to research published online Dec. 4 in Nature Communications.
Since 1999, Uterine Cancer Incidence, Mortality Up
THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of uterine cancer and uterine cancer deaths has increased since 1999, according to research published in the Dec. 7 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Many Americans Unaware of Promise of Personalized Medicine
THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical science has made tremendous advances in personalized medicine. However, the American public is still struggling to understand the implications of these targeted treatments, a new HealthDay/Harris Poll has revealed.
Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Colorectal Cancer Risk in Men
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), with the association significant for men only, according to a study published online Nov. 7 in the British Journal of Cancer.
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Few Physicians Work in Practices That Use Telemedicine
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Only 15.4 percent of physicians work in practices that use telemedicine for a wide spectrum of patient interactions, with larger practice size being an important correlate of telemedicine use, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs.
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Imaging, Biopsy Often Still Needed After Mastectomy
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Subsequent imaging is required for 10 to 15.5 percent of women who undergo mastectomy, according to a study published in the December issue of the Annals of Surgical Oncology.
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HHS Issues Draft Strategy for Reducing Health IT Burden
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed a draft strategy to reduce the health information technology (IT) burden, and the strategy is open for public comment through Jan. 28, 2019.
Many Patients Withhold Information From Clinicians
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients intentionally withhold information from clinicians, according to a study published online Nov. 30 in JAMA Network Open.
At-Home Self-Collected Samples Valid for Detecting High-Risk HPV
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Mail-based, at-home self-collection of cervicovaginal samples is valid for detecting high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) among infrequently screened women, according to a study published online Nov. 5 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Noninvasive Diagnostic Imaging Accurately IDs Bladder Cancer
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Noninvasive diagnostic imaging using machine-learning analysis of nanoresolution images of cell surfaces can detect bladder cancer with high diagnostic accuracy, according to research published online Dec. 3 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Rare Variants Associated With Interval Breast Cancers
MONDAY, Dec. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Though common breast cancer variants indicate increased breast cancer risk, certain rare variants are associated with an increased risk for interval breast cancers and death, according to a study published in the Nov. 1 issue of Cancer Research.
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