Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for May 2020. 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.

Infection Risk Up in Month After CAR T-Cell Immunotherapy

FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For children and young adults receiving CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell infusion (CTI), infection rates increase in the first month after treatment and then decrease, according to a study published in the May issue of Open Forum Infectious Diseases.

Abstract/Full Text

Outcomes Equal for AYA Hodgkin Therapy at Peds, Adult Centers

FRIDAY, May 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), treatment strategies differ, but outcomes are equivalent with treatment at pediatric and adult centers, according to a study published online May 22 in Cancer Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Links Found Between Leaders of Medical Associations, Industry

THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There are extensive financial relationships between leaders of U.S. professional medical associations and industry, according to a study published online May 27 in The BMJ.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

Risk for Later Invasive Breast Cancer Up for Women With DCIS

THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Women with screening-detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) have increased long-term risks for invasive breast cancer and breast cancer death, according to a study published online May 27 in The BMJ.

Abstract/Full Text

9.5 Percent Uninsured in U.S. From January Through June 2019

WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A total of 9.5 percent of persons were uninsured from January through June 2019, according to a report published online May 28 by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Abstract/Full Text

Only One in Four U.S. Hospitals With ICUs Have Tele-ICU Services

WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In 2018, half of U.S. hospitals had the capacity to conduct telehealth-based outpatient visits, while only one in four had tele-intensive care unit (tele-ICU) capabilities, according to a research letter published online April 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Early Informed Lung Cancer Patients Have Greater Survival Rates

WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Lung cancer patients who are given the opportunity to be informed of their diagnosis have a longer median survival time, according to a study published in the May issue of Psycho-Oncology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payments may be required)

Platinum Therapy May Up Survival in Pancreatic Cancer With DNA Repair Defects

TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), those with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) have improved survival with first-line (1L) platinum treatment, according to a study published online May 22 in Clinical Cancer Research.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Lasting Drop Seen in CRC Incidence, Death After Negative Colonoscopy

TUESDAY, May 26, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are reduced for a period of 17.4 years following a single negative screening colonoscopy, according to a study published online May 26 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Delays in Cancer Surgery Due to COVID-19 Could Harm Survival

FRIDAY, May 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Modest delays in cancer surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic could have a significant impact on survival, according to a study published online May 19 in the Annals of Oncology.

Abstract/Full Text

Melanoma Risk From Biologic Therapy Remains Uncertain

THURSDAY, May 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Clinically important increases in melanoma risk in patients treated with biologic therapy for common inflammatory diseases cannot be ruled out based on current evidence, according to a review published online May 20 in JAMA Dermatology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Sales of Johnson’s Baby Powder Halted in U.S., Canada

WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Lawsuits claiming that talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder has caused cancer have led to a plunge in sales in the United States and Canada, so Johnson & Johnson said Tuesday it is ending sales of the product in those two countries.

AP News Article

Local-Stage Prostate Cancer Incidence Rates Continue to Drop

WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Prostate cancer incidence rates decreased from 2005 to 2016 for local-stage disease among men aged ≥50 years but increased for regional- and distant-stage disease, according to a study published online May 20 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

High BMI in Childhood May Up Risk for Bladder Cancer as Adult

WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Childhood body mass index (BMI) is positively associated, while childhood height is inversely associated, with the risk for bladder cancer (BC) in adulthood, according to a study published online May 19 in the Annals of Human Biology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Multiple Genes Predispose Black Women to Breast Cancer

WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Multiple genes predispose African-American (AA) women to breast cancer, including BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, according to a study published online May 19 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial

Excessive Drinking Seen in Some Patients With Chronic Conditions

WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among those reporting alcohol use, patients with certain common medical conditions are more likely to report excessive drinking, according to a study published online May 13 in JAMA Network Open.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

11.2 Percent of Pediatric Cancer Patients Positive for SARS-CoV-2

WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among pediatric cancer patients, overall morbidity of COVID-19 is low, according to a research letter published online May 13 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

Majority of Cancers Diagnosed Within Six Months of BI-RADS 3

TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — More than half of malignancies identified among women with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 3 lesions are diagnosed within six months, according to a study published online May 19 in Radiology.

Abstract/Full Text

Spending on Primary Care Continues to Lag in the U.S.

TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Spending on inpatient services, specialty care, and prescriptions together accounted for about two-thirds of the increase in total U.S. health care spending from 2002 to 2016, according to a research letter published online May 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Burnout Comparable Between Millennial, Gen X Residents, Fellows

TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Millennial and Generation X medical residents and fellows experience similar rates of burnout and have similar levels of empathy, according to a study published online May 5 in Academic Psychiatry.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

28 Million-Plus Surgeries Could Be Canceled Due to COVID-19

TUESDAY, May 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Worldwide, more than 28 million elective surgeries could be canceled or postponed during the 12 weeks of peak disruption due to COVID-19, according to a study published online May 12 in the British Journal of Surgery.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Most Physicians Have Seen False-Negative COVID-19 Test Results

MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most physicians believe they have seen false-negative results for a COVID-19 diagnostic test, according to the results of a recent survey.

More Information

Cough May Not Appear in Young Children With COVID-19

MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Young children with COVID-19 may not present with respiratory symptoms, according to a case report published online May 12 in Frontiers in Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

Convalescent Plasma Appears Promising for Severe COVID-19

MONDAY, May 18, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Administration of convalescent plasma seems safe and results in improvement in clinical status for patients with severe or life-threatening COVID-19, according to a study not yet peer reviewed and posted on medRxiv.org.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Opioid-Related Deaths Less Likely Among Cancer Patients

FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Opioid-related deaths in the cancer population are much rarer than in the general population, according to a research letter published online May 7 in JAMA Oncology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Regular Aspirin Use Tied to Lower Risk for Digestive Tract Cancers

FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Regular aspirin use is associated with a lower risk for colorectal and other digestive tract cancers, according to a review published in the May 1 issue of the Annals of Oncology.

Abstract/Full Text

Addition of Atezolizumab May Aid in Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

FRIDAY, May 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the addition of atezolizumab to platinum-based chemotherapy prolongs progression-free survival, according to a study published online May 14 in The Lancet.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Cannabis Smoking May Increase Risk for Fungal Infection

THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The likelihood of having a fungal infection was increased in association with cannabis use in 2016, according to a study published online May 13 in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Abstract/Full Text

Graduated Compression Stockings May Not Be Needed After Surgery

THURSDAY, May 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing elective surgery, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) alone is noninferior to LMWH plus graduated compression stockings (GCS) for prevention of venous thromboembolism, according to a study published online May 13 in The BMJ.

Abstract/Full Text

Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab Beats Sorafenib in Liver Cancer

WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab improves survival outcomes versus sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a study published in the May 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

COVID-19 Pandemic Slowing Cancer Research

WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of cancer research has been stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a survey of American Cancer Society (ACS) grantees.

More Information

PM2.5 Linked to Later Mortality in Certain Pediatric, AYA Cancers

WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with specific cancers, continued exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with later mortality, according to a study published online May 13 in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Risk Score May Predict Critical Illness at COVID-19 Admission

TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A risk score based on 10 factors can predict the risk for developing critical illness at COVID-19 admission, according to a study published online May 12 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text

Severe Illness Reported in Some Children With COVID-19

TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Severe illness from COVID-19 infection occurs in some children, most of whom have significant preexisting comorbidities, according to a study published online May 11 in JAMA Pediatrics.

Abstract/Full Text

Dexrazoxane Preserves Cardiac Function in Pediatric Leukemia

TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), dexrazoxane preserves cardiac function without affecting survival, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Significant Reductions Seen in Breast Cancer Death With Screening

MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Women participating in mammography screening have a significant reduction in the risk for dying of breast cancer and in the rate of advanced breast cancers, according to a study published online May 11 in Cancer.

Abstract/Full Text

IBD Not Tied to Female Genital Tract Malignancies

MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients do not have a higher risk for female genital tract malignancies, according to a study recently published in Digestive and Liver Disease.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial

ACR Issues Statement on Return of Routine Radiology Services

MONDAY, May 11, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In an American College of Radiology statement, published online May 6 in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, recommendations are presented for re-engagement of routine radiology care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract/Full Text

Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Incidence Increased for All Races/Ethnicities

FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2016, the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors increased across all racial/ethnic groups but remained highest among non-Hispanic whites (NHWs), according to a study published online May 8 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Risk for SARS-CoV-2 Lower for Prostate Cancer Patients on ADT

FRIDAY, May 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Among prostate cancer patients, those receiving androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) versus other treatments have a lower risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, according to a study published online May 6 in the Annals of Oncology.

Abstract/Full Text

Health Insurance Coverage Disruption Impedes Cancer Care

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Disruptions in health insurance coverage are common and are associated with poorer cancer care and survival, according to a review published online April 27 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

UGN-101 Active in Chemoablation of Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, primary chemoablation with intracavitary UGN-101, a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel, results in clinically significant disease eradication, according to a study published online April 29 in The Lancet Oncology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Anticoagulation May Improve Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients hospitalized with COVID-19, systematic anticoagulation (AC) may be associated with improved outcomes, according to a research letter published online May 6 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Link Found Between Body Size in Childhood, Later Life Disease

THURSDAY, May 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Large adult body size contributes to the association between genetically predicted larger body size in childhood and coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes later in life, according to a study published online May 6 in The BMJ.

Abstract/Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)

Whole-Body DW MRI Can Help Assess Pediatric Tumor Response

WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Whole-body diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows good agreement with 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) for assessing tumor response to induction chemotherapy in children and young adults with lymphoma or sarcoma, according to a study published online May 5 in Radiology.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Guidance Developed for Lung Cancer Screening During COVID-19

WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a CHEST expert panel report, published online April 23 in Radiology: Imaging Cancer, recommendations are presented for the management of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract/Full Text

Fewer Children Enrolling in Pediatric Cancer Trials

WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Just one in five pediatric cancer patients enroll in clinical trials, down from 40 to 70 percent during the 1990s and 20 to 25 percent in the early 2000s, according to a study published online April 23 in PLOS ONE.

Abstract/Full Text

Patients With Cancer Seem More Vulnerable to COVID-19

MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with cancer seem to be more vulnerable to COVID-19 and have higher risks for severe outcomes, according to a study published online April 28 in Cancer Discovery.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Genomically Targeted Treatment Slows Advanced Prostate Cancer

MONDAY, May 4, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Genomic targeted prostate cancer treatment shows a survival benefit in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, according to a study published online April 28 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

COVID-19 Case Fatality Rate Increased for Cancer Patients

FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Cancer patients have an increased case fatality rate from COVID-19, according to a study from a New York hospital system published online May 1 in Cancer Discovery.

Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Impact of COVID-19 on Oncology Clinical Trials Discussed

FRIDAY, May 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The impact of COVID-19 on oncology clinical trials and long-term implications are discussed in a study and recommendations published in JCO Oncology Practice.

Abstract/Full Text
ASCO Recommendations

Copyright © 2020 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
healthday

Author