Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for April 2014. 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.
J&J Halts Sales of Device Used in Uterine Fibroid Surgery
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Morcellator sales have been halted due to concerns that use of the device in fibroid removal may worsen undetected uterine sarcoma, Johnson & Johnson said Tuesday.
Health Highlights: April 30, 2014
ALA: More Americans Breathing Unhealthy Air
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly 148 million Americans live in regions where air pollution levels are a threat to their health, according to the American Lung Association's 2014 State of the Air report. The number of people found to be breathing unhealthy air is nearly 16 million more than in the 2013 report.
Health Highlights: April 30, 2014
More Information
Waist Circumference Linked to Breast Cancer Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Larger waist circumference correlates with increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, but not beyond its contribution to body mass index (BMI), according to a study published online April 9 in Cancer Causes & Control.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Modafinil Doesn't Improve NSCLC-Related Fatigue
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The central nervous system stimulant modafinil is not effective in treating non-small-cell lung cancer-related fatigue, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text
Alcohol + Tobacco Combo Markedly Ups Esophageal CA Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The combined use of alcohol and tobacco has a synergistic effect on the risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), according to research published in online April 22 in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Aspirin Use Cuts CRC Risk With High 15-PGDH Expression
TUESDAY, April 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Regular aspirin use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in association with high hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase 15-(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) (15-PGDH) expression, according to a study published in the April 23 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Linked to Job Loss
TUESDAY, April 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Breast cancer survivors who received adjuvant chemotherapy during initial treatment appear to be at increased risk of undesired unemployment during the next four years, according to research published online April 28 in Cancer.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
High Prevalence of Oncogenic Oral HPV in HPV-OPC Patients
TUESDAY, April 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC), but not their partners, have a high prevalence of oncogenic oral HPV DNA and oral HPV16 DNA, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text
Consistent Follow-Up Care for Cancer Survivors Found Lacking
MONDAY, April 28, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- More effort is needed to improve the follow-up care of cancer survivors, according to research published online April 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Docs, Patients Have Different Attitudes Toward End-of-Life Care
FRIDAY, April 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Attitudes toward end-of-life resource allocation differ for patients with cancer and their caregivers and for physicians, according to a study published online April 24 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Dermatologist Care Tied to Better Self-Detection of Melanoma
FRIDAY, April 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with self-detected primary melanoma who have an established dermatologist are more likely to have thinner lesions at the time of diagnosis, according to research published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA Approves HPV Test for Cervical Cancer Screening
FRIDAY, April 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test for women aged 25 years and older that can be used to assess the need for a woman to undergo additional diagnostic testing for cervical cancer. In addition, the test can provide information about a patient's future risk for developing cervical cancer.
More Information
Multiple-Gene Sequencing IDs Mutations in Non-BRCA Genes
FRIDAY, April 25, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A considerable number of women testing negative for BRCA1/2 may have pathogenic mutations in other genes, according to a study published online April 14 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text
Physician Groups Find Fault With Medicare Payment Data Release
THURSDAY, April 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Physician groups cite major problems associated with the release of Medicare payment data, according to an article published April 16 in Medical Economics.
More Information
Chronic Prostate Inflammation Tied to High-Grade Cancer
THURSDAY, April 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The presence of chronic inflammation in benign prostate tissue samples is associated with prostate cancer, especially high-grade disease, according to a study published online April 18 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Shared Decision-Making Ups Satisfaction in Radiotherapy
THURSDAY, April 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For patients undergoing radiotherapy, shared decision-making (SDM) and patient-perceived control in treatment decisions correlate with increased patient satisfaction, according to a study published online March 19 in Cancer.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Educational Changes Suggested for Patient-Centered Medicine
THURSDAY, April 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Changes in medical education and training are suggested to help new physicians address the needs of patients and their families, according to an ideas and opinions piece published in the April 22 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Methylation-Specific Assay Can Detect Advanced Breast Cancer
WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A methylation-specific 10-gene panel can detect advanced breast cancer and reflects chemotherapy response, according to a study published in the April 15 issue of Cancer Research.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Statins May Reduce Risk of Progression of Renal Cancer
WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Use of statins is associated with a reduced risk of progression of localized renal cell carcinoma, according to research published in the April issue of The Journal of Urology.
Abstract
Full Text
Short-Term Anxiety Up With False-Positive Mammogram
WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- False-positive mammogram results are tied to increased short-term, but not long-term, anxiety, according to a study published online April 21 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA Proposes Accelerated Medical Device Approval Plan
WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has proposed a new program that would provide expedited access to high-risk medical devices intended for patients with serious conditions whose medical needs are not met by current technology.
More Information
FDA Approves Cyramza for Gastric Cancer
TUESDAY, April 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Cyramza (ramucirumab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cancer of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
More Information
Pre-HPV Vaccine, Most Oropharyngeal Cancers HPV+
TUESDAY, April 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Most oropharyngeal cancers in the United States diagnosed between 1995 and 2005 were positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically HPV 16 or 18, according to a study published in the May issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Full Text
Cancer Patients Need Anxiety, Depression Screening
TUESDAY, April 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- It is important to recognize and treat anxiety or depression among cancer patients, according to a clinical guideline published online April 14 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text
Task Force Recommends Ways to Improve Price Transparency
MONDAY, April 21, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Price transparency frameworks, which provide price information presented in the context of other relevant information, should be developed to meet patients' needs, according to recommendations presented in a report from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).
More Information
Low Adherence Rates for Prostate Cancer Quality of Care Measures
MONDAY, April 21, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Adherence to established prostate cancer quality of care measures is frequently low, with considerable regional variation, according to a study published in the April issue of The Journal of Urology.
Abstract
Full Text
AMA Examines Economic Impact of Physicians
FRIDAY, April 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians who mainly engage in patient care contribute a total of $1.6 trillion in economic output, according to the American Medical Association (AMA)'s Economic Impact Study.
More Information
Int'l Medical Education Standards Not Equivalent to U.K. Standards
FRIDAY, April 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- International medical graduates passing the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) of the General Medical Council (GMC) have lower performance on MRCP(UK) (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) and MRCGP (Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners) and on annual review of competence progression (ARCP) examinations, according to two studies published online April 17 in BMJ.
Full Text - McManus and Wakeford
Full Text - Tiffin
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
FDA Warns Against Procedure for Uterine Fibroids
FRIDAY, April 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Laparoscopic power morcellation for treatment of fibroids could increase a woman's risk of cancer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday.
Full Article
More Information
White House: 8 Million People Signed Up for Health Insurance
FRIDAY, April 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Eight million Americans signed up for private health insurance during the just-concluded first enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act, the White House announced Thursday afternoon.
Full Article
More Information
One in 20 U.S. Adults a Victim of Diagnostic Errors
THURSDAY, April 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Diagnostic errors affect at least one in 20 U.S. adults, according to research published online April 17 in BMJ Quality & Safety.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Cancer 'Vaccine' for Advanced Disease Passes Early Hurdle
THURSDAY, April 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Early progress has been made in developing a treatment that might one day help the immune system defend itself against cancer, according to research published in the April 16 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Full Article
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Educator Discusses Key Issues for Future Doctors to Consider
THURSDAY, April 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The key issues for future physicians are discussed in an article published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
More Information
Patient-Clinician Relationship Impacts Health Care Outcomes
THURSDAY, April 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The patient-clinician relationship has a small but significant effect on health care outcomes, according to a study published online April 9 in PLOS ONE.
Abstract
Full Text
CDC: Regional Trends Seen for Complementary Health Services
WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Yoga and meditation are popular on the West Coast, Midwesterners often turn to chiropractors or osteopathic doctors, and nearly one in every five Americans use herbal supplements. These are among the findings of a new federal government report published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's April edition of the National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief.
Full Article
More Information
Six Percent of Colorectal Cancer Found to Be Interval Tumors
WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Six percent of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have interval cancers, which develop within six to 60 months of colonoscopy, according to a study published in the April issue of Gastroenterology.
Abstract
Full Text
Continued Reliance on Windows XP May Threaten Data Security
WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians who use Windows XP in their practices may be affected by Microsoft's recent discontinuation of support for the program, according to an article published April 8 in Medical Economics.
More Information
Patients Paying Much More for Specialty Drugs
TUESDAY, April 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Many Americans are paying less for prescription drugs, but some are having to deal with sharp rises in the cost of specialty medicines for rare or serious diseases, according to a new report.
Health Highlights: April 15, 2014
Perioperative Chemotherapy Ups Survival in Bladder Cancer
TUESDAY, April 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is associated with a survival benefit in the general population, and may be underutilized, according to research published online April 14 in Cancer.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
NSAIDs With Anticoagulant Tx Ups Major Bleeding in VTE
TUESDAY, April 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Concomitant use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or aspirin in patients with venous thromboembolism receiving anticoagulant therapy is tied to increased risk of bleeding, according to a study published online April 14 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Cytomegalovirus Tied to Anemia With Kidney Disease
MONDAY, April 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may contribute to anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a study published online April 10 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Video-Based Info Increases Men's Skin Health Awareness
MONDAY, April 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to video-based education increases men's skin awareness and attendance at whole-body clinical skin examinations (CSEs), according to a study published in the April issue of JAMA Dermatology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Engineered Cartilage Feasible for Nasal Reconstruction
MONDAY, April 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Autologous nasal cartilage tissues can be engineered and clinically used for functional restoration of alar lobules after tumor resection, according to a study published online April 11 in The Lancet.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
CRC Resection Morbidity, Mortality Still Higher for Elderly
MONDAY, April 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Despite an overall improved mortality seen during the past 10 years, advancing age is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in colorectal cancer resection, according to a study published online April 9 in JAMA Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text
New Health Secretary to Confront Health Care Reform Hurdles
MONDAY, April 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- With the resignation of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Friday, the Affordable Care Act will get a fresh face. But turning around public perception of the controversial health care reform law in a politically charged mid-term election year poses an enormous challenge for the department's next leader, policy experts said.
Full Article
High-Fat Diet Tied to Certain Subtypes of Breast Cancer
MONDAY, April 14, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- High intake of saturated fats is associated with increased risk of certain subtypes of breast cancer, according to research published online April 9 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Chronic Pancreatitis Ups Risk of Cancer Death
FRIDAY, April 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Individuals with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at higher risk for cancer death and other comorbidities than those without CP, according to a study published in the April issue of Gastroenterology.
Abstract
Full Text
Sebelius Stepping Down As HHS Secretary
FRIDAY, April 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is stepping down from her position, after overseeing the troubled rollout of the Affordable Care Act that remains unpopular with some Americans and virtually all Republican lawmakers.
Full Article
Cognitive Decline Inversely Tied to Cancer Mortality Risk
THURSDAY, April 10, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Elderly individuals who experience faster cognitive decline appear to be at reduced risk of dying from cancer, according to research published online April 8 in Neurology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Fewer Americans Overwhelmed by Medical Bills
WEDNESDAY, April 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- While millions of Americans still feel hamstrung by medical expenses, a new government report shows that some people are getting relief.
Full Article
More Information
More Justification Needed for Choosing Wisely Selections
WEDNESDAY, April 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Most services included in specialty medical societies' Top 5 lists for the Choosing Wisely campaign are based on evidence demonstrating equivalent but not superior benefit, with higher risk or higher costs compared to other options, according to a research letter published in the April 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Some Doctors Paid at Least $3 Million Each by Medicare
WEDNESDAY, April 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A small number of doctors received at least $3 million each in Medicare payments in 2012, for a total of nearly $1.5 billion, according to an analysis of Medicare claims data released Wednesday by the White House. In total, Medicare paid individual physicians nearly $64 billion in 2012. The median payment was just over $30,000, the Associated Press reported.
Health Highlights: April 9, 2014
More Information
Conventional Chemo May Be Better for Some Advanced NSCLC
TUESDAY, April 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and wild-type (WT) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, conventional chemotherapy improves progression-free survival (PFS) better than first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), according to research published in the April 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Decrease in Tobacco Use on TV Dramas Since 1955
TUESDAY, April 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The portrayal of tobacco use on television (TV) dramas has decreased since 1955, in line with historical cigarette consumption trends, according to a study published online April 3 in Tobacco Control.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Newly Eligible for Expanded Medicaid Are Healthier
MONDAY, April 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Persons newly eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are not sicker than pre-ACA enrollees, according to research published online March 26 in Health Affairs.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Patients Select Fewer New Docs at Bottom of Tiered Ranking
MONDAY, April 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Patients are less likely to select a new physician ranked in the bottom of a tiered network, but often don't switch if their current physician is ranked at the bottom, according to research published online March 11 in Health Services Research.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Calorie Restriction Aids Aging in Primates; Contradicts Earlier Data
FRIDAY, April 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Calorie restriction (CR) may provide aging-related benefits, including a reduction in all-cause mortality, according to an animal study published online April 1 in Nature Communications.
Full Text
AMA Provides Resources to Aid Physicians' Collections
FRIDAY, April 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The American Medical Association (AMA) has released resources to help doctors confront policy jumpers who may pose a financial risk to physicians during the Affordable Care Act's 90-day premium grace period, according to an article published March 25 in Medical Economics.
More Information
Adenoma Detection Rate Linked to Interval Cancer Risk
FRIDAY, April 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The adenoma detection rate for screening colonoscopy performed by a physician is inversely associated with patient risk of subsequent colorectal cancer (interval cancer) and death, according to research published in the April 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Financial Burden of Breast Cancer Hits Minorities Harder
THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Racial and ethnic minority patients seem to be more vulnerable to breast cancer-related privations and financial decline, according to a study published online March 24 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Full-Field Digital Mammography Reduces Recall Rate
THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Compared with screen-film mammography (SFM), full-field digital mammography (FFDM) is associated with reduced recall and biopsy rates, according to research published online April 1 in Radiology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Study Examines Fertility Drug Effect on Breast Cancer Risk
THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Women with ever use of clomiphene have no increased breast cancer risk, although women undergoing multiple clomiphene cycles have an increased risk of invasive breast cancer, according to a study published online April 3 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Abstract
Full Text
Worse Cutaneous Melanoma Outcomes for Men Living Alone
THURSDAY, April 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Men living alone have more advanced cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) at diagnosis and have reduced CMM-specific survival, according to a study published online March 31 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Half of Uninsured Don't Intend to Sign Up for Health Coverage
WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- About 50 percent of uninsured adults do not intend to sign up for coverage through the Affordable Care Act's health care exchanges, according to an article published March 26 in Medical Economics.
More Information
Kaiser Family Foundation Poll
Excellent Long-Term Outcomes Seen Following Esophagectomy
WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Patients undergoing esophagectomy with gastric pull-up report excellent long-term nutritional status, quality of life, and satisfaction with eating, according to research published in the March issue of The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Seven+ Daily Portions of Fruit, Vegetables Cut Mortality
WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with reduced mortality, with benefits seen for consumption of seven or more portions per day, according to a study published online March 31 in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Tadalafil Not Helpful for ED in Prostate CA Post-Radiotherapy
WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Among men receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer, daily use of tadalafil is not more effective than placebo in preventing erectile dysfunction, according to research published in the April 2 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Individualized Risk Should Guide Mammography Screening
TUESDAY, April 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Better decision aids that incorporate individualized risk could improve breast cancer screening, according to a review published in the April 2 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Three DNA Methylation Markers ID Recurrence in Bladder Cancer
TUESDAY, April 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with noninvasive urothelial carcinoma, three DNA methylation markers are able to accurately predict tumor recurrence, according to a study published in the April 1 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
CMS: Medicare Beneficiaries Saved $3.9B on Meds in 2013
TUESDAY, April 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- In 2013, 4.3 million seniors and people with disabilities saved an estimated $3.9 billion on prescription drugs, an increase from the 2012 savings, according to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
More Information
Aspirin Benefit in Colon Cancer Varies With HLA I Antigen
TUESDAY, April 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Aspirin use after colon cancer diagnosis improves survival if tumors express human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen, according to a study published online March 31 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Next-Gen Sequencing May Soon Affect Breast Cancer Care
TUESDAY, April 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) could significantly impact breast cancer services in the near future, according to a review published online March 27 in the British Journal of Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text
