Web Exclusives

Addressing the significant physical and psychosocial needs of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 crisis remains a top priority for healthcare providers. In this discussion, moderated by Elizabeth Franklin, PhD, MSW, a panel of specialists explore efforts underway to advocate for patients who are coping with stress, anxiety, and various economic burdens. Read More ›

On May 1, 2020, the FDA approved a new formulation of daratumumab (Darzalex; Janssen Biotech) and hyaluronidase-fihj (Faspro; Janssen Biotech) for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed or with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This new formulation allows for the subcutaneous administration of daratumumab as an alternative to its intravenous (IV) administration. The new formulation is approved for the indications previously approved for IV daratumumab. Read More ›

On April 28, 2020, the FDA accelerated the approval of a new dosing regimen—400 mg every 6 weeks—for pembrolizumab (Keytruda; Merck) for all the 15 indications currently approved by the FDA for adults using this PD-1 inhibitor. The new dosing regimen is a new option in addition to the current dosing regimen of 200 mg every 3 weeks. This is great news for patients, as well as for oncology providers. Read More ›

On April 29, 2020, the FDA accelerated the approval of the oral poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor niraparib (Zejula; GlaxoSmithKline) as the first and only drug approved for first-line maintenance therapy of all patients with advanced ovarian cancer—including epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer—who have had a complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Read More ›

COVID-19 is testing the medical community in unprecedented ways, and every specialty is grappling with its own issues and complications. How do you continue to deliver the highest standard of care to the greatest number of patients while preserving the health of providers? Read More ›

Mitomycin gel (Jelmyto), an alkylating drug, is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for patients with low-grade upper-tract urothelial cancer (UTUC), a rare cancer that affects the lining of the urinary system, and offers a nonsurgical treatment alternative for patients with this rare disease. Although the majority of urothelial cancers occur in the bladder, UTUC is part of a group of urothelial cancers that arise in the lining of the kidney or the ureter. Read More ›

AmerisourceBergen, a global healthcare solutions leader, recognizes that the impending economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic may have a significant impact on patient access to critical and life-saving therapies (click here for infographic). Over the past 2 weeks, there were 8.7 million new claims for unemployment insurance benefits across the United States due to layoffs and reduced work hours resulting from the economic impact of the coronavirus. Read More ›

When it comes to purchasing medical practice management software, information technology experts recommend certain features, including comprehensive appointment scheduling with automated appointment reminders, an online patient portal with secure messaging, and the ability to integrate with a practice’s electronic health record system. Read More ›

Although many individuals with cancer are offered access to patient portals, only two-thirds take advantage of this service when it is offered. Recent data showed that individuals with newly diagnosed cancer viewed their own electronic health record more frequently than cancer survivors or individuals who did not have cancer. Additional studies are warranted to determine which factors influence patient portal use so that effective interventions can be developed to increase the use of this valuable technology. Read More ›

In this exclusive interview, Melissa Paige, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Paige Consulting, LLC, Charlottesville, VA, and Infusion/Oncology Patient Access Principal Coordinator at a large academic center, shares her experience in helping patients with cancer obtain access to oral and infused therapies. Read More ›