Oncology Business Management | Specialty

Pfizer Continues Transformation; Stakes Future on New Direction

May 24th 2010

Several months ago, Physicians' Financial News covered Pfizer Inc's aggressive move into the oncology market and the strategic and tactical refocus that accompanied its paradigm-changing shift in priorities. Since then, Pfizer has continued its profound efforts to reorganize in earnest pursuit of a larger berth in the cancer marketplace.

Financial Incentives for Quality in Breast Cancer Care

May 24th 2010

Many managed care and payer organizations use pay-for-performance programs as incentive to improve healthcare quality. While several studies have examined the effect of these programs on primary care, few studies have evaluated their impact on cancer care.

More Elderly Patients Up-to-Date on Colorectal Cancer Screening

May 24th 2010

Based on data from the National Health Interview Surveys of 2000-2005, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted a promising trend: nearly half of elderly individuals were up to date on the recommended number of screenings of colorectal cancer.

Cost of Care for Capecitabine vs 5-FU Regimens in Managed Care

May 24th 2010

Using a database of managed care claims, outcomes researchers at Huffman-La Roche Inc in Nutley, New Jersey, examined the total cost of care for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (N = 1459) who received 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based regimens or capecitabine-based chemotherapy regimens from 2004-2006.

Use of Pain Medications in Cancer Patients Surprisingly Low

May 24th 2010

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than half of patients undergoing radiation therapy to manage malignant tumors report experiencing significant pain. Despite this, relatively few use pain relief medication.

Cost-effectiveness of Imatinib in Treating Advanced GIST

May 24th 2010

Although imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) is the standard of care for patients with metastatic or unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), few studies have examined its cost-effectiveness in treating this disorder.

Disabled Women in Medicare Advantage Plans Get Breast Cancer Diagnosis Earlier

May 24th 2010

In addition to providing healthcare coverage for elderly individuals, CMS offers coverage for younger patients with chronic disabilities. Like all Medicare enrollees, these patients have the option to subscribe to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans Inadvertently Reduce Clinical Trial Enrollment

May 24th 2010

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute noted that the number of elderly patients with a new cancer diagnosis enrolled in oncology clinical trials has declined, and they think Medicare Advantage may be to blame.

Treating Metastatic Colorectal Cancer with Tegafur-Uracil Plus Leucovorin

May 24th 2010

Researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston have found that oral fluoropyrimidines can facilitate longer exposure to 5-fluorouracil and reduce inconvenience in treating metastatic colorectal cancer.

Promising New Regimen for Head and Neck Cancers

May 24th 2010

Clinicians from various centers across the nation collaborated in conducting a multicenter phase II trial that assessed the feasibility, toxicity,and possible efficacy of a short-term treatment regimen prior to surgery for squamous-cell head and neck carcinoma (SCHNC).

Everolimus Plus Octreotide LAR for Treating Advanced Low- to Intermediate-Grade Neuroendocrine Tumors

May 24th 2010

Researchers from the University of Texas, Houston,recently evaluated the use of everolimus (RAD001) combined with octreotide long-acting repeatable (LAR) to treat patients who have advanced low- to intermediate-grade neuroendocrine tumors.

Iron Plus Darbepoetin Increases Hemoglobin Levels Better and Faster Than Darbepoetin Alone

May 21st 2010

At the 33rd Congress of ESMO in Stockholm, Sweden, findings were presented from a recent study that found administration of intravenous (IV) iron intensified and accelerated cancer patients' response to darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp.

Irinotecan Plus Carboplatin Prolongs Survival in Patients with Extensive Small-Cell Lung Cancer

May 21st 2010

German researchers sought to confirm the results of a previous Japanese trial that found patients with extensive-disease small–cell lung cancer (ED SCLC) treated with irinotecan plus cisplatin lived longer than subjects given therapy with etoposide plus cisplatin.

Combination Therapy Shows Promise in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

May 21st 2010

Women with ovarian cancer have few nonplatinum-based chemotherapy options. At the 33rd ESMO Congress in September 2008, researchers reported findings from OVA-301, a phase III trial that compared efficacy and safety of trabectedin (Yondelis) in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) versus PLD monotherapy in women with relapsed ovarian cancer.

Treating Head and Neck Cancer with Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Plus Cetuximab

May 21st 2010

Previous studies have demonstrated that patients who have recurrent or metastatic squamous-cell head and neck cancer (SCHNC) that is resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy can be treated effectively with cetuximab. Belgian researchers hoped to discover whether cetuximab plus platinum-based chemotherapy would be an effective first-line treatment in patients with SCHNC.

Clinical Abstracts From Overseas: May 21, 2010

May 21st 2010

Trial for Anti-Lung Cancer Compound ASA404 Progresses to Phase III

May 21st 2010

A pivotal phase III study is currently underway to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Novartis' novel anti-cancer compound ASA404 in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the most prevalent cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States and globally.

Highlights of the Second Annual Conference of the International Liver Cancer Association

May 21st 2010

The International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) takes a multidisciplinary approach to furthering the understanding and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In September 2008, researchers from more than 40 countries attended the Second Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois to discuss the most recent findings on diagnosis and treatment.

Highlights from Two Key Symposiums

May 21st 2010

Reporting on ASCO's October 2008 Breast Cancer Symposium and the Second Annual Conference of the International Liver Cancer Association held in September, highlighting new research and emerging trends in patient care and treatments.

Beyond Genetics: Emerging Breakthroughs in the Breast Cancer Battle

May 21st 2010

Key findings from the 2008 ASCO Breast Cancer Conference focus on the latest multidisciplinary research as well as in-depth discussions on how and when to translate new findings into patient care. Highlighted presentations address the need for greater selectivity in choosing a therapy regimen for a specific patient with breast cancer. In particular, what efforts are underway to develop targeted treatments for triple-negative breast tumors?