All Oncology News

The OncLive® News page includes the latest in clinical oncology news, including breaking regulatory decisions, clinical trial findings, pivotal and practice-changing data published in academic peer-reviewed journals, and more across solid and hematologic malignancies. Regulatory news includes new drug approvals by the FDA and European Union, priority review and breakthrough therapy designations, and orphan drug and fast track statuses.

Novel Imaging Identifies Changes in Osteosarcoma Earlier in Treatment

December 23rd 2013

A novel imaging technology was able to determine four days after treatment that experimental therapies for sarcoma were fighting the cancer in xenograft models

Failed Studies Provide Clues in Renal Cell Carcinoma

December 23rd 2013

The mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus has limited utility in combination with frontline bevacizumab and as a second-line single agent for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

First-Year Savings of an Oncology Accountable Care Organization

December 23rd 2013

The first oncology-specific accountable care organization (ACO) reported more than a 2% savings in its first year of existence.

FDA Reauthorizes Sale of Ponatinib

December 20th 2013

The FDA has approved revised US Prescribing Information (USPI) and a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Iclusig® (ponatinib).

Specific Gene Alterations Explain Survival Disparities in HNSCC

December 20th 2013

Alterations in specific genes involved in the formation of tissues and organs during embryonic development could be responsible for survival disparities seen between African-American and non-Latino white men with head and neck cancer.

Fine Print of Budget Deal Doesn't Bode Well for SGR Overhaul

December 19th 2013

The tiny "raise" touted in the latest temporary fix to Medicare's Sustainable Growth Rate, which was wrapped inside the bipartisan budget deal headed to President Obama's desk, is anything but good news for oncologists.

Updated Results Confirm Aldoxorubicin Superiority in STS

December 19th 2013

Aldoxorubicin demonstrated significant benefit to progression-free survival (PFS) compared with doxorubicin in patients with first-line, metastatic, locally advanced or unresectable soft tissue sarcomas

Hyponatremia Associated With Poor Prognosis in mRCC

December 19th 2013

Hyponatremia is significantly associated with worse outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) who received treatment with VEGF- and mTOR-targeted agents

Lymphoseek Pursues Approval in Head and Neck Cancer

December 18th 2013

The FDA has granted a Fast Track designation to Lymphoseek (technetium Tc99m tilmanocept) as a radioactive diagnostic imaging agent for sentinel lymph node detection in patients with head and neck cancer.

Deadline for Second Stage of Meaningful Use Objectives Extended Through 2016

December 18th 2013

In a recent blog post and echoed on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) web site, Robert Tagalicod, director of the CMS Office of E-Health Standards and Services and acting National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Jacob Reider, MD, announced that the deadline for stage 2 of the meaningful use program would be extended through 2016.

New Reimbursement Model Proposes a Combination of Case Management and Care Coordination in Oncology

December 18th 2013

The current American health care payment system that is tied to high-cost procedures, including cancer care, demonstrates the system's shortfalls and inefficiencies.

Novel Oral Mucositis Treatment Explored in Head and Neck Cancer

December 18th 2013

Following a fast track designation from the FDA earlier this year, a phase II clinical trial is being initiated to evaluate SGX942 as a treatment for oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

How Do Medicare Beneficiaries With Cancer Fare in ACOs?

December 16th 2013

The use of accountable care organizations (ACOs) among the Medicare population is growing in use. How well beneficiaries with high-risk, high cost conditions such as cancer, will fare under an ACO have not been determined, but a new study from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice suggests the possibility of significant reduction in Medicare spending.

Oncologist Survey Suggests Traditional Drugstores Lack Expertise With Specialty Medications

December 13th 2013

Oncologists and other specialists who prescribe specialty medications are highly satisfied with their specialty pharmacy, but that satisfaction doesn't translate to some traditional drugstores.

CMS Physician Fee Schedule Delays Capping Radiation Oncology Reimbursements

December 12th 2013

Some radiation oncologists may breathe a little easier for now because the CMS has decided not to cap certain freestanding radiation oncology reimbursements in its Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.

Tips to Keep Medical Practices Solvent

December 9th 2013

Medical practices are getting squeezed from all sides and are finding it difficult to stay financially solvent.

Wake Forest Baptist More Than Doubles Cancer Center Size, Adds More Providers

December 9th 2013

To respond to the growing demand in cancer services that the existing cancer center was experiencing, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is expanding its comprehensive cancer center to help patients cope with the daunting challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

CMS Issues Final Physician Payment Rates

December 3rd 2013

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized physician payment rates and policies for 2014.

Drug Revenues Expected to Continue Falling in 2014

December 2nd 2013

After a period of relative stability from 1991 to 2004, oncology practices can expect a continued drop in drug revenue in 2014, according to findings of the National Practice Benchmark (NBP) issued by Oncology Metrics.

Radiology Group Issues Updated Cancer Scan Standards

November 27th 2013

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has issued new and updated evidence-based guidelines to assist oncologists when ordering exams and ensure that patients get the correct scan or therapy for the right indication.