Patricia Weiser, Pharm.D.

Ryoncil is the first mesenchymal stromal cell therapy to be approved in the United States.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as Opdivo (nivolumab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab), have been a huge advance in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. But it is open question whether they should be combined with traditional chemotherapy.

Researchers are exploring the topic of "time toxicity" — how much time patients spend receiving care. This study is the first to directly compare time spent in care between clinical trial participants and routine care patients receiving the same treatments.

John Levine, M.D., a graft-versus-host-disease expert at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, makes a case for biomarkers in a review article published in the American Journal of Hematology.

New research shows that Medicaid expansion was linked to a 2.1% increase in timely lung cancer surgeries and a 2.8% rise in procedures at high-volume hospitals, highlighting how policy changes can impact cancer care access.

A new study in England shows a strong link between higher rates of chest x-ray referrals in general practice patients with symptoms, such as persistent cough, and earlier lung cancer diagnoses, along with improved outcomes.

A new study validates NRG1 gene fusions as a targetable driver of advanced NRG1 fusion-positive cancers, adding support for Bizengri (zenocutuzumab) as a promising treatment option.

Researchers found that adherence to the first and second annual screenings was 61% and 51%, respectively, with higher lung cancer detection rates observed in those who followed through on these screenings.

The study authors say their findings argue for careful reading of CT scans done for other reasons that may reveal the presence of lung nodules.

The researchers found that factors favoring chemoimmunotherapy included higher socioeconomic status, being uninsured, a more recent diagnosis and prior glucocorticoid/steroid use.

Study shows that Libtayo plus chemotherapy has lower cost and a larger effect on improving quality-adjusted life years than Keytruda plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Study results show that genetic sensitivity to stress was linked to a 49% higher risk of lung cancer in people of European ancestry, and a 45% higher risk in a broader group.

Native Americans face the longest travel times, even after accounting for distances in rural areas, according to results of a recently published cross-sectional study. Lowering transportation barriers could increase screening and early detection.

But many existing models fall short of adhering to established best practices for economic evaluation, the review authors found. Another challenge: Existing models may not be well-suited for evaluating personalized treatments.

By narrowing their research to overweight and obese individuals, Roswell Park researchers found that metformin might offer benefits that previous trials overlooked.

Patients and their caregivers might benefit from being aware of the stigma to advocate for compassionate, optimal care.

Patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, even those with brain metastases, experienced improved longer-term clinical outcomes while on the Opdivo/Yervoy combination compared with those patients receiving chemotherapy alone.

In a new study of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, researchers found that patients who were more physically fit had better outcomes.

CT scans of the lungs can pick up early-stage lung cancers, but across the nation, less then 20% of those who are eligible are screened.

Obesity is an important modifiable risk factor for developing cancer, second only to tobacco use. Obesity is traditionally defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater, while a BMI of 25 up to 30 kg/m2 is considered overweight.

A recent study highlights a concerning association between missed follow-up appointments and an increased risk of death in people diagnosed with stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

The results of an international study highlight the significant impact of the Arexvy vaccine in fostering robust immune responses.

According to the new recommendations, ACIP recommends that adults ages 75 years and older receive a single dose of RSV vaccine. It is a single-dose-per lifetime recommendation, so those who have already received a dose of RSV vaccine in the past are not recommended to receive an additional dose.

The objective of the study was to project the life-years (LYs) and quality-adjusted LYs for patients eligible for Vitrakvi compared to those receiving a checkpoint inhibitor, Opdivo (nivolumab) or Keytruda (pembrolizumab).

Time can be especially precious for people with advanced cancer. Researchers and clinicians are beginning to consider “time toxicity” as another aspect of treatment that burdens patients and their loved ones.

Researchers from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City have developed a more comprehensive, multifaceted digital tool for lung cancer screening that integrates into EHR as well as patient portals. Their paper was published in JAMA Network Open in June 2024.