Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Hematology & Oncology for August 2018. 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.
Medical Bills in Collections Decrease With Patient Age
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical collections decrease substantially with age, possibly because of increased health insurance coverage and incomes, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
14.6 Percent of U.S. Adults Used Marijuana in Past Year
FRIDAY, Aug. 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 14.6 percent of U.S. adults report marijuana use in the past year, according to a research letter published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Oral High-Risk HPV Prevalence Appears to Be Low in England
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of oral high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in adult men and women is low in England, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in BMJ Open.
Radn Tx Alone May Be Adequate for Stage I Anal Cancer in Elderly
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older patients with stage I squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, radiation alone is associated with outcomes that do not differ significantly from those of chemoradiation, according to research published in the July issue of Diseases of the Colon & Rectum.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
No Meaningful Increase in Physician Compensation Last Year
THURSDAY, Aug. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There was no meaningful increase in physician compensation in 2017, and a decline in productivity was noted, according to the results of a survey conducted by AMGA Consulting.
Press Release
Survey (subscription or payment may be required)
Emicizumab Prophylaxis Cuts Bleeding in Hemophilia A
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hemophilia A without factor VIII inhibitors, emicizumab prophylaxis leads to a significantly reduced bleeding rate, according to a study published in the Aug. 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
High-Quality Diet Linked to Lower Mortality in Cancer Survivors
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For cancer survivors, a high-quality diet is associated with a reduced risk of overall and cancer-specific mortality, according to a study recently published in JNCI: Cancer Spectrum.
Marketplace Premiums Increase More With Monopolist Insurers
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Affordable Care Act Marketplace premiums increase more in areas with monopolist insurers, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Wording Used May Affect Thyroid Cancer Patients’ Anxiety, Choices
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The terminology used to describe small papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) may affect patients’ anxiety levels and treatment choices, according to a study published online Aug. 23 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Medical Practices Should Address Negative Online Reviews
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical practice staff can effectively handle negative online reviews by staying calm and positive, looking for solutions, apologizing, and thanking the reviewers, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Poor Shared Decision-Making for Lung Cancer Screening
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The quality of shared decision-making (SDM) about the initiation of lung cancer screening (LCS) is poor, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Invited Commentary (subscription or payment may be required)
Artificial Intelligence Holds Promise in Medicine
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence (AI) in health care offers opportunities for early detection and triage, diagnostics and personalized medicine, and medical decision-making, according to an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive.
Alcohol Is Leading Risk Factor for Global Disease Burden
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Globally, alcohol use is a leading risk factor for disease burden, according to research published online Aug. 23 in The Lancet.
Experts Address Loss of the National Guideline Clearinghouse
TUESDAY, Aug. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The demise of the National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) in July 2018 is likely to impact evidence-based health care around the world, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use 4.5 Percent in U.S. Adults
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among U.S. adults is 4.5 percent, with higher prevalence among those aged 18 to 24 years, according to a study published online Aug. 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Computer-Aided Colonoscopy Reliably Identifies Small Polyps
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Computer-aided colonoscopy can reliably diagnose small polyps that do not need to be removed, according to a study published online Aug. 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Most Research Participants Not Concerned About Data Sharing
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few participants in clinical trials have strong concerns about the risks of data sharing, according to a special article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Experiencing Parental Cancer As Child Has Lasting Impact
MONDAY, Aug. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals who experience parental cancer as children or adolescents have a higher risk of low educational attainment and attenuated income at age 30 years, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
AMA Adopts Policy Promoting Health Equity As a Goal
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a policy that sets health equity as a goal for the U.S. health care system, according to a report published in the organization’s AMA Wire.
Education RE: Herd Immunity Can Up Readiness to Be Vaccinated
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Educating adults about herd immunity can increase the proportion willing to be vaccinated for influenza, according to a study recently published in Vaccine.
TNFi Not Linked to Increased Cancer Recurrence in RA Patients
FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) is not associated with increased risk for cancer recurrence, according to a study published online Aug. 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Time to Stop Cancer Screenings: What Do Patients Want to Hear?
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Older adults prefer explanations about stopping cancer screening that emphasize the shift to focus on other health issues, according to a research letter published in the August issue of JAMA Oncology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Most Surgical Residents Want Financial Education
THURSDAY, Aug. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Surgical residents feel strongly that personal financial education should be offered during medical training, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Small Practices Also at Risk for Data Breaches
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Data breaches can happen to small medical practices, but staff can take steps to prevent them, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Nivolumab + Ipilimumab Shows Efficacy for Untreated Brain Mets
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with melanoma and untreated brain metastases, nivolumab combined with ipilimumab shows clinically meaningful efficacy, according to a study published in the Aug. 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Strategy Outlined for Shooter Incident in Health Care Facility
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adhering to a “secure, preserve, fight” strategy is recommended for health care professionals working with a vulnerable patient population, according to a Medicine and Society piece published in the Aug. 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
National Provider Identifiers Are Vulnerable to Theft
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) are vulnerable to identity theft, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Advantages for HDHP Enrollees in Large Versus Small Firms
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Workers in small firms are more likely to have higher deductible levels and lack employer contributions to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses compared to workers in larger firms, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Catch-Up HPV Doses Effective to Age 21 Against Cervical Neoplasia
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Catch-up doses of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are effective for girls and women aged 14 to 20 years at the time of first dose, according to a study published online Aug. 7 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Similar Outcomes for Rural, Urban Cancer Patients in SWOG Trials
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Rural and urban cancer patients with uniform care access through participation in a SWOG (formerly the Southwest Oncology Group) treatment trial have similar outcomes, according to a study published online Aug. 17 in JAMA Network Open.
Doctors Often Not Discussing Risk Factors With Patients
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients report that doctors are routinely not discussing known risk factors for common causes of death, according to a survey conducted by ImagineMD.
USPSTF Updates Guidance for Cervical Cancer Screening
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has updated the recommendations for screening for cervical cancer; the final recommendation statement has been published in the Aug. 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Recommendation Statement
Evidence Report
Modeling Study
Editorial 1
Editorial 2
Pennsylvania Case Could Affect Evidence for Malpractice Defense
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could affect what evidence physicians may present in defense during medical malpractice suits, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Hypnosis Doesn’t Cut Post-Op Pain in Breast Cancer Surgery
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Hypnosis before general anesthesia does not reduce postoperative breast pain among patients undergoing minor breast cancer surgery, according to a study published online Aug. 17 in JAMA Network Open.
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Most Cost-Effective for Uterine CA
TUESDAY, Aug. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sentinel lymph node mapping has the lowest costs and highest quality-adjusted survival compared to both routine and selective lymphadenectomy for managing low-risk endometrial carcinoma, according to a study published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Experts Offer Tips for Provider Appeal of Denied Medical Claims
MONDAY, Aug.20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Knowing payer policies and regulatory requirements is critical to appealing denials, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
NYU Becomes First Medical School to Cover All Tuition
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The NYU School of Medicine has announced that it is offering full-tuition scholarships to all current and future students in its M.D. degree program, regardless of need or merit.
Declines in Life Expectancy in Many High-Income Countries
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Life expectancy has declined in recent years in some high-income countries, and in the United States, midlife mortality has increased due to several causes, according to two studies published online Aug. 15 in The BMJ.
Abstract/Full Text – Ho and Hendi
Abstract/Full Text – Woolf
Editorial
Tobacco Content Still Common on U.K. Prime-Time Television
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Audiovisual tobacco content remains common in prime-time U.K. television programs and is virtually unchanged from 2010, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Tobacco Control.
Lumpectomy + Radiation May Cut Breast Cancer Mortality in DCIS
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Treatment with lumpectomy and radiotherapy is associated with a reduction in breast cancer mortality versus lumpectomy or mastectomy alone among patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), according to a study published online Aug. 10 in JAMA Network Open.
Heat-Driven Air Conditioning May Contribute to Additional Deaths
MONDAY, Aug. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In what can be described as a vicious catch-22, approximately 5 to 9 percent of exacerbated air-pollution-related deaths will be due to increases in power sector emissions from the extra air conditioning use resulting from climate change, according to a study published online July 3 in PLOS Medicine.
Comments Open on End of NIH Review for Gene Therapy Studies
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments. Instead, the panel will assume an advisory role, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will assess gene therapy experiments and products as it does with other treatments and drugs. The proposed change will take effect after a public comment period which runs through Oct. 16.
AP News Article
NIH Statement
Comment on Regulations
Residents’ Sleep Deteriorates During Training
FRIDAY, Aug. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — First-year residents experience worsening sleep duration and quality as well as daytime sleepiness, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Practice Names, Logos Should Be Carefully Designed
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practice names and logos should be carefully designed to emphasize what is unique about a practice, according to a blog post published in Physicians Practice.
NIH Panel Will No Longer Review Gene Therapy Experiments
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A U.S. National Institutes of Health oversight panel will no longer review all applications for gene therapy experiments, according to a perspective piece published online Aug. 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text
NIH Statement
Steps Provided for Discharging Patient From Practice
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Certain steps should be taken when discharging a patient for failure or inability to meet financial obligations, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Patient Portals Don’t Appear to Have Much Traction
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patient portals have not taken off as expected, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
ACA Coverage Gains Include Workers Without Insurance
THURSDAY, Aug. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After the expanded coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were implemented in 2014, self-employed individuals and wage earners without employer-sponsored health coverage offers had coverage gains equal to or greater than those of people not employed, according to a report published in the August issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Ancient Gene Protects Elephants From Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An ancient gene that protects elephants against cancer has been pinpointed and could lead to new ways to treat cancer in people, according to research published in the Aug. 14 issue of Cell Reports.
The New York Times Article
Abstract/Full Text
Talazoparib Beneficial in Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Single-agent talazoparib provides significant benefit over standard chemotherapy for patients with advanced breast cancer and germline BRCA1/2 mutation, according to a study published online Aug. 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
HPV Legislation Doesn’t Impact Teen Sexual Behaviors
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of state legislation relating to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is not associated with changes in adolescent sexual behaviors, according to a study published online Aug. 13 in Pediatrics.
Marijuana May Improve Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC), quality of life may improve with marijuana use, according to a study published online Aug. 2 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Broad Genetic Testing for NSCLC May Not Improve Survival
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Broad-based genomic sequencing does not improve survival compared to routine genetic testing among patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a study published in the Aug. 7 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)
Most Postmenopausal Bleeding Not Associated With Cancer
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) will not be diagnosed with endometrial cancer, according to a review published online Aug. 6 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Completing Sepsis Bundle Within an Hour Cuts Pediatric Mortality
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Completion of a one-hour sepsis bundle within one hour cuts mortality in pediatric patients, according to a study published in the July 24/31 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)
6 Factors Related to Inclusion in Health Care Workplace ID’d
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are six broad factors that can affect inclusion within health care organizations, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in JAMA Network Open.
Physicians With Medicine/Psych Training Can Help Complex Cases
TUESDAY, Aug. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians boarded in both medicine and psychiatry can offer a way to address some of the challenges associated with caring for medical patients with psychiatric comorbidities, according to an article published in Psychiatric Times.
Four Pros to Integrating EHR, Practice Management Software
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consolidating electronic health records and practice management software allows practices to save time and money, make fewer mistakes, and reduce the risk of privacy breaches, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Jury Awards $289 Million in Case Linking Roundup to Man’s Cancer
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A $289 million award against Monsanto in a case linking its Roundup week killer to terminal cancer in a former school groundskeeper may lead to similar judgments against the company, according to the man’s lawyers.
FDA Warns Against Long-Term Azithromycin Use for Some
MONDAY, Aug. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning patients with cancers of the blood or lymph nodes who undergo a donor stem cell transplant not to take azithromycin, as long-term use of the antibiotic has been associated with increased risk of cancer relapse.
More Information
MedWatch Reporting
Will Lunar and Planet Dust Be Health Concerns of the Future?
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Dust could pose a health hazard if astronauts start spending extended periods of time on the Moon, Mars, or other airless planets, according to a study published recently in GeoHealth.
Abstract/Full Text
More Information
Dermatologist Intervention Tied to Better Sun Protection
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A brief intervention delivered by dermatologists is associated with improvements in patients’ sun protection behavior as well as their satisfaction with dermatologists’ communication, according to a study published online Aug. 8 in JAMA Dermatology.
AMA Adopts Policy on Augmented Intelligence
FRIDAY, Aug. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a policy on augmented intelligence, according to a report published in the association’s AMA Wire.
AMA Adopts Policy to Advance Gender Equity in Medicine
THURSDAY, Aug. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted a new policy to study, act for, and advocate to advance gender equity in medicine, according to a report published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Cyber Insurance Recommended for All Physician Practices
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The growing threat of hacking is increasing the number of physicians buying cyber insurance, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
FDA Approves Poteligeo for Rare Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Poteligeo (mogamulizumab) injection has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with two rare types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Unsheltered Homeless Have High Mortality Rates
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Mortality rates for unsheltered homeless adults are higher than those for the general adult population and sheltered homeless adults, according to a study published online July 30 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Elevated Late Mortality Persists After Blood or Marrow Transplant
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals who underwent allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) in childhood have elevated risk of late mortality 25 years or more after transplantation, according to a study published online July 26 in JAMA Oncology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Steps Taken to Increase Use of Electronic Tools in Medicine
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Additional codes have been approved by the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel for chronic care remote physiologic monitoring and internet consultations, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
AMA Proposes Policy Opposing Medicaid ‘Lockout’ Provisions
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new policy opposing lockout provisions that block Medicaid patients from the program for lengthy periods and instead supporting allowing patients to reapply immediately for redetermination was adopted by the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates during the AMA’s annual meeting in Chicago, according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Overtreatment of Thyroid Cancers Seems Common
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overtreatment of thyroid cancers is common, according to a perspective article published in the July 25 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Excess Zinc in Muscles May Drive Cancer-Related Wasting
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — ZRT- and IRT-like protein 14 (ZIP14) upregulation in skeletal muscles may play a role in cancer-related muscle loss, according to a study published online June 6 in Nature Medicine.
Abstract/ Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
AMA Calls for Greater Electronic Cigarette Regulation
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted several policies to improve the regulation of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Factors Examined for End-of-Life Spending Levels in Cancer Care
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Geographic variation in end-of-life spending can be explained by availability of services and physicians’ beliefs, but not patients’ beliefs, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disparities Remain in Prevalence of Cancer Screening Tests
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are persistent disparities in recommended cancer screening tests among U.S. adults, particularly among the uninsured, according to a study published online July 26 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
Death Records Estimate 1,139 Deaths Due to Hurricane Maria
TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Based on death records following Hurricane Maria, the hurricane-related mortality burden of excess deaths through December 2017 is estimated to be 1,139, higher than the official death toll of 64, according to a research letter published online Aug. 2 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Combined Digital Screening Best for Detecting Breast Cancers
MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The combination of digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) detects 90 percent more breast cancers than digital mammography alone, according to a study published in the August issue of Radiology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Biomarker Panel May Improve Lung Cancer Risk Assessment
MONDAY, Aug. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Biomarker-based risk profiling has the potential to improve lung cancer risk assessment, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Oncology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Some Bacteria Now More Tolerant of Alcohol-Based Sanitizers
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Some types of bacteria are developing tolerance of alcohol-based hand sanitizers used in hospitals, according to a study published in the Aug. 1 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Skin Appears to Be Key Pathway for Absorption of BBQ Fumes
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Dermal absorption is a more important pathway than inhalation for the intake of low-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during barbecuing, according to a study published recently in Environmental Science & Technology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Variation in Specialty Drug Coverage Across Health Plans
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in specialty drug coverage across commercial health plans, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
ASCO Endorses SIO Guideline for Integrative Tx in Breast Cancer
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has endorsed the Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) guideline on the use of integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment, according to a special article published online June 11 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Groups Urge CMS to Reconsider Suspending Risk Adjustment
FRIDAY, Aug. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a letter sent to Administrator Seema Verma of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), medical organizations are urging reconsideration of the decision to suspend payments to insurers as required under the Affordable Care Act’s risk-adjustment program.
Health Affairs Announces Launch of New Three-Year Initiative
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A council on health care spending and value has been established by the journal Health Affairs.
Three Financial Metrics Can Improve Practice Performance
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — By understanding three indices and metrics, physicians can change the financial outcome of their medical practice, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
NIH Releases Large-Scale Dataset of CT Images
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — To help improve detection accuracy of lesions, the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s Clinical Center has made available a large-scale dataset of 32,000 annotated lesions identified on computed tomography (CT) images.
E-Cigarettes Don’t Seem to Aid Smoking Cessation Efforts
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is most common among current smokers, according to a study published online July 20 in JAMA Network Open.
New Short-Term Health Plans Have Large Coverage Gaps
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are large coverage gaps in short-term health plans that were approved Wednesday by the Trump administration, and are described by critics as “junk insurance.”
TGFB1 Mutation Ups Radiation-Induced Breast Fibrosis Risk
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The C-509T allele in the promoter region of transforming growth factor β (TGFB1) is associated with radiation-induced breast fibrosis risk among patients with early-stage breast cancer, according to study published online July 19 in JAMA Oncology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
How Doctors Receive Feedback Is Key for Antimicrobial Programs
THURSDAY, Aug. 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anticipation of how providers will receive feedback is important for antimicrobial stewardship programs to consider in informing educational messaging, according to a study published online June 7 in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
National Guideline Clearinghouse Offline Due to Funding Cuts
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) and National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC) websites were taken down on July 16 when funding for these federal databases ended, according to an announcement by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Steps Can Be Taken by Doctors to Minimize Risk of Lawsuits
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Targeted steps can be taken to minimize future risks of lawsuits, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
Nurse Navigators Can Help to Improve Oncology Care
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nurse navigators are playing an important role in oncology care at the Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, N.Y., according to a report published in Managed Healthcare Executive.
Copyright © 2018 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
