Conference Recap

The clinical takeaways in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition include the relative merits of advanced therapies, efficacy of novel therapies, and infection risk for patients with chronic ITP. 

Dr Howard Liebman, of the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, opens with a database analysis of patients with primary ITP who were first-time users of advanced therapies, such as rituximab and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. The analysis found that despite their relative merits, all the drugs carried a significant risk for adverse events. 

Next, he reports on a study examining whether newly diagnosed patients or patients with chronic ITP had better results from the use of avatrombopag, a TPO receptor agonist. Reassuringly, there were no differences in outcomes. 

Dr Liebman then discusses the updated results of an ongoing study of rilzabrutinib, a Bruton kinase inhibitor. This analysis showed that the drug achieved rapid, stable, and durable platelet responses. 

He next turns to a Danish registry study on infection in patients with chronic ITP, which revealed an ongoing, cumulative risk for infection over 10 years. 

Finally, Dr Liebman reports on a study that showed women who develop ITP during pregnancy require more interventions than do women with chronic ITP who become pregnant, and many develop chronic disease after delivery.

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Howard A. Liebman, MD, Professor of Medicine and Pathology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Hematology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 

Howard A. Liebman, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a consultant for: Novartis; Sanofi; Sobi 

Received research grant from: Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Sanofi 

The clinical takeaways in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition include the relative merits of advanced therapies, efficacy of novel therapies, and infection risk for patients with chronic ITP. 

Dr Howard Liebman, of the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, opens with a database analysis of patients with primary ITP who were first-time users of advanced therapies, such as rituximab and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. The analysis found that despite their relative merits, all the drugs carried a significant risk for adverse events. 

Next, he reports on a study examining whether newly diagnosed patients or patients with chronic ITP had better results from the use of avatrombopag, a TPO receptor agonist. Reassuringly, there were no differences in outcomes. 

Dr Liebman then discusses the updated results of an ongoing study of rilzabrutinib, a Bruton kinase inhibitor. This analysis showed that the drug achieved rapid, stable, and durable platelet responses. 

He next turns to a Danish registry study on infection in patients with chronic ITP, which revealed an ongoing, cumulative risk for infection over 10 years. 

Finally, Dr Liebman reports on a study that showed women who develop ITP during pregnancy require more interventions than do women with chronic ITP who become pregnant, and many develop chronic disease after delivery.

--

Howard A. Liebman, MD, Professor of Medicine and Pathology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Hematology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 

Howard A. Liebman, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a consultant for: Novartis; Sanofi; Sobi 

Received research grant from: Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Sanofi 

The clinical takeaways in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition include the relative merits of advanced therapies, efficacy of novel therapies, and infection risk for patients with chronic ITP. 

Dr Howard Liebman, of the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California, opens with a database analysis of patients with primary ITP who were first-time users of advanced therapies, such as rituximab and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. The analysis found that despite their relative merits, all the drugs carried a significant risk for adverse events. 

Next, he reports on a study examining whether newly diagnosed patients or patients with chronic ITP had better results from the use of avatrombopag, a TPO receptor agonist. Reassuringly, there were no differences in outcomes. 

Dr Liebman then discusses the updated results of an ongoing study of rilzabrutinib, a Bruton kinase inhibitor. This analysis showed that the drug achieved rapid, stable, and durable platelet responses. 

He next turns to a Danish registry study on infection in patients with chronic ITP, which revealed an ongoing, cumulative risk for infection over 10 years. 

Finally, Dr Liebman reports on a study that showed women who develop ITP during pregnancy require more interventions than do women with chronic ITP who become pregnant, and many develop chronic disease after delivery.

--

Howard A. Liebman, MD, Professor of Medicine and Pathology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Hematology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 

Howard A. Liebman, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships: 

Serve(d) as a consultant for: Novartis; Sanofi; Sobi 

Received research grant from: Janssen Pharmaceuticals; Sanofi 

Highlights in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition that are particularly relevant to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients are reported by Dr Nicholas Burwick of Puget Sound VA Health Care System. 

Dr Burwick begins with a large VHA study examining racial disparities in DLBCL outcomes among veterans. Importantly, overall survival was not significantly different across racial groups.  

He next covers two studies in the DLBCL frontline setting. The first examines the efficacy of standard-dose R-CHOP; reduced-intensity R-CHOP; and an anthracycline alternative regimen among older patients. Standard-dose R-CHOP yielded superior results in patients aged 70- to 79-years but not for those older than 80 years, a group that merits further study. 

The second frontline study focused on the chemotherapy-free regimen mosunetuzumab plus the antibody-drug conjugate polatuzumab vedotin (pola) in patients who are older and unfit for chemotherapy. The combination showed good preliminary efficacy. 

Turning to relapsed/refractory patients, Dr Burwick discusses a real-world study examining response rates to tafasitamab in White vs Black/African American patients and non-Hispanic vs Hispanic patients. Differences between the two groups proved minimal. 

Finally, he discusses a study of the bispecific antibody glofitamab and pola in heavily pretreated patients that showed promising results in this population. 

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Nicholas R. Burwick, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington; Staff Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, Seattle, Washington  

Nicholas R. Burwick, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships 

Highlights in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition that are particularly relevant to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients are reported by Dr Nicholas Burwick of Puget Sound VA Health Care System. 

Dr Burwick begins with a large VHA study examining racial disparities in DLBCL outcomes among veterans. Importantly, overall survival was not significantly different across racial groups.  

He next covers two studies in the DLBCL frontline setting. The first examines the efficacy of standard-dose R-CHOP; reduced-intensity R-CHOP; and an anthracycline alternative regimen among older patients. Standard-dose R-CHOP yielded superior results in patients aged 70- to 79-years but not for those older than 80 years, a group that merits further study. 

The second frontline study focused on the chemotherapy-free regimen mosunetuzumab plus the antibody-drug conjugate polatuzumab vedotin (pola) in patients who are older and unfit for chemotherapy. The combination showed good preliminary efficacy. 

Turning to relapsed/refractory patients, Dr Burwick discusses a real-world study examining response rates to tafasitamab in White vs Black/African American patients and non-Hispanic vs Hispanic patients. Differences between the two groups proved minimal. 

Finally, he discusses a study of the bispecific antibody glofitamab and pola in heavily pretreated patients that showed promising results in this population. 

--

Nicholas R. Burwick, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington; Staff Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, Seattle, Washington  

Nicholas R. Burwick, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships 

Highlights in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition that are particularly relevant to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients are reported by Dr Nicholas Burwick of Puget Sound VA Health Care System. 

Dr Burwick begins with a large VHA study examining racial disparities in DLBCL outcomes among veterans. Importantly, overall survival was not significantly different across racial groups.  

He next covers two studies in the DLBCL frontline setting. The first examines the efficacy of standard-dose R-CHOP; reduced-intensity R-CHOP; and an anthracycline alternative regimen among older patients. Standard-dose R-CHOP yielded superior results in patients aged 70- to 79-years but not for those older than 80 years, a group that merits further study. 

The second frontline study focused on the chemotherapy-free regimen mosunetuzumab plus the antibody-drug conjugate polatuzumab vedotin (pola) in patients who are older and unfit for chemotherapy. The combination showed good preliminary efficacy. 

Turning to relapsed/refractory patients, Dr Burwick discusses a real-world study examining response rates to tafasitamab in White vs Black/African American patients and non-Hispanic vs Hispanic patients. Differences between the two groups proved minimal. 

Finally, he discusses a study of the bispecific antibody glofitamab and pola in heavily pretreated patients that showed promising results in this population. 

--

Nicholas R. Burwick, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington; Staff Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, Seattle, Washington  

Nicholas R. Burwick, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships 

High-impact presentations on chronic kidney disease from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2023 meeting are discussed by Dr Matthew Weir from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

He starts with the results of the PROTECT and DUPLEX trials, in which sparsentan was compared with irbesartan in immunoglobulin A nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, respectively. In both studies, sparsentan resulted in greater reduction in albuminuria compared with irbesartan but with no significant differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

He also talks about the AYAME study of bardoxolone methyl in diabetic kidney disease, which was intended to examine the percentage of patients reaching a 30% reduction in GFR or end-stage renal disease. Bardoxolone slowed the reduction in the GFR but showed no benefit in reducing end-stage renal disease.

Next, Dr Weir reports the results from the ALCHEMIST trial on spironolactone in patients with chronic hemodialysis, which showed a reduction in hospitalization rates for heart failure in the spironolactone group but no improvement in mortality.

Finally, he discusses two studies looking at combining newer therapies on a background of traditional ones that suggest a potential for reducing albuminuria.

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Matthew R. Weir, MD, Professor and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland; Professor and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland

Matthew R. Weir, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AstraZeneca; Bayer; NovoNordisk; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Johnson & Johnson; CSL Vifor

High-impact presentations on chronic kidney disease from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2023 meeting are discussed by Dr Matthew Weir from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

He starts with the results of the PROTECT and DUPLEX trials, in which sparsentan was compared with irbesartan in immunoglobulin A nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, respectively. In both studies, sparsentan resulted in greater reduction in albuminuria compared with irbesartan but with no significant differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

He also talks about the AYAME study of bardoxolone methyl in diabetic kidney disease, which was intended to examine the percentage of patients reaching a 30% reduction in GFR or end-stage renal disease. Bardoxolone slowed the reduction in the GFR but showed no benefit in reducing end-stage renal disease.

Next, Dr Weir reports the results from the ALCHEMIST trial on spironolactone in patients with chronic hemodialysis, which showed a reduction in hospitalization rates for heart failure in the spironolactone group but no improvement in mortality.

Finally, he discusses two studies looking at combining newer therapies on a background of traditional ones that suggest a potential for reducing albuminuria.

--

Matthew R. Weir, MD, Professor and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland; Professor and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland

Matthew R. Weir, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AstraZeneca; Bayer; NovoNordisk; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Johnson & Johnson; CSL Vifor

High-impact presentations on chronic kidney disease from the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2023 meeting are discussed by Dr Matthew Weir from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore.

He starts with the results of the PROTECT and DUPLEX trials, in which sparsentan was compared with irbesartan in immunoglobulin A nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, respectively. In both studies, sparsentan resulted in greater reduction in albuminuria compared with irbesartan but with no significant differences in estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

He also talks about the AYAME study of bardoxolone methyl in diabetic kidney disease, which was intended to examine the percentage of patients reaching a 30% reduction in GFR or end-stage renal disease. Bardoxolone slowed the reduction in the GFR but showed no benefit in reducing end-stage renal disease.

Next, Dr Weir reports the results from the ALCHEMIST trial on spironolactone in patients with chronic hemodialysis, which showed a reduction in hospitalization rates for heart failure in the spironolactone group but no improvement in mortality.

Finally, he discusses two studies looking at combining newer therapies on a background of traditional ones that suggest a potential for reducing albuminuria.

--

Matthew R. Weir, MD, Professor and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland; Professor and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland

Matthew R. Weir, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: AstraZeneca; Bayer; NovoNordisk; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Johnson & Johnson; CSL Vifor

Developments in early breast cancer reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2023 Congress are discussed by Dr Lisa Carey of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 

Dr Carey begins with 5-year results from the KEYNOTE-522 study in patients with early triple-negative breast cancer in which the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab was incorporated into combination therapy both pre- and postoperatively. The new findings were consistent with earlier results, showing that pembrolizumab improved pathologic complete response (pCR) and event-free survival. 

Turning to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive (HER2+) disease, Dr Carey discusses the PHERGain trial's use of a genomic assay to define risk and predict pCR. She suggests that such assays could lead to tailored therapy for HER2+ patients. 

On estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2- disease, Dr Carey reports first on KEYNOTE-756, which examined the addition of pembrolizumab to combination therapy for high-risk patients in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Pembrolizumab improved pCR compared with placebo. 

Dr Carey closes by discussing another study in high-risk ER+/HER2- disease. Similar in design to KEYNOTE-756, CheckMate 7FL found that nivolumab added to combination therapy again augmented pCR results. 

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Lisa A. Carey, MD, Distinguished Professor or Breast Cancer Research, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, Bassnight North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, North Carolina  

Lisa A. Carey, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Developments in early breast cancer reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2023 Congress are discussed by Dr Lisa Carey of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 

Dr Carey begins with 5-year results from the KEYNOTE-522 study in patients with early triple-negative breast cancer in which the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab was incorporated into combination therapy both pre- and postoperatively. The new findings were consistent with earlier results, showing that pembrolizumab improved pathologic complete response (pCR) and event-free survival. 

Turning to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive (HER2+) disease, Dr Carey discusses the PHERGain trial's use of a genomic assay to define risk and predict pCR. She suggests that such assays could lead to tailored therapy for HER2+ patients. 

On estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2- disease, Dr Carey reports first on KEYNOTE-756, which examined the addition of pembrolizumab to combination therapy for high-risk patients in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Pembrolizumab improved pCR compared with placebo. 

Dr Carey closes by discussing another study in high-risk ER+/HER2- disease. Similar in design to KEYNOTE-756, CheckMate 7FL found that nivolumab added to combination therapy again augmented pCR results. 

--

Lisa A. Carey, MD, Distinguished Professor or Breast Cancer Research, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, Bassnight North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, North Carolina  

Lisa A. Carey, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Developments in early breast cancer reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2023 Congress are discussed by Dr Lisa Carey of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 

Dr Carey begins with 5-year results from the KEYNOTE-522 study in patients with early triple-negative breast cancer in which the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab was incorporated into combination therapy both pre- and postoperatively. The new findings were consistent with earlier results, showing that pembrolizumab improved pathologic complete response (pCR) and event-free survival. 

Turning to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive (HER2+) disease, Dr Carey discusses the PHERGain trial's use of a genomic assay to define risk and predict pCR. She suggests that such assays could lead to tailored therapy for HER2+ patients. 

On estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2- disease, Dr Carey reports first on KEYNOTE-756, which examined the addition of pembrolizumab to combination therapy for high-risk patients in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Pembrolizumab improved pCR compared with placebo. 

Dr Carey closes by discussing another study in high-risk ER+/HER2- disease. Similar in design to KEYNOTE-756, CheckMate 7FL found that nivolumab added to combination therapy again augmented pCR results. 

--

Lisa A. Carey, MD, Distinguished Professor or Breast Cancer Research, University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; Professor, Division of Medical Oncology, Bassnight North Carolina Cancer Hospital, Chapel Hill, North Carolina  

Lisa A. Carey, MD, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Developments in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) were reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2023 Congress and are discussed by Dr Ann Partridge of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

To begin, Dr Partridge highlights a late-breaking abstract showing that use of the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) datopotamab deruxtecan in hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2-) MBC results in improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with chemotherapy. 

Next, Dr Partridge turns to two studies on another ADC, trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), in MBC. The first study showed positive PFS and overall survival results among patients with either estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2-low or triple-negative/HER2-low breast cancer. The second T-DXd study examined the ADC's impact on brain metastases in patients with HER2+ disease and reported favorable results. 

She then highlights promising phase 2 results for a novel agent called OP-1250, or palazestrant, studied in patients with ER+/HER2- MBC. 

Finally, Dr Partridge points to a study of a supportive-care program called MOATT, designed for patients on oral MBC therapy, which aims to improve home management. Compared with local standard of care, patients in the program show higher rates of persistence in therapy management and, importantly, concomitant improvements in PFS. 

--

Ann H. Partridge, MD, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Vice Chair of Clinical Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 

Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. 

Developments in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) were reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2023 Congress and are discussed by Dr Ann Partridge of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

To begin, Dr Partridge highlights a late-breaking abstract showing that use of the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) datopotamab deruxtecan in hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2-) MBC results in improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with chemotherapy. 

Next, Dr Partridge turns to two studies on another ADC, trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), in MBC. The first study showed positive PFS and overall survival results among patients with either estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2-low or triple-negative/HER2-low breast cancer. The second T-DXd study examined the ADC's impact on brain metastases in patients with HER2+ disease and reported favorable results. 

She then highlights promising phase 2 results for a novel agent called OP-1250, or palazestrant, studied in patients with ER+/HER2- MBC. 

Finally, Dr Partridge points to a study of a supportive-care program called MOATT, designed for patients on oral MBC therapy, which aims to improve home management. Compared with local standard of care, patients in the program show higher rates of persistence in therapy management and, importantly, concomitant improvements in PFS. 

--

Ann H. Partridge, MD, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Vice Chair of Clinical Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 

Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. 

Developments in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) were reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2023 Congress and are discussed by Dr Ann Partridge of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

To begin, Dr Partridge highlights a late-breaking abstract showing that use of the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) datopotamab deruxtecan in hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative (HER2-) MBC results in improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with chemotherapy. 

Next, Dr Partridge turns to two studies on another ADC, trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), in MBC. The first study showed positive PFS and overall survival results among patients with either estrogen receptor–positive (ER+)/HER2-low or triple-negative/HER2-low breast cancer. The second T-DXd study examined the ADC's impact on brain metastases in patients with HER2+ disease and reported favorable results. 

She then highlights promising phase 2 results for a novel agent called OP-1250, or palazestrant, studied in patients with ER+/HER2- MBC. 

Finally, Dr Partridge points to a study of a supportive-care program called MOATT, designed for patients on oral MBC therapy, which aims to improve home management. Compared with local standard of care, patients in the program show higher rates of persistence in therapy management and, importantly, concomitant improvements in PFS. 

--

Ann H. Partridge, MD, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Vice Chair of Clinical Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 

Ann H. Partridge, MD, MPH, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. 

Key data on lung cancer presented at the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) 2023 meeting focused on eligibility for lung cancer screening, nonadherence to follow-up scans, and race-neutral interpretations of pulmonary function tests in preparation for lobectomy, as reported by Dr Lynn Tanoue of the Yale School of Medicine. Dr Tanoue discusses a study of 1 million people screened for lung cancer using low-dose CT imaging. The study found that 38% of those who did not meet the 2013 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) criteria for screening would now be eligible under the updated 2021 USPTF recommendations.  

The study also showed a lack of adherence to follow-up screening, indicating that only 22% of screened persons returned after 1 year for a subsequent scan. Nonadherence was more common in Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals without insurance. Dr Tanoue highlights the importance of adherence for return screening, noting that two thirds of cancers detected in the National Lung Screening Trial were diagnosed after the initial scan. 

Dr Tanoue also reviews a study examining the implications of adopting a race-neutral interpretation of pulmonary function tests for patients being considered for thoracic surgery. The study looked at data for 3,000 patients who underwent lobectomy at MD Anderson Cancer Center over 20 years and found that 85% were White individuals. Of importance, no difference was found between race-neutral or race-specific models in the association of lung function with risk for pulmonary complications. 

--

Lynn T. Tanoue, MD, FCCP, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 

Lynn T. Tanoue, MD, FCCP, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. 

Key data on lung cancer presented at the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) 2023 meeting focused on eligibility for lung cancer screening, nonadherence to follow-up scans, and race-neutral interpretations of pulmonary function tests in preparation for lobectomy, as reported by Dr Lynn Tanoue of the Yale School of Medicine. Dr Tanoue discusses a study of 1 million people screened for lung cancer using low-dose CT imaging. The study found that 38% of those who did not meet the 2013 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) criteria for screening would now be eligible under the updated 2021 USPTF recommendations.  

The study also showed a lack of adherence to follow-up screening, indicating that only 22% of screened persons returned after 1 year for a subsequent scan. Nonadherence was more common in Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals without insurance. Dr Tanoue highlights the importance of adherence for return screening, noting that two thirds of cancers detected in the National Lung Screening Trial were diagnosed after the initial scan. 

Dr Tanoue also reviews a study examining the implications of adopting a race-neutral interpretation of pulmonary function tests for patients being considered for thoracic surgery. The study looked at data for 3,000 patients who underwent lobectomy at MD Anderson Cancer Center over 20 years and found that 85% were White individuals. Of importance, no difference was found between race-neutral or race-specific models in the association of lung function with risk for pulmonary complications. 

--

Lynn T. Tanoue, MD, FCCP, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 

Lynn T. Tanoue, MD, FCCP, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. 

Key data on lung cancer presented at the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) 2023 meeting focused on eligibility for lung cancer screening, nonadherence to follow-up scans, and race-neutral interpretations of pulmonary function tests in preparation for lobectomy, as reported by Dr Lynn Tanoue of the Yale School of Medicine. Dr Tanoue discusses a study of 1 million people screened for lung cancer using low-dose CT imaging. The study found that 38% of those who did not meet the 2013 United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) criteria for screening would now be eligible under the updated 2021 USPTF recommendations.  

The study also showed a lack of adherence to follow-up screening, indicating that only 22% of screened persons returned after 1 year for a subsequent scan. Nonadherence was more common in Black individuals, Hispanic individuals, and individuals without insurance. Dr Tanoue highlights the importance of adherence for return screening, noting that two thirds of cancers detected in the National Lung Screening Trial were diagnosed after the initial scan. 

Dr Tanoue also reviews a study examining the implications of adopting a race-neutral interpretation of pulmonary function tests for patients being considered for thoracic surgery. The study looked at data for 3,000 patients who underwent lobectomy at MD Anderson Cancer Center over 20 years and found that 85% were White individuals. Of importance, no difference was found between race-neutral or race-specific models in the association of lung function with risk for pulmonary complications. 

--

Lynn T. Tanoue, MD, FCCP, Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 

Lynn T. Tanoue, MD, FCCP, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. 

Key abstracts on multiple sclerosis treatment from the 2023 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis–Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS) meeting are reported by Dr Ellen Mowry of Johns Hopkins University.

Dr Mowry begins with a convenient alternative method of drug administration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The phase 3 OCARINA II randomized trial showed promising results in safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ocrelizumab vs traditional longer intravenous infusion. Ocrelizumab is pending US Food and Drug Administration approval.

Next, Dr Mowry highlights two studies that examined known increased risks associated with anti-CD20 therapies. Dr Mowry discusses the importance of continued research into monitoring immunoglobin levels to determine dose escalation or extended interval dosing in patients with MS.

She then discusses the NEXT MS trial that looked at personalized dosing of natalizumab. The interim data indicate a dosing schedule that aims to maintain blood levels of the drug above a certain threshold appears as effective in controlling disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) as the approved 4-week dosing schedule.

Finally, Dr Mowry discusses a phase 2 randomized trial of the gold nanoparticle CNM-Au8, which has been used to treat other autoimmune diseases, to determine its potential benefits in RRMS.

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Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland

Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Serve(d) as a consultant for: BeCareLink, LLC

Received research grant from: Biogen; Genentech

Received royalties from: UpToDate

Key abstracts on multiple sclerosis treatment from the 2023 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis–Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS) meeting are reported by Dr Ellen Mowry of Johns Hopkins University.

Dr Mowry begins with a convenient alternative method of drug administration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The phase 3 OCARINA II randomized trial showed promising results in safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ocrelizumab vs traditional longer intravenous infusion. Ocrelizumab is pending US Food and Drug Administration approval.

Next, Dr Mowry highlights two studies that examined known increased risks associated with anti-CD20 therapies. Dr Mowry discusses the importance of continued research into monitoring immunoglobin levels to determine dose escalation or extended interval dosing in patients with MS.

She then discusses the NEXT MS trial that looked at personalized dosing of natalizumab. The interim data indicate a dosing schedule that aims to maintain blood levels of the drug above a certain threshold appears as effective in controlling disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) as the approved 4-week dosing schedule.

Finally, Dr Mowry discusses a phase 2 randomized trial of the gold nanoparticle CNM-Au8, which has been used to treat other autoimmune diseases, to determine its potential benefits in RRMS.

--

Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland

Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Serve(d) as a consultant for: BeCareLink, LLC

Received research grant from: Biogen; Genentech

Received royalties from: UpToDate

Key abstracts on multiple sclerosis treatment from the 2023 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis–Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS) meeting are reported by Dr Ellen Mowry of Johns Hopkins University.

Dr Mowry begins with a convenient alternative method of drug administration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The phase 3 OCARINA II randomized trial showed promising results in safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ocrelizumab vs traditional longer intravenous infusion. Ocrelizumab is pending US Food and Drug Administration approval.

Next, Dr Mowry highlights two studies that examined known increased risks associated with anti-CD20 therapies. Dr Mowry discusses the importance of continued research into monitoring immunoglobin levels to determine dose escalation or extended interval dosing in patients with MS.

She then discusses the NEXT MS trial that looked at personalized dosing of natalizumab. The interim data indicate a dosing schedule that aims to maintain blood levels of the drug above a certain threshold appears as effective in controlling disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) as the approved 4-week dosing schedule.

Finally, Dr Mowry discusses a phase 2 randomized trial of the gold nanoparticle CNM-Au8, which has been used to treat other autoimmune diseases, to determine its potential benefits in RRMS.

--

Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland

Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:

Serve(d) as a consultant for: BeCareLink, LLC

Received research grant from: Biogen; Genentech

Received royalties from: UpToDate

Sirisha Manyam, DO, shares highlights at the AVAHO 2023 conference, including the keynote address by Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD, and a presentation on the Close to Me program that services veterans residing in rural areas.  

Dr Manyam found Dr Elnahal's address particularly compelling, with its emphasis on not only developing but also retaining an oncologic workforce formidable in its evidence-based approach and determined in its commitment to meet the current and coming challenges of veterans' healthcare.  

Sirisha Manyam, DO, shares highlights at the AVAHO 2023 conference, including the keynote address by Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD, and a presentation on the Close to Me program that services veterans residing in rural areas.  

Dr Manyam found Dr Elnahal's address particularly compelling, with its emphasis on not only developing but also retaining an oncologic workforce formidable in its evidence-based approach and determined in its commitment to meet the current and coming challenges of veterans' healthcare.  

Sirisha Manyam, DO, shares highlights at the AVAHO 2023 conference, including the keynote address by Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, MD, and a presentation on the Close to Me program that services veterans residing in rural areas.  

Dr Manyam found Dr Elnahal's address particularly compelling, with its emphasis on not only developing but also retaining an oncologic workforce formidable in its evidence-based approach and determined in its commitment to meet the current and coming challenges of veterans' healthcare.  

Soo Park, MD, reflects on the experience of attending the AVAHO 2023 conference and highlights several key takeaways. Dr Park emphasizes the progressive nature of the VA healthcare system, its impact on elevating cancer care for veterans, and the importance of teleoncology in reaching all veterans across the United States.

Dr Park details various presentations, such as the keynote address from Dr Shereef Elnahal, under secretary for health in the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Dr Michael Kelley's discussion on the significance of clinical pathways for standardized care. Dr Park also highlights learnings from the conference, such as the VA's leadership in research efforts, particularly in prostate and lung cancer.

Soo Park, MD, reflects on the experience of attending the AVAHO 2023 conference and highlights several key takeaways. Dr Park emphasizes the progressive nature of the VA healthcare system, its impact on elevating cancer care for veterans, and the importance of teleoncology in reaching all veterans across the United States.

Dr Park details various presentations, such as the keynote address from Dr Shereef Elnahal, under secretary for health in the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Dr Michael Kelley's discussion on the significance of clinical pathways for standardized care. Dr Park also highlights learnings from the conference, such as the VA's leadership in research efforts, particularly in prostate and lung cancer.

Soo Park, MD, reflects on the experience of attending the AVAHO 2023 conference and highlights several key takeaways. Dr Park emphasizes the progressive nature of the VA healthcare system, its impact on elevating cancer care for veterans, and the importance of teleoncology in reaching all veterans across the United States.

Dr Park details various presentations, such as the keynote address from Dr Shereef Elnahal, under secretary for health in the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and Dr Michael Kelley's discussion on the significance of clinical pathways for standardized care. Dr Park also highlights learnings from the conference, such as the VA's leadership in research efforts, particularly in prostate and lung cancer.

Timothy O'Brien, MD, highlights several key updates from AVAHO 2023 in the areas of toxin-exposure assessment, cancer screening programs, and the expansion of cancer care delivery to remote areas. 

Dr O'Brien shares notable examples from these areas like the PACT Act for veterans, successful lung cancer screening programs, the availability of new tests that measure minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma, and initiatives like the Close to Me  infusion program to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. 

Timothy O'Brien, MD, highlights several key updates from AVAHO 2023 in the areas of toxin-exposure assessment, cancer screening programs, and the expansion of cancer care delivery to remote areas. 

Dr O'Brien shares notable examples from these areas like the PACT Act for veterans, successful lung cancer screening programs, the availability of new tests that measure minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma, and initiatives like the Close to Me  infusion program to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. 

Timothy O'Brien, MD, highlights several key updates from AVAHO 2023 in the areas of toxin-exposure assessment, cancer screening programs, and the expansion of cancer care delivery to remote areas. 

Dr O'Brien shares notable examples from these areas like the PACT Act for veterans, successful lung cancer screening programs, the availability of new tests that measure minimal residual disease in patients with multiple myeloma, and initiatives like the Close to Me  infusion program to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas.