FDA Allows Marketing of Tissue Containment System for Use in Power Morcellation
April 8th 2016While continuing to warn against use of laparoscopic power morcellators for the removal of uterus or uterine fibroids in most women, the FDA is allowing the marketing of a containment system for use with certain power morcellators to isolate tissue not suspected to be cancerous.
Can Billing This Way Be Right?
March 30th 2016I recently spoke with someone who works for a hospital-based oncology clinic in another state. I am alarmed about the way the practice is structured. There the patient is never treated on the day they see the doctor. That means the patient must make at least two trips for every treatment. But I am told by others that this is standard.
Toxicities May Affect Readiness of Hypofractionation in Prostate Cancer
March 26th 2016The phase III HYPRO study failed to prove the non-inferiority of using hypofractionated radiotherapy compared with fractionated radiotherapy for late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity in men with intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
March 15th 2016Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common treatment-related side effect of several widely used drugs. Agents known to cause CIPN include platinum analogs, antitubulins, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and some of the newer biologics.
Breast MRI Overused in Low-Risk Patients, Underused in High-Risk Patients
March 15th 2016Clear guidelines about the utilization of MRI in breast cancer detection and management are needed, as the modality is being overused in women for whom it offers few benefits (and potential harms), and underused when it might be appropriate.