Skylar Jeremias

Switching patients from reference pegfilgrastim to a biosimilar could lead to substantial cost savings, with potential to offset the cost of and allow for greater access to chemotherapy treatment, investigators concluded.

Investigators examined the current bodies of evidence surrounding the emergence of next-generation gene sequencing, and the challenges that come with it, for identifying oncogenic drivers of early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Investigators found that biomarkers for neurodegeneration and inflammation could also aid providers in detecting declines in cognition and information processing speed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) over a 5-year period.

Use of a smartphone-based application was found to improve medication adherence and some clinical outcomes in patients managing multiple comorbidities using polypharmacy, researchers concluded.

A 2020 trends report from Artemetrx showed how biosimilar competition has contributed to lower average sales prices and claim percentages for originator products, suggesting that biosimilars are making a difference despite slow uptake.

The single-leg heel test was able to differentiate between weaker and stronger limbs in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in healthy controls, suggesting that the test could prove useful for identifying impaired muscle performance.

Fear of negative emotions, lack of interest, and distrust of medical institutions were some of the reasons that participants refused to receive information regarding medically actionable secondary genetic findings, even after they received additional education on what the findings would include.

Genomic sequencing was found to be an effective way to identify and evaluate the risk of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants detected in pediatric patients with a range of cancer types.

In one of the first studies to examine real-world evidence on rituximab biosimilars in the United States, investigators found that many providers treating patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are regularly prescribing a biosimilar rituximab.

The Association of Community Cancer Centers’ (ACCC’s) annual survey on immuno-oncology (IO) therapies highlighted major concerns among health care providers regarding financial impacts, education, and access to clinical trial data.

Investigators of a 3-year observational study identified independent risk factors for exacerbations related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and successfully developed a novel risk score for COPD exacerbations.

Peer support nursing intervention produced significant benefits in lung function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), highlighting the importance that nurses can play in improving disease management.

A retrospective analysis found that lung function and weakened gas exchange have a minimal effect on sleep quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggesting that psychological mechanisms may play a larger role.

A case series found that skin-stretching external fixation devices coupled with negative pressure wound therapy was effective in treating large skin defects, suggesting that this method may be a cost-effective and safe alternative to more risky traditional methods.

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure were adherent to an e-health self-management intervention but were often not responsive when advised to call medical personnel because of concerning symptoms.

A patient with a diabetic foot wound who underwent negative pressure wound therapy experienced good healing, reduced amputation risk, and no wound infection, suggesting the treatment method could be effective in other patients with similar wounds.

Two oncologists dive into the reasons behind physician hesitancy and unwillingness to prescribe biosimilars to patients with cancer and make suggestions on how to increase confidence in these agents.

Investigators detected potential predictors reducing a patients’ ability to receive an early diagnosis for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including poorer lung function, lower education levels, and residing in a rural area.

Amgen has received a letter from the FDA cautioning it against making misleading claims in advertising about its pegfilgrastim injector.

Adding a pedometer to pulmonary rehabilitation did not improve long-term physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggesting pedometers are not an effective strategy to boost physical activity, according to a recent study.

The price of reference products reduced each time a new biosimilar was added to a drug program’s reimbursement list, supporting the notion that reimbursing biosimilars creates more competition and lowers drug costs, according to a Polish study.

Different ulcer wound treatments were analyzed in elderly patients with multiple medical conditions, revealing that a multidisciplinary approach may be needed to ensure efficacy.

A meta-analysis of published literature confirmed that N-aceteylcysteine, a cough medication, was effective at improving symptoms and lung function of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Examination of surgical wound fluids revealed several peptides and proteins that could be useful in identifying biomarkers for wound healing and infection, potentially allowing providers to better diagnose and treat infections.

A lack of consensus for the term “immunocompromised” suggests that studies demonstrating the effectiveness of infection prevention in surgical patients at a high risk of wound infection may have limited relevancy.

An algorithm influenced by cough sound recognition and symptom reporting conducted using a smartphone was found to be effective at diagnosing patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Despite positive data showing that negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can help accelerate wound healing for neck and head wounds, investigators of a review found that the presence of certain comorbidities may slow healing times.

Topical and intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) were found to significantly reduce blood loss compared with placebo in patients who have undergone bone surgery, suggesting that both administration methods may be effective at promoting wound healing.

A recent study examined the prevalence and characteristics of 3 atypical pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infections in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), as well as evaluated optimal detection methods.

Recent reports document new COVID-19 guidance for people with psoriatic disease, positive safety and efficacy results for guselkumab, and findings linking the C-Jun protein with psoriasis.