Clinical

An imaging agent that can eliminate the unknown and help instill confidence in a surgeon’s ability to successfully remove all cancerous tissue is being evaluated by surgical oncologists at Duke University.

How well postmenopausal patients tolerate tamoxifen and anastrozole for one type of breast cancer varies with age.

Women over 65 years of age with early-stage, fast-spreading breast cancer had better chances of surviving if they endured treatment therapy, according to a new study.

This week in managed care top stories included the news that patients suing states for access to hepatitis C medication, a study that found 91% of patients who survive an opioid overdose get another prescription, and Martin Shkreli's arrest continues to affect the pharmaceutical world.

Neglecting patient and caregiver preferences hamstrings the development of medical technologies and engaging these stakeholders is vital, said John Bridges, PhD, associate professor of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Despite Congressional directives for 30 years to diversify clinical research, the number of studies that include minorities and the diversity of scientists being funded have not improved.

During the last month of 2015, The American Journal of Managed Care asked readers to choose what they thought was the top healthcare story from the year. Options included overall themes from the year and specific events.

An update on where the field of biosimilars currently stands.

What we're reading, January 1, 2016: key healthcare legal battles in 2016; study looks at the safety and outcomes of giving birth outside of the hospital; and a tool helps providers better understand the costs they incur.

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that ease of preparation prior to the screening test is an important determinant of colonoscopy uptake.

New data does not support the idea that aspirin has protective qualities and “down-the-road” benefits for breast cancer patients. It may, however, help reduce breast density and improve earlier detection of some breast cancers.

What we're reading, December 31, 2015: small innovations from doctors and insurers can make a big difference in cutting healthcare costs; WellCare is transitioning its pharmacy benefit management to CVS Health; and US health officials remind Americans to get the flu shot.

Most hematologic oncologists have end-of-life discussions with patients with blood cancers too late, according to a new study.