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 in 2023, where she produces content covering multiple disease states.

She has a BA in journalism from Seton Hall University. You can connect with Brooke on 

Articles

COVID-19 vaccination before infection lowered long COVID risk in adolescents, highlighting vaccines as an effective prevention strategy.

COVID-19 Vaccination Linked to Lower Risk of Long COVID in Adolescents

Sabrina McCrear is an assistant editor for 

 (AJMC®), which she joined in 2025. She produces written and video content across a range of disease areas and manages social media platforms for 

Sabrina holds a B.A. in Journalism with a minor in Biology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. You can connect with her on 

Breast cancer is the most researched disease globally, yet there are still significant gaps in equity and access to care and treatments. 

Breast Cancer Dominating Oncology Research, Access Disparities: Gen Li, PhD

Consistent across age, sex, and race, BMI closely mirrored body fat–based obesity in nearly all US youth with BMI-defined obesity (BDO).

Nearly All US Youth With BMI-Defined Obesity Have Excess Adiposity

Guideline-directed medical therapy used with remote monitoring can potentially reduce hospitalization in patients with heart failure with ejection fraction. 

Remote Monitoring May Improve Heart Failure Outcomes: Anitha Vijayan, MD

The American Journal of Managed Care provides insights into the latest news and research in managed care across multimedia platforms.

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Age and insurance status were associated with disproportionate access to antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) treatment among patients with metastatic 

 from Komodo Health, a health care intelligence company, and the Tigerlily Foundation, a national breast cancer advocacy organization.

The incidence of metastatic breast cancer cases reported in the US increased from 5.8 per 100,000 women in 2001 to 7.9 per 100,000 women in 2021.

 Furthermore, from 2021 to 2023, ADC treatment rates increased 3.7-fold. During this same period, the median time to treatment also decreased from 331 to 109 days. However, demographic data showed that older women had disproportionately lower rates of treatment (2557 per 100,000) and the longest delays (median, 242 days).

Contrary to historical cancer care patterns, Black women saw higher rates of treatment when compared with those of White and Asian women, which researchers likely attribute to the higher prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer.

The analysis, powered by Komodo’s Health Care Map, included a refined subset of 17,005 patients from an initial cohort of 431,276 patients. Treatment rates adjusted by insurance coverage saw a significant difference in commercially insured patients, second to that of Medicaid beneficiaries. Medicare beneficiaries had the lowest rate of treatment.

“While we've overcome some racial barriers, which I think is extremely positive, I think that this is an example of where we can target older patients a little bit better,” said Tabby Khan, MD, senior director of analytics at Komodo Health, in an interview with 

“We have to continue to counsel these patients and also providers on why this may be a really good option for women in that age group.”

Komodo Health layered its platform Marmot on top of its health care map, which has data of over 330 million patients, to quantify disparities on a vast scale.

“I think this was a great example of using this AI platform to really blend all of those things, and in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” Khan said.

Listen above or on one of these podcast services:

1. Freckelton E. Komodo health analysis uncovers dual reality in metastatic breast cancer care: rapid targeted cancer therapy adoption amid glaring age-related disparities. Komodo Health. October 20, 2025. Accessed October 29, 2025. 

https://www.komodohealth.com/press/dual-reality-metastatic-breast-cancer-care-rapid-targeted-cancer-therapy-adoption-amid-glaring-age-related-disparities/

2. Metastatic female breast cancer incidence. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 12, 2024. Accessed October 29, 2025. 

https://www.cdc.gov/united-states-cancer-statistics/publications/metastatic-breast-cancer.html.

3. Komodo Health; Tigerlily Foundation. ADC treatment patterns in metastatic breast cancer: research brief. New York, NY: Komodo Health; 2025. Accessed October 25, 2025. 

https://knowledge.komodohealth.com/hubfs/2025/PDFs/Komodo_And_Tigerlily_ADC_Treatment_Patterns_In_Metastatic_Breast_Cancer.pdf

A new analysis from Komodo Health pinpointed significant disparities by age and insurance in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) treatment rates for metastatic breast cancer. 

Age-Related Disparities in ADC Treatment Rates in Breast Cancer: Tabby Khan, MD

Studies focused on applying deep-learning artificial intelligence (AI) models to mammography screenings have shown promising results in improving radiologist reading times and reducing false negatives 

 spoke with Robert Nishikawa, PhD, a professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Pittsburgh, in light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Nishikawa’s career and research focus on breast imaging technology, development, implementation, and assessment.

Nishikawa discussed the practical implications and evolution of AI models used in mammography screenings to aid radiologists’ readings and advance 

 screenings for patients.

Recent developments in deep-learning AI models applied to mammography screening improved double-radiologist readings in the Netherlands while detecting a significant number of malignancies. However, when forced to match the high specificity of double-radiologist readings, its sensitivity was far less.



Contrary to European practices of double-radiologist readings, the US only requires a single reader with the assistance of computer-aided detection.

Whereas European studies supplement the second radiologist’s readings with deep-learning AI models, practical application is not as feasible for studies in the US, Nishikawa said. However, when used, it allowed radiologists to read screenings faster at a higher sensitivity and specificity, he said.

To further develop the accuracy of deep-learning AI models, Nishikawa suggested using them in clinical settings to gauge their effectiveness in the US. As the AI models cannot replace single-radiologist readings, Nishikawa emphasized it’s up to the radiologist to decide whether they want to use it or not. Within that, he explained that radiologists must maintain a certain level of trust when interacting with AI, as current algorithms are “very accurate.”

Clinical applications of AI models may also optimize survivorship care, as screenings are one of the primary points in follow-up care. In cases where there is a low likelihood of malignancy, AI can be used to expedite such cases, thus relieving radiologists’ workload so they can focus on more complex cases.

1. McCrear S. AI-assisted mammogram readings reduce radiologist workload and maintain performance. 

. August 20, 2025. Accessed October 22, 2025. 

https://www.ajmc.com/view/ai-assisted-mammogram-readings-reduce-radiologist-workload-maintain-performance

2. Taylor-Phillips S, Stinton C. Double reading in breast cancer screening: considerations for policy-making. 

. 2020;93(1106):20190610. doi:10.1259/bjr.20190610

3. McCrear S, Adriana Olivo N. The future of survivorship care: precision tools for women after breast cancer. 

. September 10, 2025. Accessed October 22, 2025. 

https://www.ajmc.com/view/the-future-of-survivorship-care-precision-tools-for-women-after-breast-cancer

4. Screening for breast cancer. CDC. September 16, 2024. Accessed October 22, 2025. 

https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html

AI-powered mammography is enhancing breast cancer screening and early detection through cutting-edge radiology insights.

The Evolution of AI Models in Mammography With Robert Nishikawa, PhD

 speaks with Reuben Daniel, associate vice president of artificial intelligence at 

. Committed to building safe, reliable, and value-driven artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enhance health care delivery and the member experience, UPMC Health Plan's approach to AI is grounded in strong governance, balancing innovation with critical ethical concerns.

In our conversation, we'll dive into how UPMC Health Plan builds trust with providers and members, discuss challenges of 

, and hear about concrete examples of AI's positive impact. We'll also look ahead to promising developments Reuben anticipates in health care AI over the next 5 years.

UPMC

In this conversation with Reuben Daniel, associate vice president of artificial intelligence at UPMC Health Plan, we dive into how UPMC Health Plan builds trust with providers and members, discuss challenges of scaling AI effectively, and hear about concrete examples of AI's positive impact. 

AI in Health Care: Balancing Governance, Innovation, and Trust

 speaks with Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, president of Better Health Worldwide, Inc, and author of a study published in the August 2025 issue.

, "The Impact of Health Benefit Design on Patients With Infertility," examined how benefit design influences 

 treatment use and pregnancy outcomes. The study found that 

 for infertility treatment was associated with significantly higher use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) medications, more ART procedures performed, and improved pregnancy outcomes.

In this conversation, Brook explores the current state of infertility care in the US, the inspiration behind his study, its key findings, and next steps to 

In this episode, Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, discusses his study showing that infertility treatment coverage increases assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and improves pregnancy outcomes.

Infertility Coverage Boosts ART Use and Pregnancy Success: Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA

Precision medicine has long shaped cancer care by tailoring treatment to the molecular profile of a patient’s tumor. But Sadie Dobrozsi, MD, medical director for genetic testing and oncology imaging at Evolent, says predictive genomics goes deeper, integrating a patient’s genetic makeup, family history, environment, and overall health to guide both risk reduction and treatment decisions.

Dobrozsi explains how predictive genomics 

 individuals with inherited mutations, such as 

, that increase cancer risk. This enables personalized risk-reduction strategies, ranging from enhanced screening, like breast MRI, to preventive surgery. While payer coverage for germline testing and screening has improved, coverage for more invasive interventions still varies.

Predictive genomics also shapes treatment planning, not only identifying which therapies may work but also who might avoid unnecessary toxicity. Genomic signatures in tumors can determine the need for chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer or guide the use of targeted agents like PARP inhibitors in 

An emerging area, pharmacogenomics, may further refine treatment by revealing how individuals metabolize drugs, helping avoid ineffective dosing or severe adverse effects. However, Dobrozsi explains the field faces barriers, including data overload, ancestry bias in genetic databases, and inconsistent insurance reimbursement, especially for newer tools like circulating tumor DNA tests.

Evolent plays a key role by aligning clinical evidence with payer policy. Dobrozsi says her team evaluates test quality and relevance, helping health plans streamline access to the most clinically meaningful diagnostics.

As predictive genomics evolves, the goal is clear: “right-sizing” cancer therapy for each individual, using evidence to improve outcomes while minimizing harm.

Sadie Dobrozsi, MD, of Evolent, discusses how predictive genomics is pushing cancer care into a new era of personalization

Navigating Risk, Treatment, and Reimbursement in Precision Oncology: Sadie Dobrozsi, MD 

A recent national analysis commissioned by the Path Forward coalition reveals promising but disparate progress in expanding access to the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM). Anna Bobb, MPH, executive director of the Path Forward coalition, which unites health care stakeholders around actionable solutions to expand equitable access to 

 care, discusses how the proven, team-based approach that integrates mental health screening, treatment, and psychiatric consultation directly into primary care can help address the current mental health crisis.

, conducted by an independent global data firm for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, examined 5 years of claims data for 219 million Americans, representing nearly two-thirds of the US population. It found a 10-fold increase in the use of the CoCM among commercially insured individuals from 2018 to 2023. Despite this growth, access remains limited: only an estimated 100,000 people with commercial insurance received care through the CoCM last year, representing less than 1% of the nearly 60 million adults and children with mild to moderate mental health conditions who could benefit.

The CoCM is available in all 50 states and has been shown to reduce depression recovery times 7-fold and improve patient outcomes through a collaborative team led by primary care providers and supported by behavioral health care managers and psychiatric consultants. More than 90 randomized controlled trials have demonstrated its effectiveness, yet start-up costs and uneven reimbursement remain major barriers to widespread adoption.

Path Forward, in partnership with the Meadows Institute and the American Psychiatric Association, released supporting materials, including 

 of coverage, and urged lawmakers to pass the bipartisan COMPLETE Care Act. This 

 would boost Medicare reimbursement for the CoCM, helping overcome initial implementation costs.

Explore how the Collaborative Care Model enhances mental health access in this episode featuring Anna Bobb, MPH, executive director of the Path Forward coalition. 

Why Collaborative Care Is the Path Forward for Mental Health Care: Anna Bobb, MPH

 speaks with Julia Lucaci, PharmD, MS, the senior director of global health economics and outcomes research at Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), an international medical technology company.

, "Should Payers Incentivize Pharmacies to Blister-Package Chronic Medications?", argues that payers should consider offering higher reimbursement rates and/or preferred network status to pharmacies that dispense chronic medications in blister packs to enhance medication adherence and patient outcomes.

During the conversation, Lucaci explores the widespread impact of medication nonadherence, the benefits and underutilization of blister packaging in the US, and strategies that could support broader adoption to improve chronic disease management and lower overall health care costs.

Julia Lucaci, PharmD, MS, of Becton, Dickinson and Company, discusses the benefits of blister packaging for chronic medications, advocating for payer incentives to boost medication adherence and improve health outcomes.

Blister Packs May Help Solve Medication Adherence Challenges and Lower Health Care Costs

CDC Pulls COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendation for Pregnant Women, Healthy Children

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, announced that the CDC will no longer recommend routine COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, a move supported by leaders of the FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, the CDC’s website still lists COVID-19 vaccination as recommended for these groups, citing studies that show vaccination during pregnancy can protect both mother and infant from severe illness.

The announcement coincides with the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, spreading in the US, and follows a recent proposal from FDA officials to require randomized controlled trials for COVID-19 vaccines in healthy individuals under 65 years before broader approvals are granted. Notably, the CDC’s Advisory Committee did not vote on the reported schedule change.

ACP Experts Say FDA, CDC Moves May Undermine COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage for Millions

A new commentary published yesterday by leaders of the American College of Physicians (ACP) warns against the increasing politicization of science and public health, calling for humility, transparency, and inclusivity in future crisis responses. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors highlight how political influence and misinformation eroded public trust, particularly around vaccination. They criticize recent federal decisions that complicate access to COVID-19 vaccines, as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurers to cover all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)–recommended vaccines. The FDA's recent limit on COVID-19 booster vaccines and the CDC's lack of recommendations for young children and pregnant women complicate ACIP's ability to approve off-label vaccine use.

Stressing that public health should prioritize both scientific rigor and real-world context, the authors advocate for a risk-based approach that considers social and caregiving factors, not just clinical ones, and affirm the need to safeguard individual autonomy in health care decision-making.

RFK Jr Suggests Creating “In-House” Publications for Government Scientists

Kennedy is reportedly planning to ban government scientists from publishing in leading medical journals such as

, claiming they are corrupted by pharmaceutical interests. Instead, Kennedy proposes creating new, in-house, government-run journals for federally funded research, arguing NIH funding alone proves scientific legitimacy.

Critics, including public health experts, warn this move could undermine scientific credibility, limit peer review, and politicize medical research. The proposal follows significant research funding cuts under the Trump administration, heightening concerns about government overreach in shaping science.

Contributor: Beyond the Sloganeering—A Data-Driven Analysis of Recent 340B Growth

The 340B Drug Discount Program has grown rapidly, reaching $148 billion in 2024, despite a shrinking vulnerable patient population. Critics, including insurers and employers, argue that hospitals are driving growth through profit-driven strategies, especially with high-cost specialty drugs. Although 340B advocates blame drug price inflation, a comprehensive analysis found that from 2018 to 2024, the overwhelming majority of the program’s growth—over 79% at list price and over 100% at discounted prices—was due to increased utilization, not price hikes. Even among top-selling drugs and those with high price increases, utilization remained the primary driver.

Oncology Biosimilars Offer Potential Relief From Financial Burden of Cancer Care

 may help alleviate some of the financial toxicity faced by both patients and health care systems due to cancer care, according to a pair of abstracts presented at the 

2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting

A quick roundup episode of major health policy developments, from shifting COVID-19 vaccine guidance and scientific publishing controversies to rising cancer care costs and the impact of oncology biosimilars.

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