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Integrating Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer
Immunotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in lung cancer, for which there are drugs approved as second-line therapies, states Andrew L. Pecora, MD. First-line doublet chemotherapy is given for metastatic non—small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). If the patient has an ALK or EGFR mutation, treatment would include a targeted therapy.
Chemotherapy is never curative in metastatic NSCLC, says Pecora. An anti-PD-1 agent can be given once chemotherapy fails, although there is some debate regarding whether to give immuno-oncology agents up front in order to stimulate the immune system earlier in the disease process.
When nivolumab is added to ipilimumab, there is an increase in the rate of response, adds Pecora. The combination has the potential to improve survival. One issue with combining a PD-1 inhibitor with an anti-CTLA4 agent is toxicity. Once the immune system is stimulated, it can produce adverse effects that must be addressed quickly, says Pecora. Using these agents at a lower dose and/or altering the sequencing could, in theory, help reduce these effects.
Study Finds Obesity May Worsen Multiple Sclerosis: Genetic Analysis Points to Causal Link
November 21st 2024A new study aimed at exploring the relationship between obesity and multiple sclerosis severity using genetic data finds that higher BMI and other obesity measures were associated with increased disability progression in patients with MS.
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Exploring Racial, Ethnic Disparities in Cancer Care Prior Authorization Decisions
October 24th 2024On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we're talking with the author of a study published in the October 2024 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® that explored prior authorization decisions in cancer care by race and ethnicity for commercially insured patients.
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