Coverage denials for prescription drugs have increased among major insurers, according to a review of 4 billion claims. (New York Times)
Sobi announced FDA approval of avatrombopag (Doptelet) to treat thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients at least 1 year old with persistent/chronic immune thrombocytopenia.
The FDA decided that results of a clinical trial of the virus-derived RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec) immunotherapy plus nivolumab (Opdivo) for advanced melanoma did not provide sufficient evidence to support the agent’s accelerated approval, Replimune announced.
The FDA also informed Genentech that a trial of glofitamab (Columvi) plus chemotherapy for transplant-ineligible relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma did not support an expanded indication.
And the agency extended the review period for belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, GSK announced.
Bristol Myers Squibb acknowledged that a phase III trial of luspatercept (Reblozyl) plus a Janus kinase inhibitor for myelofibrosis-associated anemia failed to meet the primary endpoint of transfusion independence for 12 weeks.
A gene signature associated with molecular stress and inflammation may offer a potential tool for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. (UC San Diego)
A review of medical records showed that CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma can be safe and effective for patients in their 80s. (Cleveland Clinic)
More than twice as many patients with unresectable liver cancer lived 5 years or longer when treated with the combination of tremelimumab (Imjudo) and durvalumab (Imfinzi) instead of the prior treatment standard. (Journal of Hepatology)
Living in racially or economically segregated communities increased the risk of developing advanced-stage breast and cervical cancer. (American Cancer Society)
Proteins associated with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, may also enhance a cancer patient’s response to immunotherapy. (Fred Hutch Cancer Center)
Magnetic steering and light-activated drug release — a glimpse into the future of precision cancer drug delivery. (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
Testing for gene fusions may help identify an aggressive cancer called NUT carcinoma, which has delayed diagnosis in 75% of cases. (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
