Case Reports in Oncology - Journal Home (Editor: M. Markman - open access journal)

Case Reports in Oncology - Journal Home

Editor(s): Markman M.  (Philadelphia, Pa.)

abstract: Different perspectives on communication quality and emotional functioning during routine oncology consultations

Results

The patients’ ratings of communication quality differed significantly from those of both the physician and observer. Observer and physician scores did not differ significantly. Physicians rated emotional functioning as discussed more often than was reported from patient and observer perspectives.

Conclusion

The patients’ view of the quality of communication differed from that of the physician and observer. Whether emotional functioning was discussed or not was also perceived differently by patients, physicians, and observer.

abstract: Editorial: Whole-Genome Sequencing, April 20, 2011 JAMA

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Whole-Genome Sequencing

Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text.

KEYWORDS:
• EARLY DIAGNOSIS,
• GENETIC PREDISPOSITION TO DISEASE,
• GENOME, HUMAN,
• LEUKEMIA, MYELOID, ACUTE,
• LEUKEMIA, PROMYELOCYTIC, ACUTE,
• MUTATION,
• NEOPLASMS,
• ONCOGENE PROTEINS, FUSION,
• ONCOGENES,
• SEQUENCE ANALYSIS, DNA,
• TIME FACTORS,
• TP53 GENES,
• TP53 PROTEIN, HUMAN.

The past 60 years have witnessed remarkable progress in genetics and genomics from the description of the DNA double helix by Watson and Crick ¹ to the release of the first draft sequence of the human genome in 2001 ^{2, 3} and the successful completion of the human genome project in 2003. ⁴ From that time, there has been increasing hope and expectation that, as soon as the cost of sequencing the whole genome could become affordable, the promise of personalized medicine would be fulfilled.

No field of medicine has benefited more from advances in genomics and the application of genetic testing than oncology. These advances have had a substantial influence on cancer risk assessment, determination of prognosis, and choice of treatment. Clinical applications of novel genetic tools include sequencing and analysis of germline genomic rearrangements at key cancer genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 ⁵; …

Continental Divide? The Attitudes of US and Canadian Oncologists on the Costs, Cost-Effectiveness, and Health Policies Associated With New Cancer Drugs

Health Services and Outcomes

Continental Divide? The Attitudes of US and Canadian Oncologists on the Costs, Cost-Effectiveness, and Health Policies Associated With New Cancer Drugs

From the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Center; University of Toronto; Keenan Research Center in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto; McMaster University; Juravinski Cancer Center at Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton; Peel Regional Cancer Center, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI; Charles Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX; and the Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA.


ABSTRACT

Purpose Oncologists in the United States and Canada work in different health care systems, but physicians in both countries face challenges posed by the rising costs of cancer drugs. We compared their attitudes regarding the costs and cost-effectiveness of medications and related health policy.

Methods Survey responses of a random sample of 1,355 United States and 238 Canadian medical oncologists (all outside of Québec) were compared.

Results Response rate was 59%. More US oncologists (67% v 52%; P < .001) favor access to effective treatments regardless of cost, while more Canadians favor access to effective treatments only if they are cost-effective (75% v 58%; P < .001). Most (84% US, 80% Canadian) oncologists state that patient out-of-pocket costs influence their treatment recommendations, but less than half the respondents always or frequently discuss the costs of treatments with their patients. The majority of oncologists favor more use of cost-effectiveness data in coverage decisions (80% US, 69% Canadian; P = .004), but fewer than half the oncologists in both countries feel well equipped to use cost-effectiveness information. Majorities of oncologists favor government price controls (57% US, 68% Canadian; P = .01), but less than half favor more cost-sharing by patients (29% US, 41% Canadian; P = .004). Oncologists in both countries prefer to have physicians and nonprofit agencies determine whether drugs provide good value. 

(blogger's usual take (based on abstract): and patients in the determination process ??)

 






Conclusion Oncologists in the United States and Canada generally have similar attitudes regarding cancer drug costs, cost-effectiveness, and associated policies, despite practicing in different health care systems. The results support providing education to help oncologists in both countries use cost-effectiveness information and discuss drug costs with their patients.

full free access- Women's Health - 21st European Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Discussions/paper: U.S. - JCO: Accelerated Approval and Oncology Drug Development Timelines

"Based on the US Food and Drug Administration's own standards, our findings, and the criticism of others, it is reasonable to conclude that improvements in AA processes are needed. The US Food and Drug Administration should have an open debate about AA restructuring and perhaps develop an entirely new program that better addresses the context of oncology. Public discussion, augmented by open access to relevant data, is essential."

2nd article: The interface of primary and oncology specialty care: from diagnosis through primary treatment.

Integrative Oncology: Gerson Regimen