Myeloma Risk in 9/11 Workers; New Ibrutinib Indication; Help for Chemo Brain?

More evidence that first responders and clean-up crews at the site of the World Trade Center continue to have a heightened risk for multiple myeloma and the precursor condition monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance. (Sylvester Cancer Center, Blood Cancer Journal)

Why do some new drugs face the scrutiny of an FDA advisory committee and others do not? (Endpoints News, New England Journal of Medicine)

Cancer has surpassed musculoskeletal conditions as the leading driver of healthcare costs for employers. (Business Group on Health)

Black patients accounted for only 3% of participants in cancer clinical trials from 2013 to 2022. (GlobalData)

The FDA expanded indications for ibrutinib (Imbruvica) to include chronic graft-versus-host disease in pediatric transplant recipients.

And Incyte announced FDA approval of the FGFR inhibitor pemigatinib (Pemazyre) for adults with relapsed/refractory myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms associated with FGFR1 rearrangement.

Medicare’s planned negotiation of drug prices may bring financial relief to patients but makes Big Pharma jittery. (GlobalData)

An example of how paying cash for medical services can be cheaper for patients who have health insurance. (NPR)

Though indolent in most cases, the blood disorder mastocytosis can exact a heavy toll in terms of symptoms and deterioration in quality of life. (Cancer)

A proof-of-principle study suggested that neurofeedback therapy can minimize chemotherapy-induced neurologic and behavioral effects, known collectively as “chemo brain.” (Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine)