Articles

The rates of new breast cancer decline as soon as women quit hormone therapy, according to a report published online in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. This supports the hypothesis that stopping hormones can lead to tumor regression.

In 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative published that breast cancer rates were higher in women taking estrogen and progestin than in those taking either a placebo or only estrogen. Since then, research has shown a rapid decline in new breast cancers, the use of hormone therapy, and in mammography screening.

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) recently announced an expansion of its Code of Practice. This code regulates company interactions with healthcare professionals, medical institutions, and patient organizations. As a representative of the research-based pharmaceutical industry, IFPMA requires all member companies and member associations to accept and apply this new Code.

Introduction

Introduction

The proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib is a promising new agent for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Data presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) highlighted a role for this agent in both the frontline and relapsed and/or refractory settings.

Introduction

It is well documented that healthcare costs and spending have been growing at staggering rates. Healthcare accounts for ~17% of total gross domestic product (GDP) in the United States. In comparison, in 1960, healthcare only accounted for about 5% of GDP. Our current level of spending is nearly double the average percentage of GDP of every other country in the world. Total healthcare spending comes from many sources, including but not limited to hospital care, physician and clinical services, nursing home care, administrative costs, and prescription drugs.

Dr Hansen’s article brings to light financial aspects of healthcare that we do not often consider. A recent economic analysis showed the total cost of cancer care in the US reached $209.9 billion in 2005.¹ The high costs of chronic cancer care come in second to cardiac disease (23% and 38%, respectively).^2,3 However, increased costs do not yield longer life.

Introduction

Introduction

The proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib is a promising new agent for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Data presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) highlighted a role for this agent in both the frontline and relapsed and/or refractory settings.

The past decade has seen a dramatic upsurge in the utilization of specialty pharmacies for all types of therapeutic modalities, including those for cancer. The cost of cancer care may rise from about $125 billion in 2010 to $207 billion by the end of the decade.