Health Care Delivery

This case report details an incident of pembrolizumab-induced myasthenia gravis in an elderly male patient being treated for urothelial cell bladder cancer.

Saira Jan, PharmD, MS, of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, provides an overview of their collaborative pilot program with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJ Barnabas Health, discussing the program's origin, objectives, and beyond.

Researchers have developed a new line method (NLM) that showcased benefits for genetic screening in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Through the integration of a population health reimbursement model in 2020, Allina Health Cancer Institute was able to implement expanded screening initiatives through the use of artificial intelligence and precision medicine, according to Mike Koroscik, MBA, MHA, vice president of oncology, Allina Health.

Melissa Levine, MD, a family medicine specialist at Arizona Community Physicians and medical director for the Abacus Health accountable care organization (ACO), discussed strategies for succeeding in an ACO and how primary care can complement oncology care for patients with cancer.

The improvement in quality of life (QOL) seen with use of sacubitril/valsartan for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) could potentially result in more favorable clinical results.

This comprehensive comparative analysis examined the economic and health care resource utilization implications of initiating glucocorticoid and exon-skipping therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Ted Okon, MBA, executive director, Community Oncology Alliance, discusses early returns from the Enhancing Oncology Model and how community oncology practices are innovating in ways that can expand into other areas of medicine.

Biases in care for young adults with sickle cell disease could lead to lower quality of care for these patients.

Uptitration of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors was less successful in women than men with acute heart failure (AHF), especially in those with HF with reduced ejection fraction.

Researchers used real-world data to further validate the use of selexipag in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, MD, and First Steps and Beyond director Takiyah Durham, MBA, explain how the community-centered program ensures pregnant patients are equipped with resources while receiving equitable care.

A phase 3, randomized, parallel-group trial showcased the efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for combatting depressive symptoms brought on by multiple sclerosis (MS).

FluMist Quadrivalent could become the first self-administered flu vaccine in the United States; the American Society of Reproductive Medicine updates its definition of infertility to be more inclusive; the Environmental Protection Agency moves to ban the use of a cancer-causing chemical .

Miriam J. Atkins, MD, FACP, president of the Community Oncology Alliance, discusses the challenges facing oncology today, such as physician and nurse recruitment and minority clinical trial enrollment.

Timothy O'Shea, PharmD, MS, discussed the most surprising findings from a home infusion pilot program and explained how he thinks home infusion will continue to evolve.

At the 2023 COA Payer Exchange Summit being held October 23-24 in Reston, Virginia, Lalan Wilfong, MD, US Oncology Network, emphasizes the importance of oncology care equity, ensuring continuity of care, and enhancing care coordination.

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans pose financial challenges for small rural hospitals; 2 bans proposed in Texas would prohibit transportation for abortion procedures; delays in reauthorizing US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) risk the program’s effectiveness and integrity.

No differences in mammography completion were observed between an automated opt-out vs an opt-in patient outreach program for breast cancer screening, according to a randomized controlled trial. However, differences in administration burden between programs could lead clinics to prefer one over the other.

Patients with alopecia areata found effective treatment with baricitinib, which had long-term efficacy and positive results.

With the approval, zilucoplan becomes the first once-daily subcutaneous complement C5 inhibitor available for adults with generalized myasthenia gravis.

“There are things more important than our discomfort, and there are things that are more important than even our fear—inclusion is more important,” said Erica Marsh, MD, MSCI. “Our care of our patients and loved ones is more important, and our existence tomorrow has to be more important than our fears today.”

Posters presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2023 Scientific Congress & Expo highlighted trends in fertility care amid the turbulent landscape following the Dobbs decision.

Study investigators note their meta-analysis may be the first to demonstrate the importance of interventions to support adherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy for breast cancer.

Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG, a distinguished infertility specialist, highlights the pivotal role of cultural humility, diversity, acknowledgment of historical injustices, and collective action in addressing disparities and fostering equitable access to health care.

A 5-year randomized trial showed that the Million Hearts Model, which paid health care organizations to monitor and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, was effective in reducing first-time heart attacks and strokes without associated increases in Medicare spending.

Brian Mullen, PhD, head of innovation and product at The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic, discusses the implementation of digital health tools and strategies made by The Clinic and what these improvements mean for its patients.

Anita Allen, PhD, professor of law and philosophy, University of Pennsylvania, discusses the impact of abortion regulations in different parts of the world on women's reproductive access and rights, as well as the repercussions of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v Wade.

Monica Bertagnolli, MD, fielded questions on hot-button issues during the long-delayed Senate hearing on her nomination to head the National Institutes of Health; Pfizer announces the list price for a 5-day course of its COVID-19 antiviral, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid); a federal initiative is distributing funds to programs aiming to prevent drug overdoses in pregnant women.

In this case study, a patient who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and received high-dose transgene therapy to upregulate cortical dystrophin subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and died.