Hem/Onc Round-up: Immune System Changes in MM, Cancer Treatment Delays Due to Pandemic, and more

Here are the top stories recently covered by DocWire News in the hematology/oncology section. In this edition, read about immune system changes in multiple myeloma (MM), breast cancer treatment delays due to COVID-19, cancer survivors and opioid use, and more.

Immune system cells and signal carriers amid the tumor cells undergoes dramatic shifts, with alterations in both the number and type of immune cells before MM becomes a malignancy, according to a study published in Nature Cancer.

Almost half of breast cancer patients experienced delays in cancer care and treatment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey.

A new study suggests cancer survivors have higher rates of opioid use compared to people without cancer, but this finding may not translate to increased opioid misuse among the population. The study appeared on August 17 in JAMA Network Open.

An advanced cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on a patient’s wellbeing. A study published in BMC Palliative Care evaluated the efficacy of peer support and found it may be a worthwhile, effective intervention.

The findings of an international clinical trial found that men with advanced prostate cancer who have mutated BRCA1/BRCA2 genes can be treated successfully with the targeted poly polymerase inhibitor rucaparib, which recently became Food and Drug Administration approved.

A new study observed a correlation between newly diagnosed diabetes and recent weight loss and an increased likelihood of pancreatic cancer.

A study evaluated differences in treatment and outcomes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer based on sex and race. The researchers concluded that men and women did not differ in terms of receiving optimal treatment, but women and black patients had a higher mortality rate, and black patients were less likely to receive optimal treatment.

A new study shows that public health screening guidelines for lung cancer followed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services undercount African Americans, thus contributing to health disparities in lung cancer screening and treatment.

Women who undergo an annual mammography starting at age 40 may reduce their breast cancer mortality risk, a study found.

A study found that screening rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers are lower for current smokers.