Drug Update

Cyramza (Ramucirumab) Approved for the Treatment of Advanced Gastric Cancer and Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

March 2015, Vol 5, No 2 - Drug Update

Gastric cancer and lung cancer impose a substantial burden on patients. In light of the high mortality rate and quality-of-life issues associated with these 2 types of cancer, there is a marked need for additional therapeutic options to improve outcomes [ Read More ]

Nivolumab (Opdivo): Second PD-1 Inhibitor Receives FDA Approval for Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

Lisa A. Raedler, PhD, RPh

February 2015, Vol 5, No 1 - Drug Update

Although less common than other skin cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.1 According to data collected between 2004 and 2010, the 5-year relative survival rate for Americans with distant melanoma is only 16% for all ages, [ Read More ]

Zydelig (Idelalisib): First-in-Class PI3 Kinase Inhibitor Approved by the FDA for the Treatment of 3 Hematologic Malignancies

Lisa A. Raedler, PhD, RPh

December 2014, Vol 4, No 8 - Drug Update

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer of B-cell lymphocytes, is the most common type of leukemia in Western adult patients.1 According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, more than 15,600 Americans were diagnosed with CLL in 2013.2 CLL is a [ Read More ]

Beleodaq (Belinostat) Receives FDA Approval for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

Lisa A. Raedler, PhD, RPh

November 2014, Vol 4, No 7 - Drug Update

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a broad term that encompasses several rare and often aggressive types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.1 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society estimates that between 10% and 15% of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma have a T-cell lymphoma subtype.1 [ Read More ]

Arzerra (Ofatumumab) Receives FDA Approval for Patients with Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for Use in Combination with Chlorambucil

Lisa A. Raedler, PhD, RPh

October 2014, Vol 4, No 6 - Drug Update

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common type of leukemia in adults, is a cancer that predominantly affects the B-cell lymphocytes.1 Normal B-cell lymphocytes originate in the bone marrow, develop in the lymph nodes, and fight infection by producing an [ Read More ]

Zykadia (Ceritinib) Approved for the Treatment of Patients with Crizotinib-Resistant ALK-Positive Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Lisa A. Raedler, PhD, RPh

August 2014, Vol 4, No 5 - Drug Update

Lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, as well as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States.1 According to the American Cancer Society, more than 159,000 Americans will die from lung cancer in 2014, [ Read More ]

Imbruvica (Ibrutinib) the First Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Approved for the Treatment of Patients with Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Lisa A. Raedler, PhD, RPh

June 2014, Vol 4, No 4 - Drug Update

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common type of leukemia in adults, is a cancer of B-cell lymphocytes, which originate in the bone marrow, develop in the lymph nodes, and normally fight infection by producing an immune response.1,2 In CLL, [ Read More ]

Medications Used for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

April 2011, Vol 1, No 1 - Drug Update

Colon cancer forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). Rectal cancer forms in the [ Read More ]