From the Editor

Practices and patients are now coming forward to explain how these programs have put individuals, patient assistance programs (PAPs), foundations, and other patient support systems at risk. Read More ›

Self-insured employers, perhaps even yours, are being presented with programs called “specialty carve-outs” as an opportunity for saving significant money on the drug portion of their employee benefits. Read More ›

Decades ago, I remember when biosimilars were a light on the horizon. Visions of sharply discounted alternatives to reference brands that could swoop in and help patients receive the care they needed at prices that were at least 50% below current market rates. Read More ›

We now know what will follow the Oncology Care Model (OCM). On June 27, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Innovation Center announced the voluntary Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM). Read More ›

Have we lost the concept of common sense in our aggressive pursuit of “value” in healthcare? Read More ›

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Convention was first held in 1820 when 11 physicians gathered to set standards to ensure that a prescribed medicine would be the same, regardless of where it was created or where a patient lived. Read More ›

Anemia can have a significant negative impact on quality of life and overall prognosis in patients with cancer. Read More ›

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have developed a new approach to marketing themselves as stewards of the self-funded employers’ healthcare benefit, and it is having direct negative consequences for patients. Under the alternate funding program, new or costly therapies used to treat serious and chronic conditions, including cancer, are being singled out. Read More ›

This edition of Year in Review is focused on gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, and immunotherapy and targeted therapies used in the management of these cancers. Read More ›

On August 31, 2021, proposed revisions to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) General Chapter 797 Pharmaceutical Compounding – Sterile Compounding (USP) were published. For several years, different versions of USP have fostered concern and confusion about whether these pharmacy standards apply to (and will impact) the drug preparation and handling that is an integral part of oncology medical practices, as well as other specialties. Read More ›