News

FDA expands approval of Adcetris for first-line treatment of Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with chemotherapy

  • FLASCO
  • March 20, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) to treat adult patients with previously untreated stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) in combination with chemotherapy. “Today’s approval represents an improvement in the initial treatment regimens of advanced Hodgkin lymphoma that were introduced into clinical practice more than 40 years ago,”…

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Celebrates 1,000th Stem Cell Transplant

  • FLASCO
  • March 20, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Recently more than 100 Sylvester patients, family members, faculty and staff shared their stories at the “Celebration of 1,000 Stem Cell Transplants,” marking a milestone in the growth of one of the nation’s largest adult stem cell transplant programs. FLASCO Member, Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, Sylvester Director welcomed everyone to the third annual celebration. He…

FMA 2018 Legislative Report

  • FLASCO
  • March 19, 2018
  • Advocacy
  • No Comments

The 2018 Florida Legislative Session concluded on Sunday, March 11, with only 200 bills passed by both chambers and sent to Gov. Rick Scott. The FMA succeeded in getting Direct Primary Care legislation passed, and we secured important changes in the opioid bill for the benefit of physicians and their patients who suffer from acute…

Dr. Michael Diaz Co-Authors ASCO Special Article That Helps Guide National Health Care Policy on Use of Biosimilars in Oncology

  • Amanda Bridges
  • March 16, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

St. Petersburg, FL – March 15, 2018……Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Director of Patient Advocacy Dr. Michael Diaz, who practices at two FCS locations in St. Petersburg, co-authored a Special Health Care Policy article on biosimilar medications sanctioned by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Published February 2018 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the article contributes to national policy development…

FDA Approves sBLA Updating Nivolumab Dosing Schedule Across Indications

  • FLASCO
  • March 8, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On March 6, Bristol-Myers Squibb announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) updating the nivolumab (Opdivo) dosing schedule to include 480 mg infused every 4 weeks for a majority of approved indications. This approval will provide health-care professionals the flexibility to customize patient care with the option of using the…

Dr. Andrew Lipman Co-Author of Phase 2 Study on Bendamustine, Bortezomib, Rituximab Combination for Low Grade Lymphoma

  • Amanda Bridges
  • March 2, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Naples, FL – March 1, 2018…… Dr. Andrew Lipman, who practices at Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) in Bonita Springs and Naples West offices, was a co-author of a research paper evaluating the safety and efficacy of combining three drug agents – bendamustine, bortezomib and rituximab (BBR) – in patients with previously untreated low-grade lymphoma. Published January 2018 in the British Journal of Haematology,…

Eli Lilly and Company

FDA Approval of New Indication for Verzenio™

  • Amanda Bridges
  • March 2, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

February 26, 2018 – The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new indication for Verzenio™ (abemaciclib 50, 100, 150, 200 mg tablets). See below for the Indication and Important Safety Information and click to access the full Prescribing Information for Verzenio.    Dosing Regimen Tablet Strength Quantity NDC* Days of Therapy per Pack Verzenio 7-Day Dose…

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Welcomes Dr. Adewale A. Fawole

  • Amanda Bridges
  • March 2, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Lake & Sumter Counties, FL – March 1, 2018. . . Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), the leading community oncology/hematology practice in the state, is pleased to announce that Adewale Fawole, MD, has joined the practice as a hospitalist and will be seeing FCS patients who require hospitalization. FCS CEO Brad Prechtl, MBA said, “Dr. Fawole will…

FDA approves Lilly’s abemaciclib as initial therapy for HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

  • FLASCO
  • February 27, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On February 26, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved abemaciclib (VERZENIO™, Eli Lilly and Company) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Approval was based on MONARCH 3, a randomized (2:1), double-blinded,…

2nd Annual Polo Brunch Benefits Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation

  • Amanda Bridges
  • February 23, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Wellington, FL – February 20th, 2018… The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual Polo Brunch will be chaired by Linda and Jeffrey Phipps, Sr., including Honorary Chairs and FCS physicians, Drs. Elizabeth Byron, Todd Gersten, Daniel Spitz, Raul Storey and Sumithra Vattigunta-Gopal. The event will be held on March 4th, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the International Polo Club…

FLASCO VP, Dr. Raez, Published in NEJM

  • Amanda Bridges
  • February 22, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

With admiration and excitement, FLASCO is proud to share Dr. Luis Raez’s, great accomplishment! Dr. Raez co-authored the article, Efficacy of Larotrectinib in TRK Fusion-Positive Cancers in Adults and Children. This is Dr. Raez’ second co-authored article to be published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Raez is Vice President of the Florida…

Florida Cancer Specialists Clinical Trials Program Emphasizes Advantages For Both Current and Future Cancer Patients

  • Amanda Bridges
  • February 22, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Fort Myers, FL – February 19, 2018… According to the National Institutes of Health*, only about two percent of cancer patients participate in clinical trials in the United States. That’s a perplexing statistic for most oncologists, who recognize the critical role clinical research holds in the treatment of cancer. While virtually everyone acknowledges the benefit clinical…

astrazeneca

FDA expands approval of AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi to reduce the risk of non-small cell lung cancer progressing

  • FLASCO
  • February 19, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Imfinzi (durvalumab) for the treatment of patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are not able to be surgically removed (unresectable) and whose cancer has not progressed after treatment with chemotherapy and radiation (chemoradiation). “This is the first treatment approved for stage III…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Janssen’s Erleada (apalutamide) for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer that has not spread (non-metastatic), but that continues to grow despite treatment with hormone therapy (castration-resistant).

  • FLASCO
  • February 14, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Erleada (apalutamide) for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer that has not spread (non-metastatic), but that continues to grow despite treatment with hormone therapy (castration-resistant). This is the first FDA-approved treatment for non-metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer. “The FDA evaluates a variety of methods that measure a drug’s…

Dr. Diane Cope Publishes Article Examining Role of Advanced Practitioner In Maintaining Patient Adherence on Oral Oncolytics

  • Amanda Bridges
  • February 14, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Fort Myers, FL – February 12, 2018…… Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Director of Nursing Diane Cope, PhD, ARNP, BC, AOCNP, was second author of a review and interventional article that examined the role of the Advanced Practitioner (AP) in maintaining compliance in patients taking oral oncolytics.  Published recently in the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner…

FDA Approves abiraterone acetate in Combination with Prednisone for High-Risk Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer

  • FLASCO
  • February 8, 2018
  • Data
  • No Comments

On February 7, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved abiraterone acetate (Zytiga, Janssen Biotech Inc.) tablets in combination with prednisone for metastatic high-risk castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). FDA initially approved abiraterone acetate with prednisone in 2011 for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) who had received prior chemotherapy, and expanded the indication…

Genentech BioOncology® Co-pay Card Assistance Program

  • Amanda Bridges
  • February 5, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Eligible patients pay $5 for their prescribed Genentech BioOncology®product(s)* With the Genentech BioOncology® Co-pay Assistance Program† Talk to eligible patients about enrolling today. For FDA-approved Genentech BioOncology® single and combination therapies. Terms and conditions apply. Please scroll below for details.   Features and Benefits $5 Patient pays a $5 co-pay for Genentech BioOncology®product(s)   $0…

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Welcomes Dr. J Wynn Sullivan

  • Amanda Bridges
  • February 1, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

New Medical Oncologist Joins in Palatka Palatka, FL – February 1, 2018. . . Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), the leading medical community oncology/hematology practice in the state, is pleased to announce that Medical Oncologist/Hematologist, J. Wynn Sullivan, DO has joined the statewide practice and will be seeing patients at the Palatka office located at 600…

FDA approves new treatment for certain digestive tract cancers

  • FLASCO
  • January 28, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration  approved Lutathera (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate) for the treatment of a type of cancer that affects the pancreas or gastrointestinal tract called gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). This is the first time a radioactive drug, or radiopharmaceutical, has been approved for the treatment of GEP-NETs. Lutathera is indicated for adult…

FLASCO Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria

  • FLASCO
  • January 18, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

The Florida Society of Clinical Oncology has been actively coordinating efforts with multiple organizations, since September 20, 2017, when Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, to ensure that cancer patients are receiving appropriate cancer care both here on the U.S mainland and in Puerto Rico. On Sept 20th, the day that Hurricane Maria made land fall…

FDA Warns About Anaphylaxis, Anaphylactic Shock With Use Of Rolapitant In Patients With Cancer.

  • FLASCO
  • January 18, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

A warning about anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other hypersensitivity reactions occurring with the use of rolapitant (Varubi, Tesaro Inc) in patients with cancer has been highlighted by the US Food and Drug Administration in a MedWatch bulletin. Rolapitant is a substance/ neurokinin receptor antagonist indicated for the prevention of delayed nausea and vomiting associated with cancer…

FDA Approves Addition Of Overall Survival Data To KYPROLIS® (carfilzomib) Label

  • FLASCO
  • January 18, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Amgen announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) to add overall survival (OS) data from the Phase 3 head-to-head ENDEAVOR trial to the Prescribing Information for KYPROLIS® (carfilzomib). Data added to the label demonstrated that KYPROLIS and dexamethasone (Kd) reduced the risk of death by…

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., updates on some ongoing shortages related to IV fluids

  • FLASCO
  • January 16, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Earlier this month, we updated on the FDA’s efforts to mitigate ongoing IV saline shortages that resulted from, or were worsened by, the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. We also provided some additional updates related to our continued efforts to help the island fully recover from this disaster. As we continue to hear concerns…

teva oncology

Teva Announces U.S. FDA Approval of TRISENOX® (arsenic trioxide) Injection for First Line Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

  • FLASCO
  • January 16, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of TRISENOX® (arsenic trioxide) injection in combination with tretinoin for the treatment of adults with newly-diagnosed low-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) whose APL is characterized by the presence of the t(15;17) translocation or PML/RAR-alpha gene expression. The approval was based on…

FDA broadens afatinib indication to previously untreated, metastatic NSCLC with other non-resistant EGFR mutations

  • FLASCO
  • January 16, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On January 12, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration granted approval to afatinib (Gilotrif, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceutical, Inc.) for a broadened indication in first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. Approval was based on demonstration…

astrazeneca

LYNPARZA® (olaparib) Receives US FDA Approval for a New Indication

  • Amanda Bridges
  • January 15, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

We are excited to announce on January 12, 2018, the FDA approved a new indication for the PARP inhibitor, LYNPARZA® (olaparib), for use in patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have been previously treated with chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant…

astrazeneca

FDA approves AstraZeneca’s aparib for germline BRCA-mutated metastatic breast cancer

  • FLASCO
  • January 12, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On January 12, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval to olaparib tablets (Lynparza, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP), a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who have been treated with chemotherapy either in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or metastatic…

FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS FOUNDATION HONORS BRAD & TERRI PRECHTL AT PARTY UNDER THE STARS

  • Amanda Bridges
  • January 9, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Lakewood Ranch, FL – January 8th, 2018…  At the fifth annual Party Under the Stars fundraising event, the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation will honor Foundation Board Chair Brad Prechtl, who also serves as FCS CEO, and his wife Terri Prechtl, who is the FCS Foundation Lead Patient Support Volunteer at the Lakewood Ranch location…

Announcing a New Indication for a PERJETA

  • FLASCO
  • January 8, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Genentech is excited to share the news of the FDA approval of PERJETA in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy as: ·       Neoadjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced, inflammatory, or early stage breast cancer (either greater than 2 cm in diameter or node positive) as part of a complete treatment regimen for early breast…

FDA Approves Denosumab (Xgeva) for the Prevention of Skeletal-Related Events in Patients With Multiple Myeloma

  • FLASCO
  • January 8, 2018
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The FDA has approved denosumab (Xgeva) for the prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with multiple myeloma, according to Amgen, the developer of the RANK ligand inhibitor. The approval is based on data from the phase III 482 study, which were presented at the 16th International Myeloma Workshop in New Delhi. In the trial,…

2017 FLASCO Accomplishments

  • Amanda Bridges
  • January 4, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

With the help of all of our FLASCO Members and Corporate partners, FLASCO experienced unprecedented growth in 2017. I invite you to review what was accomplished in 2017 toward the Mission of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology.  The list of 2017 Accomplishments is included at the end of the January 11th FLASCO FLASH newsletter…

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Welcomes Dr. Gamini S. Soori

  • Amanda Bridges
  • January 4, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

Ft. Myers, FL – January 2, 2018. . . Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), the leading community oncology/hematology practice in the state, is pleased to announce that medical oncologist Gamini S. Soori, MD, MBA, FACP, FRCP, CPE, has joined the statewide practice and will be practicing at three locations: Ft. Myers – Colonial, located at…

Florida Cancer Specialists Partners with United Healthcare Implementing Innovative Cancer Care Model

  • Amanda Bridges
  • January 4, 2018
  • News
  • No Comments

UnitedHealthcare’s Episode Payment Program Helps Expand Patient Access to Quality Care, Improve Outcomes and Reduce Costs Fort Myers, FL — January 3rd, 2018…. Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), the largest independent hematology/medical oncology practice in the United States, has partnered with UnitedHealthcare to implement a cancer care model focused on quality patient care, best treatment…

FDA Approved

FDA updates the label of Tasigna to reflect that certain patients with a type of leukemia may be eligible to stop treatment after sustained response

  • FLASCO
  • December 26, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today updated the product label for the cancer drug Tasigna (nilotinib) to include information for providers about how to discontinue the drug in certain patients. Tasigna, first approved by the FDA in 2007, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)….

The FDA Approved Perjeta® (pertuzumab)

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 21, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The FDA recently approved Perjeta® (pertuzumab), in combination with Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and chemotherapy (the Perjeta-based regimen), for adjuvant (after surgery) treatment of HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC) at high risk of recurrence. The Genentech press release including Important Safety Information is linked here. This approval is important because: It is based on results of the Phase…

FDA grants regular approval to nivolumab for adjuvant treatment of melanoma

  • FLASCO
  • December 21, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On December 20, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval to the anti-PD1 monoclonal antibody, nivolumab (OPDIVO, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or in patients with metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection. Nivolumab was previously approved for the treatment of patients…

FDA grants regular approval to pertuzumab for adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer

  • FLASCO
  • December 21, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On December 20, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval to pertuzumab (PERJETA, Genentech, Inc.) for use in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment of patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer at high risk of recurrence. Approval was based on data from APHINITY (NCT01358877), a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in…

FDA grants regular approval to Cabometyx for first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma

  • FLASCO
  • December 20, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Click here for corporate announcement.   On December 19, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval to cabozantinib (Cabometyx, Exelixis, Inc.) for treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The FDA previously approved Cabometyx in 2016 for treatment of patients with advanced RCC who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. Today’s approval…

pfizer

FDA grants accelerated approval to bosutinib for treatment of newly-diagnosed PH+ CML

  • FLASCO
  • December 20, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On December 19, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to bosutinib (BOSULIF, Pfizer Inc.) for treatment of patients with newly-diagnosed chronic phase (CP) Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Approval was based on data from an open-label, randomized, multicenter trial (BFORE, NCT02130557) in 487 patients with Ph+ newly-diagnosed CP CML…

Dr. Daniel Spitz Co-Author of Expanded Phase 2 Study on Recurrent Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 19, 2017
  • News
  • No Comments

West Palm Beach, FL – December 12, 2017…… Dr. Daniel Spitz, who practices at the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) location in West Palm Beach, was a co-author of a new study evaluating the safety and efficacy of Etirinotecan Pegol (EP) in women with recurrent platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer (PROC). According to the National Institutes…

patient point

FLASCO is proud to partner with Patient Point

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 14, 2017
  • News
  • No Comments

FLASCO is proud to share details about Patient Point, an integral part of our Patient Advocacy and Educational events. Patient Point, is the trusted leader of patient and physician engagement solutions across all points of care, to offer FLASCO members a cohesive communication platform to enrich the oncology care experience in their practices. The PatientPoint…

FDA approves Pfizer Biosimilar’s Ixifi (infliximab-qbtx)

  • FLASCO
  • December 14, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

FDA has approved Pfizer Biosimilar’s Ixifi (infliximab-qbtx) for multiple indications.  IXIFI or PF-06438179, infliximab-qbtx is a chimeric human-murine monoclonal antibody or mAb against tumor necrosis factor, as a biosimilar to Remicade or infliximab for all eligible indications of the reference product.This is the third FDA-approved biosimilar to U.S.-licensed Remicade.  For more information, see the approval…

Genentech Presented Data for Ten Medicines

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 13, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

This year at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, Genentech presented data for ten medicines in more than 75 abstracts [press release] including results for: VenclextaTM (venetoclax): Phase III data showing the chemotherapy-free, fixed-duration combination of Venclexta plus with Rituxan reduced the risk of disease worsening or death (progression-free survival; PFS, as assessed by investigator)…

How to Diagnose & Test for PNH Podcast

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 12, 2017
  • News
  • No Comments

PODCAST: Dr. Eloy Roman – How to Diagnose & Test for PNH Click here to listen to a 10-minute podcast about PNH from Dr. Roman, a practicing hematologist-oncologist in the Miami area. Learn more about this disease, how to diagnose it, and a case example of how it presented in one of Dr. Roman’s patients…

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted BAVENCIO® (avelumab)

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 11, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Effective for dates of service on or after January 1, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted BAVENCIO® (avelumab) Injection the following permanent Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) J-Code[1]: J9023 – injection, avelumab, 10mg Full Prescribing Information for BAVENCIO: https://www.bavencio.com/en_US/document/Prescribing-Information.pdf

The FDA has granted full approval for Avastin® (bevacizumab)

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 7, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The FDA has granted full approval for Avastin® (bevacizumab) for the treatment of adults with glioblastoma that progressed following prior therapy (referred to as recurrent disease). Avastin was previously granted provisional approval in this setting under the FDA’s accelerated approval program. The Genentech press release, which includes Important Safety Information is available at this link.

Cancer Screen Week

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 4, 2017
  • News
  • No Comments

Genentech, the American Cancer Society, Stand Up To Cancer and Rally Health launched a new public health initiative called Cancer Screen Week, December 4-8, 2017. A multimedia press release on this announcement can be found here. According to the American Cancer Society, screening significantly increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are…

FDA approves first biosimilar for the treatment of certain breast and stomach cancers

  • FLASCO
  • December 1, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Ogivri (trastuzumab-dkst) as a biosimilar to Herceptin (trastuzumab) for the treatment of patients with breast or metastatic stomach cancer (gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma) whose tumors overexpress the HER2 gene (HER2+). Ogivri is the first biosimilar approved in the U.S. for the treatment of breast cancer or…

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has assigned a permanent J-code for TECENTRIQ® (atezolizumab)

  • Amanda Bridges
  • December 1, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Genentech BioOncology is pleased to inform you that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has assigned a permanent J-code for TECENTRIQ® (atezolizumab). The permanent J-code for TECENTRIQ is J9022 (injection, atezolizumab, 10 mg). The J-code goes into effect on January 1, 2018.  Please check with your payers to verify codes and special billing requirements. Also, please…

tesaro

VARUBI® (rolapitant) injectable emulsion is available through Specialty Distributors

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 28, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

TESARO is pleased to inform you that VARUBI® (rolapitant) injectable emulsion is available through Specialty Distributors as of Tuesday, 11/28.   Specialty Distributors will begin taking orders on Wednesday, 11/29 for delivery on Thursday, 11/30.   Please visit https://www.VarubiRx.com/en for information on VARUBI, including a description of efficacy, safety and dosing and administration.  TESARO is excited to…

FDA Approves New Two-Drug Regimen for Certain Patients with HIV

  • FLASCO
  • November 22, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Juluca, the first complete treatment regimen containing only two drugs to treat certain adults with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) instead of three or more drugs included in standard HIV treatment. Juluca is a fixed-dose tablet containing two previously approved drugs (dolutegravir and rilpivirine) to treat…

FDA approves emicizumab-kxwh for prevention and reduction of bleeding in patients with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 17, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

FDA approved emicizumab-kxwh (HEMLIBRA, Genentech, Inc.) for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients with hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) with factor VIII inhibitors. More Information.  November 16, 2017​ Other Hematology/Oncology (Cancer) Approvals & Safety Notifications

FDA Approves PREVYMIS (Letermovir) for Prophylaxis of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection and Disease in Adult CMV-seropositive Recipients [R+] of an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)

  • FLASCO
  • November 17, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

On November 8, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved PREVYMIS (letermovir) for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in adult CMV-seropositive recipients [R+] of an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The approved recommended dosage of PREVYMIS is 480 mg administered once daily orally or as an intravenous (IV) infusion over…

FDA Approves Genentech’s Gazyva for Previously Untreated Advanced Follicular Lymphoma

  • FLASCO
  • November 17, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gazyva®(obinutuzumab) in combination with chemotherapy, followed by Gazyva alone in those who responded, for people with previously untreated advanced follicular lymphoma (stage II bulky, III or IV). The approval is based on…

DKP Critical Insights Report

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 16, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Cancer Drug Access: Clinical Drivers and Influencers The oncology environment changes almost daily, and the integration of clinical perspectives are central to many of the value-based initiatives. Whether understanding the trends in pathway decisions and other unique approaches to managing oncology drugs, or the influence of clinical compendia, these clinical drivers are important. DK Pierce…

alexion

How to Diagnose & Test for PNH – Dr. Eloy Roman

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 16, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Click here to listen to a 10-minute podcast about PNH from Dr. Roman, a practicing hematologist-oncologist in the Miami area. Learn more about this disease, how to diagnose it, and a case example of how it presented in one of Dr. Roman’s patients with PNH. *These educational programs are offered through the generous support of…

Roche receives FDA clearance for the VENTANA MMR IHC Panel for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer

  • FLASCO
  • November 15, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

The VENTANA MMR IHC Panel1 helps differentiate between sporadic colorectal cancer and probable Lynch syndrome, a hereditary form of colorectal cancer The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends universal screening of all newly diagnosed colorectal cancers for Lynch syndrome Identification of probable Lynch syndrome allows clinicians to recommend additional testing and genetic counseling to patients and at-risk…

astrazeneca

Faslodex receives US FDA approval for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in combination with abemaciclib

  • FLASCO
  • November 15, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

AstraZeneca today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new indication for Faslodex(fulvestrant), expanding the indication to include use with abemaciclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in women with disease progression after…

United Healthcare recently made changes that may affect coverage or reimbursement for genetic and molecular testing

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 13, 2017
  • Drugs
  • No Comments

Effective November 1, 2017, United Healthcare is implementing an online Prior Authorization program for genetic and molecular testing The Genentech products affected are: ALECENSA® (alectinib) COTELLIC® (cobimetinib) Herceptin® (trastuzumab) KADCYLA® (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) PERJETA® (pertuzumab) Tarceva® (erlotinib) TECENTRIQ® (atezolizumab) VENCLEXTA® (venetoclax) ZELBORAF® (vemurafenib) Additional information can be obtained at https://www.uhcprovider.com/en/prior-auth-advancenotification/genetic-molecular-lab.html ©2017 Genentech USA, Inc. So. San…

ZELBORAF® (Vemurafenib) is Now FDA Approved

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 13, 2017
  • Drugs
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Genentech is excited to share the news of a new FDA approval. ZELBORAF® (Vemurafenib) is NOW FDA APPROVED for patients with Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) with BRAF V600 mutation.  ZELBORAF is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF ECD. ECD is a rare, serious blood disease characterized by the abnormal multiplication of certain white…

NCCN Guidelines Recommend PD-L1 Testing

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 13, 2017
  • News
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NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) recommend PD-L1 testing as a part of the diagnostic evaluation of patients for treatment of metastatic NSCLC1 Case study of routine PD-L1 testing

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Expands Approval of Sprycel® (dasatinib) to Include Treatment of Children with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase

  • FLASCO
  • November 10, 2017
  • Drugs
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–Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the indication for Sprycel ® (dasatinib) tablets to include the treatment of children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP).1 This approval for Sprycel in pediatric patients with Ph+ CML in chronic phase was granted under priority review, and the indication received…

astrazeneca

FDA approves new treatment for adults with mantle cell lymphoma

  • FLASCO
  • November 10, 2017
  • Drugs
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today granted accelerated approval to Calquence (acalabrutinib) for the treatment of adults with mantle cell lymphoma who have received at least one prior therapy. “Mantle cell lymphoma is a particularly aggressive cancer,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the…

FDA approves Brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of adult patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma

  • FLASCO
  • November 10, 2017
  • Drugs
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On November 9, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration granted regular approval to brentuximab vedotin (ADCETRIS, Seattle Genetics, Inc.) for the treatment of adult patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides (MF) who have received prior systemic therapy. Approval was based on a phase 3, randomized, open-label, multicenter clinical…

FDA clears common blood cell count test that offers faster results for patients and providers

  • FLASCO
  • November 10, 2017
  • Drugs
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared a complete blood cell count (CBC) test that, based on its categorization, can be run in more health care settings, including physicians’ offices, clinics or other types of health care facilities, by a wider range of personnel (e.g. support staff). This broadened test access will allow for…

FDA approves first treatment for certain patients with Erdheim-Chester Disease, a rare blood cancer

  • FLASCO
  • November 10, 2017
  • Drugs
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approval of Zelboraf (vemurafenib) to include the treatment of certain adult patients with Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD), a rare cancer of the blood. Zelboraf is indicated to treat patients whose cancer cells have a specific genetic mutation known as BRAF V600. This is the first FDA-approved treatment…

FDA Approves Merck’s Prevymis (letermovir) – first drug for prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in bone marrow transplant patients

  • FLASCO
  • November 10, 2017
  • Drugs
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FDA approved Prevymis (letermovir) tablets and injection, the first drug indicated to help prevent CMV (cytomegalovirus) infection and disease in adults who have been exposed to CMV and have received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplant (HSCT). Among the more than 27,000 allogeneic HSCTs performed each year worldwide (including approximately 8,500 transplants in…

FDA approves Roche’s Alecensa® (alectinib) as first-line treatment for people with specific type of lung cancer

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 7, 2017
  • Drugs
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The FDA has approved the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Alecensa® (alectinib) for the treatment of people with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as detected by an FDA-approved test. The Genentech press release including Important Safety Information is linked here. ALK-positive NSCLC is often found in younger people, who…

State Cancer Drug Legislative Implications

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 7, 2017
  • Drugs
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Will state legislation affect your market access strategies for your current or future products? How do payers interpret the legislation into organizational coverage decisions? Each state’s legislative provisions can vary related to content and subsequently the implications for a payer’s interpretation and application to drug coverage decisions. DK Pierce is known for its deep-dive knowledge…

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute Welcomes Dr. Michael T. Scott

  • Amanda Bridges
  • November 1, 2017
  • News
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New Radiation Oncologist Joins in Hillsborough County  Tampa, FL – November 1, 2017. . . Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), the leading community oncology/hematology practice in the state, is pleased to announce that radiation oncologist Michael T. Scott, MD, MBAhas joined the statewide practice and is seeing patients at the Tampa Cancer Center…

FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS FOUNDATION HOSTS WINE, WOMEN & SHOES IN LAKE MARY, FLORIDA

  • Amanda Bridges
  • October 31, 2017
  • News
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Lake Mary, FL – October 31st, 2017…The Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation is excited to announce that Florida Cancer Specialists’ physicians, Drs. Jennifer Cultrera, Maria Regina Flores, Meera Iyengar and Sonalee K. Shroff will serve as Honorary Chairs for Wine, Women & Shoes in Lake Mary, Florida. The event will be held on November 4th, 2017…

Governer Rick Scott Appoints Dr. Michael Diaz to the Medicaid Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee

  • Amanda Bridges
  • October 26, 2017
  • News
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY A 100% FLASCO MEMBERSHIP PARTNER Florida Cancer Specialists Pinellas County Physician Florida – October 26th, 2017… On October 24, 2017, Governor Rick Scott announced four reappointments and six appointments to the Medicaid Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee. Medical oncologist and hematologist for Florida Cancer Specialists in St. Petersburg, FL, Dr. Michael Diaz…

Dr. Augusto Villegas Publishes New Clinical Research

  • Amanda Bridges
  • October 24, 2017
  • News
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY A 100% FLASCO MEMBERSHIP PARTNER Durvalumab After Chemoradiotherapy Offers Increased Progression-Free Survival (PFS) Fleming Island, FL – October 17, 2017…… Dr. Augusto Villegas, who practices at the Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) location in Fleming Island, was second author of an important new study demonstrating the effectiveness of durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiotherapy…

Genentech is pleased to announce the FDA approval of RITUXAN HYCELA for FL, DLBCL, and CLL

  • Amanda Bridges
  • October 17, 2017
  • Drugs
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INDICATIONS RITUXAN HYCELA™ (rituximab/hyaluronidase human) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with: Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma (FL) as a single agent Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in patients achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy Non-progressing (including stable disease) follicular lymphoma…

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