Andrew J. Armstrong, MD, ScM, of Duke Cancer Institute, discusses the recent practice-changing landmark studies that showed significant increases in survival for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer and led to updates in the NCCN Guidelines for this disease.
Anthony J. Olszanski, RPh, MD, of the Fox Chase Cancer Center, discusses the advances in immunotherapy generally and for melanoma in particular.
Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and Lee N. Newcomer, MD, MHA, of UnitedHealthCare, discuss the value of NCCN Guidelines in determining coverage decisions, the future of affordable care, bundled payments, and the clear value approach.
Thomas A. D’Amico, MD, of Duke Cancer Institute, discusses the superior efficacy of thoracoscopic lobectomy. This minimally invasive procedure is used in only 50% of lung cancer surgeries in the United States, in 30% of procedures in Asia, and in as few as 10% to 20% of procedures in Europe.
Mario E. Lacouture, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the effect on patients of dermatologic toxicities associated with targeted therapies: their psychosocial impact, financial burden, physiological pain, and potential to alter therapy. But the side effects of targeted treatments can and should be addressed.
Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and John A. Gentile, Jr, Chairman, Harborside Press, LLC, discuss the early days of NCCN, controversies that surrounded the first meeting, oncologists’ embrace of the guidelines, and how the organization has evolved over the past 20 years.
