FDA Grants Regular Approval to Enfortumab Vedotin-Ejfv for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

FDA Grants Regular Approval to Enfortumab Vedotin-Ejfv for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer

On July 9, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved enfortumab vedotin-ejfv ([EV], Padcev®), a Nectin-4–directed antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate, for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer who previously received a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand (PD-L1) inhibitor and platinum-containing chemotherapy or are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and have previously received one or more prior lines of therapy.

CMS Extends Enrollment Period Access for Marketplace Coverage

CMS Extends Enrollment Period Access for Marketplace Coverage

Those without healthcare coverage can now purchase annual policies through state exchanges until August 15, 2021, under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS’s) extended Special Enrollment Period (SEP), ensuring continued access to affordable coverage for Americans during a time of healthcare uncertainty.

Nursing Considerations for Ovarian Cancer Survivorship Care

Nursing Considerations for Ovarian Cancer Survivorship Care

Historically, ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages because of vague symptoms and presentation, but with new advancements in diagnosis and treatment options, patients with the disease are living longer than ever.

As Usage Increases, U.S. Senators Reintroduce Telehealth Access Bill

As Usage Increases, U.S. Senators Reintroduce Telehealth Access Bill

In a bipartisan effort that recognizes patients' concerns about telehealth’s accessibility, the U.S. Senate promoted legislation to reduce barriers to care. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), along with 50 colleagues, introduced the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2021. The bill would “expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make permanent COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to safely connect with their doctors.”

FDA Requires E-Cigarette Brands to Provide Information on Social Media Practices

FDA Requires E-Cigarette Brands to Provide Information on Social Media Practices

Companies marketing the tobacco brands Aspire, Joyetech, Vaporesso, and Voopoo, which were selected through a systematic process, must share information about social media marketing campaigns that target youth, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. The requirements include social media advertising documents and marketing plans, such as planned content to target specific audiences, cost of plans, use of partners and influences, and the number of followers and views broken down by age group.

Genetic Disorder Reference Sheet: MUTYH-Associated Polyposis

Genetic Disorder Reference Sheet: MUTYH-Associated Polyposis

MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) is an autosomal recessive hereditary cancer syndrome. It’s most commonly seen in people of northern European ancestry, where an estimated 1 in 20,000–40,000 have MAP (two pathogenic variants on opposite chromosomes) and 1%–2% have one MUTYH pathogenic variant.

FDA Launches National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week

FDA Launches National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week

African Americans have a higher cancer burden and face greater obstacles to cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survival, according to the American Cancer Society. Health organizations such as ONS and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are dedicated to breaking down barriers and improve access to quality care and resources for those patients. To increase cancer awareness in one of the most vulnerable segments of the U.S. population, the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) dedicated June 17–23, 2021, as National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week.

Standard Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Improves Outcomes

Standard Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Improves Outcomes

Implementing a standard minimum nurse-to-patient ratio lowers mortality, readmission, and length of stay rates, according to findings published in Lancet. 

Oncology Dietitians Tackle Nutritional Barriers and Dispel Misinformation

Oncology Dietitians Tackle Nutritional Barriers and Dispel Misinformation

Because they often face nutrition challenges—such as nausea, taste alterations, difficulty swallowing, and altered gastrointestinal function—that develop during their journey and hinder their nutrition stability, patients with cancer have increased nutrient needs. Oncology dietitians are experts at guiding patients and caregivers through the nutritional process and developing solutions.

NINR Seeks Nursing Input for 2022–2026 Strategic Plan

NINR Seeks Nursing Input for 2022–2026 Strategic Plan

Nursing science research must look at the whole picture of health, including health equity, social determinants of health, and the translation of science into policy and practice, the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR) said in its approach to developing the 2022–2026 strategic plan.