On March 19, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to ponatinib (Iclusig, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.) with chemotherapy for adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).
ASCO in Action provides the latest news and analysis related to critical policy issues affecting the cancer community, updates on the Association for Clinical Oncology’s ongoing advocacy efforts, and opportunities for members and others in the cancer care community to take action.
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March 19, 2024
March 11, 2024
Congress passed a six-part spending bill on March 8, 2024, that funds several government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through Sept. 30, 2024—the end of the fiscal year.
March 7, 2024
On March 6, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company) in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC).
March 7, 2024
On March 7, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to zanubrutinib (Brukinsa, BeiGene USA, Inc.) with obinutuzumab for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more lines of systemic therapy.
March 6, 2024
Irinotecan Liposome for First-line Treatment of Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Approved by FDA
On February 13, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved irinotecan liposome (Onivyde, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.) with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin, for the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
February 26, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a joint Request for Information on how group purchasing organizations’ and drug wholesalers’ practices are impacting the generic drug market. The Association for Clinical Oncology encourages stakeholders within the cancer community to comment to give federal agencies the perspective they need from across the myriad settings of cancer care.
February 22, 2024
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)’s new policy statement highlights the need for formalized efforts to address health-related social needs and outlines ways to address social determinants of health in cancer care.
February 14, 2024
The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Serving the Underserved Task Force shared survey results that provide insight on oncology professionals’ experiences and strategies to support their work caring for underserved populations.
February 13, 2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized prior authorization policy updates within Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicaid Managed Care and Fee for Service, Children’s Health Insurance Plans (CHIP) Managed Care and Fee for Service, and Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) on the Federally Facilitated Exchanges (FFEs). These changes come in response to the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and other stakeholder concerns that prior authorization processes limit beneficiary access to care in Medicare Advantage.
February 13, 2024
The Alliance for Childhood Cancer held its 14th annual Action Days Feb.13-14, 2024, in Washington. ASCO is a proud member of the Alliance, a cohort of national patient advocacy groups, professional medical organizations, and scientific organizations dedicated to advancing research and policies to prevent cancer. During this year's Action Days, more than 200 advocates representing 34 states took part in 150 meetings on Capitol Hill.
January 16, 2024
The Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to two proposed rules: the 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rule and the 2025 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters proposed rule. ASCO’s comments support provisions that address utilization management and health equity, which have the potential to improve access to care for the cancer community.
January 16, 2024
As of January 1, 2024, oncology practitioners can bill and receive Medicare payment for connecting patients to navigation services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services adopted two billing codes for Principle Illness Navigation services: G0023 for the initial 60 minutes per patient per month, and G0024 to capture each additional 30 minutes per patient per month. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has received many inquiries about coding and billing for these new services and has made resources available for the oncology community.
January 9, 2024
A paper published January 9, 2024 in the journal Cancer details three calls-to-action that the oncology research and clinical care communities should implement to expand access to clinical trials and improve inclusivity to enable more people with cancer to participate in clinical trials closer to home.
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