• Massachusetts/New Jersey: Moderna and Merck recently reported new trial data showing their experimental cancer vaccine helped reduce the risk of relapse or death for patients with melanoma. In the Phase 2b trial, the vaccine, in combination with Merck's cancer immunotherapy Keytruda, reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 49% after five years. The findings are consistent with three-year follow-up data presented in 2023. "If Moderna can recreate this 49% risk reduction in the much larger phase 3 trial, that bodes well for not only commercialization in melanoma but also prospects for the combination in other indications, like kidney, bladder, and lung cancers," said Karen Andersen, an analyst with Morningstar. Currently, the companies have eight Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for its cancer vaccine across multiple tumor types, including melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. (Miller, Wall Street Journal, 1/20; Choudhury/Sunny, Reuters, 1/20)
• New York: Teladoc has added new conditions for treatment through its virtual urgent care service, including joint pain, hair loss, and sleep issues. The company is working with a broader network of specialists so urgent care providers can consult with them during a patient's visit to confirm their treatment plan. According to Teladoc, it hopes the changes will help health plans save money by reducing the number of follow-up appointments patients might need after a virtual urgent care visit. "As the pioneer in virtual care, we continue to innovate and raise expectations about the value that can be created in virtual visits," said Kelly Bliss, president of U.S. Group Health at Teladoc. "Our clinical expertise, purpose-built technology and operational scale are unmatched and enable us to deliver meaningful outcomes and measurable ROI for our customers." (Beavins, Fierce Healthcare, 1/12)
• Tennessee: Dozens of people have fallen ill with histoplasmosis in the Nashville area after inhaling the spores of a fungus commonly found in the soil of the Ohio River and Mississippi River Valleys. One person has died from the illness. Histoplasmosis is a respiratory infection that can cause flu-like symptoms. Although most cases are mild, severe disease can occur and in rare cases can be fatal, especially for people who are immunocompromised. The disease is not contagious and is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later. According to Tennessee health officials, they haven't yet identified a clear source of the outbreak. It can also be challenging to prevent exposure to histoplasmosis since it is commonly found in Tennessee soil. Currently, CDC is providing scientific technical support for the investigation into the outbreak. (Hassan, New York Times, 1/21) 

How will cancer care be delivered, experienced, and paid for in 2030? See our four predictions for the evolving cancer care landscape. Then, learn what you should do to prepare for the cancer center of the future.