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Health: Cancer Treatment Clue Found in Beehives

The Story: "Propolis" is a waxy material used by bees as a cement in repairing and maintaining the hive. One particular variety of propolis, known...

Health: Reflections on Chadwick Boseman’s Death

The Story: Chadwick Boseman, an American actor best known for his portrayal of King T'Challa in the Marvel/Disney movie "Black Panther," died August 28, 2020. ...

Health: The Prehistory of the War on Cancer

The Story: Use of the phrase "war on cancer" dates to January 1971, when then President Richard Nixon promised to put the resources of the...

Medicare Aims to Expand Coverage of Cancer Care. But Is It Enough?

Cancer patients, doctors and drug companies are urging the Trump administration to remove the restrictions and broaden coverage so more patients can benefit from the treatment, known as CAR T cell therapy, or CAR-T. Medicare and other insurers typically pay for drugs as they are used, from month to month and year to year. The Trump administration has proposed covering CAR-T therapy when it is prescribed by a cancer specialist and given in a hospital to Medicare patients whose cancer has not responded to other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. “But when you actually consider what you are paying for over the course of someone’s lifetime, and you think about the cost of other therapies that this is replacing, it actually is not astronomical.” There is no national Medicare policy for covering CAR T cell therapy. The request for a Medicare coverage decision came from one of the nation’s largest insurers, UnitedHealth Group, which expressed concern that “CAR-T therapies could create significant financial risks” for the government and for private Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealth is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, with about five million people enrolled in its plans. Approving payment for this therapy right now will save the lives of patients who have run out of other options.” Advocates for patients and physician groups said the coverage policy proposed by the Trump administration was too limited and could delay lifesaving treatment for cancer patients who were very ill. “We have a new therapy, a result of years of research, and it has been approved by the F.D.A.,” said Kirsten A. Sloan, a vice president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. A patient’s health care provider is in the best position to determine when and whether a patient will benefit from CAR T cell therapy and should not be limited by a narrow coverage policy.” Ted Okon, the executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance, an advocacy group for cancer doctors and patients, said the coverage criteria proposed by the Trump administration were “much more restrictive” than the uses of CAR-T therapy permitted in the F.D.A.-approved label. “No one anticipated such an extraordinary expense when Medicare’s hospital payment formulas were adopted.” Under the Trump administration proposal, Medicare would pay for CAR-T therapy in patients who have “relapsed or refractory cancer” that has resisted other treatments. The eligibility requirements “may exclude some patients who could benefit from treatment,” said Cynthia A. Bens, a senior vice president of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, an education and advocacy group.
Remembering Fox News legal analyst Bob Massi

Remembering Fox News legal analyst Bob Massi

Fox News legal analyst and Nevada real estate attorney Bob Massi passes away at age 67 after an extended cancer battle. 'Fox & Friends' remembers 'The Property Man.' FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service dedicated to…
10-year-old cancer survivor describes attending the SOTU

10-year-old cancer survivor describes attending the SOTU

Grace Eline attended the State of the Union as Melania Trump's guest. She tells her inspirational story and reacts to being recognized by President Trump on 'Fox & Friends.' Watch President Trump's full speech here: https://youtu.be/TXep_uf-ESY #FoxandFriends #FoxNews #SOTU FOX…
John McCain discontinues cancer treatment

John McCain discontinues cancer treatment

Sen. John McCain's family released a statement saying the senator is discontinuing treatment for his aggressive form of brain cancer.
Aretha Franklin dead at 76, remembering the 'Queen of Soul'

Aretha Franklin dead at 76, remembering the ‘Queen of Soul’

'Queen of Soul' Aretha Franklin has died at the age of 76. Here is a look back at her iconic life and career. FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service dedicated to delivering breaking news as well…
'The Ingraham Angle' remembers Charles Krauthammer

‘The Ingraham Angle’ remembers Charles Krauthammer

Bret Baier, Brit Hume, A.B. Stoddard and Charlie Hurt share memories of Charles Krauthammer on 'The Ingraham Angle.' FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service dedicated to delivering breaking news as well as political and business news.…
Sean Hannity pays tribute to Charles Krauthammer

Sean Hannity pays tribute to Charles Krauthammer

Sean Hannity shares a look back at a special moment with friend and colleague Charles Krauthammer. FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service dedicated to delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number…