Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA, is a freelance medical writer and editor based in central Pennsylvania. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics including oncology, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders. Previously, she conducted research investigating the role of pharmacogenetics on the efficacy of oncologic therapies.

All articles by Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

Sometimes the distinctions between cancer treatment groups are a little blurry. Here’s a guide to their definitions and origins.

General Gastroenterology

GI Symptoms Common in Patients With Cancer and COVID-19

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

January 5, 2021

Investigators evaluated the prevalence and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with COVID-19 and cancer who were hospitalized during the study period.

In this study, a young adult was defined as an individual who was 40 years or younger.

General Gastroenterology

Evolving Incidence Trends in AYA Cancers

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

December 4, 2020

Cancer incidence trends across 41 countries demonstrated sharp increases and decreases in certain cancer types over the last 15 years.

Male doctor explaining results to middlea-ged female patient in hallway

General Gastroenterology

Antibiotics May Reduce Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

November 20, 2020

Antibiotic use prior to ICI treatment may reduce ICI efficacy and result in worse survival outcomes among patients with cancer, in a retrospective study.

New, less aggressive guidelines have been developed for management of pancreatic cysts.

Pancreatic Disorders

Neoadjuvant Urelumab-Containing Combination Has Preliminary Activity in Pancreatic Cancer

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

November 18, 2020

Preliminary data suggest that neoadjuvant treatment of resected pancreatic cancer with urelumab plus nivolumab and GVAX was well tolerated and showed some antitumor activity in a small study.

Overall, it is estimated that approximately 7% to 11% of patients experience tumor shrinkage in phase 1 trials.

Liver

Statistical Index Suggests That Immunotherapy Trials in Liver Cancer and Other Malignancies Show Uncertain Clinical Benefit

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

November 10, 2020

The survival-inferred fragility index of phase 3 trials for immune checkpoint inhibitors suggests that, despite statistical significance, survival data do not show a robust clinical benefit.

Induction Chemotherapy to Downstage Advanced Oesophageal Cancer Before Surgery

Esophagus

Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy Prolonged Survival in Esophageal or EGJ Cancers

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

September 24, 2020

First-line pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy prolonged survival among patients with advanced esophageal or esophagogastric junction cancer.

The diagnosis of linitis plastica, a subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma with a poor prognosis, can be

Esophagus

First-Line Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Gastric, Gastroesophageal Junction, and Esophageal Cancers

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

September 23, 2020

Nivolumab plus chemotherapy prolonged survival of patients with advanced gastric, gastroesophageal junction, and esophageal cancers compared with chemotherapy.

Safety and Efficacy Sorafenib Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among Age Groups

Liver

Improved Outcomes With Cabozantinib in HCC Across All Baseline AFP Levels

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

August 18, 2020

Cabozantinib prolonged survival compared with placebo regardless of baseline AFP levels. Lower baseline AFP levels associated with the longest survival.

Next post in Liver