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

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Genetic Prognostic Factors in CLL Treated With Novel Compounds

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 27, 2020

Obinutuzumab plus venetoclax was associated with improved outcomes compared with obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil, regardless of the presence of unfavorable genetic prognostic factors.

Lung Cancer

Clinical Trials in NSCLC Supported by the Pharmaceutical Industry Were More Likely to Report Strong Evidence, Be Open Access

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 24, 2020

A study of clinical trials found no evidence of bias in the reporting of clinical trials supported by pharmaceutical companies compared with studies that had other funding sources.

Lymphoma

Real-World Data Confirm Early Efficacy of Axi-Cel in Refractory DLBCL

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 23, 2020

A retrospective study found similar efficacy and toxicity outcomes among patients with refractory DLBCL who were treated with axi-cel outside of trial inclusion criteria.

The novel drug appeared effective in healthy, previously untreated patients, but cost, side effects, and other issues may stand in the way of its widespread use.

General Oncology

Analysis of Ramucirumab Suggests Risks Outweigh Benefits

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 22, 2020

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that there are significant risks for severe or fatal adverse events with ramucirumab, with only modest improvements in OS or PFS.

An FDA pilot program to promote transparency in clinical studies falls short of similar efforts by its European and Canadian counterparts.

General Oncology

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Telehealth

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 21, 2020

Regulations on telehealth services were rapidly deregulated early into the COVID-19 pandemic, but questions remain about quality of care and patient disparities.

Fact Sheets

Immunotherapies for Lung Cancer: Recent Approvals

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 10, 2020

This fact sheet discusses recent advances in immuno-oncology for advanced lung cancers.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Changes in Management of CLL Due to COVID-19 Noted in Italy

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 6, 2020

The management of CLL, including delays in work-up and treatment, and modifications to clinical trials, have been implemented across Italy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Oncology

Immunotherapy May Increase Risk for Hospitalization, Severe Respiratory Illness From COVID-19

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 2, 2020

Patients with cancer and COVID-19 had high rates of hospitalization and/or respiratory illness, particularly among those taking immunotherapy or those older than 65 years.

Lymphoma

Considerations for the Diagnostic Work-Up of Breast Implant–Associated Lymphoma

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 2, 2020

Flow cytometry may provide an efficient, sensitive, and specific tool for the differential diagnosis of breast implant–associated ALCL, but a cell block may be able to answer additional questions about the disease.

ASCO and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology jointly issued new clinical practice guidelines for the

Gynecologic Cancer

TP53 Mutations Present in HPV-Negative Vulvar Cancer

Andrea S. Blevins Primeau, PhD, MBA

July 1, 2020

In a whole-exome analysis, the most common mutations occurred in TP53, and mutations in other known cancer-associated genes were identified in women with HPV-negative vulvar cancer.

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