Monday, November 09, 2009
Long-term meat intake and risk of breast cancer by oestrogen and progesterone receptor status in a cohort of Swedish women
QUOTE chemo: A patient-centred instrument to measure quality of communication preceding chemotherapy treatment through the patient’s eyes
QUOTE: Odd how the p in patients' is in small caps ??
Preventing Future Cancers by Testing Women With Ovarian Cancer for BRCA Mutations -- Kwon et al., 10.1200/JCO.2008.21.4684 -- Journal of Clinical Oncology
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Current Status of Palliative Care--Clinical Implementation, Education, and Research -- Grant et al. 59 (5): 327 -- CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
Treatment decision making and its discontents
Soc Work Health Care. 2009 Aug-Sep;48(6):614-34.
Treatment decision making and its discontents.
Sinding C, Wiernikowski J.
Department of Health, Aging, and Society, and School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. sinding@mcmaster.ca
Patient participation in treatment decision making is held as a virtue in clinical contexts, and has much to recommend it. Yet important questions have been raised about the assumptions underlying models of patient participation. Debates have arisen about the significance of medically defined risks and outcomes of treatment; the adequacy and relevance across social groups of the concept of autonomy; and the emphasis on the professional-patient dyad. This article contributes to the debate about treatment decision making with reference to a study focused on older women with cancer. Interviews with patients and cancer care professionals highlighted the salience to patients' treatment choices of experiential knowledge, social roles and responsibilities, and the health policy context. It appears that prevailing models of decision making may obscure patients' more typical decision processes as well as the social determinants of those choices.
Treatment decision making and its discontents.
Sinding C, Wiernikowski J.
Department of Health, Aging, and Society, and School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. sinding@mcmaster.ca
Patient participation in treatment decision making is held as a virtue in clinical contexts, and has much to recommend it. Yet important questions have been raised about the assumptions underlying models of patient participation. Debates have arisen about the significance of medically defined risks and outcomes of treatment; the adequacy and relevance across social groups of the concept of autonomy; and the emphasis on the professional-patient dyad. This article contributes to the debate about treatment decision making with reference to a study focused on older women with cancer. Interviews with patients and cancer care professionals highlighted the salience to patients' treatment choices of experiential knowledge, social roles and responsibilities, and the health policy context. It appears that prevailing models of decision making may obscure patients' more typical decision processes as well as the social determinants of those choices.
The Contents and Readability of Informed Consent Forms for Oncology Clinical Trials
CONCLUSIONS:: ICF had acceptable readability and provided a realistic overview of the benefits and risks of clinical trials, but the potential for hospitalization or fatality was underreported.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Update: H1N1 and Cancer
A miracle. Our ovarian cancer friend is now in the hospital and receiving the care that she feels she needs and which she deserves. A good news story!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Update - from Nov 3rd - Letter to the Editor H1N1 and Cancer (ovarian cancer woman in need)
Editor's Comment: I received this response and have forwarded the information on to my ovarian cancer friend. It was sent onwards (obviously). One small step and although only the friend herself will know if this will be helpful, it is one small step.
Sandi
Dear Ms. Pnaiuskas, can you forward to her the information that I sent you yesterday? She can also contact me directly.
Thanks,
BC Cancer Agency WebQueries
604-675-8005 604-675-8009
1-888-675-8000, local 8005
* 675 West 10th AvenueVancouver, BC V5Z 1L3
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
H1N1 and Cancer - update
Letter to the Editor;
With the focus of attention on H1N1 are we allowing care for those desparately ill to go to the bottom of today's priority list? It would seem so. I have a friend in need. The cancer is killing both of us. The cancer is killing my friend because of the disease. It is killing me because I am sitting here watching and listening to this friend who needs help but cannot access palliative care assistance. It seems that this patient has tried to access help without success. I believe there must be a healthcare provider somewhere in this province, who can exercise some form of a miracle and connect the dots. Out of privacy concerns I will not publicly provide this patient's personal information but what I do need is someone in the Vancouver area who has the authority, ability and willingness to help this patient. As a cancer survivour and friend, the best I can do is place a call for action. As a healthcare provider, you have the means to make it work. I will connect you. Please help because we need to and we must. Sandi Pniauskas 117 Glen Hill Drive Whitby, Ontario Canada L1N 6Z8 October 30, 2009 http://ovariancancerandus.blogspot.com http://ovariancancerdebate.blogspot.com/ November 1st, 2009 update: This letter was circulated through
media outlets, Twitter, Facebook, listservs, professional organizations etc. With the exception
of Charles Adler (media broadcaster) and 2 cancer survivours it fell on deaf ears.
Initial evaluation and referral guidelines for management of pelvic/ovarian masses - Canada
"Patients deemed to have a high risk of an underlying malignancy should be reviewed in consultation with a gynaecologic oncologist for assessment and optimal surgical management."
Who are the providers of gynaecologic cancer surgical care in Ontario?
Laparoscopic peritoneal entry preferences among Canadian gynaecologists
Abstract: the response rate to the survey was 45.6%
"CONCLUSIONS: Our survey had a significant response rate and was able to delineate current laparoscopic entry practice patterns of gynaecologists, which were consistent across Canada. Despite 72.9% of respondents reporting familiarity with the recent SOGC clinical practice guideline, it appears that clinical practice does not necessarily coincide with current recommendations. These variances in gynaecological practice emphasize the need for further educational initiatives to ensure that the evidence from research is used to make clinical practice safer."
"CONCLUSIONS: Our survey had a significant response rate and was able to delineate current laparoscopic entry practice patterns of gynaecologists, which were consistent across Canada. Despite 72.9% of respondents reporting familiarity with the recent SOGC clinical practice guideline, it appears that clinical practice does not necessarily coincide with current recommendations. These variances in gynaecological practice emphasize the need for further educational initiatives to ensure that the evidence from research is used to make clinical practice safer."
Saturday, October 31, 2009
patient advocacy
Today, as I ponder spending the past 48 hrs trying to help this friend, I am disgusted with the lack of response. How can this be? (see letter below)
H1N1 and Cancer
Letter to the Editor;
With the focus of attention on H1N1 are we allowing care for those desparately ill to go to the bottom of today's priority list? It would seem so.
I have a friend in need. The cancer is killing both of us. The cancer is killing my friend because of the disease. It is killing me because I am sitting here watching and listening to this friend who needs help but cannot access palliative care assistance. It seems that this patient has tried to access help without success. I believe there must be a healthcare provider somewhere in this province, who can exercise some form of a miracle and connect the dots. Out of privacy concerns I will not publicly provide this patient's personal information but what I do need is someone in the Vancouver area who has the authority, ability and willingness to help this patient. As a cancer survivour and friend, the best I can do is place a call for action.
As a healthcare provider, you have the means to make it work. I will connect you. Please help because - we can and we must.
Sandi Pniauskas
sandipn@sympatico.ca
October 30, 2009
Hope with More: In Their Own (Ovarian Cancer) Words
reposted from September 11th:
Hope with More: ‘In Their Own (Ovarian Cancer) Words’©
September 11th, 2009
Author: Sandi Pniauskas
Still today, less than 20% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in early stages, primarily one of luck or happenstance. Ever-present are the realities that ovarian cancer is a disease most often en-shrined in significant suffering. This is our past and this is our current reality.
Reflecting on our women’s most intimate and unpublished thoughts, feelings and opinions tells, ‘In Their Own (Ovarian Cancer) Words’, what still has not and is not being heard. This is not the ‘cute’ side of ovarian cancer, although there are moments. Each day brings a kaleidoscope of emotions. With each passing day, the struggles of the fine line between Hope, Reality, Wishes, Expectations and Dreams remain.
We speak as one without boundaries and indeed in many respects ovarian cancer IS the silent killer. Against our will and with significant sacrifices, this ovarian cancer invariably defeats the body and the spirit. I challenge you to listen, as we have, so silently, for so long. A decade of intimate involvement with ovarian cancer women, their caregivers and communities, has most often elicited truisms that stand out. There is Trust between Survivors & Caregivers and secondly, there does not exist, in our world, an ‘ordinary’ ovarian cancer woman.
Trust between ovarian cancer Women and Caregivers is: Hope with More.
Should we choose we might learn much based on these personal conversations. These few words represent a microscopic-sampling of millions of words and thoughts - all valued - all cherished – sometimes dismissed. Sometimes too difficult to b/hear. Sometimes with a huge sigh of relief and humour.
In our communities, many moments are spent living-with-ovarian cancer, often through the eyes of others. As a tribute to our ovarian cancer women, living-with or in-spirit, these are their words to you with that special privilege of Trust and my own personal admiration… in their own words. Some are stunning. All are real.
Age:
A: Ovarian cancer for xx-something ‘dummies’.
L: Older than whom?
I: How dare they write me off.
S: I have wished it was me, not her going thru this . Though I am younger and could be stronger, the truth is I am such a coward compared to her.
Angels & Hope & Friends:
B: I am alive today because of my guardian angel {an ovarian cancer survivor).
B: Spent all day in emergency because I was having a lot of trouble breathing. Good news no heart
attack, no stroke.
R: Please visit me today as I think this is it…. Please visit me today as I think this is it….(X many) … Look after yourself and when you have time, contact me at: 1 – 800 – HEAVEN ext R … Message to R: The line has been kind of busy ....
Y: Friendship therapy is something that has not been explored by the medical community, but it is important for cancer survivors. When I was on chemotherapy, I might just sleep over some days because during those days I was too sick to eat or get up. I was surprised I was enjoying not only the good companies, but also the food when other survivors came to visit me.
L: …will be shutting down the computer now...we’ll see each other completely on the other side.
C: I agree, let’s go, we can. (do this)
C: I think I will lean heavily on philosophy as I get closer to dying. It's that or religion. There's always food! Maybe I'll just eat my way through the fear of death!
S: I have to say that I am not being very gracious here and at the same time not feeling that I should
apologize either. It makes me feel that I am supposed to be wishing you the best when all I really am
wishing for is that you could stay.
CA125:
S: I was 3x years old when I was diagnosed…. I have never had a CA 125 done to my knowledge.
S: It doesn’t matter what the research on the CA125 says - it’s all we have.
Humor:
J: (Dr.) said if his wife was going for (treatment) this is who he would send her to. I hope he likes his wife!!!!
S: I should have read the bio first - psychiatry and 'suck it up' don't really go together.
S: Thanks for living so long! (woman with 150~ + chemo/multiple surgeries TO woman with no recurrence)
L: This disease may have taken my ovaries but has replaced them with a ‘set of balls’.
Husbands/Partners:
D: I watched, as the verdict was read, a tsunami-like wave pass right over my wife’s head, leaving her completely stunned.
Knowledge:
A: Ovarian cancer for xx-something ‘dummies’. (worth repeating)
S: In order to be taken seriously, we (patients) need to understand everything about ovarian cancer.
C: I decided that starvation is the easier death by far….
B: I once read that ovarian is the most complicated cancer, so I figure that I (and the rest of us) must be really special.
Impact:
B: “You need a surgeon and you need one now”. I left his office naively thinking that something would be done and that we could go back to trying to have children.
L: (upon my death) please thank everyone in our group...they are so special.
R: (favourite quote) "Since my house burned down I now have a better view of the rising moon."
F: I always wonder which (ovarian cancer friend’s) death will put me over the edge. I think I am close.
Value and Sense of Worthiness:
K: I feel I am nothing for what this disease is doing to my family (control)….I am not a nothing...I am really a somebody...somebody with ovarian cancer.
L: Let me tell you what is on my mind without cutting me off with "You are so negative!” It is not that I am being negative, these are the facts and I am being realistic.
D: (word games) I Am No Thing. I Am. Not a Thing, or a title, nor am I a summary of accomplishments. I am No Thing because I am not static, not uniform, not in a box, not a disease, not a political party. I am not a snapshot.
C: (published) “Devaluing a Survivor’s Challenge”
We are: PhD’s, healthcare support professionals, lawyers, bankers, physicians, teachers, social workers, computer specialists, nurses, realtors, bankers, e-patients...…Daughters, Sisters, Mothers, Grandmothers
*As matters of integrity, names have not been disclosed, albeit many have given their express permission to do so (past and present)
Hope with More: ‘In Their Own (Ovarian Cancer) Words’©
September 11th, 2009
Author: Sandi Pniauskas
Still today, less than 20% of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in early stages, primarily one of luck or happenstance. Ever-present are the realities that ovarian cancer is a disease most often en-shrined in significant suffering. This is our past and this is our current reality.
Reflecting on our women’s most intimate and unpublished thoughts, feelings and opinions tells, ‘In Their Own (Ovarian Cancer) Words’, what still has not and is not being heard. This is not the ‘cute’ side of ovarian cancer, although there are moments. Each day brings a kaleidoscope of emotions. With each passing day, the struggles of the fine line between Hope, Reality, Wishes, Expectations and Dreams remain.
We speak as one without boundaries and indeed in many respects ovarian cancer IS the silent killer. Against our will and with significant sacrifices, this ovarian cancer invariably defeats the body and the spirit. I challenge you to listen, as we have, so silently, for so long. A decade of intimate involvement with ovarian cancer women, their caregivers and communities, has most often elicited truisms that stand out. There is Trust between Survivors & Caregivers and secondly, there does not exist, in our world, an ‘ordinary’ ovarian cancer woman.
Trust between ovarian cancer Women and Caregivers is: Hope with More.
Should we choose we might learn much based on these personal conversations. These few words represent a microscopic-sampling of millions of words and thoughts - all valued - all cherished – sometimes dismissed. Sometimes too difficult to b/hear. Sometimes with a huge sigh of relief and humour.
In our communities, many moments are spent living-with-ovarian cancer, often through the eyes of others. As a tribute to our ovarian cancer women, living-with or in-spirit, these are their words to you with that special privilege of Trust and my own personal admiration… in their own words. Some are stunning. All are real.
Age:
A: Ovarian cancer for xx-something ‘dummies’.
L: Older than whom?
I: How dare they write me off.
S: I have wished it was me, not her going thru this . Though I am younger and could be stronger, the truth is I am such a coward compared to her.
Angels & Hope & Friends:
B: I am alive today because of my guardian angel {an ovarian cancer survivor).
B: Spent all day in emergency because I was having a lot of trouble breathing. Good news no heart
attack, no stroke.
R: Please visit me today as I think this is it…. Please visit me today as I think this is it….(X many) … Look after yourself and when you have time, contact me at: 1 – 800 – HEAVEN ext R … Message to R: The line has been kind of busy ....
Y: Friendship therapy is something that has not been explored by the medical community, but it is important for cancer survivors. When I was on chemotherapy, I might just sleep over some days because during those days I was too sick to eat or get up. I was surprised I was enjoying not only the good companies, but also the food when other survivors came to visit me.
L: …will be shutting down the computer now...we’ll see each other completely on the other side.
C: I agree, let’s go, we can. (do this)
C: I think I will lean heavily on philosophy as I get closer to dying. It's that or religion. There's always food! Maybe I'll just eat my way through the fear of death!
S: I have to say that I am not being very gracious here and at the same time not feeling that I should
apologize either. It makes me feel that I am supposed to be wishing you the best when all I really am
wishing for is that you could stay.
CA125:
S: I was 3x years old when I was diagnosed…. I have never had a CA 125 done to my knowledge.
S: It doesn’t matter what the research on the CA125 says - it’s all we have.
Humor:
J: (Dr.) said if his wife was going for (treatment) this is who he would send her to. I hope he likes his wife!!!!
S: I should have read the bio first - psychiatry and 'suck it up' don't really go together.
S: Thanks for living so long! (woman with 150~ + chemo/multiple surgeries TO woman with no recurrence)
L: This disease may have taken my ovaries but has replaced them with a ‘set of balls’.
Husbands/Partners:
D: I watched, as the verdict was read, a tsunami-like wave pass right over my wife’s head, leaving her completely stunned.
Knowledge:
A: Ovarian cancer for xx-something ‘dummies’. (worth repeating)
S: In order to be taken seriously, we (patients) need to understand everything about ovarian cancer.
C: I decided that starvation is the easier death by far….
B: I once read that ovarian is the most complicated cancer, so I figure that I (and the rest of us) must be really special.
Impact:
B: “You need a surgeon and you need one now”. I left his office naively thinking that something would be done and that we could go back to trying to have children.
L: (upon my death) please thank everyone in our group...they are so special.
R: (favourite quote) "Since my house burned down I now have a better view of the rising moon."
F: I always wonder which (ovarian cancer friend’s) death will put me over the edge. I think I am close.
Value and Sense of Worthiness:
K: I feel I am nothing for what this disease is doing to my family (control)….I am not a nothing...I am really a somebody...somebody with ovarian cancer.
L: Let me tell you what is on my mind without cutting me off with "You are so negative!” It is not that I am being negative, these are the facts and I am being realistic.
D: (word games) I Am No Thing. I Am. Not a Thing, or a title, nor am I a summary of accomplishments. I am No Thing because I am not static, not uniform, not in a box, not a disease, not a political party. I am not a snapshot.
C: (published) “Devaluing a Survivor’s Challenge”
We are: PhD’s, healthcare support professionals, lawyers, bankers, physicians, teachers, social workers, computer specialists, nurses, realtors, bankers, e-patients...…Daughters, Sisters, Mothers, Grandmothers
*As matters of integrity, names have not been disclosed, albeit many have given their express permission to do so (past and present)
Friday, October 30, 2009
$5.4 million Quebec breast cancer wait list class action settlement approved by court Patients who experienced post-surgery radiotherapy treatment...
$5.4 million Quebec breast cancer wait list class action settlement approved by court
Patients who experienced post-surgery radiotherapy treatment delays must file claims by March 31, 2010
Patients who experienced post-surgery radiotherapy treatment delays must file claims by March 31, 2010
2007 British Columbia PET scans approved for gyn cancers
vs zero for Ontario
reference document for B.C. criteria
reference document for B.C. criteria
Correspondence: Molecular Screening for Lynch Syndrome: From Bench to Bedside
Lynch syndrome is the most prevalent familial cancer. Screening
can prevent death from new colon and endometrial cancers among
the patients and family members. We urge the implementation of a
molecular screening for all colorectal cancer patients and suggest
taking advantage of BRAF and methylation analyses in MLH1-
negative cases to select the patients at highest risk.
can prevent death from new colon and endometrial cancers among
the patients and family members. We urge the implementation of a
molecular screening for all colorectal cancer patients and suggest
taking advantage of BRAF and methylation analyses in MLH1-
negative cases to select the patients at highest risk.
To find a global solution to cancer, we need a global conversation - The Globe and Mail
To find a global solution to cancer, we need a global conversation - The Globe and Mail:
"The patient rarely, if ever, has a meaningful role in their care or any real power in the health system.
The public and patients rarely have a voice."
"The patient rarely, if ever, has a meaningful role in their care or any real power in the health system.
The public and patients rarely have a voice."
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Ontario Ministry of Health Rejecting OSCAR is a $1 Billion Mistake.
"The province has rejected McMaster University's offer to get every family doctor using electronic health records within two years.
McMaster said it would need less than $20 million to get the 8,000 family doctors still using paper files in Ontario switched to an electronic health records system created by the university and called OSCAR.
But the Ministry of Health says it's sticking to its policy of letting individual doctors decide whether they want electronic health records and what system to use.
McMaster said it would need less than $20 million to get the 8,000 family doctors still using paper files in Ontario switched to an electronic health records system created by the university and called OSCAR.
But the Ministry of Health says it's sticking to its policy of letting individual doctors decide whether they want electronic health records and what system to use.
Theoretical model of treatment strategies for clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: Focus on perspectives
" ..the therapy currently used in renal CCC should be considered as an alternative for the present treatments or an attractive therapeutic option for ovarian CCC."
Penetrance of HNPCC-related cancers in a retrolective cohort of 12 large Newfoundland families carrying a MSH2 founder mutation: an evaluation using m
Population screening and early detection of ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women - NBOCC Position statement - Australia
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Study confirms higher risk of pancreatic cancer in Lynch syndrome families | University of Michigan Health System
Nektar Completes Enrollment Ahead of Schedule in Phase 2 Clinical Trial Evaluating NKTR-102 in Patients with Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer - MarketWatch
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Conference Overview - The Empowered Patient Conference, Vancouver Island Conference Center - Including the Patient in Patient Safety
The Empowered Patient Conference
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
9:00am – 4:30pm (registration begins at 8:00am)
Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo BC
101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, B.C.
Would you like to play a meaningful role in your health care decisions?
Would you like to develop the knowledge and power to advocate for yourself within the health care system?
The Empowered Patient Conference is a one day event where you will develop the skills and confidence to advocate for yourself. You will hear from a range of people who are helping patients to improve safety. And you will leave empowered – knowing what to say and what to do to get the health care you deserve.
Who Should Attend?
This event was initiated by patients for patients and caregivers, including members of the public and business community, consumers of conventional and alternative health care, health care advocates, anyone living with chronic health conditions, and anyone interested in making empowered health care a reality.
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
9:00am – 4:30pm (registration begins at 8:00am)
Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Nanaimo BC
101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, B.C.
Would you like to play a meaningful role in your health care decisions?
Would you like to develop the knowledge and power to advocate for yourself within the health care system?
The Empowered Patient Conference is a one day event where you will develop the skills and confidence to advocate for yourself. You will hear from a range of people who are helping patients to improve safety. And you will leave empowered – knowing what to say and what to do to get the health care you deserve.
Who Should Attend?
This event was initiated by patients for patients and caregivers, including members of the public and business community, consumers of conventional and alternative health care, health care advocates, anyone living with chronic health conditions, and anyone interested in making empowered health care a reality.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Improving Cancer Outcomes Through International Collaboration in Academic Cancer Treatment Trials -- Trimble et al. 27 (30): 5109 -- Journal of Clinical Oncology
U.S. NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool (RePORT) - Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories (RCDC)
Note: scroll down the page for ovarian cancer
Ovarian epithelial tumors of low malignant potential: a case series of 5 adolescent patients
Ovarian epithelial tumors of low malignant potential: a case series of 5 adolescent patients
Anjali AggarwalacCorresponding Author Informationemail address, Kerith L. Luccoac, Judith Lacyac, Sari Kivesac, J. Ted Gerstlebc, Lisa Allenac
Received 7 April 2009; received in revised form 19 June 2009; accepted 23 June 2009.
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian neoplasms are uncommon in pediatric and adolescent patients, accounting for approximately 20% to 30% of ovarian tumors in adolescent females and women younger than 25. Tumors of low malignant potential (LMP) account for a significant proportion of epithelial neoplasms in this patient population. This case series describes 5 adolescent patients, with a mean age of 14.4 ± 2.4 years, diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP at one institution.
Between November 2001 and January 2006, 5 patients were diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP of 126 patients who had surgery for adnexal masses. All patients underwent initial surgery via laparotomy. Two patients underwent ovarian cystectomy, and 3 had at least a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. One patient had stage IIIc disease, whereas the other 4 patients, not all completely staged, had presumed stage I disease. Three patients developed recurrent ovarian masses on follow-up. Two had recurrent LMP tumors (one bilateral) and one was a benign mucinous cystadenoma.
This case series of 5 adolescent patients with ovarian tumors of LMP highlights the importance of considering epithelial neoplasms in any pediatric or adolescent patient with a pelvic mass and supports conservative management, with staging and fertility-sparing surgery; however, appropriate follow-up is essential, as evidenced by 3 of 5 patients exhibiting recurrent ovarian masses.
Anjali AggarwalacCorresponding Author Informationemail address, Kerith L. Luccoac, Judith Lacyac, Sari Kivesac, J. Ted Gerstlebc, Lisa Allenac
Received 7 April 2009; received in revised form 19 June 2009; accepted 23 June 2009.
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian neoplasms are uncommon in pediatric and adolescent patients, accounting for approximately 20% to 30% of ovarian tumors in adolescent females and women younger than 25. Tumors of low malignant potential (LMP) account for a significant proportion of epithelial neoplasms in this patient population. This case series describes 5 adolescent patients, with a mean age of 14.4 ± 2.4 years, diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP at one institution.
Between November 2001 and January 2006, 5 patients were diagnosed with ovarian tumors of LMP of 126 patients who had surgery for adnexal masses. All patients underwent initial surgery via laparotomy. Two patients underwent ovarian cystectomy, and 3 had at least a unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. One patient had stage IIIc disease, whereas the other 4 patients, not all completely staged, had presumed stage I disease. Three patients developed recurrent ovarian masses on follow-up. Two had recurrent LMP tumors (one bilateral) and one was a benign mucinous cystadenoma.
This case series of 5 adolescent patients with ovarian tumors of LMP highlights the importance of considering epithelial neoplasms in any pediatric or adolescent patient with a pelvic mass and supports conservative management, with staging and fertility-sparing surgery; however, appropriate follow-up is essential, as evidenced by 3 of 5 patients exhibiting recurrent ovarian masses.
Abstract/Free full text: Bcl-2 expression is altered with ovarian tumor progression: an immunohistochemical evaluation Jnl of Ovarian Research
Sunday, October 25, 2009
full free text: Using theories of behaviour to understand transfusion prescribing in three clinical contexts in two countries: development work for an implementation trial
Saturday, October 24, 2009
CAP Applauds SACGHS Recommendation to Create Exclusion From Gene Patent Infringement in Clinical Care - MarketWatch
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Integrative health care in a hospital setting: Communication patterns between CAM and biomedical practitioners
Elevated Cancer Mortality in the Relatives of Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Note: Pancreatic cancer is also implicated in the BRCA 2/Lynch Syndrome genetic syndromes
Cisplatin administration following carboplatin desensitization failure in primary peritoneal cancer: a brief report.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Abraxane for the treatment of gynecologic cancer patients with severe hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel.
note: in 2 ovarian cancer patients (study)
Carboplatin hypersensitivity: does introduction of skin test and desensitization reliably predict and avoid the problem?
Characteristics and management of diaphragm involvement in patients with primary advanced-stage ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer
Value of serum CA125 levels in patients with high-risk, early stage epithelial ovarian cancer (Korea)
Combined anti-angiogenic therapy against VEGF and integrin alpha(V)beta(3) in an orthotopic model of ovarian cancer
Menopausal symptoms in women undergoing chemotherapy-induced and natural menopause: a prospective controlled study
Clinical relevance of extent of extreme drug resistance in epithelial ovarian carcinoma - Oncotech assay testing
Forgotten node: A case report. [World J Gastroenterol. 2009] - PubMed Result
1: World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Oct 21;15(39):4974-5.
Forgotten node: A case report.
Fratellone PM, Holowecki MA.
Fratellone Medical Associates, 47 West 57th Street 5th Floor New York, NY 10019, United States. fratmd@aol.com.
Sister Mary Joseph nodule or node refers to a palpable nodule bulging into the umbilicus and is usually a result of a malignant cancer in the pelvis or abdomen. Traditionally it has been considered a sign of ominous prognosis. Gastrointestinal malignancies, most commonly gastric, colon and pancreatic cancer account for about 52% of the underlying sources. Gynecological cancers, most commonly ovarian and uterine cancers account for about 28% of the sources.
Forgotten node: A case report.
Fratellone PM, Holowecki MA.
Fratellone Medical Associates, 47 West 57th Street 5th Floor New York, NY 10019, United States. fratmd@aol.com.
Sister Mary Joseph nodule or node refers to a palpable nodule bulging into the umbilicus and is usually a result of a malignant cancer in the pelvis or abdomen. Traditionally it has been considered a sign of ominous prognosis. Gastrointestinal malignancies, most commonly gastric, colon and pancreatic cancer account for about 52% of the underlying sources. Gynecological cancers, most commonly ovarian and uterine cancers account for about 28% of the sources.
NHGRI Launches Improved Online Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms, October 20, 2009 News Release - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Centralized Review Process Markedly Expedites Approval of Cancer Clinical Trials, October, 19, 2009 News Release - National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Journal of Ovarian Research | Full text | Role of CA125 in predicting ovarian cancer survival - a review of the epidemiological literature
Characteristics of Health Information Gatherers, Disseminators, and Blockers Within Families at Risk of Hereditary Cancer: Implications for Family Hea
Venous thromboembolism in recurrent ovarian cancer-patients: A systematic evaluation of the North-Eastern German Society of Gynaecologic Oncology Ovarian Cancer Study Group (NOGGO)
Biphasic effects of hormone treatment on risk of cardiovascular disease —
"Regularly ovulating women of reproductive age are significantly protected against CVD compared with men, but CVD increases within 10 years of menopause to levels matching or exceeding incidence rates among men,13 suggesting that ovarian estrogen may help protect women against atherosclerosis. This observation led to the corollary hypothesis that treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogens (menopausal hormone therapy [MHT]) might prevent the postmenopausal increase in CVD rates. Yet, despite more than 30 years of research attempting to define whether and how postmenopausal estrogen replacement might protect women against CVD, the issue remains uncertain and, indeed, controversial...."
Monday, October 19, 2009
CBC News - Nfld. & Labrador - N.L. rate of chemo mistakes not alarming: cancer society
CBC News - Nfld. & Labrador - N.L. rate of chemo mistakes not alarming: cancer society: "A spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society says she isn't alarmed over revelations about the number of mistakes made during treatments in Newfoundland and Labrador."
CALYPSO Trial Shows New Chemotherapy Combination Prolongs Progression Free Survival In Ovarian Cancer
BioMed Central | Full text | Ovarian cancer survival population differences: a "high resolution study" comparing Philippine residents, and Filipino-Americans and Caucasians living in the US
Cediranib, an Oral Inhibitor of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Kinases, Is an Active Drug in Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Peritoneal Cancer
The Director's Notes for October 16, 2009 - National Cancer Institute
"..Too often, those diagnosed with cancer hear, "The patient failed therapy," when the truth is that the therapy failed the patient.
The phrase was the subject of a 2009 commentary in The Oncologist by my colleagues Dr. Edward Benz, Jr., Director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and Dr. Susan Bates from NCI's Center for Cancer Research. My hope is that in the future we will no longer need to use the word failure when it comes to treatments for cancer patients...."
The phrase was the subject of a 2009 commentary in The Oncologist by my colleagues Dr. Edward Benz, Jr., Director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, and Dr. Susan Bates from NCI's Center for Cancer Research. My hope is that in the future we will no longer need to use the word failure when it comes to treatments for cancer patients...."
Saturday, September 19, 2009
2009 abstract: Initial evaluation and referral guidelines for management of pelvic/ovarian masses - Canada
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Depression as a Predictor of Disease Progression and Mortality in Cancer Patients
However, it is important
to acknowledge that the overall effect sizes are relatively
small and that causality has not been absolutely
established. We would like to highlight that this meta-analysis
does not support a need for patients and their families
to feel responsible for their disease outcome if they experience
depression. It has become accepted in popular culture
that cancer patients need to maintain a positive attitude to
heroically defeat cancer, a recommendation that Spiegel and
Giese-Davis have termed an ‘‘emotional straightjacket.’’
Even if one did ascribe to this belief, the magnitude of the
effect of depression on mortality does not seem to warrant
the assignment of responsibility and blame to cancer
patients.
to acknowledge that the overall effect sizes are relatively
small and that causality has not been absolutely
established. We would like to highlight that this meta-analysis
does not support a need for patients and their families
to feel responsible for their disease outcome if they experience
depression. It has become accepted in popular culture
that cancer patients need to maintain a positive attitude to
heroically defeat cancer, a recommendation that Spiegel and
Giese-Davis have termed an ‘‘emotional straightjacket.’’
Even if one did ascribe to this belief, the magnitude of the
effect of depression on mortality does not seem to warrant
the assignment of responsibility and blame to cancer
patients.
The Edmonton symptom assessment system--what do pa...[Support Care Cancer. 2009] - PubMed Result
The Edmonton symptom assessment system--what do pa...[Support Care Cancer. 2009] - PubMed Result: "Patients expressed a need to emphasize the timeframe as 'now'."
Monday, September 14, 2009
Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer) and endometrial carcinoma -- Garg and Soslow 62 (8): 679 -- Journal of Clinical Pathology
Traditionally Lynch syndrome has been perceived as a CRC dominated syndrome. However, in women with Lynch syndrome, the incidence of EC equals or exceeds that of CRC2 and in more than 50% of cases, these women present with a gynaecological cancer as their first or "sentinel" malignancy.
Current Status of Palliative Care--Clinical Implementation, Education, and Research -- Grant et al. 59 (5): 327 -- CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
Fabry trial set to answer "political problem" -- Silversides 181 (67): 365 -- Canadian Medical Association Journal
Fabry trial set to answer "political problem" -- Silversides 181 (67): 365 -- Canadian Medical Association Journal: "'Patients have become pawns; they are really tossed around like ping pong balls,'"
Physician seeks inquiry into ordeal -- Moulton 181 (67): E109 -- Canadian Medical Association Journal
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Transforming the experience of cancer care: a qualitative study of a hospital-based volunteer psychosocial support service.
PLoS Medicine: Ovarian Carcinoma Subtypes Are Different Diseases: Implications for Biomarker Studies
Friday, September 11, 2009
FDA Clears a Test for Ovarian Cancer | Reuters
FDA Clears a Test for Ovarian Cancer | Reuters: "OVA1 should be used by primary care physicians or gynecologists as an adjunctive test to complement, not replace, other diagnostic and clinical procedures. OVA1 uses a blood sample to test for levels of five proteins that change due to ovarian cancer. The test combines the five separate results into a single numerical score between 0 and 10 to indicate the likelihood that the pelvic mass is benign or malignant. OVA1 is intended only for women, 18 years and older, who are already selected for surgery because of their pelvic mass. It is not intended for ovarian cancer screening or for a definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Interpreting the test result requires knowledge of whether the woman is pre- or post-menopausal."
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Clinical Care Options Oncology - Ovarian Cancer—Recent Developments in the Standard of Care and Emerging Options
Clinical Care Options Oncology - Ovarian Cancer—Recent Developments in the Standard of Care and Emerging Options: "Virtual Presentations
I. Frontline Management—IP and Maintenance Therapy
II. Rising CA-125: To Treat or Not to Treat?"
I. Frontline Management—IP and Maintenance Therapy
II. Rising CA-125: To Treat or Not to Treat?"
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
ASCO: Poor Outcome with Doctor-Patient Disconnect - Advanced cancer patients at greater risk of death if there is a gap in self-assessed, physician-assessed performance status - Modern Medicine
ACOG: Lawsuits Can Result from Poor Communication - Full disclosure of medical errors is key in reducing malpractice claims, expert argues - Modern Medicine
Gender Inequity Observed in Hematuria Referral - Men are more likely to be referred for urological evaluation than women - Modern Medicine
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
JAMA -- Abstract: Comparison of Registered and Published Primary Outcomes in Randomized Controlled Trials, September 2, 2009, Mathieu et al. 302 (9): 977
An Internet Tool for Creation of Cancer Survivorship Care Plans for Survivors and Health Care Providers: Design, Implementation, Use and User Satisfac
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Response Letter: Anxiety and depression among long-term survivors of cancer in Australia: results of a population-based survey
Further, the authors’ assertion that psychosocial wellbeing several years after cancer diagnosis is comparable with that of the general population cannot be substantiated by studies conducted by this method.
eMJA: Is uptake of genetic testing for colorectal cancer influenced by knowledge of insurance implications?
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Person of the Week: UNC Dr. Band - Two gynecologic oncology surgeons from UNC Women's Hospital are preparing for a big debut. They landed a record deal and are about to release their first album. - 9/04/09 - Raleigh News - abc11.com
Time costs associated with informal caregiving for...[Cancer. 2009] - PubMed Result
Informal caregiver time costs over the 2-year period after diagnosis were the highest for caregivers of patients diagnosed with lung ..... and ovarian.
Incomplete pregnancy and risk of ovarian cancer: results from two Australian case-control studies and systematic review
Variation in incidence of breast, lung and cervical cancer and malignant melanoma of skin by socioeconomic group in England
Friday, September 04, 2009
The immunologic aspects in advanced ovarian cancer patients treated with paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy
Current Status of Palliative Care--Clinical Implementation, Education, and Research -- Grant et al. 59 (5): 327 -- CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Tamoxifen versus Aromatase Inhibitors for Breast Cancer Prevention -- Yue et al. 11 (2): 925s -- Clinical Cancer Research
Estrogen, Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy, and Risk of Breast Cancer -- Colditz 11 (2): 909s -- Clinical Cancer Research
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Association of a Cancer Diagnosis With Vulnerability and Frailty in Older Medicare Beneficiaries -- Mohile et al. 101 (17): 1206 -- JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Centralization of Cancer Surgery: Implications for Patient Access to Optimal Care -- Stitzenberg et al., 10.1200/JCO.2008.20.1715 -- Journal of Clinical Oncology
Monday, August 31, 2009
Don't keep cancer in the family - The Irish Times - Tue, Sep 01, 2009
Don't keep cancer in the family - The Irish Times - Tue, Sep 01, 2009: "“As a society we really need to protect our patients because once you find one of these families, you have individuals with the strongest conceivable risk of cancer, far greater than smoking or any other cancer-causing agent,” he says." (Dr Henry Lynch, Sr)
Alliance for Human Research Protection - Merck's HPV Gardasil Vaccine: Risks, Benefits, Marketing_JAMA
Conflicts of Interest, Authorship, and Disclosures in Industry-Related Scientific Publications: The Tort Bar and Editorial Oversight of Medical Journals — Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Analysis of Contemporary Trends in Access to High-Volume Ovarian Cancer Surgical Care.
in the absence of the full text, note that "high volume' may or may not include a gynecologic oncologist
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
OvPlex (UK) New blood test to detect ovarian cancer could save thousands
New blood test to detect ovarian cancer could save thousands
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 8:55 AM on 25th August 2009
A blood test that could save thousands of women's lives by detecting ovarian cancer at an early stage is to be launched in Britain.
The test, called OvPlex, is expected to be available for doctors to use by the end of the year.
It works by analysing just a few drops of blood to look for signs of five different chemicals released by tumour cells as they grow.
Tests show that when all five are detectable in the blood, there is a very good chance cancerous cells are forming on the ovaries.
Outside Australia, where the test was developed, Britain and Ireland are the first countries where it will be used to spot signs of cancer at a much earlier stage than doctors can do now.
More than 6,000 women a year in the UK are diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries and the annual death toll is around 4,500.
The disease accounts for about 5 per cent of cancer deaths in women. It is sometimes known as a 'silent killer' because, for many victims, symptoms only appear once it is already fairly advanced.
The tumours tend to grow slowly and research shows it can take an average of five years before a woman notices any symptoms and seeks medical help.
But the OvPlex test could catch cancers while they are still very small and have not spread.
If the disease is picked up early, 80 per cent of sufferers will still be alive after five years.
The main risk factors include a family history of the disease, having already had breast cancer and starting periods at a young age.
'Given the advantages of early detection of ovarian cancer, OvPlex may save many thousands of lives,' said Nick Gatsios, of HealthLinx, the Melbourne-based firm that developed it.
Dr Sarah Blagden, from the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre at Imperial College, London, said the OvPlex test looks 'very promising'.
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 8:55 AM on 25th August 2009
A blood test that could save thousands of women's lives by detecting ovarian cancer at an early stage is to be launched in Britain.
The test, called OvPlex, is expected to be available for doctors to use by the end of the year.
It works by analysing just a few drops of blood to look for signs of five different chemicals released by tumour cells as they grow.
Tests show that when all five are detectable in the blood, there is a very good chance cancerous cells are forming on the ovaries.
Outside Australia, where the test was developed, Britain and Ireland are the first countries where it will be used to spot signs of cancer at a much earlier stage than doctors can do now.
More than 6,000 women a year in the UK are diagnosed with cancer of the ovaries and the annual death toll is around 4,500.
The disease accounts for about 5 per cent of cancer deaths in women. It is sometimes known as a 'silent killer' because, for many victims, symptoms only appear once it is already fairly advanced.
The tumours tend to grow slowly and research shows it can take an average of five years before a woman notices any symptoms and seeks medical help.
But the OvPlex test could catch cancers while they are still very small and have not spread.
If the disease is picked up early, 80 per cent of sufferers will still be alive after five years.
The main risk factors include a family history of the disease, having already had breast cancer and starting periods at a young age.
'Given the advantages of early detection of ovarian cancer, OvPlex may save many thousands of lives,' said Nick Gatsios, of HealthLinx, the Melbourne-based firm that developed it.
Dr Sarah Blagden, from the Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre at Imperial College, London, said the OvPlex test looks 'very promising'.
mTOR is a Promising Therapeutic Target Both in Cisplatin Sensitive and Cisplatin Resistant Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary
Women's awareness of ovarian cancer risks and symptoms: analysis of responses to an online survey shows that women ages 40 and older are not well info
Taking Action to Ease Suffering: Advancing Cancer Pain Control as a Health Care Priority -- Brawley et al., 10.3322/caac.20030 -- CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
2009 Risk of ovarian cancer in women with symptoms in primarycare: population based case-control study
Beyond Parity: Association of Ovarian Cancer With Length of Gestation and Offspring Characteristics.
Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer -- Rennert et al., 10.1200/JCO.2009.22.0764 -- Journal of Clinical Oncology
Penetrance of colorectal cancer among MLH1/MSH2 carriers participating in thecolorectal cancer familial registry in Ontario
full free text: Penetrance of colorectal cancer among MLH2/MSH2 carriers participating in the colorectal cancer familial registry in Ontario
Phase III Trial of Observation Versus Six Courses of Paclitaxel in Patients With Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in Complete Response After Six Courses of Paclitaxel/Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: Final Results of the After-6 Protocol 1 -- Pecorelli et al., 10.1200/JCO.2009.21.9691 -- Journal of Clinical Oncology
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey - Abstract: Volume 64(9) September 2009 p 593-595 Results from Four Rounds of Ovarian Cancer Screening in a Randomized Trial.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
N.E.D. | Facebook
The debut EP from N.E.D.
CD will be released to the public on 9/8/09 in both online downloadable and hard copy formats. Also, band members will be selling CDs as well.
Host:N.E.D.
Time:1:00AM Tuesday, September 8th
Location:U.S.A.
CD will be released to the public on 9/8/09 in both online downloadable and hard copy formats. Also, band members will be selling CDs as well.
Host:N.E.D.
Time:1:00AM Tuesday, September 8th
Location:U.S.A.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
Abstract/full open text: Molecular genetics analysis of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer patients in India
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Google Scholar Versus PubMed in Locating Primary Literature to Answer Drug-Related Questions: Abstract and Introduction
Diagnosis and management of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes: Lynch syndrome as a model -- Lynch et al., 10.1503/cmaj.071574 -- Canadian Medical Association Journal
Cases - Losing a Comforting Ritual - Treatment - NYTimes.com
For those who have never been seriously ill, treatment often seems cut and dried. You get sick, you get treated and, in theory, you get better. One day you’re a patient, the next you’re not. Simple, right?...