Oncology Times
Friday, April 13, 2012
SGO Restructures to Incorporate a 501(c)(6)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
A Evaluation of Metformin, Targeting Cancer Stem Cells for the Prevention of Relapse in Patients With Stage IIC/III/IV Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
A Evaluation of Metformin, Targeting Cancer Stem Cells for the Prevention of Relapse in Patients With Stage IIC/III/IV Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
A Evaluation of Metformin, Targeting Cancer Stem Cells for the Prevention of Relapse in Patients With Stage IIC/III/IV Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified March 2012 by University of Michigan Cancer Center
First Received on March 30, 2012.
Last Updated on April 16, 2012
History of Changes
| Sponsor: | University of Michigan Cancer Center |
|---|---|
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | Ronald Buckanovich, University of Michigan Cancer Center |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01579812 |
Purpose
The
primary objective of this study is to determine if metformin
administered as the time of traditional adjuvant chemotherapy to women
with advanced ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer will improve recurrence-free survival at 18 months compared to controls.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride in Preventing Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial Cancer, Primary Peritoneal Cavi - GOGty Cancer, or Fallopian Tube Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
WebMd: ACETYL - L - CARNITINE (including other names)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.
Verified April 2012 by National Cancer Institute (NCI)
First Received on December 14, 2011.
Last Updated on April 17, 2012
History of Changes
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride in Preventing Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Recurrent Ovarian Epithelial Cancer, Primary Peritoneal Cavity Cancer, or Fallopian Tube Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Purpose
RATIONALE:
Acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride may prevent or lessen peripheral
neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. It is not yet known whether
acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride is more effective compared to a placebo
in preventing peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy.
PURPOSE: This randomized
phase III trial studies how well acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride works
compared to a placebo in preventing peripheral neuropathy in patients
with recurrent ovarian epithelial cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
Does “Cancer” – The Word – Properly Explain “Cancer” – the Disease?
Does “Cancer” – The Word – Properly Explain “Cancer” – the Disease?:
by Jonathan Klein, MDOften times, after explaining a diagnosis and treatment plan to a patient, physicians hear some variation on “my brother/sister/parent/friend/co-worker had cancer and received radiation/surgery/phase I clinical trial medication. Why am I not receiving this?” The answer may revolve around the idea that different cancers, even different cancers arising from the same part of the body, can be wildly different in biology, treatment, and prognosis. We obviously want to ensure that patients understand their options so that they can make informed decisions about their own care, but couldn’t the medical community do a better job of conveying this concept to the public even before people end up in our clinics?
We use the catch-all term “cancer” to refer to diseases within the body arising from uncontrollably dividing cells. It is a term familiar to everyone, and a diagnosis of cancer is a useful shorthand – it’s concise, easy to understand, and conveys a sense of seriousness around what lies ahead. But beyond that initial purpose, it’s largely insufficient.
Potentially Dangerous Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use by Ovarian Cancer Patients | Abstract
Potentially Dangerous Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use by Ovarian Cancer Patients
Abstract
Objective:
The use of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) has increased
greatly over the last decade. Although many CAM activities are unlikely
to increase a patient's risk for adverse events with conventional
treatment for cancer, this is not necessarily true of ingestible CAM
treatments such as herbal remedies, teas, and other supplements. This
study surveyed women with ovarian cancer in order to evaluate the use of
herbs and supplements that might place them at increased risk at the
time of their surgery for ovarian cancer.
Methods:
A total
of 219 women with ovarian cancer, who had received care from one of two
participating oncology practices, were surveyed.
Results:
Of the women who reported having had surgery to treat their ovarian cancer (n=209),
65 (31%) reporting using one or more herbs or supplements that have
been hypothesized to increase their risk for adverse outcomes. In almost
all cases the risks associated with these substances were elevated
risks for excessive bleeding.
Conclusions:
The use of
herbs and supplements that might increase risks associated with
excessive bleeding during gynecologic cancer surgery is common. Further
research is needed to better understand the risks associated with use of
herbs and supplements among women approaching surgery
. (J GYNECOL SURG
28:1)
Medscape: New Map of Breast Cancer Identifies 10 Disease Subtypes
Blogger's Note: references Oncotype DX and MammaPrint
New Map of Breast Cancer Identifies 10 Disease Subtypes
Oncofertility Education Modules: A presentation by Dr. Hananel Holzer
Oncofertility Education Modules: A presentation by Dr. Hananel Holzer:
Resident Module – Fertility#1
Resident Module – Fertility#2a
Resident Module – Fertility#2b
Resident Module – Fertility#3
by Monisha Sudarshan, MD
As one walks into Dr.Holzer’s office, his passion and love for helping patients with fertility issues is clear. Among the many honors and thank you notes, sits a small decorative baby carriage with the words engraved “Doctors are known to heal, you are known to create miracles”. Dr. Holzer is the Medical Director of the MUHC (McGill University Health Centre) Reproductive Centre and one of the pioneers in oncofertility. In fertility management, he describes every couple as a “new story” however, oncofertility presents its own unique challenges and complexities for the patient and physician population. Dr.Holzer advises his patients that the first and foremost importance is to fight the cancer; fertility represents an important aspect but is not the primary priority. One of his goals is also to educate and bring awareness to cancer physicians and residents about the options of fertility preservation for the younger oncology population and is working on creating easy, timely access for referral of these patients to expert centers. Continuing his educational endeavour, he has designed expert teaching modules targeted for resident education in oncology and fertility and to spark interest in this interesting and rapidly growing field. Modules begin with basic physiological changes with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, progress to current options in fertility preservation and the experience at the McGill University Health Center. Continue to stay tuned for more knowledge on this important and stimulating topic within oncology.
Where the Oldest Die Now - NYTimes.com
Where the Oldest Die Now - NYTimes.com
".... But if people are being shuttled from home to hospital to nursing home (and possibly around again) during their last days and weeks, that’s nothing to celebrate. “Site-of-death data only tells you where you are at time of death, but nothing about the transitions leading to that point,” Dr. Teno said....."
Opinion: Data to Knowledge to Action (pizza? lost friend? genomics.....)
Opinion: Data to Knowledge to Action:
Pizza on Tuesday within 2 miles of home? There is a search for that. Find a long lost high school friend or an out of print book? There are searches for that. Correlating genomic information with proteomics data, patient information, and drug trial results? You’re on your own. It is ironic and lamentable that internet queries can get you information on so many things, yet the scientific data that are crucial to finding cures for numerous diseases are often buried in an unusable format on a hard drive in somebody’s garage.
press release: Problems in cancer care are not uncommon
Blogger's Opinion: although this article focuses on breast cancer, there is of course a common theme, attention is deserved for those with less common/rare cancers as the dichotomies in care (access, research, outcomes.....) should be obvious
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Problems in cancer care are not uncommon
Public release date: 17-Apr-2012
Difficulties occur more often in communication than in medical care
Cancer care is increasingly complex, and as many as one in five cancer patients may experience "breakdowns" in their care, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Such breakdowns include communication problems between patients and their care providers, as well as more traditional medical errors; both types of problems can create significant harms. In the study, communication problems outnumbered problems with medical care.Kathleen Mazor, EdD, Assistant Director of the Meyers Primary Care Institute, in Worcester, MA, led the study, with researchers from the University of Washington, Group Health, and Kaiser Permanente. Their study was a project of the Cancer Research Network's Cancer Communication Research Center. They found that problematic events led to varied consequences, such as additional medical care, delayed recovery, emotional distress, and persistent damage to the relationship between patients and their doctors.
"For me, the take-home message is it's critical for us to listen to patients as we try to improve care," Dr. Mazor said. "The patients we spoke with were generous, articulate, and thoughtful in recounting their experiences, and were glad to share their stories because they wanted to make a difference. We also heard a lot of stories about physicians, nurses, and others who really helped make things better—in the aftermath of a problem or even in the absence of a problem."
Examining actions patients took following a breakdown, the research team found that only 13 percent formally reported the problem, choosing instead to focus on their health and their future. Nearly all patients indicated that the problem spurred them to take positive steps in their health care behaviors, such as asking more questions or researching symptoms and treatments. However, 10 percent of patients reported they became more hesitant to seek care.
The study used telephone interviews rather than medical-chart documentation to understand how patients perceived their care experiences.
"It's vital that we hear directly from the patients," noted study co-author Sarah M. Greene, MPH. "The communication problems probably wouldn't have appeared in their medical record. But to the patient, they are as significant as a clinical adverse event, like a wrong dose of chemotherapy." Ms. Greene is a research associate at Group Health Research Institute in Seattle.
Both patients and clinicians need new ways to provide negative and positive feedback about cancer care, according to the authors, and these systems should include some patient and clinician education. Additionally, the study team noted that patients' perceptions of problems may differ from clinicians' perspectives, so educating clinicians is equally critical. The health systems in this study are currently exploring strategies to encourage both patients and clinicians to openly communicate about their care experiences and expectations.
This study "reminds us that substantial work is needed to optimize breast cancer care and, most importantly, communication," Jeffrey Peppercorn, MD, MPH, of Duke University Medical Center, wrote in an accompanying editorial.
###
The National Cancer Institute funded the study.Dr. Mazor's and Ms. Greene's co-authors were Douglas Roblin, PhD, and Josephine Calvi, MPH, of Kaiser Permanente Georgia, in Atlanta; Kathryn Horner, MPH, of Group Health Research Institute; Celeste Lemay, RN, and Cassandra Firneno, BS, of Meyers Primary Care Institute, in Worcester, Massachusetts; and Thomas H. Gallagher, MD, an affiliate investigator at Group Health Research Institute who is based at the University of Washington School of Medicine's Department of Medicine.
Journal of Clinical Oncology The Journal of Clinical Oncology serves its readers as the single most credible, authoritative resource for disseminating significant clinical oncology research. In print and in electronic format, JCO strives to publish the highest quality articles dedicated to clinical research. Original Reports remain the focus of JCO, but this scientific communication is enhanced by appropriately selected Editorials, Commentaries, Reviews, and other work that relate to the care of patients with cancer. For more information, see http://jco.ascopubs.org/
HMO Research Network The HMO Research Network is a consortium of 19 health care delivery organizations with both defined patient populations and formal, recognized research capabilities. The Network's vision is to be the research partner of choice for those seeking to shape health and health care delivery. For more information, see http://www.hmoresearchnetwork.org
Meyers Primary Care Institute The Meyers Primary Care Institute was established in 1996 as a joint venture of Fallon Clinic (now Reliant Medical Group), Fallon Community Health Plan, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The Institute's mission is to promote primary care practice through innovative research and educational initiatives. For more information, see http://www.umassmed.edu/meyers/index.aspx
Kaiser Permanente Georgia's Center for Health Research Kaiser Permanente Georgia's Center for Health Research conducts professionally independent, public domain research and disseminates its findings in the scholarly literature and scientific community. For more information, see http://www.kpchr.org/research/public/default.aspx
Group Health Research Institute Group Health Research Institute is the research arm of Seattle-based Group Health Cooperative, a consumer-governed, nonprofit health care system. Founded in 1947, Group Health Cooperative coordinates health care and coverage. Group Health Research Institute changed its name from Group Health Center for Health Studies in 2009. Since 1983, the Institute has conducted nonproprietary public-interest research on preventing, diagnosing, and treating major health problems. Government and private research grants provide its main funding. For more information, see http://www.grouphealthresearch.org
UW Medicine The UW Medicine health system includes Harborview Medical Center, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, Valley Medical Center, UW Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest. UW Medicine also shares in the ownership and governance of Children's University Medical Group and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, a partnership among UW Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Seattle Children's. UW Medicine has major academic and service affiliations with Seattle Children's, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Veteran's Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, and the VA Hospital in Boise, Idaho. The UW School of Medicine is the top public institution for biomedical research in funding received from the National Institutes of Health. For more information about UW Medicine, visit http://uwmedicine.washington.edu.
abstract: [Clinical aspects of familial ovarian cancer - current status and issues in Japan] (focus on brca)
Blogger's Note: the [ ] indicates translated version
[Clinical aspects of familial ovarian cancer - current status and issues in Japan]
Abstract
Familial ovarian cancer occurs as part of two genetically distinct syndromes: hereditary breast and ovarian cancer(HBOC) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer(HNPCC) (Lynch Syndrome) .
HBOC caused by inherited mutations of BRCA1/2 and HNPCC caused by mismatch-repair genes are considered responsible for about 65 to 75% and 10 to 15% of familial ovarian cancers, respectively. Germline mutations of BRCA1 are considered responsible for about 50% of ovarian cancer families and 80% of breast-ovarian cancer families. BRCA2 mutations are less common than BRCA1 mutations in ovarian cancer families. A high proportion of serous adenocarcinomas at an advanced stage has been reported with BRCA-related ovarian cancers in several studies. It is controversial whether BRCA-related ovarian cancer patients carry a better prognosis despite the aggressive tumor-pathological characteristics of their disease, compared to sporadic cases. However, a good therapeutic response may be attributable to platinum-based chemotherapy. Recently in Japan, gene testing of BRCA1/2 has been available as a routine clinical test for diagnosing ovarian cancer families. Because the mutation spectrum of BRCA1/2 in Japanese was different from that of non-Ashkenazi individuals, the clinical application of BRCA1/2 gene testing for Japanese has been advocated. Approximately 1-5% of ovarian cancer pa-tients in Japan are thought to have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. The prevalence of deleterious mutations of BRCA1/2 in Japanese was reportedly significantly higher than that of non-Ashkenazi individuals despite the low frequency of familial cases in Japan. Although the age at diagnosis of ovarian cancers with BRCA1/2 mutation in the United States was earlier than those of the sporadic cases, there were no differences among Japanese. These results suggest that clinical and genetic aspects of BRCA-related ovarian cancer of the Japanese are different from those of Caucasians.
A serious issue in this field is how the results will lead to a basis for the clinical application of a cancer prevention strategy targeting BRCA mutation carriers in Japanese.
Progress against cancer in the Netherlands since the late 1980s: An epidemiological evaluation.
Progress against cancer in the Netherlands since the late 1980s: An epidemiological evaluation.:
Progress against cancer through prevention and treatment is often measured by survival statistics only instead of analyzing trends in incidence, survival and mortality simultaneously because of interactive influences. This study combines these parameters of major cancers to provide an overview of the progress achieved in the Netherlands since 1989 and to establish in which areas action is needed. The population-based Netherlands Cancer Registry and Statistics Netherlands provided incidence, 5-year relative survival and mortality of 23 major cancer types. Incidence, survival and mortality changes were calculated as the estimated annual percentage change. Optimal progress was defined as decreasing incidence and/or improving survival accompanied by declining mortality, and deterioration as increasing incidence and/or deteriorating survival accompanied by increasing mortality rates. Optimal progress was observed in 12 of 19 cancer types among males: laryngeal, lung, stomach, gallbladder, colon, rectal, bladder, prostate and thyroid cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Among females, optimal progress was observed in 12 of 21 cancers: stomach, gallbladder, colon, rectal, breast, cervical, uterus, ovarian and thyroid cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Deterioration occurred in three cancer types among males: skin melanoma, esophageal and kidney cancer, and among females six cancer types: skin melanoma, oral cavity, pharyngeal, esophageal, pancreatic and lung cancer. Our conceptual framework limits misinterpretations from separate trends and generates a more balanced discussion on progress.
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