Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Endometriosis Raises Risk Of Ovarian, Kidney And Thyroid Cancer
Endometriosis Raises Risk Of Ovarian, Kidney And Thyroid Cancer
The scientists found the endometriosis raised the risk of developing the following types of tumors:
-- Ovarian tumors - 37% greater risk
-- Endocrine tumors - 38% greater risk
-- Kidney tumors - 36% greater risk
-- Thyroid tumors - 33% greater risk
-- Brain tumors - 27% greater risk
-- Malignant melanoma - 23% greater risk
-- Breast cancer - 9% greater risk
Surprisingly, women with endometriosis seem to have a 29% lower risk of developing cervical cancer.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Lancet
The Lancet: "The problem with the received wisdom is that it is wrong...........On the other hand, the statement provides no specific guidance for doctors about what to do when such women present to them; the need for the challenging art of clinical judgment remains acute."
Friday, June 22, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Women's Health Matters: Toronto -Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre (TSRCC)
Colorectal Cancer: Our Program at Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre
Familial Cancer Clinics
Three hereditary cancer clinics are offered at the TSRCC:
* the familial breast cancer clinic (breast/OVARIAN)
* familial colorectal cancer clinic
* the familial melanoma clinic.
How to contact us:
Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre 2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M4N 3M5
416-488-5801
For more information about the Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre (TSRCC) refer to the web site at www.tsrcc.on.ca
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
June 15th, 2007: Closing the Knowledge to Action Gap: Is Health Promotion and Health Education on the Verge of a Breakthrough?
Ontario Health Promotion E-Bulletin
A graduate student at the plenary session, "Knowledge Translation: Linking Research and Policy" took her stand at the microphone and clearly asked: "Where are the community members? Where's the citizen engagement?"
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
2Guidelines for the clinical management of Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis cancer) -- Vasen et al. 44 (6): 353 -- Journal of Medical Genetics
Guidelines for the clinical management of Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis cancer) -- Vasen et al. 44 (6): 353 -- Journal of Medical Genetics
Table 2 Lifetime risk of cancer reported in families with an identified mismatch repair mutation
Colorectal cancer (men) 28–75%
Colorectal cancer (women) 24–52%
Endometrial cancer 27–71%
Ovarian cancer 3–13%
Gastric cancer 2–13%
Urinary tract cancer 1–12%
Brain tumour 1–4%
Bile duct/gallbladder cancer 2%
Small-bowel cancer 4–7%
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Health Affairs Blog - Patient Safety
The bottom line, according to Groopman, is that doctors often don’t ask the right questions and don’t listen carefully enough when the patient answers. Expect to hear more about this. The blogs are already buzzing.
Health Affairs Blog: "The bottom line, according to Groopman, is that doctors often don’t ask the right questions and don’t listen carefully enough when the patient answers. Expect to hear more about this. The blogs are already buzzing."
Friday, June 01, 2007
Influence of the Gynecologic Oncologist on the Survival of Ovarian Cancer Patients -- Chan et al. 109 (6): 1342 -- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Int J Gynecol Cancer (Article Abstract)
Blackwell Synergy - Int J Gynecol Cancer, Volume 17 Issue 3 Page 557 - May/June 2007 (Article Abstract): "International Journal of Gynecological Cancer
Professionals’ and patients’ views of routine follow-up: a questionnaire survey
International Journal of Gynecological Cancer 17 (3), 557–560.
doi:10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.00839.x
* F.M. KEW**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, EnglandFiona M. Kew, MB, ChB, MRCOG, Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE9 6SX, England. Email: fiona.kew@ghnt.nhs.uk,
* K. GALAAL**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England,
* H. MANDERVILLE**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England &
* L. VERLEYE**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England
*Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England
Abstract
Traditionally, women who have been treated for a gynecological cancer have undergone long-term follow-up by hospital doctors. Recently, there has been interest in alternative models of follow-up, including nurse-based review. The project compares patients’ and professionals’ views of follow-up. A questionnaire was completed by 96 women attending routine follow-up clinics and by 32 professionals involved in delivering follow-up. A large majority of women (82/96, 92%) and professionals (25/34, 73%) thought that follow-up should be provided by a hospital doctor. However, professionals were more likely to think that specialist nurses and general practitioners should be involved in the provision of follow-up (P < 0.01). Professionals thought that the most important part of the follow-up visit was the consultation, whereas women thought it was the examination (P < 0.001). Women thought that detection of recurrence was the most important reason for continuing surveillance, whereas professionals regarded addressing patients’ concerns as the primary reason for follow-up (P < 0.001). We conclude that the views of women undergoing follow-up after gynecological cancer differ significantly from the professionals providing follow-up care. These views must be considered when developing alternative follow-up strategies.
2007 UK abstract: The research priorities of patients attending UK cancer treatment centres: finding from a modified nominal group study
Entrez PubMed
Br J Cancer. 2007 Mar 26;96(6):875-81. Epub 2007 Mar 6.Click here to read Links
The research priorities of patients attending UK cancer treatment centres: findings from a modified nominal group study.
* Corner J,
* Wright D,
* Hopkinson J,
* Gunaratnam Y,
* McDonald JW,
* Foster C.
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
Members of the public are increasingly consulted over health care and research priorities. Patient involvement in determining cancer research priorities, however, has remained underdeveloped. This paper presents the findings of the first consultation to be conducted with UK cancer patients concerning research priorities. The study adopted a participatory approach using a collaborative model that sought joint ownership of the study with people affected by cancer. An exploratory, qualitative approach was used. Consultation groups were the main method, combining focus group and nominal group techniques. Seventeen groups were held with a total of 105 patients broadly representative of the UK cancer population. Fifteen areas for research were identified. Top priority areas included the impact cancer has on life, how to live with cancer and related support issues; risk factors and causes of cancer; early detection and prevention. Although biological and treatment related aspects of science were identified as important, patients rated the management of practical, social and emotional issues as a higher priority. There is a mismatch between the research priorities identified by participants and the current UK research portfolio. Current research activity should be broadened to reflect the priorities of people affected by the disease.
PMID: 17342090 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
April 19th, 2007 - message from New York reported event Friday April 20th - 10-12:30 pm Central Park at West 67th St, NY
I'm a reporter at New York Magazine, and we're organizing a big photo shoot
in Central Park TOMORROW.
I'm hoping that you could post it on your blog, and maybe even attend the
shoot yourself, if you live in the NY area! We're really working hard to
find just another 40 people to
come, and time is running out!
All the best,
Katie Charles
212 508 0668
New York Magazine Cover Shoot
New York Magazine is currently working on a very important feature story
about New Yorkers living with cancer. For a potential cover, we would like
to gather 300-350 New Yorkers living with cancer or in remission, in one
place, for an incredibly positive & moving picture. We are looking for
people of all ages, and of all races to to be photographed together.
We want to show the unity of the fight, so we are asking everyone to dress
on their own, as they normally would- no organization specific t-shirts. We
want the picture to look like a beautiful group of wildflowers. We hope this
will help raise awareness & funding for all.
Any interested participants should contact me directly at
alex_pollack@newyorkmag.com.
Logistical info below:
FINAL CALL SHEET/NEW YORKERS LIVING WITH CANCER
Date: Friday April 20th, 2007
Time: 10AM-12:30PM
Check-In Location: Tavern on the Green, Central Park at West
67th Street
Phone: 212.873.3200
New York Magazine contacts: Katie Charles 202.368.1836; Alex Pollack
917.538.1054
*Map attached
**IMPORTANT: Please arrive on time, as we have a very narrow window for the
permit from the Parks Department.
Let¹s try to have some color even though spring is late. Please dress in the
brightest color coat that you have- we don¹t want everyone in black or navy
coats, or the picture will look dreary. Please bring minimal bags/stuff with
you so we don¹t add unnecessary clutter to the photo. You will be asked to
fill out the attached 2 page form at the check-in table at Tavern on the
Green. To expedite the check-in process, if you are able to fill out the
form, print it & bring it with you, it would be very helpful. We will be
making individual portraits of each of you prior to the group shot.
IN CASE OF RAIN:
We have set up a rain date, should the weather not cooperate on Thursday
night/Friday. We have also set up a rain hotline. For updated information on
Friday morning, please call 212.508.0551.
Rain Date: Sunday April 22, 2007
Time: 11AM
Location: Pier 59 Studios, 59 Chelsea Piers
(btwn. 17th & 18th Streets on the water), Studio C
http://www.pier59studios.com/home.html
Phone: 212.691.5959
We¹re very excited to meet you all and to collaborate on this beautiful and
inspiring image.
Sincerely,
Katie Charles and Alex Pollack
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
April 2007: Gynecologic Oncology : A cost–effectiveness analysis of chemotherapy for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian
Conclusions.
Second-line chemotherapy is cost-effective for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC. Due to minimal improvements in overall survival, third- and fourth-line chemotherapy are not cost-effective strategies.
ScienceDirect - Gynecologic Oncology : A cost–effectiveness analysis of chemotherapy for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Gynecologic Oncology : A cost–effectiveness analysis of chemotherapy for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian
ScienceDirect - Gynecologic Oncology : A cost–effectiveness analysis of chemotherapy for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer:
"Conclusions.
Second-line chemotherapy is cost-effective for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC. Due to minimal improvements in overall survival, third- and fourth-line chemotherapy are not cost-effective strategies."
Genentech: Avastin - Full Prescribing Information
Genentech: Avastin - Full Prescribing Information
Sandi's note: increased attention needs to be paid to nasal perforations ( Respiratory: nasal septum perforation) in patient populations
JAMA -- Abstract: Recommendations for the Care of Individuals With an Inherited Predisposition to Lynch Syndrome: A Systematic Review
JAMA -- Abstract: Recommendations for the Care of Individuals With an Inherited Predisposition to Lynch Syndrome: A Systematic Review, September 27, 2006, Lindor et al. 296 (12): 1507
CLINICIAN'S CORNER
Recommendations for the Care of Individuals With an Inherited Predisposition to Lynch Syndrome
A Systematic Review
JAMA. 2006;296:1507-1517.
Context About 2% of all colorectal cancer occurs in the context of the autosomal dominantly inherited Lynch syndrome, which is due to mutations in mismatch repair genes. Potential risk-reducing interventions are recommended for individuals known to have these mutations.
Objectives To review cancer risks and data on screening efficacy in the context of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and to provide recommendations for clinical management for affected families, based on available evidence and expert opinion.
Data Sources and Study Selection A systematic literature search using PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, reference list review of retrieved articles, manual searches of relevant articles, and direct communication with other researchers in the field. Search terms included hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer, Lynch syndrome, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair genes, and terms related to the biology of Lynch syndrome. Only peer-reviewed, full-text, English-language articles concerning human subjects published between January 1, 1996, and February 2006 were included. The US Preventive Services Task Force's 2-tier system was adapted to describe the quality of evidence and to assign strength to the recommendations for each guideline.
Evidence Synthesis The evidence supports colonoscopic surveillance for individuals with Lynch syndrome, although the optimal age at initiation and frequency of examinations is unresolved. Colonoscopy is recommended every 1 to 2 years starting at ages 20 to 25 years (age 30 years for those with MSH6 mutations), or 10 years younger than the youngest age of the person diagnosed in the family. While fully acknowledging absence of demonstrated efficacy, the following are also recommended annually: endometrial sampling and transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries (ages 30-35 years); urinalysis with cytology (ages 25-35 years); history, examination, review of systems, education and genetic counseling regarding Lynch syndrome (age 21 years). Regular colonoscopy was favored for at-risk persons without colorectal neoplasia. For individuals who will undergo surgical resection of a colon cancer, subtotal colectomy is favored. Evidence supports the efficacy of prophylactic hysterectomy and oophorectomy.
Conclusions The past 10 years have seen major advances in the understanding of Lynch syndrome. Current recommendations regarding cancer screening and prevention require careful consultation between clinicians, clinical cancer genetic services, and well-informed patients.
Author Affiliations: Departments of Medical Genetics (Drs Lindor and Petersen) and Health Sciences Research (Dr Petersen), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn; Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Md (Mr Hadley); Department of Medicine and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City (Dr Kinney); Medical Oncology, Maine Center for Cancer Medicine and Blood Disorders and Maine Medical Center, Portland (Dr Miesfeldt); Departments of Gynecologic Oncology (Dr Lu) and Gastrointestinal Medicine and Nutrition (Dr Lynch), M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston; Department of Medical History and Ethics, University of Washington, Seattle (Dr Burke); and Schools of Nursing and Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland (Dr Press).
This Week in JAMA
JAMA. 2006;296:1437.
Prediction of MLH1 and MSH2 Mutations in Lynch Syndrome
Judith Balmaña, David H. Stockwell, Ewout W. Steyerberg, Elena M. Stoffel, Amie M. Deffenbaugh, Julia E. Reid, Brian Ward, Thomas Scholl, Brant Hendrickson, John Tazelaar, Lynn Anne Burbidge, and Sapna Syngal
JAMA. 2006;296:1469-1478.
Prediction of Germline Mutations and Cancer Risk in the Lynch Syndrome
Sining Chen, Wenyi Wang, Shing Lee, Khedoudja Nafa, Johanna Lee, Kathy Romans, Patrice Watson, Stephen B. Gruber, David Euhus, Kenneth W. Kinzler, Jeremy Jass, Steven Gallinger, Noralane M. Lindor, Graham Casey, Nathan Ellis, Francis M. Giardiello, Kenneth Offit, Giovanni Parmigiani, and for the Colon Cancer Family Registry
JAMA. 2006;296:1479-1487.
Predicting and Preventing Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
James M. Ford and Alice S. Whittemore
JAMA. 2006;296:1521-1523.
Colon Cancer
John L. Zeller, Cassio Lynm, and Richard M. Glass
JAMA. 2006;296:1552.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
March 2007 news item: What Couldn't Get Worse On the News Just Did
The Evening Bulletin - What Couldn't Get Worse On the News Just Did: "What Couldn't Get Worse On the News Just Did"
Saturday, March 17, 2007
this is not a singular issue - as reported in the Toronto Star: "The Unkindest Cut"
Here is what this particular article today (link at the end of this note)
does not say with respect to other gynecologists all working in my own
area in the past few years:
1) Centenary Hospital (Scarborough, Ontario) vs Armstrong: case before
the courts (I am not aware if the courts have made their final decision
on this one):
Hansard:
http://www.canlii.org/eliisa/simpleSearch.do?language=en&requestOrigin=requestSimpleOrAdvanced&defaultQuery=armstrong+vs+centenary&queryMethod=allQuery&Search=Search
http://www.canlii.org/on/cas/onca/2005/2005onca10427.html
Armstrong v. Centenary Health Centre
Citation : 2002 CanLII 42546 (ON S.C.) Date: December 20, 2002
Language: en
Ontario > Superior Court of Justice
Armstrong v. Centenary Health Centre
Citation : 2005 CanLII 20712 (ON C.A.) Date: June 13, 2005 Language: en
Ontario > Court of Appeal for Ontario
2) Whitby (Ontario) obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Errol Wai-Ping
http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/donoharm.html
3) Dr. Richard Neale, a gynecologist and obstetrician, who worked in
Durham Region (Ajax/Pickering) and was prohibited from practicing in
Ontario before
he returned to England. (note: his licence was taken away while
practicing in England)
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/163/5/584-a
4) Toronto obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Richard Austin
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/193080
_*The unkindest cut TheStar.com - News - The unkindest cut*_
March 17, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
2007 A new varian database for mismatch repair genes associated with Lynch Syndrome: Memorial University of Newfoundland - Faculty of Medicine
Memorial University of Newfoundland - Faculty of Medicine
Hum Mutat. 2007 Mar 8
A new variant database for mismatch repair genes associated with Lynch syndrome.
* Woods MO,
* Williams P,
* Careen A,
* Edwards L,
* Bartlett S,
* McLaughlin JR,
* Younghusband HB.
Discipline of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Mutations in some mismatch repair (MMR) genes are associated with Lynch syndrome (LS; also called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer [HNPCC]), an autosomal dominant cancer susceptibility syndrome. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent cancer observed in LS. However, tumors occur at a variety of extracolonic sites and individuals may have multiple primary cancers. LS is the most common hereditary form of CRC, accounting for approximately 1% of all CRC. Since the first account of mutations in MSH2 causing this cancer susceptibility syndrome in 1993, mutations in three additional MMR genes, MLH1, MSH6, and PMS2, have been shown to cause LS. More than 1,500 different variants have been identified in these four genes and approximately 80% of the alterations have been identified in MLH1 and MSH2. There have been a few previous attempts to systematically record MMR variants associated with LS patients; however, they were not complete nor were they continuously updated. Thus, it was our goal to generate and maintain a comprehensive catalogue of MMR variants from genes known to be mutated in LS (http://www.med.mun.ca/MMRvariants; last accessed 8 February 2007). Providing such a resource should aid investigators in understanding the significance of the variants. Hum Mutat 0, 1-5, 2007. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PMID: 17347989
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
NO RESPONSE BY DECISION-MAKERS - sad! Ovarian Advocate - Caelyx for British Columbia Ovarian Cancer Women - funding vs life
FYI - Re: http://www.ovarianadvocate.ca/
February 17th, 2007
Sandi Pniauskas
117 Glen Hill Drive
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
L1N6Z8
Dear Madam/Sirs;
Re: Funding Caelyx for Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer in British
Columbia
I am writing to appeal to you to ensure that Caelyx is funded as a
treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer, or as deemed necessary, through
patient/physician decision-making. I do this because I have compassion,
understanding and intimate knowledge of the issues which ovarian cancer
women, their families and their friends face. From the initial
pre-surgery consultations to the last breath our ovarian cancer women
take. Research for decades is proof positive that ovarian cancer is the
most lethal of all gynecologic cancers. And yet, how far have we
actually progressed? 'Lethal' today is still the word used to describe
ovarian cancer. And yet, with our lack of decision-making, we actually
in fact consider our ovarian cancer women to be dispensable. They
deserve every chance and in light of extensive research, which you have
already received, the underlying issue of lack of actual access is not
comprehensible to me. I don't believe that I need to educate you on the
evidence-based research which provides sufficient criteria for simply
funding this chemotherapy for ovarian cancer women - today.
Further, it is irresponsible to confuse the economies of providing
Caelyx to ovarian cancer women in need. Confusion - because it is with
the hopes of remission or extension of life which no economies can ever
truly value in concrete terms. Further, recent reports indicate that
B.C.'s coffers are flush with funds. It therefore is a matter of
morality and quite simply the ability of the decision-makers to actually
make this decision.
Let us not continue to make mistakes of the past. The disparities in
access to either life-saving or life-extending therapies across
Provinces are well known. As a matter of fact, in the late 1990's,
Canadian ovarian cancer women experienced the very same issue between
Quebec and Ontario. Taxol was accessible to ovarian cancer women in
Quebec, and not in Ontario. It seems we have not yet learned our lessons
and are repeating the same mistakes but at the sacrifice of the valuable
women in our lives. The obvious lesson is that ovarian cancer does not
care where you live, but your survival does. How sad, in fact, that
while Health Care Ministers, Provincially and at the Federal level
discuss these issues, we simply are unable to recognize the deaths - the
actual realities while we wait for decisions. This is not acceptable and
our ovarian cancer women cannot wait. More importantly, the system which
you represent, has failed these women. It is a moral issue and only a
moral issue which stands in the way of ovarian cancer women in British
Columbia having access to this particularly effective chemotherapy.
Since my ovarian cancer diagnosis in 1999, I have been in the very
fortunate situation of surviving. But this survival comes at a price. It
is and has been typically a short term friendship, but one of value,
which words defy. It is and has been their absolute strength and will to
live and, yes, to suffer in silence, that alone deserves our respect by
doing the 'right thing'. You have the ability to give my ovarian cancer
women friends in British Columbia the will and the ability to improve
their life. This is a 'gift' through really a few strokes of the pen.
You can fund Caelyx for our ovarian cancer women in British Columbia. We
cannot wait, we should not have to wait.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sandi Pniauskas
email: sandipn@sympatico.ca
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Ovarian Cancer Advocate
Ovarian Cancer Advocate
"This webpage has been established by a group of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer in British Columbia. "
Friday, February 09, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
July 11-13, 2007: Ovarian Cancer National Alliance 10th Anniversary Conference
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance 10th Anniversary Conference (Washington, DC)
| |||||||||||||
A personal or family history of breast, colon or ovarian cancer may increase your risk for ovarian cancer
Family history includes both your mother and your father’s sides of the family
Friday, January 26, 2007
2007 January: Sunnybrook cancels some cancer surgery
Sunnybrook cancels some cancer surgeryGlobe and Mail - Toronto,Ontario,Canada
TORONTO -- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is cancelling dozens of operations, including those of cancer patients....
2007 January: Wait times for cancer patients decreasing: report - Ontario - reference surgical waits Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre
".....Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is cancelling dozens of surgeries as it tries to deal with a patient backlog, and those waiting for cancer treatment...."
2007 UK - 3rd annual conference: "Where's the Patient's Voice in Health Professional Education?"
An exceptional opportunity for patients/carers and healthcare professionals.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Entrez PubMed
Entrez PubMed: "Adjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan hydrochloride and cisplatin for clear cell carcinoma of the ovary."
Friday, December 29, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
CancerWise - December 2006 - Trial Studies Ovarian Cancer Screening Test
CancerWise - December 2006 - Trial Studies Ovarian Cancer Screening Test
Trial Studies Ovarian Cancer Screening Test
Healthy Postmenopausal Women Being Recruited
Should women be screened for ovarian cancer? Researchers hope to answer that question through a new study in which blood and urine samples from healthy, postmenopausal women are collected and analyzed.
Goal of study
M. D. Anderson researchers conducting the Low-Risk Ovarian Cancer Study hope the clinical trial and others like it one day may lead to a more effective screening test to increase early detection of the disease.
“Unfortunately, there’s no effective screening test, like the mammogram or colonoscopy, to detect ovarian cancer at an early stage when the chance of cure is greatest,” says Karen Lu, M.D., associate professor in M. D. Anderson’s Department of Gynecologic Oncology. “As a result, more than two-thirds of all ovarian cancers are found at an advanced stage.”
The purpose of the study is to not only evaluate a blood marker called CA-125 over a period of time, but also to create new markers for ovarian cancer detection. Urine also will be collected so that its proteins can be used to help create new markers.
ScienceDirect - Gynecologic Oncology : Screening for ovarian cancer by transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA125 measurement in women with a familial pr
ScienceDirect - Gynecologic Oncology : Screening for ovarian cancer by transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA125 measurement in women with a familial predisposition: A prospective cohort study: "Screening for ovarian cancer by transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA125 measurement in women with a familial predisposition: A prospective cohort study"
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
How much will Herceptin really cost? -- Barrett et al. 333 (7578): 1118 -- BMJ
How much will Herceptin really cost? -- Barrett et al. 333 (7578): 1118 -- BMJ: "So we could fund Herceptin if we did not treat 355 patients receiving adjuvant treatment (16 of whom would be cured) or 208 patients receiving palliative chemotherapy, and if we found �0.5m from another source. These untreated patients will be people we know. We will be the ones to tell them they are not getting a treatment that has been proved to be effective, which costs relatively little, because it is not the 'treatment of the moment.'"
Entrez PubMed
Entrez PubMed: "Clinical characteristics of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer and primary cancers of other organs"
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
2006 November - Cancer - Our National Shame - The killing cost of drug treatment
globeandmail.com: The killing cost of drug treatment
http://tinyurl.com/ykrl7s
Cancer: Our national shame
The killing cost of drug treatment
For a health-care system based on the principle of equal access, the reality is tragically different
Sunday, November 19, 2006
BMJ: Breast Cancer News - Internet-Based Information Highly Accurate in Internet Breast Cancer Support Groups
* The information in the postings was highly accurate.
* Only 0.22% of postings had false or misleading information.
* 70% of the false or misleading postings were corrected by other participants in the support groups within a median time of four hours and 33 minutes.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
2006 Nov/Dec: Impact of an Educational Video on Patient Decision Making in Early Breast Cancer Treatment
589.pdf (application/pdf Object)
Journal of Medical Decision Making - November/December 2006 issue - full text
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Monday, November 06, 2006
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Saturday, November 04, 2006
2006 Ovarian cancer: Patterns of surgical care across the United States
Gynecologic Oncology
Volume 103, Issue 2 , November 2006, Pages 383-390
Ovarian cancer: Patterns of surgical care across the United States
Barbara A. Goffa, Corresponding Author Contact Information, E-mail The Corresponding Author, Barbara J. Matthewsb, Michelle Wynnc, 1, Howard G. Muntzd, Denise M. Lishnerb and Laura-Mae Baldwinb
aDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Box 356460, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
bDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
cDivision of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
dSection of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Received 28 June 2006. Available online 26 September 2006.
Abstract
Objective.
To describe the primary surgical procedures and procedures for intraoperative and postoperative complications, and factors associated with these procedures, in women with ovarian cancer.
Methods.
Using hospital discharge data from nine states, obtained from the Heath Care Cost and Utilization Project from 1999 to 2002, we evaluated 10,432 women with a primary diagnosis of ovarian cancer who underwent at least an oophorectomy for additional procedural ICD-9 codes during their initial hospitalization.
Results.
Surgical procedures performed in addition to oophorectomy included: omentectomy/debulking 81.9%, hysterectomy 73.4%, lymph node dissection 41.4%, appendectomy 23.8%, bowel procedures 19.8%, laparoscopy 5.6%, diaphragmatic procedures 4.9%, colostomy 3.5%, and splenectomy 1.2%. Transfusions were given to 15.5% of patients. Intraoperative and postoperative procedures for complications were coded in 7.4% of patients, including repair of surgical injury 3.5%, procedures for cardiopulmonary complications 2.8%, reoperation 1.1%, and infection treatment 0.3%. In early stage disease 21.4% of women received no additional staging procedures and 46.8% did not have nodal sampling. In bivariate analysis of crude rates, factors associated with lymph node dissection were patient age, race, payer, teaching hospital status, hospital and surgeon volume, and surgeon specialty, p < .01. for all observations. Colostomies were performed by general surgeons in 23.1% of cases, by gynecologic oncologists in 2.7% of cases, and by obstetrician/gynecologists in no cases, p < .001. Complications were associated with age, payer, median household income, and stage, p < .001 for all observations. Complication rates were similar for low- and high-volume hospitals and surgeons. However, in higher volume settings, significantly more patients received debulking procedures, lymph node dissections, and additional surgical procedures, p < .001 for all observations.
Conclusions.
A significant percentage of women with ovarian cancer did not receive recommended surgical procedures. Almost 50% of women with early stage disease were not adequately staged and in women with advanced disease, the percentage who had additional surgical procedures such as bowel resections was much lower than in institutions that report high optimal cytoreduction rates.
Keywords: Ovarian cancer; Surgical care
2006: Waiting times for cancer surgery in Ontario/worse outcomes: 1984-2000
CONCLUSIONS: Waiting times for cancer surgery increased substantially between 1984 and 2000. Waiting times were influenced by disease, patient and health-system-related factors.
006 The Lancet Oncology: Cancer care: WHO's poor relation
OR pdf file:
http://download.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/1470-2045/PIIS1470204506709123.pdf
Monday, October 30, 2006
New Warnings to Avastin - nasal septum perforation - RPLS
September 26, 2006 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
> Genentech, Inc, have notified healthcare professionals regarding
> safety labeling revisions for bevacizumab injection (Avastin) that
> warn of potential risks for reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy
> syndrome (RPLS) and nasal septum perforation associated with its use.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
September 11, 2006: Annamarie DeCarlo - Washington, DC - Congressional Briefing Ovarian Cancer
Annamarie DeCarlo
Sept. 11, 2006:
Greetings -- After watching Dr. Wolf's presentation on mice and ovarian cancer, I want to make it clear to all of you:
I AM NOT A MOUSE!!!
My name is Annamarie DeCarlo, and I live in Annapolis, Maryland.
I want you to take a good, long look at my face.
I want you to remember me, this face: my green eyes, my Hair by Manuel, my newly straightened bottom teeth, my too short chin, my fair complexion, (the “beauty” of which I attribute to “better living through chemotherapy.")
It also is the face of my mother, Concetta Goetzinger, who died of advanced ovarian cancer at age 68 on Oct. 12, 2000, five months before I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer during a hysterectomy for endometriosis.
I was monitored carefully during her illness -- multiple transvaginal ultrasounds, blood tests, CT scans, and bimanual pelvic examinations, yet still was diagnosed -- by accident -- during surgery for another condition.
BY ACCIDENT. That should shake every single person in this room to the bone.
This kind of "accidental" diagnosis must stop. We MUST help researchers and physicians develop an effective screening tool to detect this cancer in its early, most curable stages.
I really could stop right here, as I believe these are enough reasons for me to persuade you to continue to push for more research and more education for ovarian cancer and all gynecologic cancers.
But I want you to remember me because, like New York Yankee baseball great Lou Gehrig, I am one of the luckiest people on the face of the earth.
I am one of the 30 or so percent of late-stage ovarian cancer survivors who live 5 years past diagnosis. Come on! We can AND MUST do better than 30 percent!
My survivorship is less about me than I ever expected it would be. I slogged through my six treatments of chemotherapy -- taxol and cisplatin -- repeating as I dragged myself to work every day that "chemo is my friend, chemo is my friend."
The treatment is hard, and it is debilitating. It takes a long time -- years -- for your body to rebuild itself from the toxic cocktails. And that’s if you are among the lucky ones to respond well to front-line treatment, not have co-morbid conditions, and not recur!
I still anxiously await test results, even after more than 5 years. I know how this cancer behaves. It is insidious and it is relentless. It comes back more often than not.
I have been loved and cherished by my husband, my family, my friends, my medical team, and my extended family of ovarian cancer survivors and their caregivers.
I still wonder about the future, and how much of a future awaits me. As one of my ovarian survivor friends says, "You'll know you've beaten ovarian cancer when you die of something else."
I have survived more than 5 years and I have a future because of the diligent, tireless efforts of researchers and physicians who are working so hard to develop an effective screening test and working so hard to develop innovative treatments.
I have a future because of the women who have gone before me, some living and some dead, who are or were brave enough and desperate enough to try anything to stay alive.
Some of these women endured 12 to 18 treatments of what was the "gold standard" when I was treated 5 years ago. I have often wondered how I would have endured an additional 6 or 12 rounds. These women are my heroes.
My survivorship also is about the following women, my cherished friends, from whom I have learned more than I can properly tell you about courage, about faith, about “smarts.”
My survivorship is about Kelli Auletta who died Feb. 19 at age 38.
It is about Judi Watson, who died March 8 at age 56.
It is about Stephanie Whitaker, who died March 9 at age 38.
It is about Rita Lewis, who died Aug. 4 at age 52.
It is about Shirley, who has been on continuous treatment for 10 YEARS. Imagine that: 10 YEARS!
It is about Cindy, who has been exploring all combinations of drugs and treatments for 4 years.
It is about Helen, a 19-year late-stage survivor, who still is alive and healthy because of innovative treatments and clinical trials.
It is about Fran, who, after 5 years of various chemo combos, surgeries, infections, and all kinds of secondary problems, today lies in a hospice bed.
It is about Annie, who made that same difficult decision last week, after years of dealing with treatment that failed her.
These all are educated, intelligent, thoughtful women, broadsided by a cancer that has confusing symptoms, and jerked around by a medical system that continually misdiagnoses this cancer because there is no screening tool.
There also must be a national effort -- on par with the campaigns being waged against breast cancer (get your mammogram!) and colon cancer (get your colonoscopy!) and lung cancer (don‘t smoke!) -- to develop an early detection and awareness campaign for women and their health care providers.
Sheryl Silver, who lost her sister Johanna Silver Gordon to ovarian cancer, already has done the work regarding a national effort, writing Johanna’s Law (HR. 1245 and S. 1172). It is disgraceful and unacceptable that this proposed legislation has not been passed into law by the Congress of the United States of America. I wonder sometimes: do these decision makers have women in their lives?
We must give our health care providers the tools they need so no more women are diagnosed with a deadly cancer by accident, as I was.
We must give the women in this country -- and, by extension, women around the world -- a fighting chance to survive ovarian cancer.
If you believe this is “someone else’s problem,” or you don’t believe you personally have anything at stake, ask yourself these questions:
Are you a woman? Do you have a mother? Do you have a wife? Do you have a girlfriend? Do you have a daughter? Do you have any female friends?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you have a stake in the development of a reliable screening test and a national outreach program.
Remember my face. I am a survivor. And one of the luckiest people on the face of the earth.
Thank you.
Annamarie, Annapolis
September 11, 2006: Annamarie DeCarlo - speech Washington, DC - Congressional Briefing
Sept. 11, 2006:
Greetings -- After watching Dr. Wolf's presentation on mice and ovarian cancer, I ant to make it clear to all of you:
I AM NOT A MOUSE!!!
My name is Annamarie DeCarlo, and I live in Annapolis, Maryland.
I want you to take a good, long look at my face.
I want you to remember me, this face: my green eyes, my Hair by Manuel, my newly straightened bottom teeth, my too short chin, my fair complexion, (the “beauty” of which I attribute to “better living through chemotherapy.")
It also is the face of my mother, Concetta Goetzinger, who died of advanced ovarian cancer at age 68 on Oct. 12, 2000, five months before I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer during a hysterectomy for endometriosis.
I was monitored carefully during her illness -- multiple transvaginal ultrasounds, blood tests, CT scans, and bimanual pelvic examinations, yet still was diagnosed -- by accident -- during surgery for another condition.
BY ACCIDENT. That should shake every single person in this room to the bone.
This kind of "accidental" diagnosis must stop. We MUST help researchers and physicians develop an effective screening tool to detect this cancer in its early, most curable stages.
I really could stop right here, as I believe these are enough reasons for me to persuade you to continue to push for more research and more education for ovarian cancer and all gynecologic cancers.
But I want you to remember me because, like New York Yankee baseball great Lou Gehrig, I am one of the luckiest people on the face of the earth.
I am one of the 30 or so percent of late-stage ovarian cancer survivors who live 5 years past diagnosis. Come on! We can AND MUST do better than 30 percent!
My survivorship is less about me than I ever expected it would be. I slogged through my six treatments of chemotherapy -- taxol and cisplatin -- repeating as I dragged myself to work every day that "chemo is my friend, chemo is my friend."
The treatment is hard, and it is debilitating. It takes a long time -- years -- for your body to rebuild itself from the toxic cocktails. And that’s if you are among the lucky ones to respond well to front-line treatment, not have co-morbid conditions, and not recur!
I still anxiously await test results, even after more than 5 years. I know how this cancer behaves. It is insidious and it is relentless. It comes back more often than not.
I have been loved and cherished by my husband, my family, my friends, my medical team, and my extended family of ovarian cancer survivors and their caregivers.
I still wonder about the future, and how much of a future awaits me. As one of my ovarian survivor friends says, "You'll know you've beaten ovarian cancer when you die of something else."
I have survived more than 5 years and I have a future because of the diligent, tireless efforts of researchers and physicians who are working so hard to develop an effective screening test and working so hard to develop innovative treatments.
I have a future because of the women who have gone before me, some living and some dead, who are or were brave enough and desperate enough to try anything to stay alive.
Some of these women endured 12 to 18 treatments of what was the "gold standard" when I was treated 5 years ago. I have often wondered how I would have endured an additional 6 or 12 rounds. These women are my heroes.
My survivorship also is about the following women, my cherished friends, from whom I have learned more than I can properly tell you about courage, about faith, about “smarts.”
My survivorship is about Kelli Auletta who died Feb. 19 at age 38.
It is about Judi Watson, who died March 8 at age 56.
It is about Stephanie Whitaker, who died March 9 at age 38.
It is about Rita Lewis, who died Aug. 4 at age 52.
It is about Shirley, who has been on continuous treatment for 10 YEARS. Imagine that: 10 YEARS!
It is about Cindy, who has been exploring all combinations of drugs and treatments for 4 years.
It is about Helen, a 19-year late-stage survivor, who still is alive and healthy because of innovative treatments and clinical trials.
It is about Fran, who, after 5 years of various chemo combos, surgeries, infections, and all kinds of secondary problems, today lies in a hospice bed.
It is about Annie, who made that same difficult decision last week, after years of dealing with treatment that failed her.
These all are educated, intelligent, thoughtful women, broadsided by a cancer that has confusing symptoms, and jerked around by a medical system that continually misdiagnoses this cancer because there is no screening tool.
There also must be a national effort -- on par with the campaigns being waged against breast cancer (get your mammogram!) and colon cancer (get your colonoscopy!) and lung cancer (don‘t smoke!) -- to develop an early detection and awareness campaign for women and their health care providers.
Sheryl Silver, who lost her sister Johanna Silver Gordon to ovarian cancer, already has done the work regarding a national effort, writing Johanna’s Law (HR. 1245 and S. 1172). It is disgraceful and unacceptable that this proposed legislation has not been passed into law by the Congress of the United States of America. I wonder sometimes: do these decision makers have women in their lives?
We must give our health care providers the tools they need so no more women are diagnosed with a deadly cancer by accident, as I was.
We must give the women in this country -- and, by extension, women around the world -- a fighting chance to survive ovarian cancer.
If you believe this is “someone else’s problem,” or you don’t believe you personally have anything at stake, ask yourself these questions:
Are you a woman? Do you have a mother? Do you have a wife? Do you have a girlfriend? Do you have a daughter? Do you have any female friends?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you have a stake in the development of a reliable screening test and a national outreach program.
Remember my face. I am a survivor. And one of the luckiest people on the face of the earth.
Thank you.
Annamarie, Annapolis
2006 Ovary Removal Raises Young Women's Death Risk - surgical menopause and ERT recommendation
09.15.06, 12:00 AM ET
FRIDAY, Sept. 15 (HealthDay News) -- Younger women who have had their ovaries removed should consider estrogen therapy if they are under the age of 45, a new study suggests.
Monday, August 21, 2006
2006 Bevacizumab (Avastin) combination therapy in recurrent, platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian carcinoma: a retrospective analysis
Review:
Cancer. 2006 Jul 1;107(1):83-9.Click here to read Links
Bevacizumab combination therapy in recurrent, platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian carcinoma: A retrospective analysis.
* Wright JD,
* Hagemann A,
* Rader JS,
* Viviano D,
* Gibb RK,
* Norris L,
* Mutch DG,
* Powell MA.
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. wrightj@msnotes.wustl.edu
BACKGROUND: The study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of the monoclonal, antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy for women with platinum-refractory ovarian cancer.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis of women who received bevacizumab in combination with a cytotoxic agent was performed. Response was determined by measurable disease or assessment of serial cancer antigen (CA) 125 measurements.
RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were identified. The patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 7 prior regimens including a median of 3 prior platinum regimens. The combination regimen included cyclophosphamide in 15 (65%), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in 6 (26%), docetaxel in 1 (4%), and gemcitibine/liposomal doxorubicin in 1 (4%). Two (9%) women developed chylous ascites during treatment. CTC Grade 4-5 toxicities occurred in 4 (17%) subjects. Gastrointestinal perforation occurred in 2 (9%) patients. Measurable disease was present in 22. The overall best response rate was 35% and all 8 were partial responses (PRs). Stable disease was found in a further 10 (44%) women, whereas progressive disease was observed in 5 (22%). The median time to progression was 5.6 months in patients with a PR and 2.3 months in subjects with stable disease. Three (13%) women experienced a progression-free interval (PFI) of >6 months. At last follow-up, 8 (35%) subjects had died of disease, whereas 15 (65%) women were alive with disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Combination bevacizumab therapy demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated women with ovarian cancer. Gastrointestinal perforations were identified in 9%. Despite the toxicity of the regimen, prospective studies, particularly in less heavily pretreated patients, are warranted. Copyright 2006 American Cancer Society.
PMID: 16736514 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
2006 Whitby, Ontario - Ovarian Cancer Get Together
Letter of thanks to local business community on behalf of our ovarian cancer community:
Sandi Pniauskas
117 Glen Hill Drive
Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1N 6Z8
tel: 905 668-0767 fax: 905 666-0188
email: sandipn@sympatico.ca
Monday, July 24, 2006
Mr. Craig Gilpin
President
c/o Sobeys Canada
6355 Viscount Road
Mississauga, Ontario
L4V 1W2
Dear Mr. Gilpin:
Re: Ovarian Cancer Community, Whitby, Ont. July 22nd, 2006
On behalf of our ovarian cancer women/carers, may we express our thanks to Janet/Joe Glover (Oshawa); Nick Lucarelli/Tom Theodore (Whitby) and Alan Risk (Retail Stores, Ontario) for their generous donation(s). Your staff, as individuals and members of the community, recognized the significance of this unique event and the positive responses were sincerely appreciated.
Our unique ovarian cancer survivourship event was coordinated solely for and by survivours/carers. Participants included Canada, U.S., England and Australia. Given the success of our event, we have established a new ovarian cancer tradition. Both Chicago (2007) and Annapolis (2008) are now being organized and requests have been made for 2009. The profound sense of accomplishment in recognizing the power of the individual – the human connection was exceptional. Our positive experience with Sobeys staff confirms for us that you are well-represented in this area of human compassion and need.
Please accept and extend our thanks for recognizing and proactively supporting those in our ovarian cancer community(s).
Sincerely;
Sandi Pniauskas
Ovarian Cancer Survivour
cc: Alan Risk
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Thursday, June 01, 2006
May 30th, 2006: Launch of Nation-wide study for early detection of ovarian cancer
CNW Group Portfolio E-Mail
MCGILL UNIVERSITY
MCGILL UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Transmitted by CNW Group on : May 30, 2006 13:04
Launch of Nation-wide study for early detection of ovarian cancer
MONTREAL, May 30 /CNW Telbec/ - A multidisciplinary team of researchers
from the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), and the universities of
Sherbrooke, Laval, Quebec, McGill and Calgary have launched a multi-centre
study designed for early identification of women at risk of ovarian cancer
(OC).
The study known as "DOVE - Detecting OVarian Cancer Earlier" is the
initiative of gynecological oncologist, Dr Lucy Gilbert of the McGill
University Health Centre (MUHC). Gilbert and a team of gynecological
oncologists, family practitioners, general gynecologists, mathematicians,
epidemiologists and scientists from centres across Canada have combined their
medical expertise to defeat this disease. Although ovarian cancer is
considered "the silent killer", there are numerous studies that show that
women with ovarian cancer are symptomatic but unfortunately because the signs
are vague and non-specific in nature, they are ignored by women and their
doctors.
"Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women and
deadliest of the gynecological cancers" says Dr. Lucy Gilbert, the principal
investigator in the study. "The statistics are alarming and a reliable
assessment tool to detect this disease early and while it is treatable (in
stage 1 of the disease) must be developed without delay. We owe this to women
and the DOVE team is determined to work on achieving this goal," she explains.
Of the 2400 new women diagnosed each year more than 75% will die from the
disease. Four women die per day in Canada from ovarian cancer because most are
diagnosed in the advanced stages of the disease (stages 2 and 3). However, if
the cancer is detected early (at stage 1) more than 80% will survive.
"By the time women present to us with ovarian cancer over 60% are already
at stage three and four - very advanced stages of the cancer" says
gynecological oncologist, Dr. Prafull Ghatage of Calgary's Tom Baker Cancer
Centre. "Even with heroic efforts at surgery followed by the best available
chemotherapy combination we are able to achieve long term survival in only
about 20%".
"Screening women without clearly defined / recognized symptoms is not
recommended by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination and
the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force because it results in unnecessary
major surgery and has the potential to do more harm than good", says Dr Michel
Roy of University of Laval. "In the DOVE trial we are working with women who
have indications of OC to clearly profile a cluster of symptoms from the 70 or
so non-specific symptoms that would identify women with a high likelihood of
having the disease", adds Roy who is the president of the 'Regroupement des
Gynécologues-Oncologues du Québec'.
Dr Martin Dawes, Chair of Family Medicine at McGill, and director of
Family Medicine at the MUHC explains, "The challenge for doctors who first see
the patient is to identify those who do need urgent investigations from those
who do not." The Dove study is designed to further ensure that the predictive
tool we recommend to family doctors and general gynecologists profiles ovarian
cancer as precisely as possible, so the system is neither swamped by
over-investigating, nor is there undue delay in identifying women with cancer.
"The only way to defeat this deadly disease is if primary, secondary and
tertiary care services work as real partners', he emphasizes.
Epidemiologists, Dr.Marie-Elise Parent of Institut Armand-Frappier,
University of Quebec, and Dr. James Hanley of McGill University will be
instrumental in ensuring that the predictive tool is refined and tested in
three phases to ensure that it profiles early ovarian cancer as precisely as
possible. "In Phase I we will identify an accurate symptom profile and develop
a reliable diagnostic tool to detect ovarian cancer. In phase II we will
refine and validate this tool and by phase three, we will be able to take the
prediction tool and apply it to the community to fast-track women with
suspected OC", says Dr. Duarte-Franco, the trial coordinator.
In addition to identifying women with OC symptoms early, the Dove trial
will also allow scientists to compare large numbers of cancer patients with
controls, identifying not just the clinical or symptom profiles of women with
ovarian cancer, but also their molecular biology profile. Dr. Michel Tremblay,
Director of the McGill Cancer Centre, and his team will work on identifying
genetic and proteonomic markers that may allow detection of the disease even
before symptoms set in.
About the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic
health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical
programs, research and teaching. The MUHC is a merger of five teaching
hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University--the
Montreal Children's, Montreal General, Royal Victoria, and Montreal
Neurological Hospitals, as well as the Montreal Chest Institute. Building on
the tradition of medical leadership of the founding hospitals, the goal of the
MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the
health care field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.
For more information on the DOVE study please contact: Dr. Eliane D.
Franco at (514) 398-2278.
-30-
/For further information: Seeta Ramdass, Public Relations &
Communications Coordinator, McGill University Health Centre Public Relations &
Communications Services, (514) 843-1560/
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Media Advisory - McGill/Calgary: Press Conference on Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer
CNW Group Portfolio E-Mail
MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE
Transmitted by CNW Group on : May 29, 2006 13:43
Media Advisory - Press conference on early detection of ovarian cancer
MONTREAL, May 29 /CNW Telbec/ - A multidisciplinary team of researchers
from the MUHC, and the universities of Sherbrooke, Laval, Quebec and Calgary
announce some important news about women at risk of ovarian cancer (OC).
"Ovarian cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women and
deadliest of the gynecological cancers," says Dr. Lucy Gilbert, Gynecological
Oncologist of the MUHC. "The statistics are alarming." Of the 2400 new women
diagnosed each year more than 75% will die from the disease. Scientists from
various regions of Canada are combining their expertise to defeat this deadly
disease.
<<
Date: Press Conference: Tuesday May 30, 2006
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: MUHC CUSM, Royal Victoria Hospital, 687, Pine Ave.
(Pine and Peel entrance) Room: Primrose Amphitheatre, F3.10
Who: - Dr. Lucy Gilbert, MUHC Gynecologist-Oncologist
- Dr. Michel Roy, Gynecologist-Oncologist, University of
Laval and President of 'Regroupement des Gynécologues-
Oncologues du Québec'
- Dr. Michel Tremblay, Director of the McGill Cancer Centre
- Dr. Marie-Elise Parent, Epidemiologist, Institut Armand-
Frappier, University of Quebec
>>
MEDIA: For Parking: Please take Pine Ave and Peel entrance, follow the
signs to Pavillon des Femmes / Women's Pavillion. You will be greeted by MUHC
PRC staff in the main lobby of this pavilion (F4) at 9:50 am.
-30-
/For further information: Seeta Ramdass, Public Relations &
Communications Coordinator, McGill University Health Centre Public Relations &
Communications Services, (514) 843-1560/
MCGILL UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE - More on this organization
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