Sent on Behalf of Camille Orridge, CEO, Toronto Central LHIN
Dear colleagues
There is growing understanding that involving patients, clients and
caregivers as partners in their health care results in better health
outcomes and a system that better serves us all.
We also know that there is often a divide between how health care is
delivered and what patients and their families say they want.
Patient Destiny and the Toronto Central LHIN co-hosted a day with
patients and caregivers who receive services in the Toronto Central LHIN
on December 7, 2011. The session brought together a cross-section of
patients and caregivers to discuss their experiences, perspectives and
ideas for improvement and change.
Participants talked about their fears, frustrations, gratitude and
hopes. Most of all, they offered inspiration and concrete ideas that
will help us achieve a better health care experience for all.
This report Meeting with Patients: their experiences and perspectives
will help to inform health system planning in the Toronto Central LHIN,
including the Toronto Central LHIN's 2012-14 Strategic Plan and health
quality and equity initiatives.
We encourage you to incorporate the report into planning within your
own sectors and organizations. This report is relevant to all members
of the health care system from administrators to health professionals to
policy makers. Please distribute it widely.
I would like to thank all of the individuals who participated in the
Meeting with Patients and contributed to this report. We would also
like to recognize Patient Destiny for their vision and commitment to
strengthening the patient's voice in health care.
Sincerely,
Camille Orridge
CEO, Toronto Central LHIN
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
open access: Cell–cell and cell–matrix dynamics in intraperitoneal cancer metastasis (ovarian/GI tract cancers)
Cell–cell and cell–matrix dynamics in intraperitonealcancer metastasis
Abstract/pdf full text:
IntroductionIntraperitoneal dissemination is the primary metastatic route
of ovarian cancers. It is also a common progression for
gastrointestinal malignancies including colorectal, gastric,
and pancreatic cancers.....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The peritoneal metastatic route of cancer dissemination
is shared by cancers of the ovary and gastrointestinal
tract. Once initiated, peritoneal metastasis typically proceeds
rapidly in a feed-forward manner. Several factors
contribute to this efficient progression. In peritoneal metastasis,
cancer cells exfoliate into the peritoneal fluid and
spread locally, transported by peritoneal fluid. Inflammatory
cytokines released by tumor and immune cells compromise
the protective, anti-adhesive mesothelial cell layer that lines
the peritoneal cavity, exposing the underlying extracellular
matrix to which cancer cells readily attach. The peritoneum
is further rendered receptive to metastatic implantation and
growth by myofibroblastic cell behaviors also stimulated by
inflammatory cytokines. Individual cancer cells suspended
in peritoneal fluid can aggregate to form multicellular spheroids.
paywalled: Emergency department visits for symptoms experienced by oncology patients: a systematic review
Emergency department visits for symptoms... [Support Care Cancer. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI
CONCLUSIONS:
Individuals with cancer present to emergency departments with a myriad of symptoms. Over half of emergency department visits resulted in hospital admissions. Few symptoms were defined adequately to compare data across studies, thereby revealing an important gap in cancer symptom reporting.paywalled: Cancer Risks for Relatives of Patients With Serrated Polyposis : The American Journal of Gastroenterology + link to Johns Hopkins (further explanation/genetics)
Access : Cancer Risks for Relatives of Patients With Serrated Polyposis : The American Journal of Gastroenterology
CONCLUSIONS:
Our finding that
relatives of serrated polyposis patients are at significantly increased
risk of colorectal and pancreatic cancer adds to the accumulating
evidence that serrated polyposis has an inherited component.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center:
Individuals are diagnosed with hyperplastic polyposis when they have multiple hyperplastic polyps, usually greater than 20 polyps. The number of polyps ranges anywhere from 6 to greater than 100, though most individuals with hyperplastic polyposis have between 40 and 100 polyps. A diagnosis of Hyperplastic polyposis may also made in individuals who present with fewer than 20 hyperplastic polyps, but whose polyps are larger, often greater than 2 centimeters. Individuals may also be diagnosed with multiple serrated adenomas or a mix of both serrated adenomas and hyperplastic polyps. Hyperplastic polyposis is usually diagnosed in individuals in their 40’s to 60’s, though it has been reported in individuals as young as 11 years old. Individuals with hyperplastic polyposis are at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer, so routine screening is extremely important. Although the genetic basis for FAP, HNPCC, Peutz-Jeghers, MYH-Associated Polyposis, and juvenile polyposis has been identified, hyperplastic polyposis has not yet been explained. Hyperplastic polyposis is suspected to have a familial basis and reports have shown that is inheritable in 5% of cases, though the exact mechanism of inheritance has not been identified.
Supplements and cancer prevention: A cautionary tale - Journal of National Cancer Institute - press release
Supplements and cancer prevention: A cautionary tale
Public release date: 25-Apr-2012
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Supplements and cancer prevention: A cautionary tale
Government regulators and the scientific community should work to ensure that they give clear guidance to the public about dietary supplements and cancer risk, according to a commentary published April 25 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.Evidence from animal, in vitro and observational studies has suggested that taking dietary supplements may lower cancer risk. However, the small number of randomized controlled studies, the gold standard in evidence-based medicine, has not confirmed this—and some studies have actually shown that supplements may increase cancer risk. Still, the supplement industry is booming, with estimated annual sales at $30 billion in the U.S.
To examine the potential role of dietary supplements and cancer risk, Maria Elena Martinez, Ph.D., of the University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center and colleagues, looked at observational studies of several supplements, including anti-oxidants, folic acid, vitamin D, and calcium. Several observational studies found that diets high in fruits and vegetables were associated with lower risk of certain cancers, including respiratory and gastrointestinal. Specifically, with respect to anti-oxidant supplements, the authors found that: "The importance of oxidative stress for carcinogenesis does not establish that the administration of supplemental antioxidants will protect against the carcinogenesis that oxidative stress may induce." Furthermore, they write, "Supplementation by exogenous antioxidants may well be a two-edged sword; these compounds could, in vivo, serve as pro-oxidants or interfere with any of a number of protective processes such as apoptosis induction." Indeed, several antioxidant trials the researchers examined reported increased cancer risks with supplementation. They looked at trials with supplements using folic acid, vitamin D and calcium, among other compounds.
The researchers caution against taking dietary supplements for
cancer prevention, adding that many expert committees and organizations
have concluded that nutritional supplements have little or no benefit in
cancer prevention. They say that more randomized control
trials—spanning many years instead of just a few—are needed to verify
the effect of nutritional supplementation in cancer risk.
Add-on bevacizumab slows progression of recurrent ovarian cancer - - ModernMedicine
Add-on bevacizumab slows progression of recurrent ovarian cancer - - ModernMedicine
(from Reuters) "....Dr. Aghajanian and colleagues note that overall survival data from the trial are not yet available; information on clinicaltrials.gov indicates a predicted study completion date of October 2013.
For now, say the researchers, "The data from OCEANS demonstrate that the addition of BV (bevacizumab) to GC (gemcitabine and carboplatin) can improve outcomes, and ongoing studies will assess whether this ability to add benefit is universal to other platinum-based combinations."
OCEANS is supported by Genentech, which markets bevacizumab as Avastin.
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Amends Draft Research Agenda in Response to Public Comment -- WASHINGTON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Amends Draft Research Agenda in Response to Public Comment -- WASHINGTON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
".....After discussion, the Board voted to make important changes to the Research Agenda. These include clarification of PCORI's focus on patient engagement and transparency; on patients with multiple chronic conditions; on patients with rare diseases; on improving health care systems, including care coordination, access to care, and the role of practice settings and allied health professionals; and on the importance of health literacy.
"The comments we received did not identify major gaps in the National Priorities, and there were no suggestions for additional priorities," said PCORI Executive Director Joe Selby, M.D., MPH. "This indicates that our priorities effectively capture the broad areas where more research is needed. Once the revised National Priorities and Research Agenda are approved, we will issue PCORI's first primary research funding announcements, which will emphasize the inclusion of patients and caregivers at all stages of the research."
PCORI reiterated its commitment to being a learning organization that will continually work with patients and stakeholders to revise its priorities and agenda as needed to address patients' evolving needs....."
open access: Oxaliplatin-related thrombocytopenia
Oxaliplatin-related thrombocytopenia
Abstract/Full Text:
Oxaliplatin is a third generation platinum
compound that inhibits DNA synthesis, mainly through intrastrandal
cross-links
in DNA. Most of the experience with the clinical
use of this drug is derived from colorectal cancer but it is also used
in
other tumor types such as ovary, breast, liver and
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Thrombocytopenia is a frequent toxicity seen
during
oxaliplatin treatment, occurring at any grade in up
to 70 % of patients and leading to delays or even discontinuation of
the
chemotherapy. Although myelossupression is
recognized as the main cause of oxaliplatin-related thrombocytopenia,
new mechanisms
for this side-effect have emerged, including
splenic sequestration of platelets related to oxaliplatin-induced liver
damage
and immune thrombocytopenia. These new
pathophysiology pathways have different clinical presentations and
evolution and may
need specific therapeutic maneuvers. This article
attempts to review this topic and provides useful clinical information
for
the management of oxaliplatin-related
thrombocytopenia.
conclusions
Oxaliplatin-related thrombocytopenia can
prevent the administration of the optimal dose and schedule of this
important chemotherapy
agent and limit its benefits in the adjuvant or
metastatic setting. Mild to moderate bone marrow suppression is the main
cause
of thrombocytopenia during and after treatment with
oxaliplatin. In this setting, patients present thrombocytopenia
concomitant
to anemia and neutropenia usually 1–2 weeks after
treatment. Therapeutic approaches will include dose delays or reduction
and consideration of platelet-stimulating agents.
However, novel mechanisms of oxaliplatin-related thrombocytopenia should
promptly be recognized by physicians and include an
immune-dependent mechanism, as well as portal hypertension related to
sinusoidal injury yielding splenic sequestration of
platelets.
OIIT usually presents a sudden and
isolated drop in platelet counts minutes to hours after oxaliplatin
administration, leading
to acute hemorrhagic events. Female patients with
advanced CRC and prior oxaliplatin exposure are more likely to develop
this
consequence. Prompt immunological testing
documenting oxaliplatin-mediated platelet destruction leads to
definitive diagnosis.
Platelets counts will improve after discontinuation
of treatment and transfusions may be necessary during the acute phase.
Other measures such as corticoid or immunoglobulin
administration are controversial and patients with documented OIIT
should
not be rechallenged with oxaliplatin.
Hepatic sinusoidal injury is a well-known
complication of oxaliplatin treatment and can lead to portal
hypertension and hypersplenism.
Thrombocytopenia in this setting demonstrates a
different natural history, with moderate but prolonged reductions in
platelet
counts. Splenomegaly and other complications of
portal hypertension are recognized in these patients. Platelet recovery
is
slow and usually takes 2–3 years to be complete
after treatment discontinuation. When a fast platelet recovery is
wanted,
splenic embolization might be considered as a
therapeutic measure.
An improvement in the recognition of
these mechanisms of oxaliplatin-related thrombocytopenia will permit a
better documentation
of them and help to understand possible risk
factors associated with this complication in different settings. This
information
may help the development of new preventive and
therapeutic approaches and allow for a more rational management of
cancer patients
treated with oxaliplatin that present
thrombocytopenia.
paywalled: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology- LAPTM4B Polymorphisms is Associated with Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility and Its Prognosis
LAPTM4B Polymorphisms is Associated with Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility and Its Prognosis:
Objective
Lysosome-associated protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) is an important novel gene associated with the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Recent studies have shown that it was overexpressed in many cancer tissues. This study investigated the association between different LAPTM4B polymorphisms and the susceptibility and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
Methods
A case–control study was performed in 282 patients with ovarian cancer and 365 control subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes in all participants. LAPTM4B genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction.
Results
There was a significantly higher LAPTM4B*2 allele frequency in ovarian cancer cases than controls (P < 0.05). Using the LAPTM4B*1/1 genotype as the reference, we found that the LAPTM4B*1/2 and LAPTM4B*2/2 genotypes were positively associated with ovarian cancer.
Current Drug Shortages: Paclitaxel Injection (updated)
Current Drug Shortages: Paclitaxel Injection (updated):
APP is currently back-ordered on 100 mg/16.7 mL vial (NDC 63323-0763-16) and 300 mg/50 mL vial (NDC 63323-0763-50). 30 mg/5 mL vial (NDC 63323-0763-05) is currently available.
Current Drug Shortages: Ondansetron Injection 2 mg/mL (updated)
Current Drug Shortages: Ondansetron Injection 2 mg/mL (updated):
APP has Ondansetron 2 mg/mL 2 mL vials on back order with an estimated release date of early May 2012. Check wholesalers for inventory. The 40 mg, 20mL vials are on back-order until late May.
paywalled: Jpn. J. Clin. Oncol. (2012) - Oncology Information on the Internet
Oncology Information on the Internet
Abstract:
Owing to new developments in Internet
technologies, the amount of available oncology information is growing.
Both patients
and caregivers are increasingly using the Internet
to obtain medical information. However, while it is easy to provide
information,
ensuring its quality is always a concern. Thus,
many instruments for evaluating the quality of health information have
been
created, each with its own advantages and
disadvantages. The increasing importance of online search engines such
as Google
warrants the examination of the correlation between
their rankings and medical quality. The Internet also mediates the
exchange
of information from one individual to another.
Mailing lists of advocate groups and social networking sites help spread
information
to patients and caregivers. While text messages are
still the main medium of communication, audio and video messages are
also
increasing rapidly, accelerating the communication
on the Internet. Future health information developments on the Internet
include merging patients' personal information on
the Internet with their traditional health records and facilitating the
interaction among patients, caregivers and
health-care providers. Through these developments, the Internet is
expected to
strengthen the mutually beneficial relationships
among all stakeholders in the field of medicine.
paywalled: Clinical development of new formulations of cytotoxics in so... : Current Opinion in Oncology
Clinical development of new formulations of cytotoxics in so... : Current Opinion in Oncology
Current Opinion in Oncology:
May 2012 - Volume 24 - Issue 3 - p 325–331
doi: 10.1097/CCO.0b013e328351fb29
INNOVATIVE EARLY CLINICAL TRIALS METHODOLOGY AND NEW THERAPEUTICS IN CANCER: Edited by Ahmad Awada
Clinical development of new formulations of cytotoxics in solid tumors
Purpose of review:
To discuss the clinical development
of new formulations of old cytotoxic agents and highlight the value of
adopting this strategy.
Recent findings:
Several drugs are currently in
clinical development with high potential in improving clinical outcomes
compared with their older counterparts. We emphasize on the results of
four of these agents, each belonging to a known group of cytotoxics
namely amrubicin, EndoTAG-1, pralatrexate and NKTR-102. Each has shown
promising results that have the potential in addressing some limitations
that have been observed with the ‘earlier generation’ agents.
Summary:
Improvement in drug development strategies
and the appreciation of the mechanisms of action and resistance of the
cytotoxic agents currently available in the clinic open the door for
developing agents that have the potential of improving clinical outcomes
with better safety profiles. It is important to adopt innovative
clinical trials designs integrating molecular markers in early clinical
development in order to identify the subgroups of patients who would
derive the maximal benefit of these novel agents.
paywalled: Targeting the DNA damage response in oncology: past, presen... : Current Opinion in Oncology
Targeting the DNA damage response in oncology: past, presen... : Current Opinion in Oncology
Current Opinion in Oncology:
May 2012 - Volume 24 - Issue 3 - p 316–324
doi: 10.1097/CCO.0b013e32835280c6
INNOVATIVE EARLY CLINICAL TRIALS METHODOLOGY AND NEW THERAPEUTICS IN CANCER: Edited by Ahmad Awada
Targeting the DNA damage response in oncology: past, present and future perspectives
Abstract
Purpose of review:
The success of poly(ADP-ribose)
polymerase inhibition in BRCA1 or BRCA2 deficient tumors as an
anticancer strategy provided proof-of-concept for a synthetic lethality
approach in oncology. There is therefore now active interest in
expanding this approach to include other agents targeting the DNA damage
response (DDR). We review lessons learnt from the development of
inhibitors against DNA damage response mechanisms and envision the
future of DNA repair inhibition in oncology.
paywalled: Vascular disrupting agents: a delicate balance between efficacy and side (safety) effects
Vascular disrupting agents: a delicate balance between effi... : Current Opinion in Oncology
Current Opinion in Oncology:
May 2012 - Volume 24 - Issue 3 - p 305–315
doi: 10.1097/CCO.0b013e32835249de
INNOVATIVE EARLY CLINICAL TRIALS METHODOLOGY AND NEW THERAPEUTICS IN CANCER: Edited by Ahmad Awada
Abstract
Purpose of review:
Targeting the tumor vasculature is
an attractive approach for cancer therapy. Vascular disrupting agents
(VDAs) are compounds that directly target tumor blood vessels and create
central tumor necrosis. The current review aims to summarize the
clinical development (i.e. safety and efficacy) of this class of
compounds.
Recent findings:
VDAs have demonstrated signs of
clinical activity in different tumor types [e.g. anaplastic thyroid
carcinoma (ATC), nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), ovarian cancer,
sarcoma]. However, the lack of predictive biomarkers to identify
patients with a high probability of response to VDAs, places this class
of compounds at a high risk of failure. This has recently been
exemplified by several negative phase II/III trials in NSCLC, ATC, and
castration-refractory metastatic prostate cancer.
Summary:
VDAs represent a unique class of anticancer
compounds. Their clinical development is hampered by cardiovascular,
neurological toxicities as single agent and by hematological toxicity in
combination with chemotherapy. Molecular predictors of their efficacy
are crucial for further development. As single agent, only few objective
responses have been observed in a variety of solid tumors. However,
VDAs have failed to demonstrate a survival advantage in several phase
II/III trials especially in combination with chemotherapy.
paywalled: ncreased risk of neoplasm in appendicitis treated w... [Am Surg. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI
Increased risk of neoplasm in appendicitis treated w... [Am Surg. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI
Am Surg. 2012 Mar;78(3):339-43.
Increased risk of neoplasm in appendicitis treated with interval appendectomy: single-institution experience and literature
Abstract
Appendicitis is a common diagnosis encountered by the acute care surgeon. Management of complicated appendicitis is controversial and often involves initial nonoperative therapy with interval appendectomy. This study reviews single-institutional experience with management of complicated appendicitis with interval appendectomy and addresses an unusually high occurrence of incidental appendiceal malignancies observed with a review of relevant literature. A retrospective review of all diagnoses of appendicitis was performed over 5 years at a tertiary care center. Patient demographics, time to surgery, operative technique, pathologic diagnosis, and clinical outcomes were examined. Three hundred fifteen patients were diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Of these, 24 (7.6%) were deemed complicated and did not undergo immediate appendectomy, and 18 ultimately underwent appendectomy at our institution and were included in analysis. There were no statistical demographic or symptomatic differences between the immediate and interval appendectomy patients. Ninety-nine per cent of the immediate appendectomy patients were treated laparoscopically; 78 per cent of the interval group underwent attempted laparoscopic treatment with 56 per cent completed without conversion to open (P < 0.01). Neoplasms were discovered in 1 per cent of the acute appendectomy group and 28 per cent of the interval appendectomy group (P < 0.0001). Two of the three neoplasms in the acute group were carcinoid, whereas three of the five neoplasms in the interval group were adenocarcinoma. Surgeons should consider appendiceal or colonic neoplasms in cases of complicated appendicitis when nonoperative management is considered. This is most important in patients older than 40 years, in those who forego interval appendectomy, or in those who could be lost to follow-up.paywalled: Breast cancer metastasising to the pelvis and abdomen: what the gynaecologist needs to know - 2012 - BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology - Wiley Online Library
Breast cancer metastasising to the pelvis and abdomen: what the gynaecologist needs to know - Moore - 2012 - BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology - Wiley Online Library
A
small proportion of breast cancers metastasize within the peritoneal
cavity. With increasing breast cancer incidence rates, gynaecologists
and oncologists will encounter such women more frequently. Most women
with intraperitoneal breast cancer are premenopausal. Although data are
limited and are likely to be subject to selection bias, the median
survival of women undergoing resection appears superior to those not
undergoing surgery. Furthermore, survival is broadly similar to that for
women undergoing advanced ovarian cancer surgery, particularly when
tumour debulking is optimal. Obtaining data via randomised trials is
unlikely to be feasible and therefore we recommend prospective data
collection via the establishment of an international intraperitoneal
breast cancer patient registry. For individual women where survival is
anticipated to be more than a few months, we suggest considering
referral to a gynaecological oncology team for discussion of surgical
options.
future postings - term 'subscription required' replaced by 'paywalled'
Blogger's Note: wording/term change - 'paywalled' (new) = subscription required ($$$) (old), plain english - blog postings of the future which indicate the term 'paywalled' means that access to the article requires a paid subscription
abstract: Topoisomerase 1 Inhibitors and Cancer Therapy
Blogger's Note: to view full paper, subscription ($$$) required
Topoisomerase 1 Inhibitors and Cancer Therapy
Abstract: "Topoisomerase 1 inhibitors cure human cancer xenografts in animal models, more so than most other chemotherapy agents. However, their activity in patients with cancer is modest. Ongoing research is studying the optimal analogues that could reproduce animal data in the cancer population. This article analyzes the clinical research with topoisomerase 1 inhibitors in ovarian cancer."
financial: Amgen - Media - Press Release (Product Sales Performance eg. Neupogen/Etanercept/Darbepoetin/Aranesp/Epogen...)
Amgen - Media - Press Release
Product Sales Performance
XGEVA® (denosumab) sales were $153 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 14 percent over the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting increased segment share as well as overall segment growth.
Prolia® (denosumab) sales were $88 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 9 percent over the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting continued global growth.
Combined Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) and NEUPOGEN® (Filgrastim) sales increased 9 percent to $1,344 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $1,232 million in the first quarter of 2011. Combined U.S. Neulasta and NEUPOGEN sales increased 13 percent to $1,053 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $930 million in the first quarter of 2011, driven primarily by an increase in the average net sales price and, to a lesser extent, an increase in Neulasta unit demand. Combined Neulasta and NEUPOGEN international sales decreased 4 percent to $291 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $302 million in the first quarter of 2011, due primarily to a decrease in the average net sales price. A mid single-digit percentage point increase in Neulasta unit demand was offset by a decline in NEUPOGEN units due primarily to biosimilar competition.
Enbrel® (etanercept) sales increased 7 percent to $938 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $875 million in the first quarter 2011, driven primarily by an increase in the average net sales price. ENBREL remains the segment share leader in both the rheumatology and dermatology segments.
Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) sales decreased 11 percent to $518 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $580 million in the first quarter of 2011. U.S. Aranesp sales decreased 19 percent to $202 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $250 million in the first quarter of 2011, due primarily to a decline in unit demand, offset partially by a mid single-digit percentage point increase in the average net sales price. The unit decline reflects segment contraction resulting from changes to the product label and reimbursement environment that occurred during 2011. International Aranesp sales decreased 4 percent to $316 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $330 million in the first quarter of 2011, due primarily to a decrease in the average net sales price.
EPOGEN® (epoetin alfa) sales decreased 17 percent to $446 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $535 million in the first quarter of 2011, reflecting the impact of changes to the label and reimbursement. The decline was comprised of an approximately 30 percent decrease in unit demand driven by a reduction in dose utilization, offset partially by reductions in customer discounts as part of new provider contracts that became effective Jan. 1, 2012.
On a sequential basis, EPOGEN sales decreased 8 percent, comprised of an approximately 20 percent decrease in unit demand driven by the timing of end-user purchases at the end of 2011 and a reduction in dose utilization. These decreases were offset partially by reductions in customer discounts as part of new provider contracts.
Sales of our other, growth-phase products increased 22 percent to $399 million in the first quarter 2012 versus $327 million in the first quarter of 2011. Sales of Sensipar®/Mimpara® (cinacalcet) increased 17 percent to $219 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $187 million in the first quarter of 2011. Sales of Vectibix® (panitumumab) increased 20 percent to $90 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $75 million in the first quarter of 2011. Sales of Nplate® (romiplostim) increased 38 percent to $90 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $65 million in the first quarter of 2011. These increases were driven primarily by global unit growth.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Campaigners call for Scottish Government to act over needless ovarian cancer deaths - The Daily Record
Campaigners call for Scottish Government to act over needless ovarian cancer deaths - The Daily Record
"New research shows woeful symptom awareness among women in Scotland with only one per cent of those surveyed being very confident of noticing a symptom. Across the UK the figure was just three per cent.
And, of the GPs surveyed in Scotland, 86 per cent agreed that updates to Scottish clinical guidelines would support them to diagnose ovarian cancer more effectively.
Now campaigners have called on the Scottish Government top spearhead a national campaign to increase symptom awareness.
In April 2011, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published the first official guidance to GPs in England and Wales about the symptoms, diagnosis and early treatments for ovarian cancer.
The Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study 2012 found 68 per cent of a UK-wide representative sample of 402 GPs was aware of the NICE guidance.
However, GPs in Scotland will have to wait until later this year for updated guidance from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network......"
Target Ovarian Cancer can be found online at www.targetovariancancer.org.uk
Oncologists in Top 10 of High-Earning Specialties
Blogger's Note: response rate was low which may scew results (averages); ASCO report 2008: nearly 10,500 oncologists in the U.S. (as at 2005)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oncologists in Top 10 of High-Earning Specialties
".... With an average annual compensation of $295,000, oncologists were number 7 of 25 medical specialties surveyed."
"The report compiles the results from an online survey of 24,216 American physicians conducted in February 2012. Oncologists made up 2% of all respondents (n = 433)."
"These responses were recorded in February 2012, before the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) issued its recommendation on 5 cancer practices that must stop, which include cutting down on expensive imagining tests in cancer patients. It will be interesting to look at the responses to this question next year to see if the ASCO recommendation has had any effect on oncologists' attitudes about testing."
Journal of Ovarian Research: Thailandepsins are new small molecule class I HDAC inhibitors with potentcytotoxic activity in ovarian cancer cells: a preclinical study of epigenetic ovarian cancer therapy
Thailandepsins are new small molecule class I HDAC inhibitors with potentcytotoxic activity in ovarian cancer cells: a preclinical study of epigenetic ovarian cancer therapy
Abstract
Background
New treatment strategies are emerging to target DNA damage response pathways in ovarian cancer. Our group has previously shown that the class I biased HDAC inhibitor romidepsin (FK228) induces DNA damage response and has potent cytotoxic effects in ovarian cancer cells. Here, we investigated newly discovered HDAC inhibitors, thailandepsin A (TDP-A) and thailandepsin B (TDP-B), to determine the effects on cell viability, apoptosis and DNA damage response in ovarian cancer cells......
Fallopian Tube Removal as a Method of Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Descriptive Study - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Fallopian Tube Removal as a Method of Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Descriptive Study - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified February 2012 by University of Washington
First Received on February 28, 2012.
Last Updated on March 2, 2012
History of Changes
Official Title:
Patients Salpingectomy as a Method of Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Descriptive Study
| Sponsor: | University of Washington |
|---|---|
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | Elizabeth Swisher, University of Washington |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01544049 |
Purpose
The
purpose of this study is to better understand why women choose to have
their fallopian tubes removed as a method for ovarian cancer prevention.
This will be done through a paper questionnaire and phone interviews.
The investigators hope to gain information that will allow us to better
counsel women about ovarian cancer prevention.
Utah: Surgical Trial Comparing LIGASURE Assisted Recto-Sigmoid Resection and Omentectomy Compared to Stand - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Surgical Trial Comparing LIGASURE Assisted Recto-Sigmoid Resection and Omentectomy Compared to Stand - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Purpose
The
objective of this prospective randomized surgical trial is to evaluate
whether the use of the LIGASURE surgical device during omentectomy
and/or recto-sigmoid resection for women with ovarian cancer will reduce
the surgical time compared to standard surgical resection using clamps
and surgical ligatures.
phase 2/UK: The Activity of TroVax® Versus Placebo in Relapsed Asymptomatic Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
The Activity of TroVax® Versus Placebo in Relapsed Asymptomatic Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
The Activity of TroVax® Versus Placebo in Relapsed Asymptomatic Ovarian Cancer (TRIOC)
This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.
Verified March 2012 by University College, London
First Received on March 14, 2012.
Last Updated on March 27, 2012
History of Changes
| Sponsor: | University College, London |
|---|---|
| Collaborators: | Oxford BioMedica Cancer Research UK |
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | University College, London |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01556841 |
Purpose
The
purpose of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of TroVax® compared
to placebo in extending the time to progression in patients with
asymptomatic relapsed platinum resistant ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.The trial will also look at overall survival times and quality of life.
Phase Ib Trial of Folate Binding Protein Vaccine in Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Phase Ib Trial of Folate Binding Protein Vaccine in Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Phase Ib Trial of Folate Binding Protein Vaccine in Ovarian Cancer
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by San Antonio Military Medical Center
First Received on April 16, 2012.
Last Updated on April 17, 2012
History of Changes
| Sponsor: | COL George Peoples, MD, FACS |
|---|---|
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | COL George Peoples, MD, FACS, San Antonio Military Medical Center |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01580696 |
Purpose
Folate binding protein (FBP) is highly over-expressed in breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers
and is the source of immunogenic peptides (E39) that can stimulate
cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to recognize and destroy FBP-expressing cancer
cells in the laboratory. The purpose of this study is to test whether a
peptide-based vaccine consisting of the E39 peptide mixed with the
FDA-approved immunoadjuvant granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating
factor (GM-CSF) is safe and effective at inducing an in vivo
peptide-specific immune response. Furthermore, the investigators intend
to determine the best dose of the vaccine to utilize to produce this
immunity most efficiently. The investigators will determine whether
immunity to FBP will prevent clinical recurrence. Additionally, the
investigators will compare these results with results from a trial
utilizing the E75 peptide (from the HER2/neu protein) in ovarian and endometrial cancer patients in preparation for studying a combination vaccine.
phase 2: Vargatef (Nintedanib) in Addition to First Line Chemotherapy With Interval Debulking Surgery in Patients With Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov - France) (treatment/placebo/note: Avastin...)
Vargatef in Addition to First Line Chemotherapy With Interval Debulking Surgery in Patients With Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.
Verified April 2012 by ARCAGY/ GINECO GROUP
First Received on April 19, 2012.
Last Updated on April 23, 2012
History of Changes
| Sponsor: | ARCAGY/ GINECO GROUP |
|---|---|
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | ARCAGY/ GINECO GROUP |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01583322 |
Purpose
Patients
with extensive and bulky disease are often those whose initial surgery
is delayed after 3 or 4 cycles of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.
In that case, there is,
indeed, some concern to administer bevacizumab during the chemotherapy
surrounding the interval debulking surgery due to the long half life
(14- 21 days) of this monoclonal antibody and the interference of anti
angiogenic agents with wound healing.
Vargatef® (Nintedanib)
might offer a better alternative to bevacizumab in the neo-adjuvant
setting. Vargatef® (Nintedanib) has a much shorter half-life of 7 to 19
hours. Preliminary experience in cancer did
not show a trend for increased incidence of fistula or bowel
perforation. For more details please refer to the investigator drug
brochure for Vargatef® (Nintedanib).
This trial will compare
progression-free survival and surgical complications of 188 patients
with FIGO stage IIIC/IV treated in first line with either neo-adjuvant
chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel) and interval debulking
surgery or the same treatment + Vargatef® (Nintedanib).
Current Drug Shortages: Paclitaxel Injection (updated)
Current Drug Shortages: Paclitaxel Injection (updated):
Teva has all presentations available with ample inventory.
PET/CT scanning guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy in treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
PET/CT scanning guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy in treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical contribution of positron emission tomography using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose and integrated computer tomography (FDG-PET/CT) guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with recurrent ovarian cancer from 2003 to 2008 were retrospectively studied. In these patients, 28 received PET/CT guided IMRT (PET/CT-IMRT group), and 30 received CT guided IMRT (CT-IMRT group). Treatment plans, tumor response, toxicities and survival were evaluated.
RESULTS: Changes in GTV delineation were found in 10 (35.7%) patients based on PET-CT information compared with CT data, due to the incorporation of additional lymph node metastases and extension of the metastasis tumor. PET/CT guided IMRT improved tumor response compared to CT-IMRT group (CR: 64.3% vs. 46.7%, P=0.021; PR: 25.0% vs. 13.3%, P=0.036). The 3-year overall survival was significantly higher in the PET-CT/IMRT group than control (34.1% vs. 13.2%, P=0.014).
CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT guided IMRT in recurrent ovarian cancer patients improved the delineation of GTV and reduce the likelihood of geographic misses and therefore improve the clinical outcome.
Women of Teal: ASCO 2012 (HAWMC 23 My choice)
ASCO 2012 (HAWMC 23 My choice): Health Activist Choice Day 2! Write about whatever you like.
(Women of Teal) I am one happy cancer research advocate. I learned last week that I will be receiving a scholarship from the Conquer Cancer Foundation to attend this year's ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncologists ) Annual meeting in Chicago. Their goal is to improve cancer care and prevention. The Annual Meeting is the largest conference on....
Recombinant Measles Virus Vaccine Therapy and Oncolytic Virus Therapy in Treating Patients With Progressive, Recurrent, or Refractory Ovarian Epithelial Cancer or Primary Peritoneal Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Recombinant Measles Virus Vaccine Therapy and Oncolytic Virus Therapy in Treating Patients With Progressive, Recurrent, or Refractory Ovarian Epithelial Cancer or Primary Peritoneal Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by Mayo Clinic
First Received on December 6, 2006.
Last Updated on April 20, 2012
History of Changes
Carboplatin/Taxol/Ridaforolimus in Endometrial, Ovarian and Solids - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Carboplatin/Taxol/Ridaforolimus in Endometrial, Ovarian and Solids - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
First Received on December 1, 2010.
Last Updated on April 20, 2012
History of Changes
UK: A Survivorship Care Plan for Gynaecological Cancer Patients - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
A Survivorship Care Plan for Gynaecological Cancer Patients - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
A Survivorship Care Plan for Gynaecological Cancer Patients
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
First Received on April 20, 2012.
Adenocarcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction
Cervical Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Fallopian Tube Cancer
Gastric Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Sarcoma
Vaginal Cancer
Vulvar Cancer
Canadian provinces need to adopt a patient charter of rights
Blogger's Note/Opinion: the actual paper published in the CMAJ is not an open access publication which defies logic given the subject matter- see below for CMAJ and following is the 'public' press release; as mentioned, but focused on institutional control, the other issue is the matter of who/what/control is included in a patient charter (see prior CMAJ publications on this issue); note also that 'professional Patient Navigators' in hospitals play in role, however, this is not an independent process/role; the role of an ombudsun has been a matter of great discussion over decades
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A patient charter of rights: how to avoid a toothless tiger and achieve system improvement
Many countries have
adopted patient charters of rights, but to be meaningful, such charters
must include an economical, accessible
and independent complaints process.
According to Flood and May, an ombudsman or commissioner can help reduce
litigation and
formal disciplinary proceedings
against health care professionals.
Full article
This item requires a subscription to Canadian Medical Association Journal.
- and
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Canadian provinces need to adopt a patient charter of rights
Public release date: 23-Apr-2012
[ Print | E-mail |
Share
]
[ Close Window ]
Contact: Kim Barnhardt
kim.barnhardt@cmaj.ca
613-520-7116 x2224
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Canadian provinces need to adopt a patient charter of rights
Canadian provinces should adopt a patient charter of rights with independent enforcement as part of the move to patient-centred care, argues an analysis article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).A properly designed patient charter of rights (standards set by whom?) can help patients resolve concerns and complaints easily and cost-effectively, through an independent ombudsman or commissioner. An effective patient charter contains clearly articulated patient rights — many of which are already provided in law but scattered in different places — such as patients' rights to access their health records, to privacy and to informed consent.
Many countries such as New Zealand, Norway, Finland, England, Israel have patient charters. Quebec is the only jurisdiction in Canada with a charter. Alberta has recently enacted one, but it lacks the critical feature of independent enforcement.
Health professionals may have concerns that patient charters will increase lawsuits or disciplinary actions, but evidence shows that "patient charters with dedicated complaints processes enable matters to be resolved at an early stage by informal means, averting the need for litigation or formal disciplinary proceedings," write Colleen Flood and Kathryn May, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto. In New Zealand, for example, formal disciplinary actions against providers have plummeted because a patient commissioner mediates patient complaints.
An independent health ombudsman can help spur overall improvement in the system by issuing recommendations or reports on system problems. Overseas experience suggests that despite having no formal powers to implement change such recommendations can nonetheless be a powerful force for change.
"A patient charter of rights should achieve greater clarity and awareness of the nature and extent of patients' rights; if well-designed, it should also help drive improvements in the quality and timeliness of care, improve the overall accountability of members of the health care system and reduce costly litigation," the authors conclude. "However, experience shows that it is easy for a patient charter to be a toothless tiger — that is, a mechanism to merely talk about improving the patient experience and reforming the health care system."
U of Michigan: Outpatient surgery patients also at risk for dangerous blood clots | University of Michigan Health System
Outpatient surgery patients also at risk for dangerous blood clots | University of Michigan Health System
"...With the information, the researchers created and validated a risk-stratification tool that can be used to predict a patient’s risk for VTE. The tool identified a 20-fold variation in VTE risk from 0.04 percent to 1.12 percent among the outpatient surgery population.
“These data are in stark contrast to provider and patient expectations that outpatient surgery is a low-risk event,” Pannucci says. “It also underscores the importance of evaluating a patient’s individual risk factors as opposed to procedure-type alone.”.....
open access: Viewpoint: Quality standards and samples in genetic testing - Journal of Clinical Pathology
Blogger's Note: includes reference to BRCA/
Quality standards and samples in genetic testing -- Ravine and Suthers 65 (5): 389 -- Journal of Clinical Pathology
Conclusion
The goal of a clinician is to
provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and
therapeutic options, including
in relation to diseases for which
genetic tests are available. Similarly, the goal of a medical laboratory
is to provide the
right result for the right patient in a
timely fashion every time. Alexander Pope wrote in An Essay on Criticism
that ‘To err is human…’. Three hundred years later, his message is
still potent. All arenas of human endeavour are at risk
of human error, and the emerging
discipline of genetic testing is not immune. Errors will occur here, as
they do in other
areas of laboratory testing, and
medicine in general. It is of little comfort that sample errors, such as
WBIT, are likely
to be more common than reports of
adverse incidents.
Like the proverbial elephant
in the room, we know the errors are present but we hesitate to talk
about them. The issue must
be addressed, however, because errors
in genetic testing have the potential to prompt clinical decisions with a
high risk
of attendant harm. They may also direct
important life choices for those being tested, with ramifications that
may influence
human health and welfare at all
developmental stages. Some errors will invariably lead to outcomes over
which the person being
tested will have no control, such as
wrongful conviction in a court of law. Errors in genetic testing may
also waste the increasingly
scarce health dollars, and place
individual healthcare practitioners at professional, legal and financial
risk. It is now
time for the profession to consider the
full range of errors that are possible along the genetic test
processing chain from
patient to result, and devise
appropriate risk minimisation strategies. Until such data are available,
individual healthcare
practitioners involved in genetic
testing should consider the associated possible risks to patient health
and welfare, and
look beyond the baseline standard of
testing a single sample.
open access: JCO - OCEANS: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial of Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Patients With Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer
OCEANS: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial of Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Patients With Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Submitted January 26, 2012; accepted
February 17, 2012; published online
ahead of print at www.jco.org on April
23, 2012. - Supported by Genentech.
- Presented in part at the 47th Annual
Meeting of the American Society of
Clinical Oncology, June 3-7, 2011,
Chicago, IL.
(see actual table for further details; see other tables for adverse/safety event comparisons; )
Histology subtype #'s
Serous 202
Mucinous 1
Endometrioid 16
Transitional cell 2
Clear cell 6
Mixed 5
Other 10
The limitations of OCEANS include a lack of quality-of-life data
and specimen collection for biomarker analysis. The strengths of
OCEANS, however, lie in the robustness of the primary end point,
with strict adherence to RECIST-defined progression and its supportive
IRC analysis, and to the schedule of assessments. The median
increase of 4 months in PFS is well above the frequency of radiologic
reassessments (9 weeks).24,25 TheOCEANS data demonstrate that GC
plus BV followed by BV until progression provides benefit over GC
alone in ROC. OCEANS, GOG 218, and ICON7 represent three
positive phase III trials of BVadded to chemotherapy in the treatment
of ovarian cancer.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Toronto Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN): Meeting with Patients: Their experiences and perspectives
Blogger's Note: patients views and opinions, not specific to any one particular disease but patients opinions and views of their healthcare system/s
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Erella:
"Just because I'm getting used to the symptoms doesn't mean things are okay."
Patient Destiny prepared this report summarizing
the findings of the December 7th ‘Meeting with
Patients’ in collaboration with the Toronto Central
LHIN. In January, Patient Destiny sent an initial report
to meeting participants which provided a complete
account of their comments and input. (newsletter - 6 patients views/opinions)
TCLHIN-PDR-ENG-web.pdf (application/pdf Object)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ontario Health Promotion (backgrounder) Meeting with Patients: Their Experiences and Perspectives Report
abstract: Relationship among glycolytic phenotype, grade, and histological subtype in ovarian carcinoma - F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging
Relationship among glycolytic phenotype, grade, and histological subtype in ovarian carcinoma.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
Knowing the glycolytic phenotype of cancers is important for the appropriate use of F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging. This study was performed to determine the influence of tumor grade and histology on the glycolytic phenotype of epithelial ovarian cancer patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Only histopathologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer patients, with no other concurrent malignancies, who had F-18 FDG PET/CT either before or at least 3 months after any therapeutic intervention and had confirmed measurable disease of >1 cm were included. The F-18 FDG PET/CT uptake was determined as maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) at the pathologically confirmed site of disease or in the most active lesion. SUVmax was correlated to tumor grade and histology.RESULTS:
Of 171 ovarian cancer patients, 42 referred for F-18 FDG PET/CT scans between January 2003 and December 2010 were eligible for inclusion. Histologic diagnosis most frequently revealed the serous subtype (n = 32) and grade III (n = 28) epithelial ovarian cancer. Overall, ovarian carcinomas exhibited a strong glycolytic phenotype (average SUVmax, 7.6 g/mL). The SUVmax averaged 7.76 g/mL, 6.76 g/mL, and 7.95 g/mL for Grade I, II, and III, respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between tumor SUVmax and the histologic tumor grade (P = 0.74). No statistically significant differences were found between the tumor SUVmax of serous and endometrioid subtypes (P = 0.53). For other histology subtypes, no statistic evaluation was possible due to the low number of cases.CONCLUSIONS:
The glycolytic phenotype in epithelial ovarian cancer, expressed as SUVmax, is strong. However, tumor FDG uptake is unrelated to tumor grade and histologic subtype implying that F-18 FDG PET/CT cannot be used to predict tumor aggressiveness or histology.Fortitude: true stories of true grit - Malinda Teel - Google Books
Fortitude: true stories of true grit - Malinda Teel - Google Books
This powerful, inspirational book launched the publisher's "Virtue Victorious" series "FORTITUDE" stories feature ordinary people who have triumphed over extraordinary obstacles. Topics include wilderness and wartime survival, tough athletic challenges, domestic violence and grave illness. Two-hour Christian TV special was devoted to stories of editor and four other contributors. "Booklist" termed this book "compelling" and recommended it to libraries across the U.S. and Canada.
Fortitude:
true stories of true grit
Malinda P. TEEL Obituary: View Malinda TEEL's Obituary by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Malinda P. TEEL Obituary: View Malinda TEEL's Obituary by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
TEEL, Malinda P. MALINDA P. TEEL October 23, 1942 – April 16, 2012
Malinda P. Teel died on April 16, in the Grant Park home she helped renovate and where she lived for 34 years, following a proactive 7-year fight against ovarian cancer. She was a graduate of UGA's School of Social Work and Thiel College and retired from her third career as a therapist and social worker in 2010. Previously, she had been a skilled writer and editor and for several years ran a small moving company in New York City known as Huckleberry Truck. She was the editor of a collection of true stories, Fortitude, published in 2000. An enthusiastic Francophile, she pursued study of the French language throughout her life, including a year at the Sorbonne in Paris. Other interests included vegetable gardening and all aspects of food-cooking, nutrition, restaurants, etc. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Malinda was active as an advocate in the ovarian cancer community, and in 2010 was recognized by the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance for her support of its mission. Malinda was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is survived by her dear husband, Thomas F. McGowan, beloved son, Samuel F. McGowan and his fiancé Jordan Dieck and her brothers Martin, Steve and Parker Teel and their families. Everyone loved Malinda. She blessed us all with her amazing fortitude, her joy for life and her optimism for the future. A celebration of her life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ovarian Cancer Institute at Georgia Tech, http://ovariancancerinstitute.org/contributions.html. Goolsby Mortuary (404)588-0128.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
