BMC Medical Ethics | Full text | Recruiting Terminally Ill Patients into Non-Therapeutic Oncology Studies: views of Health Professionals
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Endocrine Society Expert Can Provide Perspective on USPSTF Recommendations on Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Fractures
Endocrine Society Expert Can Provide Perspective on USPSTF Recommendations on Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Fractures
The Endocrine Society’s clinical practice guideline regarding vitamin D deficiency can be found at http://www.endo-society.org/guidelines/final/upload/FINAL-Standalone-Vitamin-D-Guideline.pdf.
open access: Black Cohosh and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
open access:
Conclusions. Current evidence does not support an association between black cohosh and increased risk of breast cancer. There is a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of black cohosh for reduction of hot flashes in breast cancer patients. Given conflicting but promising results, and apparent safety, further research is warranted.
Primary Ovarian Borderline Tumor in the Inguinal Lymph Node : International Journal of Gynecologic Pathology
Abstract:
"We report the case of a primary serous ovarian borderline tumour developed in an inguinal lymph node. No primary ovarian borderline tumour was observed within the ovaries after bilateral ovariectomy and complete pathological examination. We considered the diagnosis of ectopic ovarian tissue because the tumour was completely surrounded by normal ovarian tissue with positive FOXL2 staining. The whole ovarian tissue was itself entirely surrounded by lymphatic tissue. Two other hypotheses should be considered: primary retroperitoneal borderline tumour or retroperitoneal nodal involvement by an ovarian serous borderline tumour. Ectopic ovarian tissue can be observed in lymph node. We don't believe ectopic location of ovarian tissue increase the risk of neoplastic change."
A phase II trial (AGO 2.11) in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: a randomized multicenter trial with sunitinib (SU11248) to evaluate dosage, schedule, tolerability, toxicity and effectiveness of a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy
Abstract:
Ann Oncol. 2012 Sep;23(9):2265-71. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mds003. Epub 2012 Feb 29.
BACKGROUND:
Recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer usually has a poor outcome with conventional chemotherapeutic therapy and new treatment modalities are warranted. This phase II study was conducted to evaluate sunitinib, an oral antiangiogenic multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in this setting.Conclusions: Sunitinib treatment is feasible and moderately active in relapsed platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The noncontinuous treatment schedule should be chosen for further studies in ovarian cancer.
Risk of hematologic toxicities in cancer patients treated with sunitinib: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract:
Conclusions
Sunitinib
is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing
all-grade and high-grade neutropenia and thrombocytopenia and all-grade
anemia compared with control.
Background
The
incidence and risk of unique toxicities associated with a
multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib, such as hypertension
and thromboembolic events, have been previously reported. However, the
incidence and risk of hematologic toxicities have been less well
characterized. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis of trials to
evaluate the risk of sunitinib-related hematologic toxicities.
(open access 2010) TP53 Mutations in Human Cancers: Origins, Consequences, and Clinical Use
TP53 Mutations in Human Cancers: Origins, Consequences, and Clinical Use
"Genetic variations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 (OMIM #191117) contribute to human cancers in different ways.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
$13M in grants to impact cancer research (Eleven new impact grants)
$13M in grants to impact cancer research
"Dr David Huntsman, Vancouver, $1,250,000 – Using advanced genomic approaches including whole genome sequencing, Dr Huntsman is leading a study to identify driver mutations in two of the most deadliest forms of ovarian cancer. Dr Huntsman’s team will pinpoint the genetic mutations that underlie these cancers to identify new biomarkers and treatments as well as strategies to prevent these cancers from occurring in women with pre-cancerous endometriosis."
Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent Gynecologic Malignancy: A Study of 28 Consecutive Patients at a Single Institution
POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 12 February 2013
Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent Gynecologic Malignancy: A Study of 28 Consecutive Patients at a Single Institution:
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of patients undergoing pelvic exenteration (PE) for recurrent gynecologic malignancy.
Methods: A retrospective review using all medical records of 28 consecutive patients who underwent PE between January 2002 and December 2011 at a single institution was conducted.
Drug Shortages > Current Drug Shortages Index
Drug Shortages > Current Drug Shortages Index
The information provided in this section is provided voluntarily by manufacturers. FDA cannot require firms to report the reason for shortage or duration of the shortage or any other information about shortages. FDA appreciates all information provided by manufacturers. We post information about shortages as soon as we receive it from the manufacturers. To report information about shortages or supply issues, manufacturers can send updates to drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov. Healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to notify us of shortages at drugshortages@fda.hhs.gov.
US science to be open to all : Nature News & Comment
US science to be open to all : Nature News & Comment
Government mandates that taxpayer-funded research be freely available within 12 months.
The rumours have been buzzing around Capitol Hill since before last year’s election, and last week, supporters of open-access publication in the United States got most of what they wanted. The White House declared that government-funded research would be made free for all to read, rather than kept behind paywalls. However, those hoping that the government would require papers to be free from the time of publication were disappointed.....
Nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasms: a challenge in endoscopic surveillance of patients with Lynch syndrome
Abstract:
Conclusions:
In patients with Lynch syndrome, colorectal neoplasms are more likely to have a nonpolypoid shape than those from average risk patients, especially in the proximal colon. These findings suggest that proficiency in recognition and endoscopic resection of nonpolypoid colorectal lesions are needed to ensure colonoscopic prevention against CRC in this high risk population
CT and MRI scans: Tips for coping with stress - Cancerwise | Cancer blog from MD Anderson Cancer Center
CT and MRI scans: Tips for coping with stress
You're sitting in the waiting room, your heart is racing, your palms are sweating and your blood pressure is rising.
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpuf
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpuf
You're sitting in the waiting room, your heart is racing, your palms are sweating and your blood pressure is rising.
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpuf
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpuf
You're sitting in the waiting room, your heart is racing, your palms are sweating and your blood pressure is rising.
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpu
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpu
You're sitting in the waiting room, your heart is racing, your palms are sweating and your blood pressure is rising.
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpuf
You've had difficulty sleeping the past few nights because your mind is racing with worries about your upcoming CT or MRI scans. - See more at: http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2013/02/ct-and-mri-scans-tips.html#sthash.6NsBJJQT.dpuf
press release: Cell sugar concentrations affect hyaluronan production and cancer growth
Press Release:
"According to a recent University of Eastern Finland (UEF) study, elevated cell sugar concentrations increase the production of hyaluronan which, in turn, promotes cancer growth. Regulating the production of hyaluronan may be a way to prevent the spreading of cancer.
Hyaluronan is a long, linear carbohydrate polymer present in the human body. It forms a coating on the surface of many cells and plays a key role in fetal development and in the maintenance of normal tissue balance.
Under normal circumstances, hyaluronan promotes tissue healing; however, it can also maintain inflammation and promote the growth of cancer cells. Due to its high water retention capacity, hyaluronan is widely used in cosmetics and also in the medical sector, for example in the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms and in eye surgery. Hyaluronan injected into the human body for treatment purposes is not associated with cancer risk......
Troubles and Hardships Faced by Psychologists in Cancer Care
Troubles and Hardships Faced by Psychologists in Cancer Care:
Objective
The aim of this study was to identify problems experienced by psychologists involved in cancer and palliative care and consider an education system for psychologists.
Methods
We conducted a questionnaire survey of psychologists involved in cancer care and palliative care. At the 403 facilities, 419 psychologists who received the questionnaire were asked to fill it out anonymously. A total of 294 people (61 male, 233 female, average age ± SD = 36.3 ± 9.4) responded about troubles and hardships actually faced by psychologists working in cancer care. We performed qualitative content analysis of free responses.
Results
We obtained the following five categories: ‘Hospital system’, ‘Psychologist role and specialization (ambiguity of the role expected of psychologists and problems arising because psychologists are not nationally licensed)’, ‘Collaboration with other medical professionals (problems with the method of requesting psychologist cooperation and problems of consultation and liaison work within the hospital)’, ‘Specialized support provided by psychologists (difficulty of interaction with patients and their families, inadequate provision of psychological support in cancer care, problems related to death care and lack of psychiatric knowledge)’, ‘Stress faced by psychologists (psychologist's isolation and anxiety, psychologist's internal conflicts, psychologist burnout and helplessness and psychologist self-improvement)’.
Conclusions
Psychologists must acquire at least a minimal level of medical knowledge and understanding of cancer treatment. Furthermore, they require training through specific case studies in order to facilitate collaboration with other medical professionals and concrete training in aspects of psychological support that are specifically tailored to cancer treatment through case studies.
Risk Factors Associated with Endometriosis: Importance of Study Population for Characterizing Disease in the ENDO Study
Abstract:
Conclusions
An infertility history was a consistent risk factor for endometriosis in both the operative and population cohorts of the ENDO study. Additionally, identified risk factors for endometriosis vary based upon cohort selection and diagnostic accuracy. Finally, endometriosis in the population may be more common than recognized.
Evidence of increasing mortality with longer diagnostic intervals for five common cancers: A cohort study in primary care
Abstract
Conclusion
In
full coherence with clinical logic, the healthcare system instigates
prompt investigation of seriously ill patients. This likely explains the
counter-intuitive findings of high mortality with short diagnostic
intervals; but it does not explain the increasing mortality with longer
diagnostic intervals. Thus, the study provides further evidence for the
hypothesis that the length of the diagnostic interval affects mortality
negatively.
open access; Cancer Trends and Incidences in Singapore (note: ovarian cancer)
Cancer Trends and Incidences in Singapore
"...The third most common cancers in women of Chinese, Malay and Indian descent are lung, ovarian and colorectal cancers, respectively (6)."
New cancer 'vaccine' shows future promise in treating and preventing metastatic cancers (molecule Flagrp-170)
New cancer 'vaccine' shows future promise in treating and preventing metastatic cancers
Press Release: Public release date: 27-Feb-2013
"Preclinical, laboratory studies suggest a novel immunotherapy could potentially work like a vaccine against metastatic cancers, according to scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center. Results from a recent study show the therapy could treat metastatic cancers and be used in combination with current cancer therapies while helping to prevent the development of new metastatic tumors and train specialized immune system cells to guard against cancer relapse.......
Recall of Anemia Drug Omontys Rings Alarm Over Biosimilars -- ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Recall of Anemia Drug Omontys Rings Alarm Over Biosimilars -- ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
ATLANTA, Feb. 27, 2013
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Makers of innovative biologics have
legitimate reason to sound alarms about automatic substitution of
biosimilars that have not proven their interchangeability – and it's not
just because of the potential impact to their bottom line. That point
was driven home by the recent recall of Affymax Inc. and Takeda
Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.'s anemia drug Omontys (peginesatide), according
to BioWorld.
Though
Omontys is not a biosimilar, the unexpected postmarketing reports of
serious hypersensitivity reactions (three patient deaths) linked to the
erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) served as a reminder of the
variability of biologics, their sensitivity to minute manufacturing
changes and the difficulty of catching a rare safety signal in the
full-blown biologic development process – let alone an abbreviated
biosimilar path, as noted in a blog post by BioWorld Washington Editor Mari Serebrov......
The Financial Toxicity of Cancer Treatment: A Pilot Study Assessing Out-of-Pocket Expenses and the Insured Cancer Patient’s Experience
Blogger's Note: the Oncologist is subscriber-based ($) for full access
The Oncologist: The Financial Toxicity of Cancer Treatment: A Pilot Study Assessing Out-of-Pocket Expenses and the Insured Cancer Patient’s Experience
Disclosures: S. Yousuf Zafar: Genentech (H); HealthWell Foundation (RF); Jeffrey M. Peppercorn: GlaxoSmithKline (E [spouse]); Genentech (C/A); Novartis (RF); Ownership Interest: GlaxoSmithKline (OI [spouse]); Amy P. Abernethy: Orange Leaf Associates, Advoset (E); Novartis, Pfizer (C/A); Pfizer, Helsinn, Amgen, Kanglaite, Alexion, Biovex, DARA, MiCoNone (RF). The other authors indicated no financial relationships.
Conclusion. Insured patients undergoing cancer treatment and seeking copayment assistance experience considerable subjective financial burden, and they may alter their care to defray out-of-pocket expenses. Health insurance does not eliminate financial distress or health disparities among cancer patients. Future research should investigate coverage thresholds that minimize adverse financial outcomes and identify cancer patients at greatest risk for financial toxicity.
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