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Saturday, March 02, 2013

2013 Cochrane Review: Surgical cytoreduction for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (including plain language summary eg. consumer/patient version)



Blogger's Note/Opinion: this current Cochrane Collaboration review does not add anything new to what is currently known except to say the deficits in ovarian cancer research/knowledge remain

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Abstract

Background

The standard management of primary ovarian cancer is optimal cytoreductive surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy. Most women with primary ovarian cancer achieve remission on this combination therapy. For women achieving clinical remission after completion of initial treatment, most (60%) with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer will ultimately develop recurrent disease. However, the standard treatment of women with recurrent ovarian cancer remains poorly defined. Surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer has been suggested to be associated with increased overall survival.

open access: Resistance to PARP-Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy | Frontiers in Pharmacology of Anti-Cancer Drugs




Article
 
"   There are 18 members of the PARP family of proteins, but therapeutic effect of PARPi on cancer cells is observed only in conjunction with DNA damage; hence DNA damage-responsive PARPs are the most
 likely mediators of PARPi effect......" 

Friday, March 01, 2013

Suspected Extracolonic Neoplasms Detected on CT Colonography: Literature Review and Possible Outcomes



Abstract:


Rationale and Objectives

This study summarizes the literature on the detection of cancer among indeterminate extracolonic findings on computed tomographic (CT) colonography in five targeted organs.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed for English-language literature published between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2010. We describe extracolonic findings in the kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, and ovary suspect for malignancy as they are associated with high mortality. For each organ, we calculated the median prevalence, positive predictive value (PPV), and false positive rate of malignancy and a pooled false-positive rate across studies.

Ureteroscopic management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in patients with Lynch Syndrome (MSH2)




abstract:

Objectives

  • To report our experience with ureteroscopic laser ablation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in patients with Lynch Syndrome (LS), as defined by a documented germline mutation in the MSH-2 gene.
  • To increase awareness among urologists about UTUC in this unique patient population and refer to genetic counselling when appropriate.

Dangerous Combinations: Ingestible CAM Supplement Use During Chemotherapy in Patients with Ovarian Cancer



Abstract:

J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Feb 27. [Epub ahead of print]

Source

1 Molecular Diagnostics Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle, Washington.

Abstract

Objective:
Some ingestible complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplements, including herbal remedies, teas, and vitamins, have biological activities that make them likely to interact poorly with conventional chemotherapeutic treatments. This study surveyed women with ovarian cancer to document the extent to which women use ingestible CAM supplements and conventional chemotherapeutic treatments that are believed to be of potential concern when used together.

Methods:
A total of 219 patients with ovarian cancer who received care from 1 of 2 participating conventional oncology practices were surveyed about CAM use during and after ovarian cancer treatment.

Bevacizumab Beyond Progression in Platinum Sensitive Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov



trial details:

This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.
Verified February 2013 by National Cancer Institute, Naples
Sponsor:
Collaborator:
Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
National Cancer Institute, Naples
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT01802749
First received: February 27, 2013
Last updated: February 28, 2013
Last verified: February 2013

Meeting Registration: C2D2 BIG QUESTIONS - May 2013: "Grey areas of practitioner ethics: What is changing?"



 Blogger's Note: should be an interesting discussion depending on who is involved


C2D2 BIG QUESTIONS - May 2013: "Grey areas of practitioner ethics: What is changing?"
  
Wednesday, May 22, 201312:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Pacific Time) Show in My Timezone
Welcome to C2D2's Big Questions Webinar series!
May's topic is facilitated by Jacquie Dale.

  • What are the new challenges and loyalties?
  • Coopting: are we being paid to bring in approvals, minimize and control dissent?
  • Independent practitioners or in-house practices: what are the ethical issues of engagement?
  • Can we be neutral facilitators when paid by for-profit companies?
  • When our livelihoods depend on engagement, do we unconsciously let go of our ethics?
  • What happens when what you hear isn't what the boss wants to hear?
  • Is approvals the new success criteria?

The Agenda with Steve Paikin: More or Less Medicine? | Patients' Association of Canada, Association des Patients du Canada



Blogger's Note: not specific to cancer but some general comments (cancer tests vs saving lives/testing); discusses annual checkups; 'overtreatment'; personalized care; more vs better vs less;

The Agenda with Steve Paikin: More or Less Medicine? | Patients' Association of Canada, Association des Patients du Canada

NCI AdHER2 DC Vaccine Clinical Trial: Informational Video for Providers - YouTube (numerous cancer sites)



NCI AdHER2 DC Vaccine Clinical Trial: Informational Video for Providers - YouTube

Struck by cancer, killed by ageism - Editorial (eg. age discrimination in cancer care)



 Blogger's Note/Opinion:  it goes without saying that cancer care safety is the prime concern, however, age biases exist and I suspect that many patients/caregiver are not even aware of age biases in cancer care; over the recent past 60 yrs was deemed 'elderly' with most research now increasing that to 70 yrs (eg. biologic age); the unanswered question - although many are trying, is this: are patients/caregivers informed of all options available as a personalized part of their healthcare?

Struck by cancer, killed by ageism - Editorial - Issues 53 - Articles - Cancer World - Shaping the future of cancer care

 "Nearly half the respondents indicated that they had been involved with a cancer patient who had been refused treatment because of their age."

"Discrimination has no place in modern cancer care and determined efforts are required to ensure that age is not a barrier to accessing high-quality diagnosis and treatment."

Neutropenia in cancer patients: risk factors and management - e-Grand Round - Cancer World



Blogger's Note: see comments regarding dose reduction/s

Neutropenia in cancer patients: risk factors and management - e-Grand Round - Issues 35 - Articles - Cancer World - Shaping the future of cancer care

Thursday, February 28, 2013

A Statewide (Florida) Survey of Practitioners to Assess Knowledge and Clinical Practices Regarding Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer



 Abstract

Health News - Towards personalised cancer treatment



Health News - Towards personalised cancer treatment

 ".....“Unfortunately, there are so many different mutations in the tumour cells that clones arise that do not respond to the medication. These clones eventually gain the upper hand and the effect of the medication diminishes over time,” he adds. In some cases second line treatment is available, in others a new mutation profile may reveal more options......
“Unfortunately, there are so many different mutations in the tumour cells that clones arise that do not respond to the medication. These clones eventually gain the upper hand and the effect of the medication diminishes over time,” he adds. In some cases second line treatment is available, in others a new mutation profile may reveal more options. - See more at: http://www.healthcanal.com/cancers/36607-Towards-personalised-cancer-treatment.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+healthnewshc%2FOxfp+%28Health+News+from+HealthCanal.com%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#sthash.1rCgcsZn.dpuf
“Unfortunately, there are so many different mutations in the tumour cells that clones arise that do not respond to the medication. These clones eventually gain the upper hand and the effect of the medication diminishes over time,” he adds. In some cases second line treatment is available, in others a new mutation profile may reveal more options. - See more at: http://www.healthcanal.com/cancers/36607-Towards-personalised-cancer-treatment.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+healthnewshc%2FOxfp+%28Health+News+from+HealthCanal.com%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#sthash.1rCgcsZn.dpuf
“Unfortunately, there are so many different mutations in the tumour cells that clones arise that do not respond to the medication. These clones eventually gain the upper hand and the effect of the medication diminishes over time,” he adds. In some cases second line treatment is available, in others a new mutation profile may reveal more options. - See more at: http://www.healthcanal.com/cancers/36607-Towards-personalised-cancer-treatment.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+healthnewshc%2FOxfp+%28Health+News+from+HealthCanal.com%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#sthash.1rCgcsZn.dpuf
“Unfortunately, there are so many different mutations in the tumour cells that clones arise that do not respond to the medication. These clones eventually gain the upper hand and the effect of the medication diminishes over time,” he adds. In some cases second line treatment is available, in others a new mutation profile may reveal more options. - See more at: http://www.healthcanal.com/cancers/36607-Towards-personalised-cancer-treatment.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+healthnewshc%2FOxfp+%28Health+News+from+HealthCanal.com%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#sthash.1rCgcsZn.dpuf

Telehealth enthusiasm dampened



Blogger's Note: lessons for others using/considering telehealth in a variety of situations?

media

open/online Feb 2013: Ovarian Cancer - A Clinical and Translational Update | InTechOpen



Ovarian Cancer - A Clinical and Translational Update | InTechOpen

 Medicine » Obstetrics and Gynecology

ISBN 978-953-51-1030-9, Hard cover, 371 pages, Publisher: InTech, Published: February 27, 2013 under CC BY 3.0 license
DOI: 10.5772/56234 

"Ovarian Cancer: A Clinical and Translational Update" embraces the most recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. With the valuable collaboration of international experts in the field, this book is intended to provide the readership with a comprehensive update in the subject of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Cancers Resist Treatment By "Shuffling Their Genetic Pack"



Blogger's Note: of interest to cancer in general as opposed to a specific cancer

Cancers Resist Treatment By "Shuffling Their Genetic Pack"

"...Swanton says in a statement that by uncovering how cancer cells manage to continually shuffle their genetic pack, it may be possible to turn their strength into a weakness, and create so much instability that the cells can't function normally and die......"

Breast cancer survival and stage at diagnosis in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the UK, 2000-2007: a population-based study : British Journal of Cancer



Abstract : Breast cancer survival and stage at diagnosis in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the UK, 2000-2007: a population-based study : British Journal of Cancer


Results:
"Age-standardised 3-year net survival was 87–89% in the UK and Denmark, and 91–94% in the other four countries. Stage at diagnosis was relatively advanced in Denmark: only 30% of women had Tumour, Nodes, Metastasis (TNM) stage I disease, compared with 42–45% elsewhere. Women in the UK had low survival for TNM stage III–IV disease compared with other countries."

FDA Panel to Address Two Menopause Drugs



FDA Panel to Address Two Menopause Drugs

GPs 'refused access' to ovarian cancer scans | GPonline.com (UK)



GPOnline

"... The charity Target Ovarian Cancer commissioned Ipsos MORI to survey 402 GPs as part of a wider investigation into ovarian cancer care in the UK .......


Included report:

Press Release: (U.S.) Cancer Groups Praise Coverage of Genetic Counseling and Testing Under Affordable Care Act, Urge Coverage of Other Vital Services



Press Release: Cancer Groups Praise Coverage of Genetic Counseling and Testing Under Affordable Care Act, Urge Coverage of Other Vital Services:

Washington, DC—The federal government recently released regulations that clarify which preventive services will be covered under the Affordable Care Act without cost sharing for patients enrolled in private insurance plans. Preventive services are provided without cost sharing to people enrolled in private plans that were established after August 1, 2012. Insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act cannot apply a co-pay or deductible to services outlined in the act.
Among the services included in these regulations are genetic counseling and testing for inherited breast and ovarian cancer risk in women with a family history of cancer. Breast and ovarian cancers have been linked to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, FORCE, Bright Pink and CCARE Lynch Syndrome applaud the government’s attention to women’s health services in general and preventive services in particular. We are happy that genetic counseling and genetic testing will be covered without cost-sharing, as these are important services for women who may have an increased risk of ovarian and breast cancers. The new regulations are a step in the right direction, but they have only taken us halfway there. We are concerned that the current regulations do not include the following:
  • genetic counseling or testing in people with a family history indicative of Lynch Syndrome (which is associated with colon, uterine, and ovarian cancer) or other hereditary cancer syndromes;

paywalled: Safety and feasibility of targeted agent combinations in solid tumours : Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology



Abstract

"The plethora of novel molecular-targeted agents (MTAs) has provided an opportunity to selectively target pathways involved in carcinogenesis and tumour progression. Combination strategies of MTAs are being used to inhibit multiple aberrant pathways in the hope of optimizing antitumour efficacy and to prevent development of resistance. While the selection of specific agents in a given combination has been based on biological considerations (including the role of the putative targets in cancer) and the interactions of the agents used in combination, there has been little exploration of the possible enhanced toxicity of combinations resulting from alterations in multiple signalling pathways in normal cell biology. Owing to the complex networks and crosstalk that govern normal and tumour cell proliferation, inhibiting multiple pathways with MTA combinations can result in unpredictable disturbances in normal physiology. This Review focuses on the main toxicities and the lack of tolerability of some common MTA combinations, particularly where evidence of enhanced toxicity compared to either agent alone is documented or there is development of unexpected toxicity. Toxicities caused by MTA combinations highlight the need to introduce new preclinical testing paradigms early in the drug development process for the assessment of chronic toxicities resulting from such combinations."

(2012 open access) Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: Is there a role of histology-specific treatment?



Open Access:


Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research

(ovarian cancer/Dr Oz) Reality Check: There is No Such Thing as a Miracle Food



Abstract:
 
"A recent episode of the Dr. Oz Show suggested endive, red onion, and sea bass as foods that can decrease the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 75%. However, the scientific evidence supporting these recommendations is limited. This commentary discusses some of the concerns related to the promotion of “miracle foods” by the media. Nutritional scientists and epidemiologists should be cognizant of the public health messages that are taken from their individual studies and not sensationalize the findings of a single study."

BMC Cancer-open access: Sugary food and beverage consumption and epithelial ovarian cancer risk: a population-based case--control study




Abstract Results and Conclusions:

Results

We did not find evidence of an association between consumption of sugary foods and beverages and risk, although there was a suggestion of increased risk associated with sugary drink intake (servings per 1,000 kcal; OR=1.63, 95% CI: 0.94-2.83).

Conclusions

Overall, we found little indication that sugar intake played a major role on ovarian cancer development.

Full text version:

Conclusions
To our knowledge this is the first study to evaluate ovarian cancer risk in relation to total and individual consumption of sugary foods and beverages, total and added sugar intake, as well as a potential effect modification by several insulin-related risk factors. Although in our study there was a suggestion of a moderately increased cancer risk associated with sugary beverage consumption, overall, we did not detect significant relationships with any of the sugar variables evaluated. The overall evidence for sugary foods and drinks and added sugars remains inconclusive. These apparent gaps in the literature emphasize the need for future research, preferably large prospective studies, to evaluate the role of added sugars in the etiology of ovarian cancer, while taking into consideration various factors capable of influencing the body’s insulin response such as anthropometric measures and physical activity.

American Journal of Gastroenterology - Direct Visualization of an Extremely Rare Malignancy: Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix



Blogger's Note: I have not updated myself recently on this particular issue (carcinoma of the appendix), however, several years ago there was a clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov) specific to adenocarcinoma of the appendix; patients with a known genetic condition (eg. Lynch Syndrome) were excluded from participating; opinion (mine): given the rarity of the condition it may have been 'wiser' to include all participants so affected; aside from known genetic predispositions it 'seems' there may be a familiar aspect to carcinoma of the appendix

American Journal of Gastroenterology - Direct Visualization of an Extremely Rare Malignancy: Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix