2nd annual event: (call for participants) tHE ART of the Matter - OCATS (Ovarian Cancer Awareness & Treatment in Sask

On Saturday May 21^st OCATS (Ovarian Cancer Awareness & Treatment in Sask) will host its 2^nd Annual “tHE ART of the Matter” art show, the theme being all things feminine, related to the creativity of feminine, all matters of interest or important to women – whether as the artist, or as the subject matter of her work.

The goals of the event is to honour women and our joy and our struggles, and to create awareness for gynecologic cancers for all women and men who care about us.  

If you are an artist and would like to participate please let us know by February 15^th.  Please know that your participation and support will be very much appreciated by women and their support people who are dealing with a gynecologic cancer.  If you know an artist please forward this notice on.  And if you are just interested in art, please plan on attending the show!

Thank you, 

Darlene Gray 

OCATS

Ovarian Cancer Awareness & Treatment in Saskatchewan

Find us on Facebook too!

Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology - Ovarian tumours : an overview

full free access: 2011 The Risk of Urothelial Bladder Cancer in Lynch syndrome is increased, in particular among MSH2 mutation carriers

See Box 1 for surveillance recommendations Attached file list to this document:

PEER_stage2_10.1136%2Fjmg.2010.076992.pdf(1.5 MB) further information:   Atlas Genetics Oncology: Bladder: Urothelial carcinomas

Not Enough Progress Against Cancer?. In the Pipeline: (clinical trials, drugs etc) - blog discussion

Premature Menopause: The Unexpected Symptoms of Cancer Treatment - Chicago event Feb 2nd (surgical menopoause....)

The Institute for Women’s Health Research is hosting an event with a panel of experts and pre-screening of the documentary on Wednesday, February 2nd in Chicago

Unrealistic optimism appears common in early cancer trials (patient version HOPE ??)

Blogger Comment: patients call optimism also as "HOPE"

Cochrane Collaboration awarded seat on World Health Assembly

(Geneva, Switzerland – January 24, 2011) On
January 24, 2011, the
World Health Organization (WHO) awarded
The Cochrane Collaboration a seat on the World Health Assembly allowing the Collaboration to provide input on WHO health resolutions.

The Cochrane Collaboration was accepted as a Non-Governmental Organization in Official Relations
with the WHO at the WHO’s Executive Board meeting, establishing a partnership with formalized communication
between the two organizations.

You can read more in the official press release announcing this story on www.cochrane.org. It is available in Arabic, Standard Chinese, German, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

call for Nominations - deadline Feb. 11, 2011 Top 25 Women in Healthcare - Modern Healthcare

Do you know a female executive making a positive difference in the healthcare industry? A leader at the forefront of healthcare reform, policy, education, research or advocacy? A woman who is using her power or abilities to successfully effect change?

Nominate her for Modern Healthcare's 4th biennial Top 25 Women in Healthcare recognition program!

For entry criteria, submission details and FAQs, visit ModernHealthcare.com/topwomenexecs

Research and Markets: Ovarian Cancer Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment and Market Forecasts to 2017

Business

Research and Markets: Ovarian Cancer Therapeutics - Pipeline Assessment

and Market Forecasts to 2017

© Business Wire 2011
2011-01-20 16:11:16 -

OCATS - Ovarian Cancer Awareness & Treatment in Saskatchewan

For Medical Professionals

Because ovarian cancer has no screening tools, blood tests and the symptoms
often are mistaken for other conditions, misdiagnosed and even ignored OCATS has developed an OCATS Physician Guide (available to anyone). This guide
was developed to help medical professionals and women recognize the
symptoms, be aware of symptoms andcombinations of symptoms, the diagnostic tools available to every physician, proper referral practices for women
with the possibility of a gynecologic cancer. We will soon be sending this
guide to every medical clinic and medical
professional in Saskatchewan.
These guides are available in Australia and in the United States.
To view these documents:

OCATS Guide for Medical Professionals
Australia
GP Guide for Australia
CPO Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer, Australian Government
United States
2009.10.1-Symptons document

New Events | Sandy S. Eddinger Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation

free full access: The Antioxidant Debate

short (very) commentary: EORTC 55971: Does it apply to all patients with advanced state ovarian cancer?

Research Highlights
► Within this randomized trial a statistical benefit was seen with primary
surgery among patients with less than 5 cm of upper abdominal
disease (HR 0.64).
► Across different countries in this study there was significant
heterogeneity of the benefit of primary cytoreductive surgery.

refers to:
EORTC Newsletter Results of the EORTC 55971 trial: Neoadjuvant 
chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery is not inferior to 
primary debulking surgery followed by chemotherapy as a treatment 
option for patients with stage IIIC or IV ovarian carcinoma

Comparison of gene expression patterns between avian and human ovarian cancers

Conclusions

Gene expression of spontaneous ovarian cancer in the chicken is comparable
to gene expression patterns of human ovarian cancer.

Research Highlights

► Avian tubal cancer and ovarian cancer gene expression patterns
are different.
► Chicken ovarian cancer expression predicts expression patterns
in human ovarian cancer.

low-grade serous ovarian cancer part of the tumor spectrum of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer?

Research Highlights

► Low-grade ovarian cancer patients have less family history of breast/ovarian cancer.
► Ovarian cancer grade may be an important factor in hereditary cancer risk assessment.
► Offer BRCA testing to patients with strong family history, regardless of tumor grade.

abstract: Low-dose abdominal radiation as a docetaxel chemosensitizer for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: A phase I study GOG

Research Highlights

►Radiotherapy is a chemosensitizer to docetaxel in the treatment of ovarian cancer. ►Chemoradiation resulted in stable disease in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. ►Radiotherapy with docetaxel is tolerable in women with recurrent ovarian cancer.

abstract: A new index of priority symptoms in advanced ovarian cancer

abstract: Ovarian cancer patient surveillance after curative-intent initial treatment

Objective

Patient surveillance after potentially curative treatment of ovarian carcinoma has important clinical and financial implications for patients and society. The optimal intensity of surveillance for these patients is unknown. We aimed to document the current follow-up practice patterns of gynecologic oncologists.

Methods

We created four idealized vignettes describing patients with stages I–III ovarian cancer. We mailed a custom-designed survey instrument based on the vignettes to the members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO). SGO members were asked, via this instrument, how often they requested 11 discrete follow-up evaluations for their patients for the first 10 postoperative years after treatment with curative intent.

Results

We received 283 evaluable responses (30%) from the 943 SGO members and candidate members. The most frequently performed items for each year were office visit, pelvic examination, and serum CA-125 level. Imaging studies such as chest X-ray, abdominal–pelvic CT, chest CT, abdominal–pelvic MRI, and transvaginal ultrasound were rarely recommended. There was marked variation in the frequency of use of most tests. There was a decrease in the frequency of testing over time for all modalities.

Conclusion

This dataset provides detailed documentation of the self-reported surveillance practices of highly credentialed experts who manage patients with ovarian cancer in the 21st century. The optimal follow-up strategy remains unknown and controversial. Our survey showed marked variation in surveillance intensity. Identifying the sources of this variation warrants further research.

Research Highlights

►Optimal follow-up for women with ovarian cancer remains unknown and controversial. ►Specialists were asked about follow-up practice patterns for this patient population. ►Results showed exams/CA125 levels are performed more often than imaging studies.

OWHN: Echo: Women's Health Leadership Program Ontario - retreat/training application note deadline dates

Women's Health Leadership Program

Upcoming Women's Health Leadership 101 Retreats:

 Retreat Date: March 7 - 9, 2011 ~ Application Deadline: January 26, 2011

 Retreat Date: March 23 - 25, 2011 ~ 
Application Deadline: February 2, 2011

The Ontario Women's Health Network (OWHN) is currently accepting
applications for the upcoming Women's Health Leadership 101 training
retreats scheduled for March 7-9, 2011 and March 23-25, 2011,
respectively, at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston. Women's Health
Leadership 101 is the first of three graduated training levels that
make up the Women's Health Leadership Program. This is an ongoing
program and further upcoming retreat dates and information will be
announced in the near future.

The program, funded by Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario,
seeks to amplify women's voices in the development of health policy,
research and services.

Women's Health Leadership 101 addresses leadership and sex and
gender based analysis in the context of women's health and health
systems in a participatory and supportive environment. It explores
women's own sense of leadership and application of skills, while
enhancing their leadership skills and community networks.

This program is designed for women who are motivated and
interested in women's health issues and who are already actively
engaged in their communities. The program seeks to recruit women
who are committed to being active in women's health issues in their
communities following the retreat.

More information about the program as well as the application package
is available on the OWHN website at: http://www.owhn.on.ca/Women%27s_Health_Leadership.htm

Women who are interested in applying to participate in the Women's
Health Leadership Program should complete application and return
it to OWHN by the appropriate application deadline date (shown above).

We welcome you to share this email widely.

Please do not hesitate to contact OWHN with questions about the
program or application process.

OWHN: 416-408-4840 or toll-free 1-877-860-4545
email: owhn@owhn.on.ca.

2010 full free access: The Antioxidant Debate

Article Outline

• Key Concepts

• Classes of Antioxidants

• Antioxidants for the Treatment of Cancer

• Single Antioxidant Supplements

• Mixtures of Antioxidant Supplements

• Antioxidants for Supportive Care

• Cancer-Related Cachexia

• Cardiotoxicity

• Neurotoxicity

• Ototoxicity

• General Chemotherapy-Related Toxicities

• Radiation-Induced Side Effects

• Conclusion

• References

• Copyright

Cochrane CAM Reviews Commentary: Is There More to Quality Than the Research Method Itself?

Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing - Current Issue

Advances in Mind Body Medicine - Journal

CAM Journals and Databases

IN-CAM website

One of the information resources that we provide on the IN-CAM website is a list of research journals that publish research on CAM and Integrative Health Care. As this field of inquiry continues to develop and expand, this list continues to grow. 
CAM Journals and Databases list

Determinants of geographic patterns of diseases: interaction of lactose/lactase status and sunshine exposure - Jnl Med Hypotheses

".........The patterns related to sunshine (Vitamin D) reflect that obtained with national lactase status proportions and also corroborate a literature review. However, correlations are weak to moderate and only ovarian cancer reached conventional statistical significance. Because these comparisons are based on modest number of national data firm conclusions cannot be made....."

PLoS Medicine: The Impact of eHealth on the Quality and Safety of Health Care: A Systematic Overview

blog: Women of Teal: Sharing a Cancer Diagnosis - Sometimes It Takes Time

abstract: Bleeding events in (Avastin) bevacizumab-treated cancer patients who received full-dose anticoagulation and remained on study

Conclusions:
These data suggest that bevacizumab did not increase the risk of severe bleeding in cancer patients who received

abstract: Aromatase inhibitor therapy: toxicities and management strategies in the treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive early brea

"Diagnosis" - The Woman Who Was Wasting Away - NYTimes.com

Lisa Sanders is the author of “Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis.”

full free access: Preventable adverse drug events and their causes and contributing factors: the analysis of register data — Int J Qual Health Care (patient safety)

"In recent years, the number of patient complaints has also increased, probably because patients are more aware of their rights and more attention has been paid to patient safety [18]. These complaints contain detailed narratives about the case, and these data can be used to understand which factors contribute to errors in health care [1].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nature of preventable ADEs based on data from national supervisory authority. In particular, the study focuses on the potential causes and contributing factors of preventable ADEs from the information management point of view.
The study aims to answer the following questions:
1. What are the causes of ADEs, and in which phase of the medication management process are the causes for ADEs present?
2. How does information management affect the origin of ADEs?
3. What are the contributing factors for ADEs in information management?

Expression of TGFß1 and its receptors is associated with biological features of ovarian cancer and sensitivity to paclitaxel/carboplatin

Abstract ....... It is suggested that TGFß1 mRNA expression is an indicator of tumor sensitivity to standard therapy with PTX (Taxol) and CBDCA (Carboplatin), that it can identify biologically aggressive and highly malignant tumors and that it can predict the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer."

Webinar Series | Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (register/dates/times)

Register for our webinar series online! If you've already registered, you'll be sent a reminder the day before this presentation.
The Webinar Series schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 2:00pm EST
Are Clinical Trials the Answer?
Dr. Ronnie Alvarez, Professor Ob/Gyn, University of Alabama

Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 1:00pm EST
Young Survivors Rock!
Lindsay Avner, Founder and Executive Director, Bright Pink
Chana Garcia, advocate, blogger and ovarian cancer survivor

Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 1:00pm EST
Ovarian Cancer – What’s Basic? What’s New?
Dr. Robert Coleman, Professor, Department of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 1:00pm EST
Getting Involved with Partner Members
Robin Cohen, OCNA Board member and Partner Member
Sue Ellen Moore, OCNA Board member and Partner Member

abstract: Value of FDG PET/CT in Patients with Treated Ovarian Cancer and Raised CA125 Serum Levels

CONCLUSION:
PET/CT was able to detect active disease at relatively low levels of CA125, thereby facilitating the early diagnosis of recurrence or residual disease. Also in patients with low CA125 levels (<30).

magazine: Women’s Health Headlines UT Medical Center’s “Frontiers” Magazine | Tennessee Today

This issue of Frontiers is available in print and online (pdf).
To request a printed copy, contact the UT Graduate School of Medicine at 865-305-9190 or click here.

Cantech Letter interviews Brad Thompson President and CEO of Oncolytics Biotech (Reolysin, GOG, clinical trials)

Hereditary Colorectal Cancer: eMedicine Gastroenterology

Background

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), an autosomal-dominant syndrome, accounts for 2-5% of all colorectal carcinomas. Colorectal cancer in patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) presents at an earlier age than in the general population and is characterized by an increased risk of other cancers, such as endometrial cancer and, to a lesser extent, cancers of the ovary, stomach, small intestine, hepatobiliary tract, pancreas, upper urinary tract, prostrate, brain, and skin.



Table 1. Seven different genes are known to be associated with HNPCC, 
and all of them are involved with DNA mismatch repair, identified with
the frequencies below.

Mismatch Excision Repaired MMR	Chromosome Location	Frequency of HNPCC Cases
MSH2	2p16	45-50%
MLH1	3p22.3/A>	20%
MSH6	2p16	10%
PMS2	7p22.1	1%
PMS1	2q32.2	Rare
MSH3	5q14.1	Rare
EXO1	1q43	Rare
Other genes not yet discovered Table 2. Incidence of different types of cancers between individuals with Lynch syndrome and those in the general population. Table Type of Cancer General Population Risk (by age 70 y) Lynch Syndrome Risk (by age 70 y)   Endometrial 1.5% 40-50% Ovarian 1% 9-12% Upper Urinary Tract Less than 1% 4-10% Stomach Less than 1% 13% (higher in Asians) Small Bowel Less than 1% 1-3% Brain Less than 1% 1-4% Biliary Tract Less than 1% 1-5%		20-25%

abstract: Health-related quality of life and cancer clinical trials — Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology

"The overall outlook for the routine assessment of patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials is assured and, eventually, it is likely to become a standard part of clinical practice. However, there is still a need for a clear method for determining the clinical meaningfulness of changes in scores. The answer will probably come from the greater use of patient-reported outcomes and the consequent growth of experience that is necessary to make such judgements"

abstract: Breast and ovarian cancer screening of non-carriers from BRCA1/|2 mutation-positive families: 2-year follow-up of cohorts from France and Quebec : European Journal of Human Genetics

Libby’s H*O*P*E*™ Proudly Announces A Strategic Partnership With Women’s Oncology Research & Dialogue « Libby's H*O*P*E*

click here for Paul's video

In Vitro Fertilization and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Landmark Study

(Avastin)Bevacizumab in Breast Cancer: Genentech Submits Response to FDA

media referencing Cochrane Review: Rate of statin prescriptions not backed by solid proof: Study (read for further explanation)

abstract: Genetic profiles distinguish different types of hereditary ovarian cancer

"The results indicate that HBOC and HNPCC (Lynch Syndrome) associated ovarian cancer develop along distinct genetic pathways and genetic profiles can thus be applied to distinguish between different types of hereditary ovarian cancer."

abstract: Familial Mortality and Familial Incidence in Cancer — JCO

Conclusion
Familial breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers might have a yet unidentified genetic component associated with poorer survival. It may be useful to record survival data in family history records.

abstract: Oral Contraceptives and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: An Update

abstract: Clinical predictors of (Avastin) bevacizumab-associated gastrointestinal perforation

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Bevacizumab is a generally well-tolerated drug, but bevacizumab-associated gastrointestinal perforations (BAP) occur in 0 to 15% of patients with ovarian carcinoma. Our goal was to evaluate the clinical predictors of BAP in order to identify factors, which may preclude patients from receiving treatment.
METHODS: We conducted a review of patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma treated with bevacizumab between 2006 and 2009. Demographic and treatment data were collected for statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were identified; perforation occurred in 8 (9.76%). Among patients with perforation, a significantly higher incidence of prior bowel surgeries (p=0.0008) and prior bowel obstruction or ileus.
CONCLUSIONS: Predicting BAP remains a challenge. Bowel obstruction or ileus appears to be associated with increased risk of BAP.

Inequity in access to cancer care: a review of the Canadian literature (abstract)

Cancer Causes Control. 2011 Jan 8. [Epub ahead of print]

Inequity in access to cancer care: a review of the Canadian literature.

Maddison AR, Asada Y, Urquhart R.

Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 5849 University Ave, Mailbox No. 257, Halifax, NS, B3H 4H7, Canada, andre.maddison@dal.ca.

Abstract

Despite the policy and research attention on ensuring equitable access-equal access for equal need-to health care, research continues to identify inequities in access to cancer services. We conducted a literature review to identify the current state of knowledge about inequity in access to cancer health services in Canada in terms of the continuum of care, disease sites, and dimensions of inequity (e.g., income). We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase for studies published between 1990 and 2009. We retrieved 51 studies, which examine inequity in access to cancer services from screening to end-of-life care, for multiple cancer types, and a variety of socioeconomic, geographic, and demographic factors that may cause concern for inequity in Canada. This review demonstrates that income has the most consistent influence on inequity in access to screening, while age and geography are most influential for treatment services and end-of-life care, even after adjusting for patient need. Our review also reports on methods used in the literature and new techniques to explore. Equitable access to cancer care is vitally important in all health systems. Obtaining information on the current status of inequities in access to cancer care is a critical first step toward action.

full free access: Absence of microsatellite instability in mucinous carcinomas of the breast (Lynch Syndrome)

Note: some key excerpt; see also Supplemental Tables 1-4

"Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a form of genetic instability that results from defects in DNA mismatch repair. MSI is reported to be rare in unselected breast cancers, however it is a common feature in subsets of colorectal, ovarian and endometrial cancers. In these anatomical sites, MSI-high carcinomas often display a mucinous histology. The aim of this study was to determine whether mucinous carcinomas of the breast would more frequently display MSI-high than invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type (IDC-NSTs). The expression of four MSI markers (i.e. MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2) was immunohistochemically assessed in 35 mucinous breast carcinomas and 35 histological grade- and oestrogen receptor (ER) status-matched IDC-NSTs, and in a series of 245 invasive breast cancers...........
........
Subsets of colorectal [24], gastric [31], pancreatic [31], ovarian [32] and endometrial tumours [22,31,33], and particularly those occurring in the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or Lynch syndrome [31], are characterised by microsatellite instability. Interestingly, however, MSI-H appears to be vanishingly rare in breast cancer [21,34]. Likewise, breast cancers displaying an MSI-L status are remarkably rare, whereas in tumours from other anatomical sites, such as colorectal, endometrial or ovarian cancers [27], this phenomenon is not as uncommon. Of note, in some anatomical sites (e.g. colorectal and ovarian), tumours displaying microsatellite instability often display a mucinous histology [32,35,36]. However, the prevalence of MSI in mucinous carcinomas of the breast has not yet been systematically addressed........
...........All 35 pure mucinous carcinomas of the breast analysed were positive for MLH1 and MSH6 as determined by IHC, and 33 out of 35 (94.2%) and 32 out of 34 cases (94.1%) showed expression of MSH2 and PMS2, respectively (Table 2 and Figure 1)............cont'd

free full access: Delayed Neoplastic and Renal Complications in Women Receiving Long-term Chemotherapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer — J. Natl. Cancer Inst.

free full access: (2 articles) Genetic Variation at 9p22.2 and Ovarian Cancer Risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers — Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2

plus: 
Inference From a Multiplicative Model of Joint Genetic Effects or Ovarian Cancer Risk

Beware of Tamiflu - blog references to Cochrane related review/s

full free access: Time for a New Era in Outcomes Reporting for Breast Reconstruction — J. Natl. Cancer Inst.

full free access: Assessing Positive Outcomes of Phase III Trials — J. Natl. Cancer Inst.

message from Colorectal Cancer Assoc of Canada - Roche study requests colorectal cancer participants - Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver

Note: message received Jan 17th, deadline Jan 13th ??

HealthNewsReview.org: Shingles Vaccine Looks Like a Safe Bet for Seniors: Study

Teacher – Learner Contract Gynecologic Surgery Block

Note: question #5 - page 3 (exam while patient under anesthesia)

media: Robot-assisted surgery better and cheaper, studies suggest (minimally invasive surgery)

Cancer Epigenetics - 2010 - CA (includes discussions Lynch Syndrome etc...)

"The term “epigenetics” refers to variability in gene expression, heritable through mitosis and potentially meiosis, without any underlying modification in the actual genetic sequence."

No Gene-Environment Interactions Found in Million Women Study of Breast Cancer 2010 - CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians - Wiley Online Library

".....Regarding the question of gene-environment interactions, lead author Ruth Travis, MD, PhD, adds that “Results from this study suggest that common genetic and environmental factors (reproductive and lifestyle factors) act independently on breast cancer risk, so regardless of common inherited genetic variation, a woman can still reduce her risk by modifying her lifestyle, for example by maintaining a healthy body weight and limiting alcohol intake.”

The absence of interactions means that priorities for risk-reducing strategies are similar for most women (for example, being based on known risks associated with lifestyle and reproductive factors) regardless of the common genetic risk factors for the disease, she says. Dr. Travis is an epidemiologist, research fellow, and senior scientist in the cancer epidemiology unit at Oxford University....."

full free access: Poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors: Exploiting a synthetic lethal strategy in the clinic - A Cancer Journal for Clinicians - Wiley Online Library

see also:   
Table 1. DNA Repair Pathways
(Lynch Syndrome, BRCA 1/2, FANC, ATM, MYH ;  
Table 2. PARP Inhibitor Clinical Trials; Other Potential Synthetic Lethal Strategies for PARP Inhibitors.....

Conclusions: 
"The synthetic lethal targeting of DNA repair pathways, as exemplified by PARP inhibitors, in cancers bearing HR DNA repair defects is showing considerable potential for delivering selective tumor cell kill while sparing normal cells, and offers a scientifically rational and potentially broad clinical application in oncology.64 Several challenges related to the development of these inhibitors remain, including the identification of robust predictive biomarkers of HR deficiency in cancers. The dissection of the underlying mechanisms of PARP inhibitor resistance and establishment of optimal drug combinations and strategies for chemoprophylaxis with these therapies remain high priorities. It is important to be aware that different PARP inhibitors may have varying potencies on individual members of the PARP superfamily and also affect other targets, resulting in distinct toxicity and efficacy profiles. In the future, it is envisioned that this tumor-specific synthetic lethal strategy with PARP inhibitors may potentially be utilized against cancers with similar molecular defects but diverse anatomical origins.118 Such a paradigm shift in drug discovery may crucially bring us closer to our ultimate goal of personalized medicine."

free full access - Cancer screening in the United States, 2011 - CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians - Wiley Online Library

Cancer Screening in the United States, 2011

A Review of Current American Cancer Society Guidelines and Issues in
Cancer Screening

Patients with nonovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis achieve long-term survival - 2011 - CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians - Wiley Online Library

Opinion: Homoeopaths show their nasty side (public commentaries/link to original article)

Free Full-Text - IJMS ( Intl Jnl of Molecular Sciences) Exploring the Immunoproteome for Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Discovery

Published: 14 January 2011

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Molecules in Ovarian Cancer)

Download PDF Full-Text [1380 KB, uploaded 14 January 2011 15:39 CET]

Abstract:  

Most scientific efforts towards early detection of ovarian cancer are commonly focused on the discovery of tumour-associated antigens (TAA). Autologous antibodies against TAA, however, may serve as more sensitive diagnostic markers. They circulate in the blood before TAA and are usually more abundant than the TAAs themselves as a result of amplification through the humoral immune response. Accumulating evidence also suggests that a humoral response already exists during malignant transformation when aberrant gene expression is translated into premalignant cellular changes. This article reviews the current knowledge about autoantibodies against TAA in ovarian cancer and presents current immunoproteomic approaches for their detection.

full free access: eMJA: When do I know I am cured? Using conditional estimates to provide better information about cancer survival prospects

See also (abstract) reference #7:

Choi M, Fuller CD, Thomas CR Jr, et al. Conditional survival in ovarian cancer: results from the SEER dataset 1988–2001. Gynecol Oncol 2008; 109: 203-209. <PubMed>

full free access: Self-management: Enabling and empowering patients living with cancer as a chronic illness Cancer Jnl

Canada:: The Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics (PRE)

full free text: Targeted Epigenetic Therapies: The Next Frontier? — J. Natl. Cancer Inst. (includes discussion regarding clear cell/ARIDIa mutation

Targeted Epigenetic Therapies: The Next Frontier?

1. Rabiya S. Tuma

When researchers look for mutations associated with cancer, they often expect to come up with alterations in signaling molecules or transcription factors. But an increasing number of the mutations found are in genes that regulate the epigenome—a system that alters DNA structure and regulates gene activity without changing the nucleotide sequence itself.

On Sept. 8, investigators published two independent reports online—one in Science and one in the New England Journal of Medicine—showing that mutations in an epigenetic regulatory gene, ARID1a, were associated with approximately half of the ovarian clear-cell cancers tested.

Randomized Phase III Clinical Trial Evaluating Weekly Cisplatin for Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

"Thus, increasing dose intensity of cisplatin does not improve PFS or OS compared with standard chemotherapy."

High-grade, chemotherapy-resistant ovarian carcinomas overexpress epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and are highly sensitive to immunotherapy (RNA/IL-2/Adecatumumab)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and the potential of MT201 (adecatumumab), a human-monoclonal-antibody that targets EpCAM against chemotherapy-resistant ovarian disease.
STUDY DESIGN: EpCAM expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Sensitivity to MT201 antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity was tested in 4-hour chromium-release assays. The effect of interleukin-2 on MT201 ADCC was also studied.
RESULTS: High messenger RNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction and high EpCAM surface expression by flow cytometry was detected in 71% of ovarian cancers (5 of 7 cell lines). Although these cell lines were highly resistant to complement-dependent cytotoxicity and natural killer-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro (range of killing, 0-7%), EpCAM-positive cell lines showed high sensitivity to MT201 ADCC (range of killing, 27-66%). Incubation with interleukin-2 further increased the cytotoxic activity against EpCAM-positive ovarian cancer cell lines.
CONCLUSION: MT201 may represent a novel, potentially highly effective treatment option for patients with ovarian carcinoma whose body is harboring disease refractory to chemotherapy.

Perspectives 2011: Key to Ovarian Cancer Detection - the Endocrine Society Research Affairs Endocrine News Jan 2011 Dr Lee (Chicago)

Perspective: Dr Lee (Chicago)

"About This Series
For the Bi-Point/Tri-Point perspective series of articles in Endocrine News, the topics, authors, and outside reviewers are selected by The Endocrine
Society’s Research Affairs Core Committee to explore subject areas from different angles. The authors write their articles independently and the drafts are then reviewed by contributing co-editors and by independent experts in the specific topic area.
If you have any comments about this feature, please email
endocrinenews@endo-society.org.
For archived copies of this series on more than 26 topics, please visit the
Endocrine News Web site, www.endo-society.org/endo_news/index.cfm"

2011 (pdf/slides) Screening for Ovarian Cancer - University of Manitoba - Dr Lotocki

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Cancer Day for Primary Care
Friday, January 14, 2011

Annual Costs of Cancer Care | Cancer Prevalence and Cost of Care Projections - female/male cancer sites (ncluding ovarian)

Chart:  Average Annual Costs of Care

Annualized Mean Net Costs of Care by Age, Gender and Phase of Care (Per Patient). Costs in 2010 US Dollars.

Cancer Prevalence and Cost of Care Projections - Interactive Guide NCI (via WSJ link)

Key Facts

• 18.1 million cancer survivors in 2020, 30% more than 2010
• Costs of cancer care: $157 billion in 2010 dollars
• Growth and aging of the U.S. population is the primary cause

Create Your Own Chart

Graph by Cancer Site and Phase of Cancer
(See cost of care or prevalence for cancer site, sex, age and year under various assumptions)

Projection Tables for 2020

National Expenditures for Cancer Care
Cancer Prevalence

Base Data

Average Annual Costs of Care

Cancer-Care Costs Could Hit $207 Billion in 2020: NCI Study - Health Blog - WSJ

"....Statistical modeling, of course, depends on the assumptions used by the researchers — so check out the full study to see those details. And here’s an interactive tool that allows you to change some of the assumptions."

Projections of the Cost of Cancer Care in the United States: 2010–2020 — J. Natl. Cancer Inst.

excerpt/also see Table 5 for projection (cost) estimates:

Recent and Projected Incidence

For most of the cancer sites, incidence has been decreasing, and we estimated a negative annual percent change (Table 1) during the period 1996–2005. The largest decreases in men were for lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers, respectively, −2.72, −2.24, and −2.22 annual percent change in age-adjusted rates. More dramatic decreases were observed for women for ovarian and cervical cancer, −4.71 and −3.95, respectively, annual percent change in age-adjusted rates. Incidence of kidney cancer and melanoma has been increasing in both men and women, and incidence of lymphoma and brain cancer has been increasing in women (Table 1). Among the five major cancer sites, the largest decreases in incidence were observed for lung and colorectal cancers in men, −2.72 and −2.22, respectively, annual percent change in age-adjusted incidence rates (Figure 1; Similar figures for more cancer sites are available at http://costprojections.cancer.gov.).

View this table:

• In this window
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Table 1

Incidence and survival trends used in the incidence and survival trend scenario*

full free access: Effect of Direct-to-Consumer Genomewide Profiling to Assess Disease Risk — NEJM

Society of Chinese Bioscientist in America 美洲華人生物科學學會 第十三屆國際學術研討會

NCCN Guidelines for Patients™ Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

NCCN Guidelines for Patients™ - Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

website: FIGO | International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

FIGO - the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics - is the only organisation that brings together professional societies of obstetricians and gynecologists on a global basis. Currently it has member societies in 124 countries or territories.

FIGO has a vision that women of the world achieve the highest possible standards of physical, mental, reproductive and sexual health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

FIGO works with the United Nations Population Fund, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, among many other organisations.

Read FIGO in brief for a quick overview.

Visit the Members section to find out more about how to join us.

Upcoming Advocates Partnership Program Opportunities | Genetic Alliance

Now accepting applications for the Advocates Partnership Program at the ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting – March 16-20 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

full free access The Lancet: Effect of tamoxifen and radiotherapy in women with locally excised ductal carcinoma in situ: long-term results from the UK/ANZ DCIS trial : The Lancet Oncology

NCI Cancer Bulletin: (The GOG Rare Tumor Committee)

Comparing First-Line Therapies for Mucinous Ovarian or Fallopian Tube Cancer

Name of the Trial
Phase III Study of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel with Versus without Bevacizumab Compared to Oxaliplatin and Capecitabine with Versus without Bevacizumab as First-Line Therapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Stage II-IV or Recurrent Stage I Mucinous Epithelial Ovarian or Fallopian Tube Cancer (GOG-0241). See the protocol summary.

Shattered Chromosome Can Lead to Cancer - NYTimes.com (reference to bone/breast...cancers + commentary link)

Note: theories/research regarding how cancer develops eg; 'one-hit' theory vs multi-step process of malignancy.

Cell (journal link):  Featured Article Free  

Massive Genomic Rearrangement Acquired in a Single Catastrophic Event during Cancer Development

from publishers of Cure Magazine - cancerbonehealth.com

National Guideline Clearinghouse | New This Week focus on breast cancer (New Zealand)

New Zealand Guidelines Group

-

General principles of care. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Staging. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Surgery for early invasive breast cancer. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Radiotherapy. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Systemic therapy: chemotherapy regimens. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Systemic therapy: endocrine therapies. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Ductal carcinoma in situ. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Follow-up. In: Management of early breast cancer.

-

Special issues. In: Management of early breast cancer.

Breast cancer survivors now helping with HealthNewsReview.org story reviews - Gary Schwitzer's HealthNewsReview Blog

Survey: GCF/University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (follow-up for those without a recurrence)

 

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation is cooperating with researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to learn your opinion about follow-up care after your initial treatment if you have not had a recurrence of your cancer.

This online survey has been approved by the MD Anderson Institutional Review Board and will take about 15 minutes of your time.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation does not share its mailing list and your contact information, including your e-mail address, will not be placed into any other database as a result of your participation in this survey.

Because cancer treatments continue to improve, the number of women surviving is increasing.  Researchers at MD Anderson are interested in learning about how patients with gynecologic cancers want to be followed after completing their treatments and your participation in this survey will assist them.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Dr. Matthew Schlumbrecht at MD Anderson at 713-563-4583 or mpschlumbrecht@mdanderson.org.

Instructions and consent information are included in the survey information.  To participate, please click here.

full free access: AHRQ Patient Safety Network - Patient Safety in Primary Care (Canada)

Patient Safety in Primary Care.
Kingston-Riechers J, Ospina M, Jonsson E, Childs P, McLeod L, Maxted JM. Edmondton, AB, Canada: Canadian Patient Safety Institute; 2010. ISBN: 9781926541273.


This report analyzed patient safety in Canadian primary care practice to identify themes, priorities, gaps in research, and opportunities for improvement.

Breasts 'monopolising' cancer spotlight - Australia media report

Note: quotes from a 'plain speaking' physician (and advocate)

Evidence Updates - Interventions for preventing oral mucositis for patients with cancer receiving treatment. Cochrane Database including professional commentaries

also:  see PubMed link (abstract w/o commentary) to abstract

BACKGROUND: Treatment of cancer is increasingly more effective but is associated with short and long term side effects. Oral side effects remain a major source of illness despite the use of a variety of agents to prevent them. One of these side effects is oral mucositis (mouth ulcers).

Scientific Advisory Committee | HRI Homeopathy Research Institute

thanks to 'anonymous'

A public (blog) thanks to Anonymous for recent help.

Reporters and Editors are Invited to Apply for 2011 "Medicine in the Media" Course, January 6, 2011 News Release - National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Apply online: http://medmediacourse.nih.gov
Deadline: February 28, 2011

Susan G. Komen Foundation Elbows Out Charities Over Use Of The Word 'Cure'

Self-management: Enabling and empowering patients living with cancer as a chronic illness - CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians

Depression and anxiety in people with physical illness - Special Collection - The Cochrane Library (includes references to the Cochrane Gyn Group/research papers)

Editorial :: The role of Cochrane Review authors in exposing research and publication misconduct - The Cochrane Library

Note: while important the real question is the root of the problem - cause

"At the Joint Colloquium of the Cochrane & Campbell Collaborations in Keystone in October 2010, we ran a workshop about the problems of detecting research misconduct,[1] and had a wonderful discussion with participants. The US Office of Research Integrity defines research misconduct as: "fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results; fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them; falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record; plagiarism is the appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit; research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion".[2] The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) also outlines publication and research misconduct in its flowcharts for editors, and highlights redundant (duplicate) publication, changes in authorship, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and ethical problems as additional types of misconduct.[3] Cochrane Review authors, as they analyse the entirety of primary research evidence in a specific area, are well placed to identify many of these types of research and publication misconduct. Indeed, Professor Sir Iain Chalmers urged systematic reviewers, not so long ago, to harness their unique opportunity to detect plagiarism.[4].....cont'd

Director's Page - National Cancer Institute - Update to the National Cancer Advisory Board (December 2010) 9 minutes

Also: To view the NCAB Meeting discussions in their entirety, visit http://videocast.nih.gov/launch.asp?16326 (5 hrs and 51 minutes)

CureToday.com: CURE Magazine Winter 2010

abstract: Risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers in EPCAM deletion-positive Lynch syndrome: a cohort study : The Lancet Oncology (multi-national study)

Note: (abstract) study includes 194 mutation carriers with references to pancreatic and duodenal cancers; more information on EPCAM genetics can be found by searching this blog

Duodenal cancer - Wikipedia Duodenal cancer is a cancer in the beginning section of the small intestine. It is relatively rare compared to gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duodenal_cancer

Ovarian Cancer Patients Swear By Cancer Support Groups HYIP Space: News, Monitoring and Articles

5. Finally, ovarian cancer patients swear by cancer support groups because they provide forums for comparing and contrasting side effects, the practical aspects of everyday life with the disease, and also the reality check when a patient needs to alert their physician of odd or serious side effects and when they are normal manifestations of treatment.

Uncommon Knowledge: Sorry really isn't enough (apology) - The Boston Globe (breast and ovarian cancer gender comments...)

Note: comments regarding breast and ovarian cancer (gender issues)

"...From an early age, we’re taught to apologize. We’re also taught to accept apologies. In theory, an apology should set things right. But does it...."

Many new cancer drugs require updated safety labels - - ModernMedicine

2010 - Does Colorectal Cancer Run in Your Family? webinar/interview with Dr Henry Lynch and Kate Murphy

MGH (blood) test for cancer gets backing - The Boston Globe

"Boston researchers plan to announce today that they are partnering with pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson to develop and bring to market a sophisticated, noninvasive test that can detect tiny traces of cancer cells in a blood sample......."

About INCTR - INCTR – International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research

INCTR is located in Brussels.
It currently has branches in Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Nepal and the USA and offices in Cameroon, India, Tanzania and the UK.

Reports:

• A Decade of INCTR: Challenges and Opportunities
• Panel Discussion: Towards A Global Cancer control Program
• Report on Evolution of Pathology Program
• Oncology Nursing Program
• Psychosocial Program
• Development of an INCTR Faculty and Partnerships with Universities
• Open Educational Resources for Cancer (OERC): Two Years of Progress
• Report on Telepathology Meeting, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

2010 newsletter:

"In 2010, cancer overtook ischaemic heart disease as the leading cause of death in the world. While different groupings of diseases (e.g., combining all cardiovascular disease or dividing cancer into many different types) would produce a different rank order, the point should not be missed that cancer can no longer be ignored by global health policy-makers as a major cause of disability or death, as well as economic loss......."

Medical News: Media Downplay Failings of Cancer Treatments (palliative care, side effects....) - MedPage Today

Karen Klok Anderegg, former Clinique president and Elle, Mademoiselle editor, dies at age 70 of ovarian cancer - media

Clinical Care Options website: update includes Avastin - Ovarian Cancer

Note: full free access (requires free registration)

Authors: Maurie Markman, MD

Released: 11/17/10

Last Reviewed: 12/2/10 (What's New)

• Introduction
• BRCA Mutations in Ovarian Cancer
• Screening for Ovarian Cancer
• Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
• Surgical Staging of Ovarian Cancer
• Primary Surgical Cytoreduction in Ovarian Cancer
• Interval Surgical Cytoreduction and Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy for High-Risk Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer
• Primary Chemotherapy of Advanced Stage Ovarian Cancer
  • Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy of Small-Volume Residual Ovarian Cancer
  • Maintenance Therapy of Advanced Ovarian Cancer
• Second-Line Therapy of Ovarian Cancer
• Platinum-Sensitive vs Platinum-Resistant Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
• Treatment of Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
• Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer
• Intermediate Platinum Sensitivity
• Carboplatin Hypersensitivity Reactions
• Other Management Options in Recurrent/Resistant Ovarian Cancer
• Future Research Directions in Ovarian Cancer
• Tables and Figures
• References

abstract: Follow-up care amongst long-term childhood cancer survivors: A report from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (age ranges 20-49)

abstract: Comparison of diaphragmatic surgery at primary or interval debulking in advanced ovarian carcinoma: An analysis of 163 patients

abstract: Prognostic factors in women treated for ovarian yolk sac tumour: A retrospective analysis of 84 cases (typically young women)

Background

"Ovarian yolk sac tumour (OYST) is a very rare malignancy arising in young women. Our study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes and to identify prognostic parameters likely to help make appropriate risk-based decisions about therapy in this disease....."

abstract: Herbal therapy use by cancer patients: A literature review on case reports

Correspondence: mTOR Inhibitor Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer in a Patient With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

TO THE EDITOR:

"Recently, we successfully used everolimus to
achieve a partial remission in a patient with advanced pancreatic
cancer that was induced by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). PJS has
been associated with an increased risk of GI, gynecologic, breast, and
pancreatic cancers. PJS is caused by a tumor-suppressor gene mutation
in the serine threonine kinase gene 11 (STK11, also known as
LKB1 gene), localized on chromosome 19p13.3.1,2 Up to 93% of
patients with PJS develop some form of cancer; 11% to 36% develop
pancreatic carcinoma.3,4......"

full free access (pdf): JCO The Art of Oncology: Can Literature Enhance Oncology Training? A Pilot Humanities Curriculum

December 28, 2010

Art of Oncology Can Literature Enhance Oncology Training? A Pilot Humanities Curriculum

• Alok A. Khorana,
• Michelle Shayne,
• and David N. Korones
JCO published online on December 28, 2010; DOI:10.1200/JCO.2010.33.3617.
• [PDF]

abstract: Impact of Comorbidity on Chemotherapy Use and Outcomes in Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review — JCO

abstract: Clinical aspects of the management of elderly women diagnosed with gynecologic malignancies: Treatment decisions and choices

full free access: Colorectal cancer molecular biology moves into clinical practice - Gut (extensive review including Lynch Syndrome genetics, colorectal cancer biomarkers, treatment options...)

Gut 2011;60:116-129 doi:10.1136/gut.2009.206250

Metachronous colorectal cancer risk for mismatch repair gene mutation carriers: the advantage of more extensive colon surgery Gut - abstract (Lynch Syndrome)

Define: metachronous:  Multiple separate occurrences, such as multiple primary cancers developing at intervals.
Conclusions: Patients with Lynch syndrome with first colon cancer treated with more extensive colonic resection have a lower risk of metachronous CRC than those receiving less extensive surgery. This finding will better inform decision-making about the extent of primary surgical resection.

abstract: Ventral hernia following primary laparotomy for ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers

An incisional hernia occurs in an area of weakness caused by an incompletely-healed surgical wound. Since median incisions in the abdomen are frequent for abdominal exploratory surgery, ventral incisional hernias are termed ventral hernias. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventral_hernia

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for ventral hernia development following primary laparotomy for ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers.
CONCLUSIONS: The development of ventral hernia is a significant postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing primary surgery for ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer. Independent associations with hernia development include: BMI and IP chemotherapy by Year 1, and BMI, wound complications and advanced stage by Year 2.

abstract: CA 125 normalization with chemotherapy is independently predictive of survival in advanced endometrial cancer

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Changes in CA 125 with chemotherapy predict outcome for epithelial ovarian cancer. There is no such data for advanced endometrial cancer.
CONCLUSION: As with epithelial ovarian cancer, changes in CA 125 are highly predictive of outcome for advanced, chemotherapy treated endometrial cancer.

abstract: Satisfaction with ovarian carcinoma risk-reduction strategies among women at high risk for breast and ovarian carcinoma

full free access: Reexamining the Physical Examination for Obese Patients - — JAMA

Table. Practical Suggestions for Performing the Physical Examination

full free access: Guidelines Loading... American Society of Hematology Guidelines Epoetin and Darbepoetin

Guidelines

American Society of Hematology Guidelines

Epoetin and Darbepoetin
"American Society of Hematology/American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 clinical practice guideline update on the use of epoetin and darbepoetin"The latest research and evidence-based clinical guidelines about the use of epoetin for the treatment of cancer-related anemia.

• Unabridged Guideline
• Data Supplement 
  
  "Future directions
  There is clear evidence regarding the ability of ESAs to increase
  Hb and avoid transfusions. There is also evidence of harm
  associated with their use. Perhaps the most pressing need for
  additional research is studies that further clarify the mechanisms of
  harm and, particularly, the groups of patients or circumstances of
  clinical use that are least associated with these risks. This understanding
  is paramount to the ability of clinicians to extend the
  benefit of these drugs while reducing the risks."

full free access: American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society of Hematology Clinical Practice Guideline Update on the Use of Epoetin and Darbepoetin in Adult Patients With Cancer — JCO

"Editor's Note: This document represents an abridged version of the complete guideline update and contains updated recommendations with a brief discussion of the relevant literature. Readers should refer to the complete guideline update, which includes a comprehensive discussion and analysis of the literature and more evidence tables. The complete guideline is available at www.asco.org/guidelines/esa and http://www.hematology.org/guidelines/esa/."

CBC News (including public commentaries) - Health - Sleepy surgeons a problem: medical journal

abstract: Activity of Sorafenib in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer and Primary Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Trial — JCO

Conclusion: Sorafenib has modest antitumor activity in patients with recurrent OC, but the activity was at the expense of substantial toxicity.

video: SABCS 2010: Dr. Joseph Ragaz MD, what will be the impact on future trials from the data pulled from Women's Health Initiative about Estrogen-Only Hormone Therapy?

video: SABCS 2010: Aromatase Inhibitors May Increase Risk for Cardio Vascular Disease with Dr. Eitan Amir, MD - Princess Margaret Hospital

American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR): CRU: Top 5 Findings of 2010

Girl, 4, battles rare ovarian cancer - media

Phase I Study of Pazopanib in Combination with Weekly Paclitaxel in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors -- Tan et al. 15 (12): 1253 -- The Oncologist

Note: one ovarian cancer patient was included in this phase 1 study (partial response)

abstract: Familial Risks in Cancer of Unknown Primary: Tracking the Primary Sites — JCO

2010 NCI Cancer Bulletin Reader Survey Results - National Cancer Institute - Who Reads the NCI Cancer Bulletin?(past survey)

NCI Cancer Bulletin Subscriber Details

	Percent
Health care professional	47.6
Physician	20.6
Nurse or nurse practitioner	15.7
Other medical/health professional	11.3
Touched by cancer/General public	24.5
Cancer patient/survivor	15.5
Cancer patient family member/friend	5.8
Member of the general public	2.0
Student	1.2
Researcher/scientist	18.7
Principal investigator/lead researcher	9.1
Research manager/coordinator	4.0
Research analyst/associate	1.9
Research assistant	1.1
Other researcher	2.5
Other professional	9.1
Librarian/information professional	0.6
Information technology professional	0.3
Journalist	0.5
Administrator/manager	3.0
Communications professional	1.7
Teacher/educator	0.4
Advocate	1.6
Other professional	1.0

Cancers | Free Full-Text | Surgery as a Double-Edged Sword: A Clinically Feasible Approach to Overcome the Metastasis-Promoting Effects of Surgery by Blunting Stress and Prostaglandin Responses

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surgery induced tumorigenesis in breast and other cancers: An inconvenient truth?)

Cancers | Free Full-Text | Familial Pancreatic Cancer (extensive lain english review)

Note: see table 1 for spectrum of genes eg; MSH 1/2/6, FAMM, BRCA2....

NCI's Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program - National Cancer Institute (list of participating organizations including groups/countries

NCI announces plans to reinvigorate clinical trials, December 23, 2010 News Release - National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Note: see second post for list of groups (international) 

 

 "Consolidation of cooperative group program is designed to bring enhanced efficiencies to oncological sciencesThe National Cancer Institute (NCI) has announced major changes to be made in the long-established Clinical Trials Cooperative Group Program ....."

 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/NCI/clinical-trials-cooperative-group ...... For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI Web site at http://www.cancer.gov or call NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)....."

Trying to Estimate Cancer Rates in Ancient Times - NYTimes.com

Note: King Tut (died at the age of 19) is one example of inbreeding (genetics) in 'high society' with some recent and intriguing research findings regarding his family history, marriage and mummified remains of his apparent two children


 Link to NY Times article


Link to Nature review (abstract)
Perspectives
Nature Reviews Cancer 10, 728-733 (October 2010) | doi:10.1038/nrc2914
Science and society: Cancer: an old disease, a new disease or something in between?

Histologic artifacts in abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic hysterectomy specimens: a blinded, retrospective review

"....Such artifacts impair the pathologists' interpretation of cell type requiring an increased use of IHC (immunohistochemistry), and displaced epithelial fragments present within vessels or artifactual clefts may result in the misinterpretation of prognostic and staging parameters. Furthermore, there is a significantly higher rate of positive peritoneal cytology in cases that are subjected to uterine manipulation, suggesting dissemination of malignant cells into the abdominal cavity. The clinical significance of this finding needs to be determined."

Lynch syndrome: genetics and surgery (abstract/full free access Spanish version)

CaringBridge / Donna Stecker / Welcome (update)

abstract: Familial non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma (Lynch syndrome) in Germany

Canadian Doctors for Medicare - Defending (Canadian) Medicare

Canadian Doctors for Medicare advocates for the maintenance and improvement of Canada's universal, single-payer health care system. ...

Prognostic analysis of ovarian cancer associated with endometriosis - abstract

Does bilateral salpingectomy with ovarian retention warrant consideration as a temporary bridge to risk-reducing bilateral oophorectomy in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers? abstract

full free access: Jnl Interprofessional Care - Interprofessionalism and shared decision-making in primary care: a stepwise approach towards a new model

"Most shared decision-making (SDM) models to date have been limited to the patient–physician dyad. For that reason, they are not always relevant to the increasingly interprofessional nature of the delivery of care......"

Journal of Interprofessional Care - Summary: A critical examination of the role of appreciative inquiry within an interprofessional education initiative

Blogger's Note: any views on this?

 

"Based on these findings, the article goes on to argue that the use of AI can overlook a number of structural factors, which will ultimately limit its ability to actually secure meaningful and lasting change within health care."