Sent on Behalf of Camille Orridge, CEO, Toronto Central LHIN
Dear colleagues
There is growing understanding that involving patients, clients and
caregivers as partners in their health care results in better health
outcomes and a system that better serves us all.
We also know that there is often a divide between how health care is
delivered and what patients and their families say they want.
Patient Destiny and the Toronto Central LHIN co-hosted a day with
patients and caregivers who receive services in the Toronto Central LHIN
on December 7, 2011. The session brought together a cross-section of
patients and caregivers to discuss their experiences, perspectives and
ideas for improvement and change.
Participants talked about their fears, frustrations, gratitude and
hopes. Most of all, they offered inspiration and concrete ideas that
will help us achieve a better health care experience for all.
This report Meeting with Patients: their experiences and perspectives
will help to inform health system planning in the Toronto Central LHIN,
including the Toronto Central LHIN's 2012-14 Strategic Plan and health
quality and equity initiatives.
We encourage you to incorporate the report into planning within your
own sectors and organizations. This report is relevant to all members
of the health care system from administrators to health professionals to
policy makers. Please distribute it widely.
I would like to thank all of the individuals who participated in the
Meeting with Patients and contributed to this report. We would also
like to recognize Patient Destiny for their vision and commitment to
strengthening the patient's voice in health care.
Sincerely,
Camille Orridge
CEO, Toronto Central LHIN
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
abstract: Topoisomerase 1 Inhibitors and Cancer Therapy
Blogger's Note: to view full paper, subscription ($$$) required
Topoisomerase 1 Inhibitors and Cancer Therapy
Abstract: "Topoisomerase 1 inhibitors cure human cancer xenografts in animal models, more so than most other chemotherapy agents. However, their activity in patients with cancer is modest. Ongoing research is studying the optimal analogues that could reproduce animal data in the cancer population. This article analyzes the clinical research with topoisomerase 1 inhibitors in ovarian cancer."
financial: Amgen - Media - Press Release (Product Sales Performance eg. Neupogen/Etanercept/Darbepoetin/Aranesp/Epogen...)
Amgen - Media - Press Release
Product Sales Performance
XGEVA® (denosumab) sales were $153 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 14 percent over the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting increased segment share as well as overall segment growth.
Prolia® (denosumab) sales were $88 million in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 9 percent over the fourth quarter of 2011, reflecting continued global growth.
Combined Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) and NEUPOGEN® (Filgrastim) sales increased 9 percent to $1,344 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $1,232 million in the first quarter of 2011. Combined U.S. Neulasta and NEUPOGEN sales increased 13 percent to $1,053 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $930 million in the first quarter of 2011, driven primarily by an increase in the average net sales price and, to a lesser extent, an increase in Neulasta unit demand. Combined Neulasta and NEUPOGEN international sales decreased 4 percent to $291 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $302 million in the first quarter of 2011, due primarily to a decrease in the average net sales price. A mid single-digit percentage point increase in Neulasta unit demand was offset by a decline in NEUPOGEN units due primarily to biosimilar competition.
Enbrel® (etanercept) sales increased 7 percent to $938 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $875 million in the first quarter 2011, driven primarily by an increase in the average net sales price. ENBREL remains the segment share leader in both the rheumatology and dermatology segments.
Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) sales decreased 11 percent to $518 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $580 million in the first quarter of 2011. U.S. Aranesp sales decreased 19 percent to $202 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $250 million in the first quarter of 2011, due primarily to a decline in unit demand, offset partially by a mid single-digit percentage point increase in the average net sales price. The unit decline reflects segment contraction resulting from changes to the product label and reimbursement environment that occurred during 2011. International Aranesp sales decreased 4 percent to $316 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $330 million in the first quarter of 2011, due primarily to a decrease in the average net sales price.
EPOGEN® (epoetin alfa) sales decreased 17 percent to $446 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $535 million in the first quarter of 2011, reflecting the impact of changes to the label and reimbursement. The decline was comprised of an approximately 30 percent decrease in unit demand driven by a reduction in dose utilization, offset partially by reductions in customer discounts as part of new provider contracts that became effective Jan. 1, 2012.
On a sequential basis, EPOGEN sales decreased 8 percent, comprised of an approximately 20 percent decrease in unit demand driven by the timing of end-user purchases at the end of 2011 and a reduction in dose utilization. These decreases were offset partially by reductions in customer discounts as part of new provider contracts.
Sales of our other, growth-phase products increased 22 percent to $399 million in the first quarter 2012 versus $327 million in the first quarter of 2011. Sales of Sensipar®/Mimpara® (cinacalcet) increased 17 percent to $219 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $187 million in the first quarter of 2011. Sales of Vectibix® (panitumumab) increased 20 percent to $90 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $75 million in the first quarter of 2011. Sales of Nplate® (romiplostim) increased 38 percent to $90 million in the first quarter of 2012 versus $65 million in the first quarter of 2011. These increases were driven primarily by global unit growth.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Campaigners call for Scottish Government to act over needless ovarian cancer deaths - The Daily Record
Campaigners call for Scottish Government to act over needless ovarian cancer deaths - The Daily Record
"New research shows woeful symptom awareness among women in Scotland with only one per cent of those surveyed being very confident of noticing a symptom. Across the UK the figure was just three per cent.
And, of the GPs surveyed in Scotland, 86 per cent agreed that updates to Scottish clinical guidelines would support them to diagnose ovarian cancer more effectively.
Now campaigners have called on the Scottish Government top spearhead a national campaign to increase symptom awareness.
In April 2011, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published the first official guidance to GPs in England and Wales about the symptoms, diagnosis and early treatments for ovarian cancer.
The Target Ovarian Cancer Pathfinder Study 2012 found 68 per cent of a UK-wide representative sample of 402 GPs was aware of the NICE guidance.
However, GPs in Scotland will have to wait until later this year for updated guidance from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network......"
Target Ovarian Cancer can be found online at www.targetovariancancer.org.uk
Oncologists in Top 10 of High-Earning Specialties
Blogger's Note: response rate was low which may scew results (averages); ASCO report 2008: nearly 10,500 oncologists in the U.S. (as at 2005)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oncologists in Top 10 of High-Earning Specialties
".... With an average annual compensation of $295,000, oncologists were number 7 of 25 medical specialties surveyed."
"The report compiles the results from an online survey of 24,216 American physicians conducted in February 2012. Oncologists made up 2% of all respondents (n = 433)."
"These responses were recorded in February 2012, before the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) issued its recommendation on 5 cancer practices that must stop, which include cutting down on expensive imagining tests in cancer patients. It will be interesting to look at the responses to this question next year to see if the ASCO recommendation has had any effect on oncologists' attitudes about testing."
Journal of Ovarian Research: Thailandepsins are new small molecule class I HDAC inhibitors with potentcytotoxic activity in ovarian cancer cells: a preclinical study of epigenetic ovarian cancer therapy
Thailandepsins are new small molecule class I HDAC inhibitors with potentcytotoxic activity in ovarian cancer cells: a preclinical study of epigenetic ovarian cancer therapy
Abstract
Background
New treatment strategies are emerging to target DNA damage response pathways in ovarian cancer. Our group has previously shown that the class I biased HDAC inhibitor romidepsin (FK228) induces DNA damage response and has potent cytotoxic effects in ovarian cancer cells. Here, we investigated newly discovered HDAC inhibitors, thailandepsin A (TDP-A) and thailandepsin B (TDP-B), to determine the effects on cell viability, apoptosis and DNA damage response in ovarian cancer cells......
Fallopian Tube Removal as a Method of Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Descriptive Study - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Fallopian Tube Removal as a Method of Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Descriptive Study - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified February 2012 by University of Washington
First Received on February 28, 2012.
Last Updated on March 2, 2012
History of Changes
Official Title:
Patients Salpingectomy as a Method of Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Descriptive Study
| Sponsor: | University of Washington |
|---|---|
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | Elizabeth Swisher, University of Washington |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01544049 |
Purpose
The
purpose of this study is to better understand why women choose to have
their fallopian tubes removed as a method for ovarian cancer prevention.
This will be done through a paper questionnaire and phone interviews.
The investigators hope to gain information that will allow us to better
counsel women about ovarian cancer prevention.
Utah: Surgical Trial Comparing LIGASURE Assisted Recto-Sigmoid Resection and Omentectomy Compared to Stand - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Surgical Trial Comparing LIGASURE Assisted Recto-Sigmoid Resection and Omentectomy Compared to Stand - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Purpose
The
objective of this prospective randomized surgical trial is to evaluate
whether the use of the LIGASURE surgical device during omentectomy
and/or recto-sigmoid resection for women with ovarian cancer will reduce
the surgical time compared to standard surgical resection using clamps
and surgical ligatures.
phase 2/UK: The Activity of TroVax® Versus Placebo in Relapsed Asymptomatic Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
The Activity of TroVax® Versus Placebo in Relapsed Asymptomatic Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
The Activity of TroVax® Versus Placebo in Relapsed Asymptomatic Ovarian Cancer (TRIOC)
This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.
Verified March 2012 by University College, London
First Received on March 14, 2012.
Last Updated on March 27, 2012
History of Changes
| Sponsor: | University College, London |
|---|---|
| Collaborators: | Oxford BioMedica Cancer Research UK |
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | University College, London |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01556841 |
Purpose
The
purpose of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of TroVax® compared
to placebo in extending the time to progression in patients with
asymptomatic relapsed platinum resistant ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.The trial will also look at overall survival times and quality of life.
Phase Ib Trial of Folate Binding Protein Vaccine in Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Phase Ib Trial of Folate Binding Protein Vaccine in Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Phase Ib Trial of Folate Binding Protein Vaccine in Ovarian Cancer
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by San Antonio Military Medical Center
First Received on April 16, 2012.
Last Updated on April 17, 2012
History of Changes
| Sponsor: | COL George Peoples, MD, FACS |
|---|---|
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | COL George Peoples, MD, FACS, San Antonio Military Medical Center |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01580696 |
Purpose
Folate binding protein (FBP) is highly over-expressed in breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers
and is the source of immunogenic peptides (E39) that can stimulate
cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) to recognize and destroy FBP-expressing cancer
cells in the laboratory. The purpose of this study is to test whether a
peptide-based vaccine consisting of the E39 peptide mixed with the
FDA-approved immunoadjuvant granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating
factor (GM-CSF) is safe and effective at inducing an in vivo
peptide-specific immune response. Furthermore, the investigators intend
to determine the best dose of the vaccine to utilize to produce this
immunity most efficiently. The investigators will determine whether
immunity to FBP will prevent clinical recurrence. Additionally, the
investigators will compare these results with results from a trial
utilizing the E75 peptide (from the HER2/neu protein) in ovarian and endometrial cancer patients in preparation for studying a combination vaccine.
phase 2: Vargatef (Nintedanib) in Addition to First Line Chemotherapy With Interval Debulking Surgery in Patients With Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov - France) (treatment/placebo/note: Avastin...)
Vargatef in Addition to First Line Chemotherapy With Interval Debulking Surgery in Patients With Ovarian Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is not yet open for participant recruitment.
Verified April 2012 by ARCAGY/ GINECO GROUP
First Received on April 19, 2012.
Last Updated on April 23, 2012
History of Changes
| Sponsor: | ARCAGY/ GINECO GROUP |
|---|---|
| Information provided by (Responsible Party): | ARCAGY/ GINECO GROUP |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01583322 |
Purpose
Patients
with extensive and bulky disease are often those whose initial surgery
is delayed after 3 or 4 cycles of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.
In that case, there is,
indeed, some concern to administer bevacizumab during the chemotherapy
surrounding the interval debulking surgery due to the long half life
(14- 21 days) of this monoclonal antibody and the interference of anti
angiogenic agents with wound healing.
Vargatef® (Nintedanib)
might offer a better alternative to bevacizumab in the neo-adjuvant
setting. Vargatef® (Nintedanib) has a much shorter half-life of 7 to 19
hours. Preliminary experience in cancer did
not show a trend for increased incidence of fistula or bowel
perforation. For more details please refer to the investigator drug
brochure for Vargatef® (Nintedanib).
This trial will compare
progression-free survival and surgical complications of 188 patients
with FIGO stage IIIC/IV treated in first line with either neo-adjuvant
chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel) and interval debulking
surgery or the same treatment + Vargatef® (Nintedanib).
Current Drug Shortages: Paclitaxel Injection (updated)
Current Drug Shortages: Paclitaxel Injection (updated):
Teva has all presentations available with ample inventory.
PET/CT scanning guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy in treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
PET/CT scanning guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy in treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical contribution of positron emission tomography using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose and integrated computer tomography (FDG-PET/CT) guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with recurrent ovarian cancer from 2003 to 2008 were retrospectively studied. In these patients, 28 received PET/CT guided IMRT (PET/CT-IMRT group), and 30 received CT guided IMRT (CT-IMRT group). Treatment plans, tumor response, toxicities and survival were evaluated.
RESULTS: Changes in GTV delineation were found in 10 (35.7%) patients based on PET-CT information compared with CT data, due to the incorporation of additional lymph node metastases and extension of the metastasis tumor. PET/CT guided IMRT improved tumor response compared to CT-IMRT group (CR: 64.3% vs. 46.7%, P=0.021; PR: 25.0% vs. 13.3%, P=0.036). The 3-year overall survival was significantly higher in the PET-CT/IMRT group than control (34.1% vs. 13.2%, P=0.014).
CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT guided IMRT in recurrent ovarian cancer patients improved the delineation of GTV and reduce the likelihood of geographic misses and therefore improve the clinical outcome.
Women of Teal: ASCO 2012 (HAWMC 23 My choice)
ASCO 2012 (HAWMC 23 My choice): Health Activist Choice Day 2! Write about whatever you like.
(Women of Teal) I am one happy cancer research advocate. I learned last week that I will be receiving a scholarship from the Conquer Cancer Foundation to attend this year's ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncologists ) Annual meeting in Chicago. Their goal is to improve cancer care and prevention. The Annual Meeting is the largest conference on....
Recombinant Measles Virus Vaccine Therapy and Oncolytic Virus Therapy in Treating Patients With Progressive, Recurrent, or Refractory Ovarian Epithelial Cancer or Primary Peritoneal Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Recombinant Measles Virus Vaccine Therapy and Oncolytic Virus Therapy in Treating Patients With Progressive, Recurrent, or Refractory Ovarian Epithelial Cancer or Primary Peritoneal Cancer - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by Mayo Clinic
First Received on December 6, 2006.
Last Updated on April 20, 2012
History of Changes
Carboplatin/Taxol/Ridaforolimus in Endometrial, Ovarian and Solids - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
Carboplatin/Taxol/Ridaforolimus in Endometrial, Ovarian and Solids - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
First Received on December 1, 2010.
Last Updated on April 20, 2012
History of Changes
UK: A Survivorship Care Plan for Gynaecological Cancer Patients - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
A Survivorship Care Plan for Gynaecological Cancer Patients - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov
A Survivorship Care Plan for Gynaecological Cancer Patients
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified April 2012 by Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
First Received on April 20, 2012.
Adenocarcinoma of the Gastroesophageal Junction
Cervical Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Fallopian Tube Cancer
Gastric Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Sarcoma
Vaginal Cancer
Vulvar Cancer
Canadian provinces need to adopt a patient charter of rights
Blogger's Note/Opinion: the actual paper published in the CMAJ is not an open access publication which defies logic given the subject matter- see below for CMAJ and following is the 'public' press release; as mentioned, but focused on institutional control, the other issue is the matter of who/what/control is included in a patient charter (see prior CMAJ publications on this issue); note also that 'professional Patient Navigators' in hospitals play in role, however, this is not an independent process/role; the role of an ombudsun has been a matter of great discussion over decades
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A patient charter of rights: how to avoid a toothless tiger and achieve system improvement
Many countries have
adopted patient charters of rights, but to be meaningful, such charters
must include an economical, accessible
and independent complaints process.
According to Flood and May, an ombudsman or commissioner can help reduce
litigation and
formal disciplinary proceedings
against health care professionals.
Full article
This item requires a subscription to Canadian Medical Association Journal.
- and
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Canadian provinces need to adopt a patient charter of rights
Public release date: 23-Apr-2012
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Contact: Kim Barnhardt
kim.barnhardt@cmaj.ca
613-520-7116 x2224
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Canadian provinces need to adopt a patient charter of rights
Canadian provinces should adopt a patient charter of rights with independent enforcement as part of the move to patient-centred care, argues an analysis article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).A properly designed patient charter of rights (standards set by whom?) can help patients resolve concerns and complaints easily and cost-effectively, through an independent ombudsman or commissioner. An effective patient charter contains clearly articulated patient rights — many of which are already provided in law but scattered in different places — such as patients' rights to access their health records, to privacy and to informed consent.
Many countries such as New Zealand, Norway, Finland, England, Israel have patient charters. Quebec is the only jurisdiction in Canada with a charter. Alberta has recently enacted one, but it lacks the critical feature of independent enforcement.
Health professionals may have concerns that patient charters will increase lawsuits or disciplinary actions, but evidence shows that "patient charters with dedicated complaints processes enable matters to be resolved at an early stage by informal means, averting the need for litigation or formal disciplinary proceedings," write Colleen Flood and Kathryn May, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto. In New Zealand, for example, formal disciplinary actions against providers have plummeted because a patient commissioner mediates patient complaints.
An independent health ombudsman can help spur overall improvement in the system by issuing recommendations or reports on system problems. Overseas experience suggests that despite having no formal powers to implement change such recommendations can nonetheless be a powerful force for change.
"A patient charter of rights should achieve greater clarity and awareness of the nature and extent of patients' rights; if well-designed, it should also help drive improvements in the quality and timeliness of care, improve the overall accountability of members of the health care system and reduce costly litigation," the authors conclude. "However, experience shows that it is easy for a patient charter to be a toothless tiger — that is, a mechanism to merely talk about improving the patient experience and reforming the health care system."
U of Michigan: Outpatient surgery patients also at risk for dangerous blood clots | University of Michigan Health System
Outpatient surgery patients also at risk for dangerous blood clots | University of Michigan Health System
"...With the information, the researchers created and validated a risk-stratification tool that can be used to predict a patient’s risk for VTE. The tool identified a 20-fold variation in VTE risk from 0.04 percent to 1.12 percent among the outpatient surgery population.
“These data are in stark contrast to provider and patient expectations that outpatient surgery is a low-risk event,” Pannucci says. “It also underscores the importance of evaluating a patient’s individual risk factors as opposed to procedure-type alone.”.....
open access: Viewpoint: Quality standards and samples in genetic testing - Journal of Clinical Pathology
Blogger's Note: includes reference to BRCA/
Quality standards and samples in genetic testing -- Ravine and Suthers 65 (5): 389 -- Journal of Clinical Pathology
Conclusion
The goal of a clinician is to
provide the patient with an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and
therapeutic options, including
in relation to diseases for which
genetic tests are available. Similarly, the goal of a medical laboratory
is to provide the
right result for the right patient in a
timely fashion every time. Alexander Pope wrote in An Essay on Criticism
that ‘To err is human…’. Three hundred years later, his message is
still potent. All arenas of human endeavour are at risk
of human error, and the emerging
discipline of genetic testing is not immune. Errors will occur here, as
they do in other
areas of laboratory testing, and
medicine in general. It is of little comfort that sample errors, such as
WBIT, are likely
to be more common than reports of
adverse incidents.
Like the proverbial elephant
in the room, we know the errors are present but we hesitate to talk
about them. The issue must
be addressed, however, because errors
in genetic testing have the potential to prompt clinical decisions with a
high risk
of attendant harm. They may also direct
important life choices for those being tested, with ramifications that
may influence
human health and welfare at all
developmental stages. Some errors will invariably lead to outcomes over
which the person being
tested will have no control, such as
wrongful conviction in a court of law. Errors in genetic testing may
also waste the increasingly
scarce health dollars, and place
individual healthcare practitioners at professional, legal and financial
risk. It is now
time for the profession to consider the
full range of errors that are possible along the genetic test
processing chain from
patient to result, and devise
appropriate risk minimisation strategies. Until such data are available,
individual healthcare
practitioners involved in genetic
testing should consider the associated possible risks to patient health
and welfare, and
look beyond the baseline standard of
testing a single sample.
open access: JCO - OCEANS: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial of Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Patients With Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer
OCEANS: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial of Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Patients With Platinum-Sensitive Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian, Primary Peritoneal, or Fallopian Tube Cancer
- Submitted January 26, 2012; accepted
February 17, 2012; published online
ahead of print at www.jco.org on April
23, 2012. - Supported by Genentech.
- Presented in part at the 47th Annual
Meeting of the American Society of
Clinical Oncology, June 3-7, 2011,
Chicago, IL.
(see actual table for further details; see other tables for adverse/safety event comparisons; )
Histology subtype #'s
Serous 202
Mucinous 1
Endometrioid 16
Transitional cell 2
Clear cell 6
Mixed 5
Other 10
The limitations of OCEANS include a lack of quality-of-life data
and specimen collection for biomarker analysis. The strengths of
OCEANS, however, lie in the robustness of the primary end point,
with strict adherence to RECIST-defined progression and its supportive
IRC analysis, and to the schedule of assessments. The median
increase of 4 months in PFS is well above the frequency of radiologic
reassessments (9 weeks).24,25 TheOCEANS data demonstrate that GC
plus BV followed by BV until progression provides benefit over GC
alone in ROC. OCEANS, GOG 218, and ICON7 represent three
positive phase III trials of BVadded to chemotherapy in the treatment
of ovarian cancer.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Toronto Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN): Meeting with Patients: Their experiences and perspectives
Blogger's Note: patients views and opinions, not specific to any one particular disease but patients opinions and views of their healthcare system/s
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Erella:
"Just because I'm getting used to the symptoms doesn't mean things are okay."
Patient Destiny prepared this report summarizing
the findings of the December 7th ‘Meeting with
Patients’ in collaboration with the Toronto Central
LHIN. In January, Patient Destiny sent an initial report
to meeting participants which provided a complete
account of their comments and input. (newsletter - 6 patients views/opinions)
TCLHIN-PDR-ENG-web.pdf (application/pdf Object)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ontario Health Promotion (backgrounder) Meeting with Patients: Their Experiences and Perspectives Report
abstract: Relationship among glycolytic phenotype, grade, and histological subtype in ovarian carcinoma - F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging
Relationship among glycolytic phenotype, grade, and histological subtype in ovarian carcinoma.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
Knowing the glycolytic phenotype of cancers is important for the appropriate use of F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging. This study was performed to determine the influence of tumor grade and histology on the glycolytic phenotype of epithelial ovarian cancer patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Only histopathologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer patients, with no other concurrent malignancies, who had F-18 FDG PET/CT either before or at least 3 months after any therapeutic intervention and had confirmed measurable disease of >1 cm were included. The F-18 FDG PET/CT uptake was determined as maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) at the pathologically confirmed site of disease or in the most active lesion. SUVmax was correlated to tumor grade and histology.RESULTS:
Of 171 ovarian cancer patients, 42 referred for F-18 FDG PET/CT scans between January 2003 and December 2010 were eligible for inclusion. Histologic diagnosis most frequently revealed the serous subtype (n = 32) and grade III (n = 28) epithelial ovarian cancer. Overall, ovarian carcinomas exhibited a strong glycolytic phenotype (average SUVmax, 7.6 g/mL). The SUVmax averaged 7.76 g/mL, 6.76 g/mL, and 7.95 g/mL for Grade I, II, and III, respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between tumor SUVmax and the histologic tumor grade (P = 0.74). No statistically significant differences were found between the tumor SUVmax of serous and endometrioid subtypes (P = 0.53). For other histology subtypes, no statistic evaluation was possible due to the low number of cases.CONCLUSIONS:
The glycolytic phenotype in epithelial ovarian cancer, expressed as SUVmax, is strong. However, tumor FDG uptake is unrelated to tumor grade and histologic subtype implying that F-18 FDG PET/CT cannot be used to predict tumor aggressiveness or histology.Fortitude: true stories of true grit - Malinda Teel - Google Books
Fortitude: true stories of true grit - Malinda Teel - Google Books
This powerful, inspirational book launched the publisher's "Virtue Victorious" series "FORTITUDE" stories feature ordinary people who have triumphed over extraordinary obstacles. Topics include wilderness and wartime survival, tough athletic challenges, domestic violence and grave illness. Two-hour Christian TV special was devoted to stories of editor and four other contributors. "Booklist" termed this book "compelling" and recommended it to libraries across the U.S. and Canada.
Fortitude:
true stories of true grit
Malinda P. TEEL Obituary: View Malinda TEEL's Obituary by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Malinda P. TEEL Obituary: View Malinda TEEL's Obituary by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
TEEL, Malinda P. MALINDA P. TEEL October 23, 1942 – April 16, 2012
Malinda P. Teel died on April 16, in the Grant Park home she helped renovate and where she lived for 34 years, following a proactive 7-year fight against ovarian cancer. She was a graduate of UGA's School of Social Work and Thiel College and retired from her third career as a therapist and social worker in 2010. Previously, she had been a skilled writer and editor and for several years ran a small moving company in New York City known as Huckleberry Truck. She was the editor of a collection of true stories, Fortitude, published in 2000. An enthusiastic Francophile, she pursued study of the French language throughout her life, including a year at the Sorbonne in Paris. Other interests included vegetable gardening and all aspects of food-cooking, nutrition, restaurants, etc. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Malinda was active as an advocate in the ovarian cancer community, and in 2010 was recognized by the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance for her support of its mission. Malinda was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is survived by her dear husband, Thomas F. McGowan, beloved son, Samuel F. McGowan and his fiancé Jordan Dieck and her brothers Martin, Steve and Parker Teel and their families. Everyone loved Malinda. She blessed us all with her amazing fortitude, her joy for life and her optimism for the future. A celebration of her life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ovarian Cancer Institute at Georgia Tech, http://ovariancancerinstitute.org/contributions.html. Goolsby Mortuary (404)588-0128.
abstract: Comparability and Biosimilarity
Conclusion: Given the knowledge gap under which biosimilars are developed, data to establish biosimilarity should go beyond a simple comparability exercise.
Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007995.2012.686902
Read More: http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007995.2012.686902
abstract: End-of-life preferences in advanced cancer patients willing to discuss issues surrounding their terminal condition
End-of-life preferences in advanced cancer patients willing to discuss issues surrounding their terminal condition
Abstract:
The
aim of the present study is to describe end-of-life preferences of
advanced cancer patients willing to talk about death issues.
Eighty-eight advanced cancer patients were interviewed through End of
Life Preferences Interview (ELPI), a 23-item interview covering a wide
range of end-of-life care issues.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
For whom the bell tolls at Prima Biomed - CVac ovarian cancer vaccine
For whom the bell tolls at Prima Biomed
"Prima is developing a treatment for ovarian cancer and, at 22¢, its market capitalisation is $256 million. This is hefty for a company that is not forecast to make a profit for at least another four years (if it ever does)."
"The clinical results Prima Biomed has come up with so far do not seem to support its share price rise from 2¢ or so in early 2009, to peak at 39¢ this time last year. The full results of its preliminary (phase two) are due out in the next few months, but what we know so far is that the data from 21 patients ''has not demonstrated statistically significant results'', in the words of a report by Nomura Equity Research."
DNA donor rights affirmed : Nature News & Comment
DNA donor rights affirmed : Nature News & Comment
"It is a familiar scenario in genetic research: a subject's DNA is collected for one study, deposited in a database or biobank and then analysed by other researchers for separate studies. But what happens when a later study stumbles on something that could be of significance for the donor....."
"..... But, increasingly, geneticists are embracing the idea that research participants have a right to know of any unwelcome surprises in their genome...."
"The need to establish policies for the return of results has grown with the proliferation of whole-genome sequencing, says James Evans, editor-in-chief of Genetics in Medicine, which is publishing an entire issue on the return of results in genetic research, along with the consensus statement."
abstract: Postmenopausal hormone therapy is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer lacking CDKN1A expression
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2012/04/17/0008-5472.CAN-11-2619.abstract
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that estrogen- or progesterone-activated signaling leads to growth inhibition effects on colon cancer
cells through the upregulation of several cell cycle regulators.
However, epidemiologic studies evaluating hormone therapy (HT) use and
colorectal cancer
risk by the status of cell cycle regulators are lacking. In this study,
we used data from the prospective Nurses' Health Study to evaluate
whether the association between HT use and colorectal cancer
risk differs by the molecular pathological status of microsatellite
instability (MSI) and expression of cell cycle-related tumor biomarkers,
including CDKN1A (p21, CIP1), CDKN1B (p27, KIP1), and TP53 (p53) by
immunohistochemistry. Duplication Cox regression analysis was used to
determine an association between HT use, cancer risk, and specific tumor biomarkers in 581 incident colon and rectal cancer
cases that occurred during 26 years of follow-up among 105520
postmenopausal women. We found a difference between HT use and
colorectal cancer
risk according to CDKN1A expression (p-value for heterogeneity=0.01).
Current HT use was associated with a reduced risk for
CDKN1A-nonexpressed (multivariate relative risk (RR)=0.61, 95%
confidence interval (CI), 0.46-0.82), but not for CDKN1A-expressed
(RR=1.32, 95% CI, 0.76-2.31) tumors. The lower risk for
CDKN1A-nonexpressed, but not for CDKN1A-expressed cancers was also
present among current users of estrogen-alone therapy. We found no
significant difference in the relations between HT use and cancer
risk according to MSI, CDKN1B, or TP53 status. Together, our molecular
epidemiology findings suggest a preventive effect of HT against
colorectal carcinogenesis which depends, in part, on loss of
cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN1A.
2010-2011-Annual Report English: Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
http://www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010-2011-Annual-Report-English.pdf
- (pages 55+) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at March 31, 2011 (with comparative figures)
- In collaboration with the Terry Fox Research Institute, the
following progress occurred in other areas: Pilot projects in translational research related to ovarian and prostate cancer were funded. - Anticipatory Science: Part 1 of an ovarian cancer screening summary, which will be updated with mortality statistics in 2011/12
- Surgery: Electronic synoptic reporting (summary/general overview) for cancer surgery was successfully implemented in selected centres in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta for surgery for four disease sites: breast, colorectal, ovarian and head/neck.
- Electronic synoptic reporting for cancer surgery was
successfully implemented in selected centres in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta for surgery for four disease sites: breast, colorectal, ovarian and head/neck. - The first of five ICBP modules produced robust and comparable analyses of cancer survival among all ICBP partners. Survival rates for four cancers — lung, breast, colorectal and ovarian — were analyzed and presented as a scientific paper in The Lancet in December 2010
abstract: Curr Oncol. 2012 Apr;19(2):70-7. Accelerating knowledge to action: the pan-Canadian cancer control strategy (including blogger's note)
Blogger's Note/Opinion: this is the medline abstract secondary to the recent posting via Oncology Reports; some points to consider: details of the history past need clarification so as not to presume certain statements; in fact a further ~$250 million was funded by the Canadian government at the 5 year renewal date; note also that the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer existed previously (name change), albeit without the current wider structure
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Accelerating knowledge to action: the pan-Canadia... [Curr Oncol. 2012] - PubMed - NCBI
Abstract
"In 2006, the federal government committed funding of $250 million over 5 years for the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Corporation to begin implementation of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (cscc)...."
"Evaluation findings support the conclusions that Canada has made progress in achieving immediate outcomes (achievable in <5 years) associated with advancing its cancer control goals and that there is evidence that, with sustained effort, those goals will translate into a long-term (>25 years) impact on cancer."
"With the ongoing funding commitment to support coordinated action within a federated environment of health care delivery, there is opportunity to reduce the impact that cancer may have in the long term in Canada...."
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