| On the Pulse - 30th January 2009
In advanced prostate cancer, it has been known for several years that radiotherapy plus endocrine therapy has benefits over radiotherapy alone. A study in the Lancet shows that the converse is also true: when 875 men from 47 Scandinavian centres were openly randomized to anti-androgens alone or anti-androgens plus radiotherapy, overall 10-year mortality was 39.8% in the former group, but only 29.6% in the latter. The effect was even stronger when only deaths from prostate cancer were considered. There was a small increase in adverse effects in the combined-therapy group, and perhaps a slightly greater decline in social function, but it seems safe to assume that most patients will think that this is a small price to pay for a reduction in mortality. Escitalopram in older people with anxiety disorder A placebo-controlled RCT in JAMA claims short-term benefit from the SSRI escitalopram in people aged over 60 with generalized anxiety disorder.
Supplement Could Cut Prostate Cancer Risk
New lab evidence suggests a preventive effect of DHEA in prostate cancer. DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the body's adrenal glands. Some men take it as an over-the-counter supplement because it has been suggested DHEA can reverse aging. Researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) found a way to manipulate DHEA levels in cells in order to understand its effects. .
'Sharing Miracles' Television Program to Feature UConn Huskies
In fact, after he announced his diagnosis with prostate cancer, a record number of men in Connecticut sought screening, as well. "That put a smile on my face, because people were being made aware of something that could often be taken care of," he says. Speaking in this month's episode, Merck scientist and prostate cancer researcher Dr. Scot Ebbinghaus stresses the importance of early detection: "The good news about prostate cancer is that when it's detected early, it's often curable. Many more men are diagnosed with prostate cancer than die from it." Still, it is a real threat to the thousands of American diagnosed each year. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 200,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and more than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed.
STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association Studies (STREGA
CYP3A4-V and prostate cancer in African Americans: causal or confounding association because of population stratification? Hum Genet. 2002;110:553-60. [PMID: 12107441]. [Medline] 72. Thomas DC, Witte JS. Point: population stratification: a problem for case–control studies of candidate-gene associations? [Editorial]. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002;11:505-12. [PMID: 12050090]. [Free Full Text] 73. Wacholder S, Chatterjee N, Hartge P. Joint effect of genes and environment distorted by selection biases: implications for hospital-based case–control studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002;11:885-9. [PMID: 12223433]. [Abstract/Free Full Text] 74. Cardon LR, Palmer LJ. Population stratification and spurious allelic association.
Former 'Winston' Pitchman's Among 8000 Tobacco Trials in Florida
Now 68 and living in South Florida, Landers is receiving treatment for a cancerous tumor on his right tonsil. He previously battled lung cancer and emphysema. Landers' lawsuit goes to trial in April in Palm Beach County. His case is among some 8,000 individual lawsuits scheduled for trial more than two years after the Florida Supreme Court threw out a record $145 billion class-action verdict. Last week, a Broward County jury decided that nicotine addiction caused the death of another South Florida man. The jury now has to decide if tobacco giant Philip Morris owes any damages. ___ Information from: South Florida Sun Sentinel, http://www.sun sentinel.com .
The Medical Minute: Cancer prevention
Middle-aged and older men may benefit from prostate cancer screening, although how much benefit is still under debate. Men should discuss this with their doctors for personal recommendations. Colon cancer screening starting at age 50 for most people is accepted as beneficial. Skin cancer screening may be useful for those who have sun damage already. See your doctor Periodic health maintenance visits with a primary care provider can help people stay on track with a personal cancer prevention plan. The bottom line Although cancer may not be preventable, people can make a significant dent in their risk through healthy living and periodic check-ups. To learn more, visit Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State Milton S.
Lung cancer surgery shifting to Oshawa
Patients needing lung cancer treatment will have to travel to Oshawa for major surgeries, but all other aspects of their care will remain in Peterborough, according to a plan released yesterday. The Central East Local Health Integration Network's clinical services plan lays out steps to create "one acute care network" for improved access to care. While yesterday's report points to Peterborough Regional Health Centre as being a "centre of excellence," in several areas, thoracic (lung) surgery is being moved to Lakeridge Health Corporation in Oshawa. "When I see those details worked out, and actually in place and delivering high quality care with equal access, then I'll be satisfied," said Dr. Peter McLaughlin, PRHC's chief of staff. PRHC will continue to do outpatient surgeries, consultations, pre and post-operative clinics and chemotherapy, as well as any other service it currently offers.
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Q4 2008 Earnings Call Transcript
Tarceva has received regulatory approval now in a total 94 of countries for non-small cell lung cancer and 70 countries for pancreatic cancer. U.S. sales in the fourth quarter were up $8 million over third quarter of 2008, which was impacted by reserve adjustment. We have met with Genentech and confirmed that the new returns reserve rate appears to be appropriate and that no issues are anticipated at this time. We also noted an 8% price increase was established in the U.S. for Tarceva effective February 10, 2009. Fourth quarter rest of the world sales were $167 million, down $2 million versus the third quarter, and they continued to show an unfavorable currency exchange impact versus first half of the year rest of the world sales. The combined result is that we narrowly missed our $1.15 billion guidance on 2008 Tarceva global sales by $28 million.
'Perfect' mother was always there
Margaret Weisz, also known as Greti, died Wednesday from pancreatic cancer at age 85. A traditional, European wife and mother, Weisz's hobby was her family. "She made it as easy as possible for (my dad) to be out there successfully working and backing him up at home," says daughter Janet Weisz-Asa. Husband Arthur Weisz, 90, calls her a "wonderful" wife who was always busy with family and friends: "She was a good support" and "the most likeable person in Hamilton." Her kids joke that their father had no key to the house. He didn't need one. "She was always home," says Janet. "We were home for breakfast, we were home for lunch. She made sure we had a hot meal every night for dinner ... if we were 10 minutes late she would be standing outside looking around." Weisz was born and raised in Hungary.
Research and Markets: Chinese Markets for Prostate Cancer
Chinas demand for Prostate Cancer Treatment Drugs has grown at a fast pace in the past decade. In the next five years, both production and demand will continue to grow. This new study examines China's economic trends, investment environment, industry development, supply and demand, industry capacity, industry structure, marketing channels and major industry participants. Historical data (1998, 2003 and 2008) and long-term forecasts through to 2013 and 2018 are presented. Major producers in China are profiled. Key Topics Covered: I. INTRODUCTION II. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT III. PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT DRUGS INDUSTRY ASSESSMENTS IV. PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT DRUGS PRODUCTION AND DEMAND V. PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT DRUGS MARKET OUTLOOK VI. MARKETING STRATEGIES VII.
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