Guest guest Posted July 2, 2009 Report Share Posted July 2, 2009 Genetic Test Identifies People At High Risk For Developing Inherited Form Of Leukemia: " BloodCenter of Wisconsin's Diagnostic Laboratories announced that it is the first laboratory in the United States to develop and offer a genetic test, known as " CEBPA Mutation Analysis, " for inherited acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is the second most common form of leukemia. The link between inherited variants in the CEBPA gene and the familial form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was first described in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2004. This relationship has subsequently been confirmed in several published reports. Almost all patients found to have inherited CEBPA mutations have had leukemia. Therefore, germline CEBPA mutations appear to predict the development of leukemia in individuals who lack manifestations of the disease. " Family members of an AML patient who carries an inherited CEBPA mutation can be tested for the presence of this mutation with BloodCenter's new DNA-based test. Those in whom the CEBPA mutation is detected can be monitored by their physicians for signs and symptoms of leukemia. Earlier detection of the cancer in these patients could result in more rapid treatment, and potentially produce better outcomes. AML patients and their relatives can also utilize this information in family planning decisions. " More of this article can be found at this website: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com:80/articles/155017.php __________________________________ MEDICARE COVERAGE GAP: " The American Psychiatric Association (APA) commended the Senate Finance Committee, the Obama administration and the nation's pharmaceutical companies today for addressing the Medicare coverage gap in prescription drug plans for America's seniors. The coverage gap, known as the Medicare " doughnut hole, " excludes coverage for the annual costs of prescription medications that exceed $2,700 but don't reach $6,154, a gap that APA president Alan Schatzberg called " an excessive burden to those over 65 and those who are chronically disabled, including those suffering from mental illnesses. " " Under the new agreement on the part of Congress and PhRMA, the largest organization representing the pharmaceutical industry, drug companies will provide $80 billion to cover up to 50 percent of the cost of brand-name medications that fall through the gap in Medicare's Part D prescription program. The agreement is being discussed as part of the major health care reform legislation being considered by Congress. " Although this is a first step, it is a step in the direction of providing high-quality, affordable health care to all Americans, " Dr. Schatzberg said. " The APA recognizes that full prescription coverage is an integral part of any meaningful health care reform and applauds the effort to eliminate one of the most glaring deficiencies in Medicare. " " We hope to see this agreement take effect as part of a package that includes the comprehensive and universal health care coverage that the American people need and deserve, " Dr. Schatzberg said. Source American Psychiatric Association http://www.medicalnewstoday.com:80/articles/155460.php ___________________________ FYI, Lottie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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