Recently Published Health News

[Guest guest]

October 26, 2010......... " An updated joint guideline by the American Society of

Hematology (ASH) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) advises

physicians about the appropriate use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents

(ESAs), a class of drugs that stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red

blood cells, to treat cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia. While

the guideline cautions that ESAs are associated with shorter survival and

increased risk of thromboembolism - blood clots - and tumor progression, it also

recognizes their major benefit of reducing the need for red blood cell

transfusions, which can potentially cause serious infections and adverse

reactions in the immune system.

" This updated guideline offers clinicians the latest synthesis of the medical

evidence surrounding use of ESAs in patients with cancer, including appropriate

cautions where evidence is lacking or where risks may outweigh the use of ESAs, "

said J. Rizzo, MD, MS, Co-Chair of the guideline panel and Professor of

Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

" Those risks may include thromboembolism or even death, according to new data

cited in the guideline, which suggests that physicians avoid the use of ESAs in

cancer patients who are not receiving chemotherapy, except for those with

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). At the same time, the guideline confirms the

effectiveness of ESAs in sparing patients the need for transfusions, which can

substantially impact quality of life. By recommending that physicians discuss

individual risks and benefits of ESAs and blood transfusion with patients prior

to therapy, the guideline recognizes the critical role of shared decision-making

between the patient and the physician. "

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/205761.php

_____________________________

October 21, 2010

" Only about one-third of hospitals in the Chicago area that offer breast cancer

screenings and treatment could demonstrate that they met two important quality

care standards -- detecting cancer early and providing treatment for at least

80% of patients within 30 days of diagnosis -- according to a report by the

Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, the Chicago Tribune reports. The

report analyzed screening data from 37 Chicago-area hospitals and treatment data

from 19 hospitals (Shelton, Chicago Tribune, 10/21). "

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/205805.php

______________________

October 21, 2010

" Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), an aggressive and rare malignancy, is often

initially misdiagnosed as an infection or rash. However, getting the correct

diagnosis quickly is critical for patients because the disease spreads beyond

the breast in a matter of just days or weeks. With that in mind, leading

specialists from The University of Texas MD Cancer Center and Fox Chase

Cancer Center have written a review of the current scientific and medical

understanding of IBC, which includes key information on diagnosis, imaging,

treatment, and cutting-edge research. " Inflammatory breast cancer is a disease

that needs more attention, and more education for physicians and patients, " says

Massimo Cristofanilli, M.D., F.A.C.P., chair of the department of medical

oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center and senior author of the review, which will

appear in the Nov/Dec issue of CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. "

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/205235.php

FYI,

Lottie Duthu