Molecular Testing, et al

[Guest guest]

.......challenges are calling for higher standards in regulating how and where

the tests are done, better data to determine their value and cost effectiveness,

and new approaches to determining their optimal uses for today's patient

populations. Dr. Gottlieb pointed out that molecular tests are currently

regulated by how they are marketed, not by claims for what the test can do, and

that there is enormous heterogeneity in how and where the tests are performed.

He supports having the FDA or Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA),

regulate the analytic validity of molecular testing while leaving decisions

about clinical validity to the clinical community.

Dr. von Eschenbach agreed that there was a great need to assure that tests are

consistent in their claims and results regardless of where they are performed

and conceded that presently, this is not always the case. He argued for a system

that would allow the FDA to develop the infrastructure necessary to, in his

words, " bring order out of chaos. "

Dr. Jacques, described the field of molecular testing as immature, and predicted

that it would take a number of years and additional experience before it became

possible to assess either the true analytic or clinical validity of the growing

number of molecular tests. The coding is so antiquated that we don't know what

we are paying for. It just says 'genetic test,' which doesn't allow us to assess

either the upfront costs or the downstream benefits that might result from this

kind of testing, " said Dr. Newcomer. " We are aspiring to an era of personalized

medicine, but we aren't there yet, " said Dr. Kolodziej.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219180.php

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How to Be Ready Against HBOC.

Take our Be Ready Quiz to see if genetic testing for hereditary breast and

ovarian cancer is an option you should consider.

http://www.bracnow.com/considering-testing/be-ready.php#brp

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THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY WELCOMES TODAY'S ANNOUNCEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER

STEPHEN HARPER TO RENEW ITS SUPPORT FOR THE CANADIAN PARTNERSHIP AGAINST CANCER

(CPAC) - (11 Mar 2011)

________________

CPAC will receive $250 million over five years to continue the implementation of

the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, which draws on the strengths of many

committed organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, to work together

to lessen the impact of cancer in this country, " says Goodhand, CEO and

President, Canadian Cancer Society. " This renewed funding will allow valuable

work to continue in preventing cancer, saving lives and supporting people living

with cancer. "

In November 2006, the Federal Government announced the creation of the Canadian

Partnership Against Cancer - an independent, not-for-profit organization which

works to reduce the impact of cancer in Canada through the implementation of the

Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control.

" The Society was a pivotal member of the cancer community that came together to

develop the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control and we advocated strongly for

its funding and implementation, " says Goodhand. " We have been contributing to

the work of CPAC and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners in

fighting cancer in Canada.

" Together we are driving excellence in cancer and chronic disease prevention,

screening, and cancer care, and focusing on improving the cancer journey for

patients and their families. An important part of this work is continuing joint

efforts with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to address their unique

cancer control needs and reduce the impact of cancer and chronic diseases in

their communities. Our ultimate goal is to make more inroads into preventing

cancer so we'll see fewer Canadians diagnosed with this disease in the future. "

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/218868.php

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March 11, 2011.....The number of cancer survivors in the United States increased

to 11.7 million in 2007, according to a report released by the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of

the National Institutes of Health. There were 3 million cancer survivors in 1971

and 9.8 million in 2001.

A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from

the time of diagnosis through the balance of his or her life. The study, " Cancer

Survivors in the United States, 2007, " is published today in the CDC's Morbidity

and Mortality Weekly Report.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/218813.php

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Web Cam by Dr. Schiffer

Ordinarily, the number of white blood cells is tightly controlled by the

body—more white blood cells are produced during infections or times of stress,

but then return to normal when the infection is cured. In CML, the abnormal

BCR-ABL enzyme is like a switch that is stuck in the “on” position—it keeps

stimulating the white blood cells to grow. In addition to the elevated white

blood cell count, the number of blood platelets (cells that help the blood to

clot) often increase, and the number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen, may

decrease.

http://tinyurl.com/4z2nr3v

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FYI,

Lottie Duthu