A drug that slows the growth of cancer in women with metastatic breast cancer will soon be tested in newly diagnosed patients across the country to determine if it will have a similar effect.
Kathy Miller, M.D., associate professor of medicine and the Sheila D. Ward Scholar at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a physician/researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, is the principal investigator of the phase III trial called E5103 coordinated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, a network of cancer researchers, physicians and health-care professionals at public and private institutions around the nation.
The clinical study, which will enroll 4,950 women and men at sites across the country over the next 2?? years, is the first to add the drug bevacizumab (Avastin®) to the current standard chemotherapy treatment in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.
In 2005, Miller discovered that adding Avastin to the standard chemotherapy treatment nearly doubled the time it took for cancer to grow in women whose breast cancer had metastasized to other parts of the body, compared with women who received standard treatment alone.
Because of that discovery, Miller and her colleagues believe that adding Avastin to chemotherapy for newly diagnosed women - those women without metastasized cancer - may also be successful in treating breast cancer.
"What we hope and think will happen is the women treated with Avastin in addition to chemotherapy will have fewer recurrences of their breast cancer and more of them will be alive and well," Dr. Miller said. "They'll essentially be cured of their disease."
How does Avastin work?
Tumors need an increased blood supply to grow. The process of growing new blood vessels is called angiogenesis; tumors have the ability to trigger that growth process. Avastin appears to block signals to the blood vessels that tell them to grow. The drug is currently FDA approved for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Participants of the breast cancer study will be randomized into three groups:
- Group 1 will receive standard chemotherapy -- Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide -- for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of Paclitaxel.
- Group 2 will receive the same therapy as Group 1, but it will also receive Avastin at three-week intervals throughout the two 12-week treatment periods.
- Group 3 will receive the same treatments as Group 2. After completion of the two 12-week treatment periods, Group 3 will continue to receive Avastin every three weeks for 30 weeks.
The trial is open in the United States, Canada, Peru, South Africa and Ireland. Women or men with newly diagnosed breast cancer are eligible to participate. To learn more about the trial, talk with your physician.
Researchers at the IU Simon Cancer Center have been the leaders in anti-angiogenic research for breast cancer. George Sledge, M.D., the Ballve Lantero Professor of Oncology at the IU School of Medicine, was the principal investigator of the first nationwide phase I and phase II trials with the drug in 1997 and 1999, respectively.
IU School of Medicine
View drug information on Avastin.
четверг, 26 января 2012 г.
четверг, 19 января 2012 г.
NIH Director Zerhouni Calls For Expanding Federal Funding For Embryonic Stem Cell Research
NIH Director Elias Zerhouni on Monday during a Senate Appropriations Committee subcommittee hearing on NIH funding for fiscal year 2008 said that he supports lifting restrictions on federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research, the Los Angeles Times reports (Alonso-Zaldivar/Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 3/20). Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research is allowed only for research using embryonic stem cell lines created on or before Aug. 9, 2001, under a policy announced by President Bush on that date. The House in January voted 253-174 to pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (HR 3, S 5), which would allow federal funding for research using stem cells derived from embryos originally created for fertility treatments and willingly donated by patients. The measure is the same as a bill (HR 810) Bush vetoed last year, and the White House in a statement released in January reiterated Bush's intent to veto the measure. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has said that if Bush vetoes the measure, then he will try to attach it to any "must-do" legislation (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/30). Harkin, who chairs the subcommittee that held Tuesday's hearing, is sponsoring the Senate version of the legislation, which is expected to go to the chamber's floor after the spring recess, CongressDaily reports (Johnson, CongressDaily, 3/20).
Zerhouni Comments
Zerhouni, in a response to a question from Harkin, said, "From my standpoint, it is clear today that American science will be better-served, and the nation will be better-served if we let our scientists have access to more stem cell lines" (Los Angeles Times, 3/20). Harkin at the hearing asked Zerhouni if scientists will have "a better chance of finding ... new cures, new interventions for diseases, if the current restrictions on embryonic stem cell research are lifted." Zerhouni responded, "I think the answer is yes," adding that the embryonic stem cell lines currently available for research "will not be sufficient for the research we need to do." He also said that NIH should lead embryonic stem cell research because the agency has more scientific expertise than any other institution worldwide and because the agency has a strong history of implementing safeguards in new research, CQ HealthBeat reports. Harkin also asked if adult stem cell research has greater potential than embryonic stem cell research. Zerhouni said that such views are an overstatement and do not "hold scientific water too well," adding that "all angles of stem cell research should be pursued" (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 3/19). It is "in the best interest of our scientists, our science, our country that we find ways -- that the nation finds a way to allow the science to go full speed on both adult and embryonic stem cell research," Zerhouni said (Dunham, Reuters, 3/20).
Reaction
White House spokesperson Tony Fratto said that Zerhouni is free to express his opinion on stem cell research but added that Bush will set the policy. "After careful and thoughtful deliberation with government and outside experts, there was only one moral line that the president said he would not cross -- and that is that federal taxpayer dollars should not be used in the destruction of embryos," Fratto said (Los Angeles Times, 3/20). An unnamed White House spokesperson added that Zerhouni would be breaking Bush administration policy if he called for making additional stem cell lines eligible for federal funding (CQ Healthbeat, 3/19). According to the Times, several researchers welcomed Zerhouni's comments. Renee Reijo Pera, director of the embryonic stem cell program at Stanford University, said she thinks Zerhouni's testimony "in the long run ... will make a difference" in restrictions on federal funding for the research. Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, said Zerhouni's comments showed that "he's not looking at the issue objectively," adding that he has ignored the potential of stem cells derived from sources other than embryos (Los Angeles Times, 3/20).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . © 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
четверг, 12 января 2012 г.
Women Are Seeking More Private Cervical Screens Than Ever Before, UK
Spire Healthcare is witnessing more women than ever seeking advice on their gynaecological well-being.
One of the UK's largest private hospital providers, Spire Healthcare, is seeing a significant rise in enquiries from women requesting information and appointments for private smear tests throughout its 36 hospitals. Local hospital Leeds has witnessed a considerable increase in enquiries this year compared to last year. Screens and consultations with gynaecologists are readily available and the results are obtained within five days, potentially helping to reduce anxiety and allowing women to positively take control of their health.
The NHS currently offers a national cervical cancer screening programme for women aged 25 and over. A woman is typically called for a screening appointment once every three to five years. Cancer Research UK* states that that changes in the cervix are more common in younger women resulting in a high return of abnormal rest results and high incidence of patient testing recall.
Consultant Gynaecologist at Spire Leeds Hospital and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Mr Tim Broadhead comments:
"The proportion of women aged 25-30 having NHS cervical screening has fallen in recent years from 80% in 1995 to 70% in 2005/6**. However, such screening is extremely important and it is encouraging to see more women actively seeking testing and being responsible for their gynaecological well-being. Though abnormalities are rare, treatment outcomes are better the earlier they are detected. Regular and consistent screening plays an important part in this. The recent increase in enquiries and appointments demonstrates just how women are taking cervical screening more seriously than ever before and the message about the importance being screened is getting heard."
Spire has also identified a rise in the number of enquiries for the HPV (Human Papilloma virus) vaccination Gardasil, the cervical cancer and genital wart vaccine, which is currently not available on the NHS. Designed to prevent infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18 it is recommended that Gardasil is given before HPV infection occurs in order to be effective, i.e. before adolescence and the onset of sexual activity.
HPV Explained by consultant gynaecologist Mr Tim Broadhead, Spire Leeds Hospital
What is HPV?
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted virus. There are around 15 types which can cause cervical cancer. In addition there are a number of types which can cause genital warts. It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cases cervical cancer while HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts.
How common is cervical cancer?
According to Cancer Research UK, each year in the UK, over 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. About 4.4million women are invited for cervical screening each year.
How common is the HPV virus?
HPV is easily transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact mainly through sexual activity. Whilst not everyone who is infected with HPV develops cervical cancer, it is still a very common virus.
Does a routine smear test pick up HPV?
No. The NHS does not test for HPV during the normal smear test. If a smear test identifies abnormalities which may point to HPV, a screen for high risk types of HPV can be performed.
Does the virus affect men as well as women?
Men can have HPV, but most who do never develop any symptoms or health problems. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts and other types are possible causes of penile or anal cancer.
Can boys be vaccinated?
Boys can be treated with the same vaccine as girls. This is not currently available on the NHS, but boys aged between 9 and 15 can receive the vaccine at many Spire hospitals. Call 0113 218 5967/77 for further information.
How long does the vaccination last?
The results of the vaccination programme may not be noticed for at least 10 years or more. Current evidence suggests that the HPV vaccine offers 100% protection, which lasts for at least 5 years, although some research suggests that it will last a lifetime.
References:
* cancerhelp/help/default.asp?page=2756
** news.bbc/1/hi/health/7174723.stm
Notes
Spire Leeds Hospital is part of Spire Healthcare, the second largest private hospital provider in the UK with 36 hospitals and a total of 1,983 beds. Spire Healthcare treats 930,000 patients a year, employs 7,600 staff and works with over 3,000 medical consultants. For more information, please visit: spirehealthcare
Source
Spire Leeds Hospital
View drug information on Gardasil.
One of the UK's largest private hospital providers, Spire Healthcare, is seeing a significant rise in enquiries from women requesting information and appointments for private smear tests throughout its 36 hospitals. Local hospital Leeds has witnessed a considerable increase in enquiries this year compared to last year. Screens and consultations with gynaecologists are readily available and the results are obtained within five days, potentially helping to reduce anxiety and allowing women to positively take control of their health.
The NHS currently offers a national cervical cancer screening programme for women aged 25 and over. A woman is typically called for a screening appointment once every three to five years. Cancer Research UK* states that that changes in the cervix are more common in younger women resulting in a high return of abnormal rest results and high incidence of patient testing recall.
Consultant Gynaecologist at Spire Leeds Hospital and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Mr Tim Broadhead comments:
"The proportion of women aged 25-30 having NHS cervical screening has fallen in recent years from 80% in 1995 to 70% in 2005/6**. However, such screening is extremely important and it is encouraging to see more women actively seeking testing and being responsible for their gynaecological well-being. Though abnormalities are rare, treatment outcomes are better the earlier they are detected. Regular and consistent screening plays an important part in this. The recent increase in enquiries and appointments demonstrates just how women are taking cervical screening more seriously than ever before and the message about the importance being screened is getting heard."
Spire has also identified a rise in the number of enquiries for the HPV (Human Papilloma virus) vaccination Gardasil, the cervical cancer and genital wart vaccine, which is currently not available on the NHS. Designed to prevent infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18 it is recommended that Gardasil is given before HPV infection occurs in order to be effective, i.e. before adolescence and the onset of sexual activity.
HPV Explained by consultant gynaecologist Mr Tim Broadhead, Spire Leeds Hospital
What is HPV?
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted virus. There are around 15 types which can cause cervical cancer. In addition there are a number of types which can cause genital warts. It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cases cervical cancer while HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts.
How common is cervical cancer?
According to Cancer Research UK, each year in the UK, over 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. About 4.4million women are invited for cervical screening each year.
How common is the HPV virus?
HPV is easily transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact mainly through sexual activity. Whilst not everyone who is infected with HPV develops cervical cancer, it is still a very common virus.
Does a routine smear test pick up HPV?
No. The NHS does not test for HPV during the normal smear test. If a smear test identifies abnormalities which may point to HPV, a screen for high risk types of HPV can be performed.
Does the virus affect men as well as women?
Men can have HPV, but most who do never develop any symptoms or health problems. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts and other types are possible causes of penile or anal cancer.
Can boys be vaccinated?
Boys can be treated with the same vaccine as girls. This is not currently available on the NHS, but boys aged between 9 and 15 can receive the vaccine at many Spire hospitals. Call 0113 218 5967/77 for further information.
How long does the vaccination last?
The results of the vaccination programme may not be noticed for at least 10 years or more. Current evidence suggests that the HPV vaccine offers 100% protection, which lasts for at least 5 years, although some research suggests that it will last a lifetime.
References:
* cancerhelp/help/default.asp?page=2756
** news.bbc/1/hi/health/7174723.stm
Notes
Spire Leeds Hospital is part of Spire Healthcare, the second largest private hospital provider in the UK with 36 hospitals and a total of 1,983 beds. Spire Healthcare treats 930,000 patients a year, employs 7,600 staff and works with over 3,000 medical consultants. For more information, please visit: spirehealthcare
Source
Spire Leeds Hospital
View drug information on Gardasil.
четверг, 5 января 2012 г.
Washington Post Health Section Highlights Women's Health Issues
The Washington Post in its Health Section on Tuesday focused on women's health, including articles on hormone replacement therapy and mammography. Headlines appear below.
~ "Hormone Research Continues" (Washington Post, 5/12).
~ "Mammogram Rates Seem To Be Slipping" (Lunzer Kritz, Washington Post, 5/12).
~ "Weighing the Options: Once Again, Scientists are Sharply Divided Over Hormone Therapy for Menopausal Women" (Slomski, Washington Post, 5/12).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
~ "Hormone Research Continues" (Washington Post, 5/12).
~ "Mammogram Rates Seem To Be Slipping" (Lunzer Kritz, Washington Post, 5/12).
~ "Weighing the Options: Once Again, Scientists are Sharply Divided Over Hormone Therapy for Menopausal Women" (Slomski, Washington Post, 5/12).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
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