Australian doctors deny patients 'expensive cure' Nov 19, 2008
BY NYSSA SKILTON MEDICAL AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER 19/11/2008 1:00:00 AM Some cancer patients have learnt their oncologist did not tell them about a relevant drug because the treatment was too expensive, a study has revealed. The finding reflects research showing up to 40 per cent of oncologists would hesitate to inform a patient of a drug, which might cost up to $1000 a week ... University of Sydney associate professor of medical oncology Fran Boyle said many oncologists felt it was kinder not to... (The Canberra Times)
Stepping up to the challenge Nov 18, 2008
Rose said she pledged to take part in the 3-Day walk three years ago when she was on her way to an appointment with an oncologist after being diagnosed with breast cancer. "I was sitting at a stop light in Del Mar, watching all the people on the walk, and I said that if I make it through this, I would walk the next time," Rose recalled. (North County Times)
UC to study depression and breast cancer Nov 18, 2008
Too often physicians focus exclusively on patients medical needs and overlook the personal challenges they are struggling to overcome in day-to-day life, said Dr. Ruth Lavigne, a UC assistant professor and radiation oncologist at the UC Barrett Cancer Center at. Without intervention, these changes can lead to serious depression that may be detrimental to the patient s physical recovery. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
New Theory May Lead To Effective Heart Failure Treatments Nov 17, 2008
"In early 90s I accidentally walked into a cancer conference and this oncologist was talking about how a tumor moves and invades normal tissue and he described these enzymes (later named MMPs) that chew and change the matrix of cell," he said. "I put two and two together and theorized that these MMPs might play a role in some major cardiovascular diseases," he said. (Science Daily)
Fighting cancer Nov 16, 2008
Sometimes it s just bad luck, said Dr. Bradley Kramer, oncologist at Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center ... Our immune system cannot destroy them, said Dr. Tzann Fang, oncologist at Sky Lakes Cancer Treatment Center. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Hildreth on Health: Now that you or your loved one has or had cancer (17) Nov 16, 2008
I would expect that your oncologist is doing or has done the best job he knows how to eliminate the cancerous tumors ... In most cases, your oncologist can do a great job in eradicating the tumor either through surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy ... This is where the patient s primary care physician working with the oncologist can support the patient s immune system, cellular nutritional balance, and aid in synchronizing the patient s cellular metabolic processes by correcting any ongoing... (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Major Advance In Cancer Radiotherapy Nov 16, 2008
"The fall in collateral radiation deposition in the body ranges from a factor of 2 to 15 depending on the precise treatment indication and body site," noted Bleddyn Jones, an oncologist attending the ESF workshop, from the Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology in Oxford, UK. "All techniques using external gamma rays and x-rays impart a larger dose to surrounding healthy tissue with long term risks of functional changes and malignant induction.". The improved imaging made possible by... (Science Daily)
Most lung cancer attributable to smoking (6) Nov 15, 2008
Most lung cancer attributable to smoking. Thirty-seven years later, it still is. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville names new CEO Nov 15, 2008
Rupp, a former practicing oncologist, will take over Nov. 21, replacing Dr. George Bartley, who served six years as CEO.. Rupp leads quality projects at Luther Midelfort in Wisconsin, part of the. (Jacksonville Business Journal, FL)
A beach cottage with a literary past Nov 15, 2008
Streeter, a medical oncologist, is looking to sell the house or find a way to turn it into a writers' workshop space ... "Marjorie thought they were put in wrong," explained Streeter, a medical oncologist at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine. (Florida Times-Union)
Fighting for a chance in life Nov 14, 2008
When I first met my oncologist and told this story, however, he said that if I went to a dozen oncologists, six would recommend surgery and the other six would mirror Dr X's advice. What a lottery we enter. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cancer Patients Often Forget Details of Doctor Visit Nov 14, 2008
Researchers found that among 260 newly diagnosed cancer patients seeing an oncologist for the first time, many had difficulty remembering the information the doctor gave them ... An age-related difference only became apparent when oncologists gave large amounts of information during the visit; when doctors talked more extensively about the cancer, its prognosis and possible treatments. (MEDLINEplus)
Vitamins don't cut heart attack and breast cancer risks, studies say Nov 13, 2008
Since some studies suggested vitamin D might reduce the risk of breast cancer, the researchers, led by Dr. Rowan Chlebowski, a medical oncologist at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, decided to track that too. Over the course of the study, 528 of the 18,176 women, or 2. (Los Angeles Times)
Chemotherapy can do more harm than good, study suggests Nov 13, 2008
Mark Lansdown, surgical oncologist at Leeds General Infirmary, and a co-author of the report, said that it is usual for patients to suffer some side-effects following chemotherapy, but that very few patients die as a consequence. The majority of patients in this study were receiving palliative treatment where the aim is to alleviate symptoms of cancer with the minimum of side effects, which represented a small proportion (2 per cent) of all patients receiving the treatment, he said. (Times Online)
Yoga gains respect among doctors Nov 13, 2008
And in Eastern North Carolina, an oncologist in Beaufort County sees improvement in his patients who take yoga classes ... John Inzerillo, an oncologist in Washington, N.C., said he has seen that benefit often for his patients. (News & Observer)
No breast cancer benefit from vitamins Nov 12, 2008
The study is the first rigorous test of vitamin D that accounts for factors the earlier, observational studies were unable to capture, said Dr. Jennifer A. Ligibel, a medical oncologist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Women who take dietary supplements might be healthier than women who don't, for example, and that could have biased the previous studies. (Boston Globe)
Questions raised over chemotherapy for late-stage cancer Nov 12, 2008
Patients usually suffer side-effects from chemotherapy, said the report's co-author Mark Lansdown, a surgical oncologist ... Diana Mort, co-author and clinical oncologist, said the report backed her belief in being cautious in prescribing chemotherapy for very sick patients. (guardian.co.uk)
Breast-cancer treatment gives some new hope Nov 10, 2008
"(MammoSite) may be a great thing, I don't know. The problem is it's going to take a long time to get those results." Dr. Robert Pfeffer, radiation oncologist at St. Peter's Hospital, disagrees. Pfeffer acknowledges that doctors should be cautious in using MammoSite and that patients should be informed that there is not as much historical data on it as there is with traditional therapy. (Montana Standard, MT)
Rahm Emanuel Tackles the White House Nov 8, 2008
His older brother Ezekiel Emanuel is an oncologist and a nationally recognized medical ethicist with a doctorate in political theory. Rahm is the political wonder boy. (ABC News)
Cost of treating colorectal cancer can vary by thousands per patient Nov 8, 2008
"The total cost of chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancer may differ by as much as $36,999 per patient, depending on the regimen," said Gary Lyman, M.D., an oncologist and health outcomes researcher at Duke, and senior investigator on this study. "We know that some therapies are more promising and effective, in general, than others, and cost variation raises many questions about what kind of care patients are receiving and whether this economic burden is matched by significant clinical... (EurekAlert!)
Guest columnist: For my grandmother, Ruth Nov 7, 2008
I remember receiving a phone call from him and he was crying and telling me the oncologist told him she could not have a higher dose because it might be fatal ... After a family meeting with the oncologist, it was decided that my grandmother be allowed to die with dignity, with adequate pain control, and that my grandfather was not able to be her caregiver. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Taking the pulse of a sick system Nov 7, 2008
Welcome to The Sydney Morning Herald. Peter Garling is due to report this month on an exhaustive, unprecedented statewide hospital inquiry. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Response Rates To Antidepressants Differ Among English- And Spanish-speaking Hispanics Nov 6, 2008
26, 2007) Hispanics are the fastest growing minority population in the United States, and a Cincinnati medical oncologist says this trend highlights the urgent need for a national health agenda on cancer. (Apr. (Science Daily)
BSD Medical: Preoperative Hyperthermia Therapy Combined With Systemic Chemotherapy 'Boosts' Results in Treating Soft Tissue Sarcoma Nov 5, 2008
was published in The Oncologist (2008;13:175-186) by Peter Hohenberger and Wojciech M. Wysocki. The article reviewed different cancer treatment regimens for treating soft tissue sarcoma (a cancer that occurs in the connective tissues such as muscle), including adding hyperthermia to chemotherapy, a combination that ``boosted'' local progression-free survival for sarcoma patients, according to the authors. (Primezone Releases)
Pa. Judge Denies Another Breast Cancer-HRT Claim Nov 4, 2008
Tereshko said that in Blaylock's fact sheet she indicated that her oncologist, Dr. Raul Arora, told her in November 2001 that her use of hormone therapy medications might have caused her breast cancer. Tereshko said that the statute of limitations ran to the latest until November 2003. (Law.com)
Hospitals 'allowing top up care' Nov 4, 2008
" Ian is a patient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. He wants to top up his care and buy a new cancer drug called Sutent that is not available on the NHS. The current rules say you cannot mix and match between the NHS and private. You are either all NHS and it is free or you're all private and you pay for everything. But the details are interesting. The code of practice says a patient cannot be both an NHS patient and private in the same episode of care. Way round problem So in... (BBC News -- UK)
Less than half of women check breasts Nov 4, 2008
Dr Paul Crea, a surgical oncologist at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, said the results highlight a "major disconnect" between what women know and what they do about what they know. "This significant breast health survey confirms the pressing need to help women change their behaviour when it comes to breast health," Dr Crea said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
America's Pending Shortage of Cancer Doctors Nov 4, 2008
"As of 2007, we were in equilibrium," said Dr. Dean Bajorin, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and co-chairman of the society's Workforce Implementation Working Group, which developed the report ... Also, many oncologists are expected to be retiring soon, Bajorin said ... A third factor is the growing number of female oncologists, Bajorin said. (MEDLINEplus)
New era of fighting cancer (3) Nov 3, 2008
Dr. Jay Allen, radiation oncologist, said that for the first time since records have been kept on cancer diagnosis, the number of diagnosis and death in the last year has been down. He called the center a great addition and service to those in this and area communities. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Waiting, hoping for a lifeline Nov 3, 2008
"More than any other time during the course of your disease, you are conscious of the fact that the clock is ticking," said Dr. Randal Wada, an oncologist who serves as medical director for the Hawai'i registry ... That goes for oncologists, too ... "My oncologist told me there was no treatment available for me in Hawai'i," she said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Griffith says no surprises left Nov 3, 2008
Coffee drinkers who knew him when he was a radiation oncologist across the street at Huntsville Hospital tell him they're voting for him. Strangers in line for frappacino nod in recognition at the silver-haired state senator whose face is simply everywhere as he vies for North Alabama's open congressional seat. (AL.com)
Foods to prevent disease? Nov 2, 2008
But eating five fruit and veggies a day and little animal fat "is plain common sense", said oncologist Dominique Belpomme. Experts at France's national food and cancer research centre, NACRe, said a varied diet of mainly fruit and vegetables with not too much alcohol would help prevent cancers of the mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, colon-rectum and bladder. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Men aren't excluded from breast cancer Oct 31, 2008
There is no screening program for men as there is for women, nor would it be practical because of the rarity of the disease in men, said medical oncologist Mark Keaton, who treated Mr. Quick. "Sometimes, men, they're not in tune to having breast problems," Dr. Keaton said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Working Through It Oct 31, 2008
"Work is a very important part of a woman's life, and if she can continue to work, she's going to do better," says Dr. Ruth Oratz, a renowned oncologist and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine. "But they need to be flexible and realize that they may have to make some changes," she adds. (Slate)
Woman credits faith for surviving cancer Oct 31, 2008
"They have made enormous improvements in treatment and technology," said the 34-year oncologist. "[Doctors'] understanding of how to do the surgery then [was] not as nearly as good as today.". (Florida Times-Union)
City candidates discuss smoking ban Oct 30, 2008
Smoking ban advocates, including Gillette oncologist Dr. Phillip McMahill, have been trying for years to get Wyoming and Gillette to join a growing list of states that ban smoking in public places, but to no avail. The City Council also has refused to take up such a ban, even as statewide surveys show strong support for a smoking ban in public places. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
THINK PINK: 13 years later, 'I ... am now doing fine' Oct 30, 2008
My oncologist recommended the genetic testing since my dad's sisters had breast cancer and also my younger sister did, too. Turned out that I did test positive for the BRAC1 gene. (Florida Times-Union)
Siteman building small proton system Oct 29, 2008
Protons allow us to target tumors with greater precision because we can adjust the depth of the radiation, said Jeff Bradley, radiation oncologist and director of the Kling Center for Proton Therapy, in a release. We then avoid a collateral dose that exposes other organs and healthy tissue. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
A silent killer: Its symptoms are vague and common and there's no screening test, making ovarian cancer tricky to diagnose and harder to survive Oct 29, 2008
In the first stage, ovarian cancer can be cured 95 percent of the time, says Dr. Robert Morgan, oncologist and researcher at the City of Hope National Medical Center ... But in July, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists issued a statement saying that the test needs additional research ... When women who have not experienced these early symptoms are suddenly being troubled by combinations of two or three of them, several times a month, it adds up to the best early warning signal available so... (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Profile: Sue McManus Oct 28, 2008
WHAT HELPED: Faith, friends, having access to lots of information, and a wonderful oncologist. OUTLOOK: Currently clear; should have a long life. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Cancer therapy raises questions about FDA's reviews Oct 27, 2008
Dr. Valery Uhl, the oncologist who provided Medlock's second opinion, outlined the evidence behind the available treatments ... "There is a natural bias for radiation oncologists to do what they have been doing," said David Harding, an executive at Hologic ... Even a radiation oncologist who is a leading proponent of MammoSite, Dr. Frank A. Vicini, wants to know how it compares with traditional radiation. (Boston Globe)
For survivors, getting on with life is the new battle Oct 27, 2008
"I remember seeing my oncologist and I had this brief glimpse of what life used to be like before I had breast cancer, that I could drop the weight of it all. But I'm not sure you do.". Mrs Swinburne said breast cancer was different to other cancer because you could never be certain it had gone away. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Candidates for Minnesota's 1st Congressional District spar over economy, agriculture Oct 27, 2008
Professional experience: Radiation oncologist. Government experience: Served on scientific review panels for the National Institute of Health. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Quickly Vetted, Treatment Is Offered to Patients Oct 27, 2008
Dr. Valery Uhl, the radiation oncologist who provided Ms. Medlock s second opinion, outlined the evidence behind the available treatments ... He said the oncologist who told Ms. Medlock it was experimental was skeptical because she provides only traditional radiation ... But the oncologist in question, Dr. Uhl, says she has performed many radioactive-seed treatments but wants to make sure patients are fully informed about the range of options. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Obituaries for Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 Oct 26, 2008
1) Dr. Daniel Vicario, Sid s oncologist and pioneer in compassionate and innovative care for cancer patients, has a non-profit wing of his San Diego Cancer Center called San Diego Cancer Research Institute. Website. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Wayne Parker defends attacks on rival's career Oct 26, 2008
During an editorial board meeting with The Times, Parker said the way that Democrat Parker Griffith - now a state senator who retired as a radiation oncologist 16 years ago - cared for his patients is pertinent in the race for Congress because "it is a matter of integrity." Last month, Parker released a previously confidential 1987 review of Griffith's cancer practice at Huntsville Hospital ... Someone else released this week a similar patient chart review from 1988 in which the two radiation... (AL.com)
"Breast Cancer: The Journey" Discussion | WUS... Oct 26, 2008
My oncologist is not alarmed, I am ... My oncologist is not alarmed, I am ... Tati-your medical oncologist can tell you when the port should be removed. (W-USA News, DC)
USD coach to celebrate victory over leukemia Oct 25, 2008
Like when an oncologist gave him a blunt diagnosis 14 months ago. Where you are right now, the doctor said, you've got leukemia. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Secret Of Death Protein's Activation Unlocked; May Lead To Drugs That Force Cancer Cells To Self-destruct Oct 25, 2008
Loren Walensky, MD, PhD, pediatric oncologist and chemical biologist at Dana-Farber and Children's Hospital Boston, and colleagues report in the Oct. 23 issue of the journal Nature that they directly activated this trigger on the "executioner" protein BAX, killing laboratory cells by setting in motion their self-destruct mechanism. The researchers fashioned a peptide (a protein subunit) that precisely matched the shape of the newly found trigger site on the killer protein, which lies dormant in... (Science Daily)
15-kg mass removed from womans abdomen Oct 25, 2008
"After the surgery they referred her to an oncologist. She made various rounds in different hospitals but no one could offer her anything. In March this year, I was told about the case and decided to do something," said Dr S Krishnan, a radiation oncologist, who removed the mass in her abdomen. Renuka was put on Avastin, a new drug that prevents the tumour from making its own blood vessels along with two other drugs. (Express Buzz)
Art exhibit chronicles couples cancer journey Oct 24, 2008
There are about 220,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year in the U.S. Of those, 40,000 will die, said Dr. Ishaqe Memon, an oncologist at Kishwaukee Cancer Care Center in DeKalb a number he said is not as bleak as it sounds. Now, 40,000 is not an insignificant number, Memon said. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Maui cancer-trial access to improve Oct 24, 2008
Patients enroll in clinical trials through their oncologist. On Maui, there has been limited access to trials through Maui oncologist Dr. William Adler and Dr. Ian Okazaki, who commutes twice a week from Straub Clinic and Hospital in Honolulu ... The clinical research associate, who will be based at Maui Memorial Medical Center, will be available to support them and other oncologists on Maui and elsewhere in the state who are interested in having their patients participate in clinical trials. (Honolulu Advertiser)
New Cancer Patients Retain Little Medical Information Oct 24, 2008
The new study included 260 people who were diagnosed with cancer and were seeing a medical or radiation oncologist for the first time ... said he always recommends that people bring family members or friends with them for their initial appointment with an oncologist, because it can be overwhelming for the patients ... Lichtenfeld also recommended bringing someone with you to your appointment, but said it wasn't always feasible for an oncologist to schedule two appointments, because there just... (MEDLINEplus)
Colon Cancer Drug Won't Help Those with Certain Gene Mutation Oct 24, 2008
"We believe that, in the context of pre-treated advanced bowel cancer, the K-ras mutation status of the cancer should be determined before using cetuximab, and cetuximab should only be given to patients with tumors that do not have the mutation," said study author Dr. Christos S. Karapetis, a senior consultant medical oncologist and director of clinical research in the department of medical oncology at Flinders Medical Centre in Australia. Karapetis said that about four in 10 people with colon... (MEDLINEplus)
Merck's Free Radical Oct 24, 2008
A megadatabase "could save me months or years of trying to collect patient information," says Oregon Health ce University oncologist Brian Druker, who helped get Novartis (nyse: - - )' potent tumor-fighter Gleevec to the market. But he questions whether researchers understand cancer biology well enough for Friend's highly computational approach to pay off in the short term. (Forbes -- Business)
Physician, heal thy heart Oct 23, 2008
"A lot of forces work against us," said oncologist Tom Lynch of Massachusetts General Hospital, where the Kenneth B. Schwartz Center promotes emotional connection between clinician and patient. "The percentage of committed internists is dropping, and those we have are so inundated with paperwork, they can barely make it through the day.". (Boston Globe)
Profile: Julie Gantz Oct 23, 2008
I have not seen an oncologist in years but continue to have regular checkups with my doctor and of course my yearly mammogram. Breast cancer affects everyone, regardless of age. (The Augusta Chronicle)
ROBERT KELLY-GOSS: Domestic violence has multiple victims Oct 23, 2008
My stepfather was a highly respected Beverly Hills oncologist. He was a man of means with a reputation for being an aggressive physician who could be relied upon to make hard and serious decisions for his patients. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Pink Ribbon Tea slated for Saturday Oct 23, 2008
"My oncologist told me there was a relatively new drug out, called Herceptin, which is a miracle drug to me. It's one of those drugs that is targeted to the cancer cells without destroying the healthy cells." Anderson said upon diagnosis, she went to the oncology clinic every month for six years to receive Herceptin via IV. "I've felt very fortunate that it was available for my treatment. Even though it went through three clinical trials, it was lifesaving for many women," Anderson said.... (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Delta returns a favour Oct 23, 2008
"I am not an oncologist or a haemotologist ... or anything that has 'gist' at the the end. "I have always made music to heal and made songs so people can escape. . (NEWS.com.au)
New chair takes helm of UB Foundation Oct 23, 2008
The UB Foundation board also named three others to serve three-year terms: Helen Cappuccino, M.D., 88, of Lockport, a surgical oncologist at and assistant professor of surgery at UB; Randall Clark, of East Amherst, chairman and chief executive officer of ; and Francis Letro, J.D., a Buffalo attorney. The UB Foundation supports and promotes the activities and programs of the university. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Griffith's past career faces new questions Oct 23, 2008
CPR hired two radiation oncologists then based in Savannah, Ga ... A separate agreement one month later, signed by Griffith and then-Huntsville Hospital CEO Ed Boston, stated that while the hospital board of directors recommended Griffith's privileges be revoked, it would allow the oncologist to resign as long as he withdrew his request for a hearing before the board, would not reapply for appointment and would not appeal the dismissal of his antitrust suit or file a new suit ... Griffith said... (AL.com)
Three important things you should know about brain tumors Oct 22, 2008
Since brain tumors are complex, treatment requires a team of specialists -- usually led by a neurosurgeon, and will include a neurologist, radiologist, neuro-anesthetist, oncologist and radiotherapist. The primary and most important first step in the treatment of a brain tumor is neurosurgery. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Wild fire can't stop local charity Oct 22, 2008
Nannette van der Sanden was a nurse oncologist for years and knows there just isn't enough time. "When I was helping administer chemo, I would tell patients what to expect from hair loss and fatigue," van der Sanden said. (KOLD.com, AZ)
Reclaim Sexuality As Part Of Treatment Oct 22, 2008
My husband and I spoke with my surgeon and medical oncologist prior to any treatment and wanted to know everything about how the surgery and the chemotherapy would impact our lives, including how it could impact intimacy and sexual health. Believe me, treatments certainly can have an impact. (Click2Houston, TX)
