Official says Fla. execution was botched - Houston Chronicle
Click10.comOfficial says Fla. execution was botchedHouston Chronicle, United States - 4 hours ago... The medical examiner's findings contradicted the explanation given by prison officials, who said Diaz needed the second dose because liver disease caused him ... Gov. Bush suspends all Fla. executions MSNBCFlorida halts executions after injections bungled ABC Regional Onlineall 947 news articles
Google News Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:24:00 GMT

Hepatitis C diagnoses increasing - BBC News
Hepatitis C diagnoses increasingBBC News, UK - 16 hours agoThe number of people with the severe liver disease hepatitis C has soared, latest figures show. Data from the Health Protection ...
Google News Fri, 15 Dec 2006 11:14:00 GMT

Professor hopeful drug to fight liver cancer available in 3 years - ABC Online
Professor hopeful drug to fight liver cancer available in 3 yearsABC Online, Australia - Dec 14, 2006An Australian-developed drug to treat liver cancer could be on the market within three years. The drug has been developed by Chris ... Aussies develop new anti-cancer drug Monsters and Critics.comCancer drug in clinical trials NEWS.com.auNew anti-cancer drug offers hope Therapeutics Daily (subscription) (press release)all 22 news articles
Google News Thu, 14 Dec 2006 20:28:00 GMT

FDA OK's Jenken's IND for liver drug - United Press International
FDA OK's Jenken's IND for liver drugUnited Press International - Dec 14, 200614 (UPI) -- Jenken Biosciences said Thursday the US Food and Drug Administration cleared the way for a phase 2 study of JKB-122 for treating liver damage. ... Jenken Biosciences Receives FDA Clearance For Phase II Trial Of ... Medical News Today (press release)Jenken Biosciences Receives FDA Clearance for Phase II Trial of ... PR Newswire (press release)all 7 news articles
Google News Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:32:00 GMT

Ask the Experts - Gastroenterology (GI Testing)
Title: Ask the Experts - Gastroenterology (GI Testing)Category: Ask The ExpertsCreated: 11/8/2006Last Editorial Review: 12/11/2006
medicinenet.com Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Liver signal critical for insulin's brain action - Xagena.it
Liver signal critical for insulin's brain actionXagena.it, Italy - 2 hours agoA study has identified a key player in the body's ability to respond to insulin action in the brain by ratcheting down the export of blood sugar from the liver ...
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FDA Panel Hits Antibiotic For Bronchitis, Sinusitis - Forbes
CNNMoney.comFDA Panel Hits Antibiotic For Bronchitis, SinusitisForbes, NY - 2 hours ago... voted 17-to-2 that Ketek's benefits for patients with those milder conditions do not outweigh risks associated with the drug, which include liver damage and ... Sanofi-Aventis plans discussion with FDA on Ketek ReutersUPDATE 2-US FDA panel urges limits on Sanofi antibiotic ReutersPanel backs limiting Sanofi antibiotic uses ReutersHouston Chronicleall 292 news articles
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Questions To Ask Before Surgery
Title: Questions To Ask Before SurgeryCategory: Procedures and TestsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 9/28/2006
medicinenet.com Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Different threshold levels for red blood cell transfusions in patients with haematological malignancy
This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows:To compare the effectiveness and safety of different threshold levels for red blood cell transfusions in patients with a haematological malignancy receiving intensive treatment with chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplantation.
Nelm Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation for advanced primary vulvar cancer
BackgroundIn advanced stage primary vulvar cancer, treatment is tailored to individual patient needs. Combined treatment modalities have been developed, using chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery.ObjectivesTo determine whether the combined treatment strategy using concurrent neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery is effective and safe in vulvar cancer patients with advanced primary disease. Main outcomes of interest were: types of surgical intervention following chemoradiation and survival, recurrence and complication rates.Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Review Group Specialised Register. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CANCERLIT, other databases and reference lists of articles. The latest search was conducted on 12 March 2005.Selection criteriaStudies of curative treatment of patients with advanced, primary squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were included. Treatment included concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by surgery.Data collection and analysisTwenty-eight abstracts and papers were selected either by the search strategy or by checking the cross references. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were not available. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. (Eifel 1995; Landoni 1996; Montana 2000; Moore 1998; Scheistroen 1993). Two authors (HCvD, MV-L) independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Study authors were contacted for additional information. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials.Main resultsChemotherapy was given uniformly within each of the five selected studies. However, four different chemoradiation schedules were applied. Radiotherapy dose fractionation techniques, fields and target definitions varied. Skin toxicity was observed in nearly all patients. Wound breakdown, infection, lymphedema, lymphorrhea and lymphoceles were also common. Operability was achieved in 63 to 92% of cases in the four studies using 5FU and CDDP or 5FU and MMC. In contrast, only 20% of the patients who received Bleomycin were operable after chemoradiation.After a follow up of 5 to 125 months, 26 to 63% of participants were alive and well. A total of 27 to 85% of participants died due to treatment related causes or disease.The five studies included in this review show that preoperative chemoradiotherapy reduces tumour size and improves operability. However, complications of treatment are considerable and information on the effects of quality of life (QOL) is not available. Furthermore, treatment results of the respective studies diverge considerably.Authors' conclusionsPatients with inoperable primary tumours or lymph nodes benefit from chemoradiation if an operation can be performed. In patients with large tumours that can only be treated with anterior and/or posterior exenteration complications of neoadjuvant therapy might outweigh complications of exenterative surgery. With the current knowledge neoadjuvant therapy is not justified in patients with tumours that can be adequately treated with radical vulvectomy and bilateral groin node dissection alone.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plain language summaryPreoperative treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy reduces tumour size and improves the chances of surgical excision in women with initially inoperable primary tumours or fixed lymph nodes, but side effects are considerableIn patients with large tumours (i.e. tumours that would require urostomy or colostomy) the complications of radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed by surgery might outweigh complications of surgery alone. Such treatment is not justified in patients with tumours that can be adequately treated with removal of the tumour by vulvectomy and bilateral groin node dissection alone.
Nelm Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Purine Antagonists for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
BackgroundRecent trials suggest improved response rates for purine antagonists compared to alkylator-based regimens in the treatment of B-CLL. However, none was able to show a survival advantage.ObjectivesTo determine if there is any advantage of purine antagonists compared to alkylating agents (alone or in combination) in the treatment of patients with previously untreated B-CLL.Search strategyMedical databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE), conference proceedings and internet-based trial registers were searched electronically and/or by hand (1990-2003). All references were checked for further trial information. We also contacted experts in the field and pharmaceutical companies.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials comparing purine antagonists as single agents with alkylator-based regimens in patients with previously untreated B-CLL were included. We included full-text and abstract publications as well as unpublished data.Data collection and analysisData extraction and quality assessment were done in duplicate by two independent reviewers. Missing data were obtained from original auhors. Endpoints included overall survival, overall response rate, rate of complete remissions, progression-free survival, treatment-related morbidity and mortality.Main resultsFive trials with 1838 randomised patients were included. There is some evidence for improved overall survival after treatment with purine antagonists compared to alkylators, but statistical significance was not reached (HR 0.89 [95% CI 0.78-1.01], 4 trials, n=1638). However, the relative risk for achieving an overall response (RR 1.22 [95% CI 1.13-1.31], 5 trials, n=1751) and complete remission (RR 1.94 [95% CI 1.65-2.28], 5 trials, n=1751) was significantly higher, resulting in a longer progression-free survival (HR 0.70 [95% CI 0.61-0.82], 4 trials, n=1638). Incidence of grade III/IV infections was significantly higher in patients receiving treatment with purine antagonists (RR 1.83 [95% 1.30-2.58], 4 trials, n=1620). There was no significant difference concerning the relative risk for grade III/IV neutropenia (RR 1.14 [95% CI 0.98-1.34], 4 trials, n=1620) and therapy-related mortality (RR 0.94 [95% CI 0.45-1.95]). Overall incidence of hemolytic anemia was low, but significantly increased in the purine antagonist group (RR 3.36 [95% CI 1.27-8.91], 3 trials, n=1258).Authors' conclusionsDespite significantly increased overall response and complete remission rates and longer progression-free survival with first-line treatment of B-CLL patients with single-agent purine antagonists, we were not able to detect a statistically significant improvement of overall survival compared to alkylator-based regimens. Furthermore, the use of purine antagonists also augments the risk for grade III/IV infections and hemolytic anemia.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plain language summaryDespite increasing insight into its tumor biology B-CLL remains an incurable disease. So far, chemotherapy with alkylating agents such as chlorambucil has been the mainstay of treatment in B-CLL. However, purine antagonists such as fludarabine are increasingly being used, as it has been suggested that these novel drugs are more effective. This review confirms the greater response rates achievable by using purine antagonists but at the cost of greater toxicity, mainly infections. There is inconclusive evidence whether treatment with purine antagonists improves survival. None of the studies included quality of life data. More research is needed to fully explore the role of purine antagonists in the treatment of B-CLL and their potential impact on survival.
Nelm Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Radiotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
BackgroundMalignant pleural mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon disease, but the incidence is increasing and is expected to peak in many developed countries in the next two decades. The management of patients with malignant mesothelioma is controversial. Very few patients are suitable for any potentially curative treatment and the effectiveness of radical therapy with surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in curing patients or prolonging survival is uncertain. The role of radiotherapy is controversial although it has been used as part of multimodal therapy. The present review will try to clarify these uncertainties.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy on patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in any stage of the disease.Search strategyBoth electronic and handsearches were conducted. All randomised controlled clinical trials were searched in electronic databases such as: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and EMBASE. Handsearching was aimed at the identification of evidence by reviewing journals not indexed in databases, proceedings of conferences and/or scientific meetings.Selection criteriaAll randomised controlled clinical trials using radiotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma in any stage, alone or combined with other therapies in patients of either sex and any age, were included. Studies without a control group were excluded.Data collection and analysisThere were no studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Main resultsTo date we have not found any reports of randomised comparisons of radiotherapy alone or combined for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.Authors' conclusionsAs radiotherapy has never been compared to chemotherapy or surgery or to best supportive care (as part of combination therapy) in a prospective, randomised trial, no data exist supporting one or the other treatment as a better option for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. There is a need for multicentre controlled randomised trials assessing the role of radiotherapy in the radical treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The studies should be limited to patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, classified by stage, cytology and type of radiotherapy. The type of radiotherapy should be defined in advance and variables of radiotherapy dose definition and delivery should be carefully controlled.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plain language summaryThere is no evidence that radiotherapy could help to cure or to prolong the survival of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma is increasing and is expected to peak in many developed countries in the next two decades. In 80% of the patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma there is a clear history of occupational or domestic exposure to asbestos. Very few patients are suitable for any potentially curative treatment and the effectiveness of radical therapy with surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy in curing patients or prolonging survival is uncertain. The role of radiotherapy is controversial. It has been used as a component of multimodal therapy (plus chemotherapy and/or surgery). To date the reviewers have not found any reports of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that show that radiotherapy is an effective option for malignant pleural mesothelioma. There is a need for multicentre experimental studies assessing the role of radiotherapy in this disease.
Nelm Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Selenium for alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery in cancer patients
BackgroundSelenium supplements are frequently used by cancer patients. Selenium is an essential trace element and is involved in antioxidant protection and redox-regulation in humans. Several adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer patients as well as cellular processes that maintain chronic lymphoedema have been linked to oxidative cell damage in the human body. Selenium has recently been investigated as a remedy against chemotherapy and radiotherapy-associated side effects as well as its effects on lymphoedema.ObjectivesThis review assessed the effects of supplementary selenium on adverse effects of conventional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery, in oncologic patients and on quality of life or performance status during and after oncologic treatment.Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Pain, Palliative & Supportive Care Trials Register, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (The Cochrane Library , Issue 2, 2004), Medline (1966 - Sep 2004), Embase (1980 - 2004 week 12), SIGLE (October 2004), Cancerlit (October 2004), Clinical Contents in Medicine CCMed (October 2004), the German Register of Cancer Studies (October 2004), the NCI Clinical Trials Register (October 2004), the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN (October 2004) and the Meta-Register of Controlled Trials mRCT (October 2004), reference lists and the archive of our working group. We contacted manufacturers of selenium supplements and investigators.Selection criteriaRandomised-controlled trials of selenium mono-supplements in cancer patients undergoing tumour specific therapy such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.Data collection and analysisTwo review authors independently checked trials for eligibility, extracted data and assessed trial quality. We sought additional information from investigators when required.Main resultsTwo trials have been included, a randomised controlled trial with 60 participants at the beginning of the study investigating secondary lymphoedema and an ongoing trial with preliminary results of 63 participants investigating radiotherapy induced diarrhoea as a secondary outcome. Both trials had drawbacks with regard to study quality and reporting.The trial on secondary lymphoedema reported a decreased number of recurrent erysipela infections in the selenium supplementation group compared to placebo. However, results must be interpreted with caution and cannot be generalised to other populations. The ongoing trial on radiotherapy associated diarrhoea preliminarily reported a lower incidence of diarrhoea in patients receiving selenium supplementation concomitant to pelvic radiation, however, no data were presented. Publication of final results must be awaited to discuss these findings in detail.No randomised controlled trials were found studying the effect of selenium supplementation on other therapy-associated toxicities or quality of life or performance status in cancer patients.Authors' conclusionsThere is insufficient evidence at present that selenium supplementation alleviates the side effects of tumour specific chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments. Or, that it improves the after effects of surgery, or improves quality of life in cancer patients or reduces secondary lymphoedema. To date research findings do not provide a basis for any recommendation in favour or against selenium supplementation in cancer patients. Potential hazards of supplementing a trace mineral should be kept in mind.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plain language summaryThere is no evidence that selenium supplements reduce side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or the effects of surgery in cancer patients.Selenium is a mineral necessary for human health. Selenium acts against cell damage in the body and might help to alleviate the side effects of therapies in cancer patients, such as nausea, diarrhoea or th
Nelm Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Addition of drug/s to a chemotherapy regimen for metastatic breast cancer
BackgroundThe addition of a chemotherapy drug or drugs to an established regimen is one method used to increase the dose and intensity of treatment for metastatic breast cancer.ObjectivesTo identify and review the randomised trial evidence in the first line management of women with metastatic breast cancer that evaluates the addition of one or more chemotherapy drugs to an established regimen.Search strategyWe searched the specialised register maintained by the Editorial Base of the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group on 3rd August 2004 (updated search on 2nd August 2005) using the codes for "advanced breast cancer" and "chemotherapy". Details of the search strategy applied by the Group to create the register, and the procedure used to code references, are described in the Group's module on the Cochrane Library.Selection criteriaRandomised trials that evaluated a first line regimen of at least two chemotherapy drugs, and compared it to that same regimen plus the addition of one or more chemotherapy drugs in women with metastatic breast cancer.Data collection and analysisWe collected data from published trials and assessed studies for eligibility and quality. Two reviewers extracted data independently. We derived hazard ratios (HR) from time-to-event outcomes where possible, and a fixed effect model was used for meta-analysis. We analysed response rates as dichotomous variables and extracted toxicity data where available.Main resultsWe identified 17 trials reporting on 22 treatment comparisons (2674 patients randomised). Fifteen trials (20 treatment comparisons) reported results for tumour response and 11 trials (14 treatment comparisons) published time-to-event data for overall survival. There were 1532 deaths in 2116 women randomised to trials of the addition of a drug to the regimen and control (the regimen alone). There was no detectable difference in overall survival between these patients, with an overall HR of 0.96 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.07, P = 0.47) and no statistically significant heterogeneity. We found no difference in time to progression between these regimens, with an overall HR of 0.93 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.07, P = 0.31) and no statistically significant heterogeneity. Addition of a drug to the regimen was favourably associated with overall tumour response rates (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.44, P = 0.04) although we observed statistically significant heterogeneity for this outcome across the trials. Where measured, acute toxicities such as alopecia, nausea and vomiting and leukopenia were more common with the addition of a drug.Authors' conclusionsThe addition of one or more drugs to the regimen shows a statistically significant advantage for tumour response in women with metastatic breast cancer but the results suggest no difference in survival time or time to progression. The positive effect on tumour response observed with addition of a drug to the regimen was also associated with increased toxicity.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plain language summaryAlthough advanced breast cancer is treatable, women with advanced breast cancer do not often live beyond 3 years from diagnosis. It is therefore important to investigate different chemotherapy treatment options. Chemotherapy can improve survival for women with metastatic breast cancer, but it can also cause toxic side effects.Of interest is whether there is any benefit to increasing the dose intensity of a regimen, particularly given the potential harm caused by more dose-intensive treatment. This review investigated the value of adding one or more chemotherapy drugs to a chemotherapy regimen. We found that the addition of chemotherapy drug/s to a regimen improved tumour response but there is insufficient evidence to determine if there is an impact on overall survival.
Nelm Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Health Tip: Understanding Cirrhosis
Title: Health Tip: Understanding CirrhosisCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/28/2006 1:57:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/28/2006 1:56:55 AM
Medicinenet.com Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Raynaud's Phenomenon
Title: Raynaud's PhenomenonCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 7/26/2006
Medicinenet.com Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PDT

New Hepatitis B Test Streamlines Detection
Title: New Hepatitis B Test Streamlines DetectionCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/20/2006 1:57:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/20/2006 1:57:00 AM
Medicinenet.com Thu, 20 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Antinuclear Antibody Test
Title: Antinuclear Antibody TestCategory: Procedures and TestsCreated: 10/17/1998 11:58:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/19/2006
Medicinenet.com Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Title: Alcohol Abuse and AlcoholismCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 3/17/1999 7:53:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 7/18/2006
Medicinenet.com Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)
Title: Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)Category: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 7/10/2006
Medicinenet.com Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Cirrhosis Of The Liver
Title: Cirrhosis Of The LiverCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 12/1/2005
medicinenet.com Thu, 1 Dec 2005 00:00:00 PDT

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Title: Primary Biliary CirrhosisCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 9/17/2005
medicinenet.com Sat, 17 Sep 2005 00:00:00 PDT

How to Choose a Doctor
Title: How to Choose a DoctorCategory: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 6/17/2005Last Editorial Review: 8/9/2005
medicinenet.com Tue, 9 Aug 2005 00:00:00 PDT

Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
Title: Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's AppointmentCategory: Health FactsCreated: 7/13/2005Last Editorial Review: 7/14/2005
medicinenet.com Thu, 14 Jul 2005 00:00:00 PDT

Doctor: Getting the Most from Your Doctor?s Appointment
Title: Doctor: Getting the Most from Your Doctor?s AppointmentCategory: Doctor's ViewsCreated: 5/13/2005Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2005
medicinenet.com Fri, 13 May 2005 00:00:00 PDT

Liver Transplant
Title: Liver TransplantCategory: Procedures and TestsCreated: 1/31/2005 8:20:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 8:20:26 AM
medicinenet.com Mon, 31 Jan 2005 00:00:00 PDT