Study: Lack of trust in his doctor affects physical well being, mental patients with cancer

Study: Lack of trust in his doctor affects physical well being, mental patients with cancer -

The physical and mental well-being of cancer patients may be affected by how they feel about their relationship with their doctor and by differences in attachment styles (the way they rely and depend on others), finds a new study General Hospital Psychiatry .

patients who feel anxious and uncomfortable with their doctor may be the most affected. "Anxiously attached Patients can experience and report more physical and emotional problems when the relationship with their doctor is perceived as less confidence," said Chris Hinnen, Ph.D., lead author and clinical psychologist at the Slotervaart Hospital in Amsterdam , Netherlands.

researchers agree that the issue of trust between patients and their doctors can be complicated, but that it was important to understand the fears of rejection and abandonment that often exist in patients anxious attachment .

Hinnen and colleagues analyzed questionnaire responses from 119 participants of the breast, cervix, cancer of the bowel or prostate 3, 9 and 15 months after diagnosis. Sixty-one percent of respondents were female and had a mean age of 59 years. The researchers used a shortened version of Wake Forest Trust physician scale and experience revised Close Relationships scale to determine 1) the participants of confidence in the doctor as involved in the treatment and 2) participants of attachment anxiety or avoidance to the brand of 3 months and evaluated their distress and physical limits to three sequential time intervals. The lower levels of confidence were associated with more distress in all ages and most physical limits at three and nine months for patients enrolled with anxiety.

"For some people, the experiences of early childhood associated with constitutional factors have led to a desire to close exaggeration and intimacy with a high fear of rejection and abandonment," noted Hinnen. "therefore, the feeling of not being able to rely on the doctor can be especially scary and stressful for patients with anxiety attached." people with less attachment anxiety may be better ways to cope with a less confident physician relationship.

Michelle B. Riba, MD, professor and associate chair for integrated medical and psychiatric services at the University of Michigan, noted physician-patient relationship is very important, especially when the patient is confronted with a cancer. "However, this study has not been free of bias because it was mainly composed of women who liked their doctors, and these women were already in a personal relationship that presaged an attachment to a relationship with their doctor. "

Riba also noted the three-month time line when asked to cancer patients in the study on the doctor-patient confidence levels. "The problem is three months patients can see a variety of doctors as a surgeon, oncologist, medical oncologist or radiologist, not just a doctor," she said.

The study notes that it is important to take into account the fact that some patients do not feel connected to their doctor. These patients may be at greater risk of emotional and physical problems associated adjustment to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Riba added: "As doctors, we try to place patients with doctors that match the style of a patient, but this always the case. instead, patients can move and look for other relationships on their own. "

" Since the doctor-patient relationship has such an impact on patient well-being, "said Hinnen," especially for those who are most vulnerable, limiting the free choice of [cancer] doctor seems stupid. "

EKF Diagnostics to highlight the product portfolio expansion AACC Clinical Lab Expo

EKF Diagnostics to highlight the product portfolio expansion AACC Clinical Lab Expo -

From the early detection of ketosis in a mutation assay cancer in whole blood

the new PlasmaPrep ™ -12 centrifuge will be launched by EKF Diagnostics at AACC.

EKF Diagnostics, the International Society of diagnosis, will showcase its expanding product portfolio on its stand subsidiary Stanbio Laboratory # 1933 at the AACC Clinical Lab Expo in Chicago, United States STATES, July 29-31. In addition to demonstrating the success of current products, including ß-HB test Stanbio technology and PointMan ™ technology molecular EKF, new products will be introduced at AACC. These introductions are the result of the recent acquisition of EKF Separation Technology Inc. (STI) and medical DiaSpect.

Clear and specific results ketoacidosis

The Stanbio diagnostic efficacy of beta-hydroxybutyrate enzyme (beta-HB) liquicolor ^® test is quickly led his acceptance in hospital laboratories across the United States as the new standard of care in ketosis tests. More than 850 (20%) of US hospitals are now using the test for accurate, specific and quantitative tests of this main ketone produced during ketosis. Therefore, physicians can make more informed clinical decisions is changing how hospitals manage patients with symptoms of ketoacidosis.

The stable reagent liquid liquicolor ß-HB can be used on open channel chemistry analyzers twenty different manufacturers. A point of care option is also available in the form of the STAT-Site ^® M ß-HB tape-based testing system.

blood collection Activation for cancer patients monitoring

Since its introduction last year, PointMan ™ DNA enrichment technology now been shown to be sufficiently sensitive to allow the use of a blood sample to assess the mutation status of a cancer patient. Recent studies have shown that the sensitivity of PointMan technology is much larger than the existing PCR technology. PointMan can detect 1 mutant gene in 10,000 copies of normal genes, while competing technologies can detect 1 to 100. This maximizes the use of small samples of biopsy and allows multiplexing mutations in a single test rather than many tests also individual.

New EKF product launches

to be previewed at AACC, the new palm DiaSpect Tm is the fastest system for measuring hemoglobin in the world giving laboratory quality performance to screen for anemia in any environment. Results in 1-2 seconds, this analyzer is CE marked and is currently awaiting approval by the FDA.

The centrifuge new PlasmaPrep ™ will be launched by EKF to AACC. Ideal for use in both the hospital and the laboratory, PlasmaPrep-12 is designed for serum / plasma separation STAT and is perfect for coagulation studies. Enabling the separation of blood fast and easy to use, it is controlled by a microprocessor with four times pre-programmed spin. These include poor plasma mode platelets providing serum or separations plasma in three minutes and fashion plate Platelet Rich Plasma providing a rich plasma in 30 seconds

Julian Baines, CEO of EKF, commented :.

We strengthened product offering and EKF services during the past year thanks to recent acquisitions and product development. This positions EKF to the tip of the provision of hematology tests and point of care also, by Stanbio, as the first reagent suppliers of clinical chemistry. EKF now offers a complete range of products and cost and to participate meaningfully in personalized medicine; an area which is rapidly key within the IVD become industry.

BCC study provides hope that SAPC-DOPS could be used for the treatment of metastatic brain cancer

BCC study provides hope that SAPC-DOPS could be used for the treatment of metastatic brain cancer -

More than half of patients being seen in the clinic for tumor brain were diagnosed with metastatic cancer, which has no cure and harmful results in most cases.

However, a central Cincinnati Cancer (CCC) study, published in the online edition of the journal Oncotarget , provides hope that studied SAPC-DOPS previously could be used to brain cancer treatment that has spread.

Xiaoyang Qi, PhD, member of the CCC, associate director and associate professor in the division of hematology oncology at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine and a member of the UC Neuroscience and Cancer Institutes and brain tumor center, explains this critical data is promising to find a cure for one of the deadliest cancers.

lysosomal saposin C protein (SAPC), and phospholipid, known as dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS), can be combined and assembled in tiny cavities, or nanovesicles to target and kill many types of cancer cells.

Lysosomes are organelles of a closed membrane that contain enzymes capable of breaking all types of biological components; Phospholipids are major components of all cell membranes and bilayer-or in the form of cell membrane lipids.

Qi said his laboratory and collaborators have found that the combination of these two natural cellular components called TAS-DOPS, causing cell death in some cancer cell types, including brain, lungs , skin, prostate, blood, breast and pancretic cancer, while sparing normal cells and tissues.

"despite significant progress in understanding the biology of tumors in the body, the translation of this new knowledge and effective therapeutic strategies has been slow," he said. "As a result, brain tumors, primary is known as glioblastoma, the most aggressive and common malignant brain tumor or secondary (metastatic), remain among the most intractable and deadly of all cancers."

He adds that brain metastases from primary lung, skin cancer and breast cancer affects approximately 10 to 30 percent of cancer patients from adults and are much more common than primary brain tumors.

"Although new targeted therapies show promising results, the difficulty in diagnosing and effectively target micrometastases-multifocal small tumors that form in the wake of the first tumor makes the treatment of brain metastases one of the most pressing challenges in clinical oncology, "said Qi, adding that it is often difficult both the image of the smaller tumors and to work on them." in this study, we evaluated the ability of SAPC- DOPS to selectively target brain metastases of breast cells and the human lung cancer in cultures and in animal models. "

Using two groups of models for injection with a placebo and the other injected with SAPC-DOPS-researchers found that those who receive treatment with nanovesicles had a long life. Inside animal models, both were completely cured of the tumor and brain metastases arising. Scientists have been able to control the absorption of SAPC-DOPS by tumors and progress using the immunofluorescence imaging brain sections.

Within 24 hours after injection, imaging showed that targeted SAPC-DOPS tumors and started working.

"Because metastatic tumors in these models were generated and does not arise naturally from primary tumors, our models do not represent actual metastases. However, they still reiterate the essential steps of the metastatic process," said Qi. "We were still able to show the antitumor effects of TAS-DOPS on tumor cells of the human brain in models and SAPC-DOPS selectively target tumor cells in models with cerebral micrometastases from human breast or cancer cells lung. We also showed that DOPS SapC- a cytotoxic (toxic to living cells) the effects on the cells of metastatic breast cancer in crops.

"These results confirm the potential of TAS-DOPS for diagnosis and treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors, which is critically needed to increase patient survival with this disease. "

Interaction with other infections can trigger the herpes virus to reactivate, research shows

Interaction with other infections can trigger the herpes virus to reactivate, research shows -

The famous slogan "A diamond is forever", but this sentence could be best for herpes: Unlike most viruses, which succumb to the attack of the immune system, herpes stays in the body forever, lying in wait, sometimes years later reactivating

researchers have long wondered what causes herpes virus -. two strains that are linked to cancer - to reactivate after remaining dormant after initial infection resolves. Now a team of researchers, including two of Florida's University scientists, found that interactions with others later in life these infections can trigger dormant virus to resurface and cause disease.

Understanding more about how specific pathogens interact with each other could help scientists design new and better ways to fight against these infections and the diseases they cause, the researchers write in an article published today (June 26) in the journal science .

"Probably 95 percent of us were infected with at least one herpes virus, but many people never have a problem with it," said co-author Rolf Renne, Ph.D., professor of molecular genetics and microbiology in the UF College of Medicine and a member of the UF genetics Institute and the UF health cancer Centre. There are eight herpes viruses that infect humans, causing diseases that range from cold sores and chickenpox mononucleosis and cancer. "The question was :? What happens to reactivate these viruses to cause disease"

Conducted by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, the study found that parasitic infections later in life can trigger an immune response that paves the way for the herpes virus to reactivate. In this case, the scientists studied a specific herpes virus linked to a form of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma virus, human herpesvirus 8.

The researchers found that after the initial infection with the virus, a protein called interferon gamma herpes keeps in check, which is why the virus usually remains dormant in the body. But when the immune system later, responded to infection by a parasitic worm called helminths, another protein called interleukin-4 was released, which not only blocked the gamma interferon from doing its job, but also virus replication directly activated. When the virus replicates, infects new cells, which increases the chances of a cancerous tumor will form, Renne said.

"The fact that the virus can" sense "of the immune response to a worm and respond reactivating is an outstanding example of co-evolution," said senior author Herbert W. Virgin IV , MD, Ph.D., of Washington University in St. Louis. "We believe that other interactions between multiple infectious agents and immune system will be discovered over time that we will see the same sophisticated way or maybe even devious. Understanding these interactions will help us survive in a complex microbial world. "

Washington University in St. Louis researchers made the discovery by first studying a mouse herpes virus. UF researchers were able to replicate these findings in human cells infected with the herpes virus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma.

The parasitic helminth infections frequently occur in developing countries, including sub-Saharan Africa, where Kaposi's sarcoma cases are also particularly common.

the stress of early life can have lasting negative effects on the brain

the stress of early life can have lasting negative effects on the brain -

For children, stress can go a long way. A bit provides a platform for learning, adaptation and adaptation. But a lot of it - the toxic chronic stress of poverty, neglect and physical abuse -. Can have lasting negative impacts

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has recently shown this kind of stress experienced early in life could change parties to develop children's brain responsible learning, memory and the treatment of stress and emotion. These changes may be associated with negative impacts on behavior, health, employment and even the choice of romantic partners later in life.

The study, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry , could be significant for public policy leaders, economists and epidemiologists, among others, says lead study author UW and recent PhD graduate Jamie Hanson.

"You do not really understand why things that happen when you are 2, 3, 4 years stay with you and have a lasting impact," says Seth Pollak, a co-leader the study and UW-Madison professor of psychology.

Yet in early life stress has been linked before to depression, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, and a lack of academic achievement and employment, said Pollak, who is also director of the emotion of the child research Laboratory, UW Waisman Center

"given how expensive these early experiences are stressful for society -. unless you understand what part of the brain is affected, we will not be able to fit something to do about it, "he said.

For the study, the team recruited 128 children around 12 years old who had suffered either physical abuse, neglect early in life or from households with low socioeconomic status.

researchers conducted extensive interviews with children and their caregivers, documenting behavioral problems and stress of cumulative life. They also took pictures of the brains of children, focusing on the hippocampus and amygdala, which are involved in emotion and stress treatment. They were compared to similar children in households of the middle class that has not been abused.

Hanson and the team described by the hand of the hippocampus and amygdala of each child and calculated their volumes. The two structures are very small, especially in children (the word is Greek for almond amygdala, which reflects its size and shape in adults), and Hanson and Pollak say automated software measurements from other studies can be prone to error.

indeed, their main measures found that children who experienced one of three types of early life stress had smaller amygdalas than children who had not. Children from households with low and children who had been victims of physical violence socioeconomic status also had hippocampal volumes smaller. Put the same images through an automated software showed no effect.

The behavioral problems and increased stress of cumulative life were also associated with smaller volumes of the hippocampus and amygdala.

Why early life stress can lead to small brain structures is unknown, said Hanson, now a postdoctoral researcher at Duke University for Neurogenetics, but a smaller hippocampus is a risk factor demonstrated negative results. The amygdala is much less understood and future work will focus on the importance of these changes in volume.

"In my opinion, it is an important reminder that as a society, we must participate in the types of experiences children are having," says Pollak. "We shape the people they will become."

But the results, Hanson and Pollak say, are only change neurobiological markers; a display device of the robustness of the human brain, the flexibility of human biology. They are not a crystal ball to be used to see the future.

"Just because it is in the brain does not mean it was fate," said Hanson.

A higher risk of psychiatric disorders found in children born to women with fertility problems

A higher risk of psychiatric disorders found in children born to women with fertility problems

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results in a large population study

children born to women with fertility problems have a higher risk of psychiatric disorders than children conceived naturally. The increased risk was described as "modest" by researchers from Denmark, but was found to persist throughout childhood and into adulthood.

The results, presented today at the 30th annual meeting of ESHRE in Munich by Dr. Allan Jensen from the Danish Centre for Research Cancer Society at the University of Copenhagen, were drawn from a register of all children born in Denmark to study between 1969 and 06.

of a grand total of 2,430,826 children, 124.384 (5%) were born to women with fertility problems and recorded 2,306,442 children ( 95%) for women without these problems. All children were followed for psychiatric disorders through 09.

During the follow-up period (median of about 20 years), 170.240 children were hospitalized for a psychiatric disorder. Those born to women with fertility problems have been found to have an overall risk of 33% highest of all psychiatric disorders defined, which was statistically significant (HR 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1, 20 to 1.36).

statistically significant risk ratios for specific groups of psychiatric disorders have been found for schizophrenia and psychoses (1.27, 1.16 to 1.38), affective disorders (1.32, 1 25 to 1:39), anxiety and other neurotic disorders (1.37, 1.32 to 1.42), mental and behavioral syndromes, including eating disorders (1.13, 01.04 to 01.24) mental retardation (1.28, 1.17 to 1.40), mental development disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (1.22, 1.16-1.28), and behavioral and emotional disorders, including deficit disorder attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (1.40, 1.34 -1.46) compared with rates among children conceived naturally.

when separate analyzes were performed for psychiatric disorders diagnosed in childhood (0-19 years) and young adults (20 and over), the investigators found that the risk estimates are not significantly changed, indicating that the increased risks persist into adulthood.

Commenting on the results, Dr. Jensen said that the professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of women with fertility problems should be aware of "the small but potentially increased risk of psychiatric disorders in children born to women with fertility problems. "However, this knowledge, he added," should always be weighed against the physical and psychological benefits of pregnancy. "

Only a few studies have . studied the risk of psychiatric disorders in children born after fertility treatment Although the results of most of these studies did not find an increased risk, the results indicate significant variation, Dr. Jensen said, this can perhaps because of the limited size and time tracking in most of them. This is the first study in sufficient number and a sufficiently long follow-up period to allow a realistic assessment of risk models in adulthood

A calculation made by Dr. Jensen -. Based on 33% overall increased risk of psychiatric disorders in children born to women with fertility problems and on the proportion of children born in Denmark after fertility treatment - suggests that 1.9% of all psychiatric disorders diagnosed in Denmark are associated with infertility mother. "For me," said Dr. Jensen, "this figure supports our interpretation of the results. - That increased risk is real but modest"

Despite the size of the study, it has not been able to establish whether the increased risk was associated with infertility-related factors (genetic or biological) mother or treatment. "Thus, the exact mechanisms behind the observed increase in risk are still unknown," said Dr. Jensen, "but it is generally accepted that infertility underlying has a more important role in adverse effects in offspring the processing procedures. It is known, for example, that psychiatric disorders to some extent have a genetic component. It may be likely that these genes damaged encoding psychiatric illness are overrepresented among women with fertility problems, and, if transferred to their offspring, this may at least partly explain the increased risk of psychiatric illness. "

However, Dr. Jensen noted that other results of long-term cohort studies are scarce and inconsistent, but generally do not show strong associations between infertility, fertility treatment and the risk of psychiatric disorders. However, "said Dr. Jensen," Our study is the largest to date. It includes the largest number of children and quite a long time proper monitoring to assess the risk in adulthood. "

The researchers giant step towards the goal of "bio-printing" transplantable tissues, organs

The researchers giant step towards the goal of "bio-printing" transplantable tissues, organs -

Researchers have made a giant step towards the goal of transplantable tissue 'bio-printing "and organs for those affected by major diseases and injuries, a new study.

scientists from the universities of Sydney, Harvard, Stanford and MIT bio-printed artificial vascular networks imitating the circulatory system of the body that are needed for increasingly large and complex tissues.

"thousands of people die every year due to lack of organs for transplantation," says lead author study and the University of Sydney researcher Dr Luiz Bertassoni.

"Many more are subjected to surgical removal of tissues and organs due to cancer, or they are involved in accidents with large fractures and injuries

" Imagine being able to walk in a hospital and have a complete printed body. - Or bio-printed, as we call it -. with all cells, proteins and blood vessels in the right place, simply by pressing the "print" in your computer screen

"We are still far from, but our research addresses exactly that. Our conclusion is an important step towards achieving these objectives.

"for now, we're pretty printing" prototypes "which, as we improve, will eventually be used to change the way we treat patients worldwide. "

The challenge of research. - Networking cells with blood

The cells need access to nutrients, oxygen and an effective system" disposal waste "to sustain life. That's why "vasculature" - a functional transport system -. Is at the heart of tissue engineering and biological organs

"One of the biggest challenges for the management of major tissues and organs is growing blood vessels and capillaries a network" said Dr. Bertassoni.

"cells die without an adequate blood supply because blood supply of oxygen is necessary for the cells to grow and perform a series of functions in the body. "

" To illustrate the magnitude and complexity of bioengineering challenge we face, consider that every cell in the body is just the width of a hair from an oxygenated blood supply.

"Replicating the complexity of these networks has been a stumbling block preventing tissue engineering to become a clinical application in the real world."

But this is what researchers have now reached.

that the researchers achieved

using a high-tech "bio-printer", the researchers fabricated a multitude of tiny fibers interconnected to serve mold for artificial blood vessels.

They then covered the printed 3D structure with a rich cell protein-based material, which was solidified by applying a light to it.

Finally they removed the bio-printed fibers to leave behind a tiny network of channels coated with human endothelial cells, which self organized to form stable blood capillaries in less than a week (see diagram below ).

The study found that the vascular networks bioprinted significantly better promoted cell survival, differentiation and proliferation compared to cells that received no nutrient intake.

importance of breakthrough

According to Dr. Bertassoni, a major advantage of the new technique of bio-printing is the ability to manufacture large microvascular channels three dimensions capable of supporting life on the fly, with sufficient precision to meet individual patient needs.

"Although recreate small portions of tissue in the lab is something that we have been able to do so, the ability to print three-dimensional tissues with functional blood capillaries in the blink eye is a game changer, "he said.

" of course, simplified regenerative materials have long been available, but true regeneration of complex and functional organs is what doctors really want and patients really need, which is the goal of our work.

sugar-coated cells are potentially fatal to patients with cancer

sugar-coated cells are potentially fatal to patients with cancer -

from the face of every living cell has a built-protein membrane is covered in chains polysaccharides - a literal sugar layer. A new study led by a researcher from Cornell University found that coating is especially thick and pronounced on cancer cells and is a key determinant of the survival cell. Compound of decorated sugar molecules long called glycoproteins, the coating causes physical changes in the cell membrane that make better able to thrive cell -. Leading to a deadly cancer

Matthew Paszek, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Cornell and Valerie Weaver of the University of California, San Francisco, conducted the study on the survival of cancer cells induced glycoprotein, published online in Nature .

researchers found that long chain glycoproteins on the surface of a cancer cell causes the cell membrane to push away from its environment and bend inward. This physical change causes adhesion receptors on the cell surface integrins known to be agglomerated. Integrins bind to scaffolding proteins in their environment and regulate almost everything a cell does -. Movement, change and growth

This grouping mechanism causes integrins alter the normal signaling of the cell, leading to uncontrolled growth and survival [

"changes to the composition sugar on the cell surface might physically modify how receptors are organized, "he said." it's really the great thing :. Coupler regulating the sugar coating to these biochemical signaling molecules "

the document, "the glycocalyx mechanically initiates cancer growth and survival of integrin-mediated," was the subject of a "News and views" feature in nature.

The protein can predict the results of targeted therapy mccRCC

The protein can predict the results of targeted therapy mccRCC -

By Sarah Pritchard, medwireNews Reporter

The levels of carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) increase with use vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -targeted therapy for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) and high expression of this protein is associated with increased survival, the results show study published in European Urology .

researchers found "consistent dynamic changes to CA9 chromosomal and protein levels" and suggests the results may have an interest in mccRCC patients with tumors refractory to sunitinib.

" CA9 modulation to overcome the resistance of the anti-VEGF therapy may be a potential therapeutic area investigated in the future, "write Thomas Powles (Queen Mary University of London, UK) and colleagues.

results could also help answer some current molecular methods, validated improving the prognosis or predicting response to targeted therapies mccRCC patients, they add.

team assessed the presence of 55 proteins known to be relevant in the RCC pathogenesis or sunitinib response in tumor tissues of 22 and 23 mccRCC naive sunitinib sunitinib-treated patients

in all, 30 of the 55 proteins were differentially expressed in treated and untreated patients, with four in particular showing intratumoral increased variance after sunitinib. CA9, CLL B / cell lymphoma 2 mutL homolog 1 and mTOR.

After further evaluation of these proteins in tumor samples matched treated and untreated from a separate cohort validation (n = 86), only CA9 was significantly increased in the treated tissues. Indeed, a strong expression of CA9 was associated with improved overall survival, reducing the risk of death from mccRCC by a significant 74%, reports the research team.

Multivariate analysis adjusted for potentially confounding prognostic factors revealed that a low Fuhrman grade and CA9 highest expression in tissue samples nephrectomy were associated with significantly improved overall survival (ratios risk = 0.51 and 0.48, respectively).

Powles and his colleagues also performed a functional analysis of CA9 in theCAKI-2 and RCC11 lines of kidney cancer cells and found that CA9 shut interference blocked RNA anti-proliferative effects of sunitinib .

"These results confirm the findings of clinical tissue, where low levels of CA9 was associated with poor prognosis of sunitinib therapy," the researchers write

Powles et al continue :. "The work presented here shows that not only targeted therapy to increase expression of CA9, but these changing levels are also prognostic." This raises the possibility of a biomarker prediction in this context.

"a randomized trial comparing continued treatment with a change of treatment in patients who failed to achieve a level rise CA9 with therapy would test this prospective biomarker" concluent- they.

medwireNews licensed by permission of Springer Healthcare Ltd. © Springer Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved. None of these parties endorse or recommend any commercial products, services or equipment.

ENMD-2076 CASI obtained orphan drug designation from the FDA for treating HCC

ENMD-2076 CASI obtained orphan drug designation from the FDA for treating HCC -

CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASI), a pharmaceutical company clinical stage developer of therapies for cancer and other diseases, announced today that its, oral inhibitor of the Aurora / angiogenic kinase, ENMD-2076 received orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

orphan drug designation is granted by the FDA Office of Orphan Products Development, which evaluates scientific applications and clinical sponsors of data to identify and designate products as promising for rare diseases and to advance scientific development of these promising medical products. Orphan drug designation is granted to therapeutics for treatment of rare diseases affecting fewer than 0,000 people in the US The designation allows the developer to seven years of market exclusivity as well as opportunities for additional funding and using the protocol experts.

Dr. Ken Ren, CEO of CASI, commented: "We are pleased with the orphan drug designation because it confirms our belief in the versatility of ENMD-2076 as a promising treatment for HCC, and for other types of tumors that we are currently assessing the status of clinical medicine. Orphan also enhances the commercial value of ENMD-2076 to treat HCC, a disease that is difficult to treat. We are finalizing our next steps ENMD-2076 in HCC and / or the fibrolamellar carcinoma, a subset of HCC and for which there is no treatment available and look forward to advancing our global development plan for ENMD-2076 . "

Mice exposed to low doses of arsenic in drinking water to developing lung cancer

Mice exposed to low doses of arsenic in drinking water to developing lung cancer -

Mice exposed to low doses of arsenic in the water, even drinking that could consume some developed lung cancer, the National Institutes of Health researchers have found.

levels of arsenic in public drinking water can not exceed 10 parts per billion (ppb), which is the standard set by the US Agency for Environmental Protection. However, there are no established standards for private wells, from which millions of people get their drinking water.

In this study, the concentrations given to mice in their drinking water was 50 parts per billion (ppb), 500 ppb and 5000 ppb. 50 ppb is the lowest concentration that was tested in an animal study, and the researchers say that because of different metabolism rate, the mice need to be exposed to higher concentrations of arsenic in the drinking water humans to achieve the same biological dose and similar health effects.

The researchers used a model that mimics the way humans are exposed to arsenic during their lifetime. In the study, mice received arsenic three weeks before breeding and during pregnancy and lactation. Arsenic was then given to the offspring after weaning, and while an adult at relevant concentrations to human exposure. The researchers examined tumors in adult offspring.

"This study is the first to show the development of tumors in animals exposed to very low levels of arsenic, similar levels to which humans may be exposed," said Michael Waalkes, Ph. D., lead author on the paper and director of the National Laboratory of Toxicology Program (NTP). "The results are unexpected and certainly cause for concern."

Arsenic is present in the environment as a naturally occurring substance or due to contamination from human activity. Arsenic can be found in many foods including grains, fruits and vegetables, where it is present due to the absorption of soil and water. This study focused on inorganic arsenic, which often occurs in excess in drinking water of millions of people worldwide, and has previously been shown to be carcinogenic to humans.

In the study, more than half of the male offspring mice developed significant increases in benign and malignant lung tumors in the two lower doses (50 ppb and 500 ppb). female offspring also developed benign tumors with lower concentrations. Interestingly, the researchers did not find a significant increase in lung tumors in both sexes at the highest dose (5000 ppb).

"Although this is a single study adds to a growing body of evidence showing adverse health effects of very low exposures to arsenic, raising the possibility that no level arsenic appears to be safe, "said Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of the National Institute of sciences environmental health (NIEHS) and NTP.

Researchers receive $ 8 million NCI grant to study the effects of PDT in patients with mesothelioma

Researchers receive $ 8 million NCI grant to study the effects of PDT in patients with mesothelioma -

his trial genre First give new insight into better treatments for one of the deadliest cancers

researchers from the Perelman school of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in collaboration with the Roswell Park Cancer Institute received $ 8 million grant from the Institute National cancer (NCI) to study the effects of the therapy photodynamic light (PDT) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer, an aggressive and deadly that occurs most often in the lining of the lungs and is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. The grant will fund clinical trials and other studies examining the effects of PDT on the patient's response to the shelter, the tumor cell itself, and blood vessels surrounding the tumor.

Approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the US, with numbers expected to rise worldwide due to uncontrolled exposure to asbestos.

"Mesothelioma is a cancer for which there is currently little or no hope of recovery," said Eli Glatstein, MD, principal investigator of the grant of the proposed program and professor and vice president radiation oncology and a member of pleural mesothelioma and Penn program, one of the world's leading centers for research and treatment of mesothelioma. "This trial is an important step in understanding the combination treatment modalities that offer patients the best hope for the survival and prolonged remission. "

The study, which plans to enroll 102 patients over four years, will administer Photofrin, a photosensitizing agent that makes cancer cells more susceptible to dying from light therapy, the trial participants 24 hours before surgery. Patients will be a radical pleurectomy, removal of the pleura or lining of the lung and tumor cells contain. They will then be randomized into two arms: half will receive intraoperative PDT by intense laser inserted into the chest cavity during surgery and postoperative chemotherapy standard; and that only half will receive a post-operative chemotherapy. Photofrin absorbs the laser light and produces an active form of oxygen that can destroy microscopic residual cancer cells left after surgery. Radical pleurectomie allows mesothelioma patients to keep their lungs and is associated with better postoperative quality of life and improved survival compared to other cities definitive mesothelioma surgeries.

"PDT has been a part of our treatment plan with Lung-sparing surgery for many years, but a randomized clinical trial, as is still needed to prove its effectiveness," said Glatstein.

PDT is known to kill cancer cells, but researchers are also trying to understand the patient's immune response, the microenvironment of the tumor and the blood vessels in and around the tumor in three additional studies funded under the grant.

the second project will examine the process by which PDT works to destroy tumor cells and look where a drug agent -a or other treatment that may increase its effects.

the third project will investigate whether certain channels awakened during surgery can play a key role in inflammation and cell growth and contribute to treatment failure in some way, and whether inhibition of these pathways will allow improve the effectiveness of intraoperative PDT.

Finally, the team will study the tumor vasculature in the following patients PDT and assess changes in the vascular environment as a result of intraoperative PDT and the modulation potential to improve the efficacy of treatment.

"This trial will help us understand how PDT works in the body and what we can be able to do in the future to improve the body's response to therapy," said Glatstein .

AZD3965 drug could be useful in the treatment of lung cancer cells in small

AZD3965 drug could be useful in the treatment of lung cancer cells in small -

Manchester scientists have shown that a new drug could be useful in the treatment of cancer cell lung - the most aggressive form of lung cancer.

scientific research in the UK Manchester Cancer Institute, based at the University of Manchester and part of cancer Research Centre Manchester, has teamed up with experts at AstraZeneca, as part of a cooperation agreed in 2010 to test a drug - known as AZD3965 - on small lung cancer cells with small cell

research, published in the journal Clinical cancer research also identify patients who are most likely to respond to. treatment.

The present treatment approach being studied by cancer scientists is to find drugs that exploit the shift in energy production in tumors. In cancer cells there is a switch by means of glycolysis, a process that requires less oxygen and produces lactate as a byproduct. Some molecules - monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) -. Are involved in the movement of lactate out of cells and drugs that target the MCT have been shown to arrest tumor growth

Manchester researchers tested a new drug that targets one of these molecules, MCT1, in lung cancer cells and in mouse models

Professor Caroline Dive, who led the research, said :. "Small lung cancer has a poor prognosis and we have seen little improvement in the treatment of many years more targeted therapies are needed to help patients whose tumors become resistant to chemotherapy The new drug -.. AZD3965 -. is currently in clinical trials, but it has not been tested in cell lung cancer "

the team studied the sensitivity of small cell lung cancer cells and showed that AZD3965 in cells lacking an alternative carrier lactate, MCT4, the drug had an effect. They found that the drug has increased the level of lactate in the cells and especially tumor growth, reduced.

They then looked at tumor samples from lung cancer patients and found that were associated with worse patient high levels of MCT1. prognosis

Dive professor added: "We propose that this drug will be most useful in this subset of patients who have high levels MCT1 and need for more effective treatments

. "Our laboratory results are promising and certainly provide an incentive to test this treatment clinically in patients with lung cancer small cell"

Susan Galbraith, chief of oncology drugs unit innovative at AstraZeneca, said: ". Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death, and we are working on a number of treatment options that could provide patients with a better chance of beating the disease. Targeting the tumor cell metabolism is a new and exciting approach, and we are excited to work with the University of Manchester and Cancer Research UK to investigate the usefulness of AZD 3965 as novel potential treatment of cancer. "

The Member States of the United Nations reaffirmed their commitment to reduce the avoidable burden of NCDs

The Member States of the United Nations reaffirmed their commitment to reduce the avoidable burden of NCDs -

UN member states reaffirmed their commitment to take bold steps to reduce the preventable burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). These conditions, including heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes and lung diseases kill 38 million people each year, many of them before they reach the age of 70. Most of these largely preventable deaths occur in developing countries, where the epidemic threatens to undermine economic and social development. States

members, met for the second time in 3 years at the United Nations in New York to discuss the issue, has promised to step up efforts to fight against the growing threat of NCDs . They acknowledged that progress has been too slow and uneven since 2011, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Political Declaration and pledged to better protect the lives of their populations.

"Success [in combating NCDs] depend on finding new ways to strengthen the capacity of countries to take bolder steps,"

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"three years ago we agreed that it is time for action," said Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a message. "the global epidemic NCD is a major challenge and more development. "

He also noted that" success depends on finding new ways to strengthen the capacity of countries to adopt bolder measures " calling for strong leadership and action by governments, the private sector and others.

Under the leadership of WHO, the international community agreed in 2011 on global mechanisms, including a global plan of action against NCDs. The plan aims to reduce the number of premature deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025, in part by taking into account factors such as tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity increase the risk of developing these diseases people.

UN support to developing countries

United Nations, through an interagency working group created by the Secretary-General, provides support to developing countries. Civil society, academia and the private sector contribute to the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases worldwide through a global coordination mechanism, and achievements are measured by a set of common indicators.

"The obesity epidemic has been getting worse, not better, for more than 3 decades," said the Director-General Dr Margaret Chan. "The industry's practices, particularly marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, play a contributory role. "

She noted that section in the policy statement calling for collaboration with the private sector "has not been fully implemented. Healthier food formulations are neither affordable nor accessible in large parts of the developing world. Unfortunately, unhealthy foods are generally the cheapest and most convenient. "

New WHO country profiles NCD give detailed picture

the most recent country profiles WHO NCD give a detailed picture of the situation in 194 Member States and to identify gaps and existing weaknesses. They also indicate that countries must do more to reduce the number of deaths and NCDs disease. As one of the results of the New York meeting WHO will establish a framework for local actions in collaboration with partners. WHO was also requested to establish systems to record and publish contributions from the private sector, charities and civil society in the achievement of voluntary targets 9 Global Action Plan against NCDs.

The first high-level UN General Assembly

on NCDs held in 2011 and resulted in the adoption of a Political Declaration which set the NCD high development program . In 2018, the UN General Assembly will convene a third high-level meeting to review progress.

inappropriate expectations, lack of empathy role play among children with intellectual disabilities

inappropriate expectations, lack of empathy role play among children with intellectual disabilities -

Children with developmental disabilities are at greater risk of abuse and the parental neglect as children developing at a typical pace. Until now, there was little evidence of specific parenting behaviors that have been associated with risk, but SLU study finds inappropriate expectations and lack of empathy are important in triggering risk.

Debra Zand, PhD., Associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University and principal investigator of the project, conducted the study in a small group of parents in St. Louis with 67 participants . The study results were published in Clinical Pediatrics .

"We know that children with delays or development problems are 1.7 times more likely to abuse than non-disabled children. In this study, we wanted to explore areas of behavior or reaction of a parent that could increase the risk, "said Zand.

Zand and his team recruited a group of parents (diverse in race, education and income) with children who have disabilities. His team found that parents should ever empathized unless the parents of children who are not disabled. behavioral measurement other categories included attitudes about punishment, roles perceived parent-child and oppress the power and independence of children.

"We found that parents have higher expectations of their children, which can lead ask them to perform at a much higher level than what they are capable, "said Zand. "We also saw that the parents did not sympathize much towards the needs that parents of typically developing children of their children, suggesting that these parents can not understand the needs or feelings of their children."

This group of parents often feel stressed and frustrated when their children do not perform according to their expectations, which can lead to abusive behavior towards children, Zand explained.

she said that it is acceptable to push the kids a little out of their comfort zone, so they can grow and learn. But more often, the parents have difficulty understanding the experience of their child and eventually expect more from them.

Zand believes pediatricians should assess parental attitudes that could increase the risk of child abuse and impede the child to reach their full potential.

"Parents often learn the appropriate parental behavior of a doctor, so that pediatricians can educate them about healthy ways to cope with their children," said Zand. "It can be an interactive session in which parents can ask pediatricians suggestions on how to improve the situation for children."

It is also important for pediatricians to educate parents about the difference between spoiling a child and attend to his or her needs, Zand said.

"in addition to this, parents need to find strong social support groups and participate in activities that help them to be happy and to feel competent," she said.

NBCCEDP program significantly reduces the death, disease of the cervical cancer

NBCCEDP program significantly reduces the death, disease of the cervical cancer -

Former federal program for the early detection and treatment of 23 years of cervical cancer reduced significantly disease and death in underserved, low-income women, but its impact was reduced by the fact that he has reached only 10 percent of the eligible population, finds a new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine .

To reduce disparities in the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality, the US Congress passed the Law on the Prevention and chest of cervical cancer deaths in 190, the researchers . The law authorizes the creation of the National Breast and early detection of cervical cancer program (NBCCEDP), which was enacted in 1991. Since then, more than 2.9 million women were screened for cervical cancer and 3,206 invasive cancers were detected.

lead author Donatus Ekwueme, Ph.D., explained that the research used a simulation model to measure three things: (1) the number of life years saved the program; (2) the quality of those years; and (3) the number of deaths averted. "We compared the 1.8 million women who have been screened by the NBCCEDP between 1991 and 07 at two groups of women women who received the screening program and the various women who did not receive any control , "he said. When the researchers compared the impact of NBCCEDP program compared to other screening programs, they found that the federal program has resulted in 325 lives, or 10.369 years of life saved. comparing NBCCEDP the participants in unscreened women in all, 3,829 lives have been saved, adding up to 101.509 years of life. the NBCCEDP has also improved the quality of life of health participants.

in addition to these direct benefits, Ekwueme noted, "it is important to understand that the NBCCEDP program provides many indirect benefits. it helped uninsured women access to the health care system, improving their health in other areas ". For example, many NBCCEDP participants also receive care through the WISEWOMAN (well integrated for screening and evaluation for women across the country) program that provides screening for heart disease and stroke risk.

Ronald Gray, MD, professor of population, family and reproductive health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, notes that finding that the screening program reduces mortality and improves survival is important, but not surprising given the impact of Pap screening is well documented.

Gray points out that "the study does not take into account new screening methods more sensitive and specific, such as HPV testing and does not reflect the" state of the art. "He also noted the low rate of poor participation in the program over the years the study covers. With only 10 percent of eligible women receiving services, 0 percent were screened for cancers of the cervix easily detected.

The researchers foresee the NBCCEDP reach more women eligible in the future, because poor women gain better insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The authors wrote: "In the United States, access to cancer screening is highly dependent on access to affordable prices, acceptable" medical care by increasing insurance coverage for eligible NBCCEDP women. these women will benefit from improved access to preventive care.

Thirteen scientists receive grant to identify new treatments, cure for psoriasis

Thirteen scientists receive grant to identify new treatments, cure for psoriasis -

Thirteen scientists received a total of $ 1.05 million in funding for the National Psoriasis Foundation projects that aim to identify new treatments and a cure for psoriasis, aian autoimmune disease that appears on the skin, affecting 7.5 million Americans, Äîand arthritis, psoriatic arthritis aian inflammatory that affects the joints and tendons, occurring in up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis.

This year, three scientists each received a two-year, 0,000 National Psoriasis Foundation Translational Grant $ to "translate" their lab results in treatments and methods for improved management of psoriatic diseases.

Translational Grant recipients and their projects are:

• Kevin Cooper, MD , of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland received the Dr .. Alan Menter translational Grant , named in recognition of one of the specialists world leaders psoriatic diseases. Cooper will determine whether systemic psoriasis treatments can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Riol Lorena Blanco, PhD , of Harvard Medical School will study how pain fibers cause the production of interleukin -23 (IL-23) protein related to inflammation, to find new therapies for inflammation of psoriasis.
• Michael Rosenblum, MD, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Francisco, will examine the role of a special class of regulatory T cells involved in the suppression of inflammation in people with psoriasis. It aims to discover why these cells function abnormally in psoriasis to develop treatments to repair and treat psoriasis.

In addition, 10 researchers each received a one-year, $ 75,000 grant to explore the early stage psoriatic disease. Search

beneficiaries discovery grants and their projects are:

• Rachael Clark, MD, Ph.D, Brigham & Women ' s Hospital at Harvard. University will investigate the T cells, which are involved in inflammation, which remain unhealed in psoriasis lesions and compare them to T cells in the skin of the same patient before treatment. Clark hopes to determine whether these T cells are the cause of psoriasis.
• Dan Illkovitch, MD, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, received the Ostrow Graff Family Discovery Grant to study immune cell called myeloid suppressor cells, Äêderived, which has not been widely studied in psoriasis. It will examine the role these cells play in psoriasis, and consider whether they are affected by psoriasis.
• Jaehwan Kim, MD, PhD, Rockefeller University will develop a blood test that can predict response to treatment of a person with a biologic drug for psoriasis.
• Averil Ma, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco, will consider how to reduce the expression of the A20 gene previously implicated in the genetics of psoriasis, may increase the risk psoriasis. A20 study how functions in psoriasis could lead to treatments that are best suited for people with A20 variations.
• Pranab Mukherjee, Ph.D. , of Case Western Reserve University, received the Lozick Discovery Research Grant to study the role of the microbiome of the skin and mycobiome, or micro-organisms and fungi on the skin, in the development of psoriasis.
• Haley Naik, MD, National Institute of Dermatology branch cancer study neutrophils or cells once thought a unique link between psoriasis, heart disease and diabetes . Naik hopes to discover more about the role of these cells in psoriasis and their relationship with psoriasis severity and health risks.
• Brian POLIGONE, MD, Ph.D., from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, received the Galderma Discovery Grant to study NF-kappa B Aia transcription factor or a protein that binds to DNA, which regulates inflammation in the body. It will investigate the role of NF-kappaB in the onset of psoriasis, and explore ways to control its activity.
• Eva Reali Dr. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan, received the Marilyn A. Sime Discovery Grant to study the connection between cells T- pro-inflammatory in the skin of psoriasis and joint inflammation of psoriatic arthritis. Reali define the distinctive characteristics of these cells to create hopefully a biomarker, or biological sign for the development of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis.
• Jubin Ryu, MD, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Francisco, aims to develop a new method for delivering biological drugs currently administered by injection or infusion , through a patch of skin to allow localized less invasive treatment.
• Eric Sundberg, Ph.D., from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, hopes to create new molecules that suppress interleukin-36 (IL-36), a protein causing inflammation. These molecules could lead to the development of a new treatment targeted psoriasis.

Researchers are developing a new method for extracting molecules from living cells

Researchers are developing a new method for extracting molecules from living cells -

University of Houston researchers have developed a new method for extracting molecules from living cells without disrupting cell development, work that could provide new ways to diagnose cancer and other diseases.

The researchers used magnetic carbon nanotubes to extract biomolecules from living cells, allowing them to recover molecular information without killing individual cells. A description of the work appears this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Most current methods for identification of intracellular information cause the death of individual cells, making it impossible to continue to obtain information and to assess changes over time, said, Zhifeng Ren, Chairman MD Anderson professor of physics and principal investigator at UH superconductivity Center and lead author of the paper. The work was a collaboration between the laboratory of Ren and Paul Chu, T.L.L. Temple Chair of Science and Founding Director of the Texas Center for Superconductivity.

Other key researchers on the project included Xiaoliu Zhang, cancer researcher with the UH Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling and Dong Cai, assistant professor of physics.

Chu, co-author of the study, said the new technique will allow researchers to get basic information from a single cell.

"Now, (most) technical break many cells to extract the inside of the cell material, so what you get is the average number of cells," he said. "The individual cells may be different, but you can not see exactly how they work."

The researchers said the steps outlined in the paper provides proof of concept. Ren said the next stage "will be the study of biological and chemical processes of the cell, further analysis."

The promise of the initial waiting results for biomedicine, he said. "This shows how nanoscience and nano-engineering can help the medical field."

Cai said the new method will be useful for screening drugs against cancer and the study of carcinogenesis, and to studies that enable researchers to obtain information from individual cells. , replacing the previous sampling methods than the average of cell diversity and obscure the specific biomarker profiles

in the paper, the researchers explain their rationale for the work - most methods result of extraction of molecular information in cell death, and those who do save the cell are special challenges, including the limited effectiveness.

This method is relatively simple, requiring the use of carbon nanotubes that the magnetic carrier and a polycarbonate filter as a collector, they relate. Cells from a cell line of human embryonic kidney cancer were used for the experiment.

The work is based on a document published in 05 by Ren Group in Nature Methods, which established that the magnetic carbon nanotubes can provide useful molecular charges in the cells. The current research takes a step further to move molecules from cells magnetically pushing through the cell walls. Carbon nanotubes have been grown with a system of chemical vapor deposition, plasma assisted, with magnetic nickel particles closed at the ends. A layer of nickel was also deposited along the surface of individual nanotubes in order to make the nanotubes can penetrate a cell wall guided by a magnet.

The Quick search: ACA lawsuit primer; ACA strategies in 4 states; competitive plans for those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid

The Quick search: ACA lawsuit primer; ACA strategies in 4 states; competitive plans for those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid -

Each week, KHN compiles a selection of studies and health policy papers recently published .

National Health Act Health Advocate: Program: ACA continues Litigation: A Primer major cases
In 2012, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld the constitutionality of the ACA, but it did not end attacks against the law. Since the decision of the National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius opposing parties filed more than 100 cases in federal courts nationwide. With few exceptions, most of these cases, seek to strike specific provisions of the ACA. This question of cases Health Lawyer highlights filed in federal courts across the country since 2012 (Perkins and Singh, 7/14)

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Differences in the state in the cost of employment-related health insurance in 2013
This brief statistics show changes in the state of the national average cost of health insurance linked to employment and how these costs are shared by employers and employees. The memory specifically examines average premiums and employee contributions to private sector institutions in the 10 most populous states in 2013, using the most recent data available from the insurance component of the Panel Survey medical expense. ... Among the 10 largest states, the percentage of employees opting for single coverage ranged from 44.6 percent in Michigan to 56.4 percent in North Carolina, for the employee plus-one coverage 18.1 percent in California to 21.0 percent in Michigan, and 23.9 percent for family coverage in North Carolina at 34.4 percent in Michigan. Nationwide, average premiums were $ 5,571 for single coverage, $ 10,90 for the employee plus-one coverage and $ 16,029 for family coverage (Karen E. Davis, 7/14)

The Kaiser Family Foundation. What worked and what Next? Leading strategies in four states ACA registration efforts
This brief highlights the experiences of four Favourite, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Washington-which established a base-state market (SBM), implemented the 'Medicaid expansion of the ACA, and achieved successful registration of persons eligible coverage. Based on interviews with key stakeholders in each state, it identifies effective strategies that contributed to enrollment and current priorities forward. The main topics are summarized ... general marketing campaigns by spontaneous defecation in the four States has raised public awareness of new coverage options. ... Awareness locally and enrollment efforts have played a key role in consumer education and encourage them to enroll in coverage. ... One of the most important elements of the registration of persons in coverage is one-on-one assistance from trusted people in the community (Artiga, Stephens, Rudowitz and Perry, 7/16).

Heritage Foundation: How competitive private plans can improve care for dual-eligible Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid
competitive health plans offer high quality care for some of the poorest and most patients challenging America. the real Medicare reform based on greater choice and competition can mean that achieving better care for 9 million patients known as dual eligible beneficiaries. "Eligible double" for low-income patients covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, are expensive and patient population complex. These patients already benefit greatly from private health plans in Medicare Part D, on competitive prescription drug program and Medicare Advantage, competitive private insurance program of the competing insurance. Policymakers can leverage these successes including these patients in a Medicare flexible defined contribution ( "premium support") financing system where dual eligibles, with the help of their family and advisors can leverage coordination of care provided by competing health plans (Jonathan Crowe, 7/10)

Annals of Internal Medicine :. changes in office visits associated with using e-mail and by phone Encounters Of patients with diabetes in the PCMH [Patient Centered Medical Home]
communication based on Internet Phone- and are increasingly common in primary care, but there is uncertainty about how these forms of communication influence the demand for in-person office visits. We assessed whether the use of secure messaging and phone free dating copay has been associated with the use of office visit in a population with diabetes. ... Before and after a medical home redesign, a proportional increase in secure messaging and telephony events were associated with additional visits primary care offices for people with diabetes (Liss, July-August 2014).

American Journal of Preventive Medicine: The Impact of the National Breast and early screening program for cervical cancer mortality of cervical cancer among uninsured low-income women in the United States, 1991-07
previous studies have shown that poor women, uninsured and underinsured receive less than the easy screening women. To reduce disparities in the incidence of cervical cancer and mortality, Congress of the United States [passed a law which] authorized the creation of the National Breast and Programme of early detection of cervical cancer (NBCCEDP) to reach underserved women. ... The program's impact on life expectancy in the uninsured low-income women was estimated using a previously published and validated model ... These estimates suggest that cervical cancer screening NBCCEDP reduced mortality in the medically underserved low-income women who participated (Ekwueme et al., 07.07).

This is a selection of news coverage of other recent research:

Minnesota Public Radio: Study: Collaboration between Docs, insurers Lowers the cost of cancer care
A study UnitedHealth Group found the cancer care costs decreased when doctors were paid a lump sum basis and showed how they compared with other treating the same cancers. The company based in Minnetonka said even with increased drug costs, total costs have decreased by a third. The study followed not only the costs but also 60 care quality measures. lead author of the study, UnitedHealth Senior Vice President Lee Newcomer, said the collaboration between physicians and the insurer has made a big difference (Stawicki, 7/12)

Reuters :. Doctors characteristics may influence the treatment of prostate cancer
whether at low risk of a man's prostate cancer is treated with surveillance, surgery or other method may have more to do with his doctor that his health, according to a new study. Urologists who had practiced for more years and those who have treated more advanced cases of the disease were less likely to use a wait and see approach for managing prostate cancer at low risk, the researchers found (Seaman, 7/14).

The New York Times: Discounts study of testosterone therapy for early prostate cancer
For decades, millions of men with early prostate cancer were placed on treatment medication to suppress their testosterone production, despite these significant side effects as impotence, diabetes and bone loss. Now a large new analysis concluded the so-called androgen deprivation therapy does not prolong the life of these patients. "There are so many side effects associated with this therapy, and very little evidence to support its use," said Dr. Grace L. Lu-Yao, a researcher at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and lead author of the report, published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine. "I would say that for the majority of cancer patients with localized prostate, it is not a good option" (O'Connor, 7 / 14)

Modern Healthcare :. more expensive digital Mammography shows no detection-Rate Advantages: study
Despite an increase of almost $ 300 million in Medicare expenditures related to high increased use of new technologies, more sensitive for breast cancer screening, no change was observed in the early detection rates, a study in the Journal of the National cancer Institute found. dollars of health care can be wasted, some experts say, when the widespread adoption of a new test above demonstrate its sense clinical benefit (Rice, 7/16).

Medscape: Telehealth Intervention Improves chronic pain for VA patients
Intervention telecare using the basic telephone technology and collaborative care management resulted in significant clinical improvements in musculoskeletal pain chronic compared with usual care, according to an article published online July 15 in JAMA. Kurt Kroenke, MD, of the Veterans Administration (VA) Center for Roudebush VA Medical Center Health Information and Communication, Indianapolis, Indiana, and colleagues conducted a randomized trial of 250 patients from five primary care clinics in the center between June 2010 and May 2012 (hand, 7/15)

Reuters :. Some kidney donors struggle to buy life insurance: study
Although people who donated a kidney have passed a rigorous testing and tend to be healthier than the average person, report great difficulty getting or modifying health policies or life insurance after surgery, according to a new study. "These are the healthiest people in the nation, they have undergone more scrutiny of health screening anyone for any process," said lead author Dr. Dorry L. Segev. "We only allow those most healthy to do that." Segev is an abdominal transplant surgeon at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, where the study took place (Doyle, 7/16).

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This article has been reprinted kaiserhealthnews.org with permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Kaiser health News, an editorially independent news service, is a Kaiser Family Foundation program, a professional politician health research nonpartisan organization affiliated with Kaiser permanent.

Study is to how best to treat deep vein thrombosis

Study is to how best to treat deep vein thrombosis -

Patients who have a clot in the legs and considering that to be treated with medication to thin the blood traditional or undergo a minimally invasive catheter-based clot removal procedure should feel comfortable that there is no difference in death rates between the two treatments, although there is more risk bleeding with the catheter procedure, according to a study by the school of medicine researchers at Temple University. The study focused on a review of more than 0,000 cases in the country.

Riyaz Bashir, MD, interventional cardiology specialist and vascular disease in the Temple Heart & Vascular Center, led the study, which aimed to determine the best way to treat a painful condition and potentially fatal called venous thrombosis deep (PST)

The study, to be published by JAMA Internal Medicine , compared two approaches :. catheter-based thrombolysis, which involves inserting a catheter to deliver a thrombolytic drug directly into the leg clot; and medical treatment using medication to thin the blood (anticoagulation). The study found that the mortality rate in hospital was similar for both groups. However, the catheter-based procedure was associated with higher rates of bleeding. The catheter procedure is also more expensive than medical treatment and involved more days in the hospital.

It is estimated that nearly 6 percent of patients with DVT die in the months following diagnosis. The study should help inform an ongoing medical debate on the safest and most effective way to treat deep vein thrombosis, which is the third most common cause of cardiovascular morbidity and death after coronary heart disease and stroke. When a blood clot develops in a vein in the leg, it can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a deadly disease called pulmonary embolism. DVT, which occurs in about 1 in 1,000 people a year, may have a long term effect on the well-being of a person.

Approximately 20 to 50 percent of patients with DVT above the knee will continue to develop a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), even when treated with anticoagulation therapy and compression stockings. PTS patients experience pain, swelling, itching, skin discoloration and heaviness in the legs, and, in severe cases, skin ulcers.

"These patients may end very handicapped. They are sometimes unable to work and lose their jobs," said Dr. Bashir, associate professor of medicine. "The post-thrombotic syndrome instead a huge economic burden ($ 2.4 billion and 0 million working days lost each year in the United States) on the health system."

Several studies have shown that the early removal of the clot using a catheter thrombolysis -directed (CDT) led to a significant reduction in the incidence of PTS and improving patient quality of life. the studies were too small, however, to draw conclusions about the safety of catheter-based procedure compared to medical treatment alone using medication to thin the blood, and doctors are divided on which approach is better. the American Heart Association recommends the catheter-based procedure (CDT) as first-line therapy for low risk of bleeding patients, while the American College of Chest Surgeons recommends against the use of CDT due to security problems and the complexity of the procedure.

Dr. Bashir and his research team used a national database called the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to study the outcomes for patients who were hospitalized for DVT between January 05 and December 2010. They identified 0.618 cases general. They then compared 3594 patients who underwent catheter-based procedure to deliver clot-busting drugs in the same number of patients who received anticoagulation alone

Among the findings were the following :.

• The mortality rate at the hospital was not significantly different between the two groups -. 1.2 percent for those who received the catheter procedure, compared to those who received medical therapy alone
• the blood transfusion rate (a measure of bleeding) was 11.1 percent the catheter group against 6. 5 percent for the medical group.
• the rate of pulmonary embolism (clot in the lung) was 17.9 percent against 11.4 percent.
• the rate of intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) was 0.9 percent in the catheter group against 0.3 percent for the medical treatment group
• duration hospital stay was longer for patients who had the catheter procedure -. 7 days compared to 5.1 for the other group
• hospital costs were also higher in the catheter group: .. $ 85,553 against $ 29,369

the researchers found that the CDT utilization for the treatment of DVT from 2.3 percent in 05 to 5.9 percent in 2010 over the same period, the mortality rate for patients who took CDT, which is probably a reflection in a refinement in catheter-based technologies and greater experience of the operator. However, the bleeding rate continued to remain higher in this group of patients. The patients who had the procedure in a larger volume center tend to do better, the study found.

Dr. Bashir said some DVT patients clearly benefit from catheter-based procedure, but he said patients had to be carefully selected. His team concluded that more research is needed to sort out the risks and benefits of the procedure.

"In light of the results of this study, it is imperative that the magnitude of the benefit of the CDT must be justified in order to justify the use of increased upstream resources and the risk of bleeding this therapy, "the researchers wrote." without these data, it may be reasonable to limit this form of therapy for patients who have a low bleeding risk and have a high risk of PTS, "such as patients with clots at or above their groins.

"I think all patients with clots in the legs should be informed about the risks of developing PTS and its consequences and risks elimination of catheter-based clot so they can truly participate in shared decision making, "said Dr. Bashir.

Vanderbilt led research team identifies the "signature" protein that colorectal cancer lead

Vanderbilt led research team identifies the "signature" protein that colorectal cancer lead

-

A Vanderbilt University-led research team has identified "signatures" protein gene mutations that cause colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death after the nation's lung cancer.

technological feat, described in the current issue of the journal Nature as the first integrated characterization "proteogenomic" human cancer, "will allow further progress" in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, the scientists concluded.

"is the first of its kind paper. I think it is a very important progress in the field, "said lead author Daniel Liebler, Ph.D., professor Ingram of research and director of the Jim Ayers Institute for precancerous lesions detection and diagnosis at Vanderbilt Center -Ingram Cancer Cancer.

The research team, representing Vanderbilt and six other institutions, is part of the clinical proteomics tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Proteomics is the study of proteins. While many genetic mutations associated with cancer have been identified, it has been more difficult to analyze the structure and function of proteins that actually make cancer "work." Until now.

The researchers used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to gather proteomic data on 95 samples of human colorectal tumors characterized previously by the Cancer Genome Atlas, a project funded by the federal government to identify genetic abnormalities in cancer.

The data analysis was conducted by the first author Bing Zhang, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical informatics. "Integrating proteomic data with the vast amount of genomics pre-existing data is a daunting task," said Zhang, "however, it is also the key to transform data into new information."

There is a biological principle that DNA - the genetic code -. is "transcribed" into messenger RNA, then "translated" into proteins Yet the researchers found that abnormalities in genes or even samples of RNA has not necessarily "translate" into abnormal proteins.

Similarly, sections of chromosomes that have been "amplified" in tumor samples did not result in amplified or increased protein levels.

Those who have, however, produced "dramatic effects", suggesting that proteomics could help identify and prioritize the most genetic anomalies "impactful" that could be targets for new diagnostic tests or treatment drugs, Liebler said .

The researchers also identified five subtypes of colon cancer according to their protein content, one of which was associated with poor results. Proteomics can therefore help identify patients who would benefit most from chemotherapy after surgery.

"Our discovery of subtypes proteomic opens the door to diagnoses based on proteins that could identify poor cancer who require aggressive treatment," Liebler said. "That's what we're really hot on the future."

Liebler said that the support of the Ayers Institute, established in 05 with a gift of $ 10 million Jim Ayers, chairman of FirstBank in Lexington, Tenn., And his wife Janet Ayers, was essential for the construction of infrastructure necessary to conduct the research.

"Without the Ayers Institute, we would not have been able to apply for even CPTAC program, to be part of it at all," said Liebler.

"It is great news that seems to have huge implications for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer," said Janet Ayers. "Jim and I extend our congratulations to Dr. Liebler and the team working with Jim Ayers Institute for precancerous lesions detection and diagnosis at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

" These are the kinds of discoveries we expected when the institute was launched a few years ago, "she said." to begin to see results like this so quickly is extremely gratifying. "

Caffeine consumption can aggravate hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women

Caffeine consumption can aggravate hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women -

A new study from the Mayo Clinic, published online today by the journal menopause, found an association between caffeine consumption and more bothersome hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. The study also showed an association between caffeine consumption and fewer problems with mood, memory and concentration among perimenopausal women, possibly because caffeine is known to improve the excitement of mood and attention. The results of the largest study to date on caffeine and menopause symptoms are published on Menopause website and will also be printed in an upcoming issue of the journal.

For the study, the researchers conducted a survey using the questionnaire on menopause health, a comprehensive assessment of health information related to menopause that includes personal habits and presence notes menopausal symptoms and severity. Questionnaires were completed by 2507 consecutive women who had menopausal problems in women's health clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester between July 25 05 and July 25, 2011. The data from 1806 women meeting all criteria inclusion were analyzed. Assessments menopausal symptoms were compared between users of caffeine and not.

About 85 percent of the US population uses some form of drink containing caffeine per day. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) are the symptoms most commonly reported menopause, occurring in 79 percent of perimenopausal women and 65 percent of menopausal women. Although it has long believed that caffeine worsens vasomotor symptoms of menopause, research has challenged that assumption, that caffeine was both positively and negatively related to hot flashes.

"Although these results are preliminary, our study suggests that limiting caffeine intake may be helpful for postmenopausal women with bothersome hot flashes and night sweats," says Stephanie Faubion, MD, director of the Mayo Clinic at women's health Clinic in Rochester. "the symptoms of menopause can be difficult, but there are many management strategies to try."

Other strategies recommended Dr. Faubion including :.
• Be aware of triggers such as spicy foods and hot drinks
• in addition to caffeine, limit alcohol and tobacco.
• Dress in layers so you can remove a layer when you are hot.
• Consider products to stay cool at night as wick leaves and sleepwear, fans, and cooling pillows.
• Try stress management strategies such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, acupuncture and massage.
• Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly and stay active.
• Talk to your provider about hormone therapy and nonhormonal prescription medications to relieve symptoms.

Scientists identify UTHealth inhibitor switch to prevent peripheral vascular disease

Scientists identify UTHealth inhibitor switch to prevent peripheral vascular disease -

Millions of people in the US have a circulatory problem of the legs called peripheral vascular disease. It can be painful and may even require surgery in severe cases. This disease can lead to severe skeletal muscle atrophy and, in turn, the amputation of limbs.

At The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School, scientists have tested a non-surgical preventive treatment in a mouse model of the disease and has been associated with increased traffic blood. Their proof of concept study appears in the journal cell reports .

Unlike previous studies in which other investigators used individual stimulating factors for developing blood vessels, Vihang narkar, Ph.D., lead author and assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology UTHealth medical school, identified and extinguished a genetic switch that stifles the development of blood vessels.

"We found an inhibitor switch that degrades blood vessels," said narkar, whose laboratory is in the UTHealth Centre for metabolic and degenerative diseases at the Institute of the Brown Foundation for Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of human diseases. "We were able to genetically deactivate to prevent peripheral vascular disease in a preclinical study."

Added narkar, "Our next step will be to test this targeted therapy in models of other conditions that significantly reduce the circulation, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis."

narkar said means individual growth factors to stimulate blood vessel growth often leads to the formation of leaky blood vessels and non-functional. "by turning a genetic switch that acts as a barrier to the growth of blood vessels outside, we were able to initiate and accelerate the natural process of regeneration of blood vessels that involves a battery of growth factors, "he said.

the switch is called peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 beta (PGC1beta) and could be a key to future treatments for additional conditions such as cardiac myopathies, cancer and retinopathy.

Web search trends increase during Awareness Month to autism

Web search trends increase during Awareness Month to autism -

Autism Awareness Month each April brings blue lights and puzzle shapes to shine in many communities - but is it really lead to a rise in autism awareness? According to a new analysis of research trends on the Web by researchers at Drexel University, it does not conduct a Google search for increased autism -. By a third party during searches in March in recent years

Brian K. Lee, PhD, assistant professor in the School of Public Health of Drexel University and researcher of the AJ Drexel Autism Institute , is the lead author of the study of public health doctoral student Elizabeth DeVilbiss, published early online this month in the Journal of Autism and developmental disorders .

Using the tool Google Trends (google.com/trends), they analyzed the Web search queries for the terms "autism" and "Asperger" from January 04 to April 2014 to States -United. They also compared these trends with searches for "ADHD" to assess the possible influence of broader trends in the public interest on issues of particular interest to the younger population mental health.

Each April, 04 to 2014 (except 05), the interest of the web search in enriched autism - by an average of 26 percent between March and April, followed by a decrease average of 24 percent between April and May. Even sharper peaks in April took place from 07 to 2014, with the average increase from March to April to 33 percent in those years.

A smaller secondary increase in searches "autism" was held each fall. Spring and autumn Similar oscillations occurred in searches for "ADHD" but without the high peak seen in April for "autism." Spring and autumn oscillations may reflect a rebound in Web searches in general, which tend to fall in summer and winter, Lee said.

The overall research interest in "autism" was supported, but not more in the ten -Year span the researchers analyzed. In contrast, "Asperger" research had a long-term increasing trend, with the popularity of the term generally 255 percent higher in January 2014 compared to January 04.

Lee and DeVelbiss highlighted some tips additional research into the trends that can match the coverage of high-impact autism and Asperger syndrome out awareness campaigns in April. The Google Trends tool allows users to overlay news headlines related to search terms along the dashboard. Lee warned that the findings on the correlation of news headlines in search of trends should be considered with caution because many could be simply accidental correlations. However, three points were not April noted in particular:

• In September 07, the largest monthly increase (80 percent) in searches for "autism" during the period 04- 2014 took place. In this month, The Oprah Winfrey Show aired a high-level segment on September 18 with Jenny McCarthy and Holly Robinson Peete discuss their son with autism.
• In February 05, another spike in searches "autism" was held, the correlation with a series of 10 parts autism on The Today Show, February 21-25, 05.
• in December 2012, the research "Asperger" increased by 122 percent over November 2012. this increase corresponds to the heavy advertising regarding the projected elimination of Asperger syndrome as a standalone diagnosis in the DSM V.

Autism is not the only condition for which awareness month were related to increased research activity. A 2011 study in Cancer BMC said the research for breast cancer increased every October during Breast Awareness Month cancer between 04 and 09, but much lower research activity occurred for cancers of the prostate and lung during their respective months of sensitization. research activity is as far from the whole picture awareness of autism and other conditions. Whether useful and accessible information is available as a result of this research is important.

"That increased awareness is significant is another question," said Lee. "When a parent does a search on the Web, is it leads to recognition of autism in their child? Is led to the search of tests and clinical services? "Search trends can not answer these questions, but can provide an overview of the public interest in a subject.

the international medical graduates face difficulties in obtaining residency positions in the United States, Canada

the international medical graduates face difficulties in obtaining residency positions in the United States, Canada -

A study also reveals "brain waste" common

doctors trained abroad estimate that there are not enough residency positions for them in countries such as Canada and the United States and this information was not communicated before they emigrate a new study has found.

researchers at St. Michael's Hospital International Medical Graduates interviewed to better understand the concepts of 'brain drain', the migration of health workers in low-income countries and middle income the high-income countries, and "brain waste", where their skills are underused or not used in their new country. Many were older physicians who had spent a considerable amount of time and money to get a medical residency position.

Residency is a mandatory step in the graduate medical education in which a person who received a medical degree education works in a hospital for two to five year apprenticeship senior doctors.

Dr. Aisha Lofters, a family physician and researcher in the Hospital Centre for Research on Inner City Health, said that 55 percent of international medical graduates, or IMGs living in Canada currently working as doctors. In 2011, 1,800 candidates competing for 191 seats in residence designated for doctors trained in Ontario, the largest province in Canada. The success rate this year was about 20 percent for Canadians who went abroad for their medical education compared to six percent for DIM immigrants.

The figures are similar in the US, where nearly half of IMGs fail in their first attempt to get a residency position. In 2013, 47.6 percent of candidates from non-US citizens obtained a residency position compared with 53.1 percent of US citizens trained in international schools. IMG originating from the United States finally have an 91 percent success rate, while only 73 percent of IMG born outside the United States are ultimately successful.

In an article published in the Journal of risk management and health care policy , Dr. Lofters said these statistics for IMGs in Canada and the United States are not specific to immigrants from countries with low income and middle income, so it is possible their numbers could be even lower.

Among the 462 people whose survey results were studied, Dr. Lofters said that the top five reasons for choosing to emigrate were: socio-economic or political situations in their home countries , better education for their children, concerns about where to raise children, the quality of facilities and equipment and lack of career advancement opportunities. These responses were the top five reasons for choosing to immigrate to Canada.

"When asked if they had any other comments they would like to share about their experiences of migration, a significant number of respondents felt they were poorly informed about their actual chances of obtaining a residency position in Canada, "said Dr. Lofters." Because they were skilled workers allowed to immigrate to Canada, many said assuming they would easily be able to find a job in medicine and expressed anger that their hypothesis was incorrect. "

She said a lot about the shame they felt to take what they saw as" survival jobs, "engage pizzas or driving a taxi instead of practicing medicine. Many said they regretted their decision to move to Canada.

"Our findings suggest that the brain waste is everywhere for physicians migrating in Ontario and both brain drain and brain waste not easy quick fixes," said Dr. Lofters. "Restrict the emigration and immigration for health care workers would be very difficult ethically and morally."

She said that when countries can middle-income, low and should put implementing incentives to encourage their doctors and other health care services for the workers to stay in their countries of origin, such as improved working conditions, financial incentives to work in rural or underserved areas. at the same time, she said, countries like Canada must ensure that the immigration process clearly describes the relatively low probability of getting a career in medicine after immigration, the low number of postgraduate training positions available for IMGs and non-Canadian average time and financial commitment required.

EMA accepts pembrolizumab to the Merck MAA review for the treatment of advanced melanoma

EMA accepts pembrolizumab to the Merck MAA review for the treatment of advanced melanoma -

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced the European medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted for review a marketing authorization application (MAA) for pembrolizumab (MK-3475), an experimental anti-PD-1 antibody of the company, for the treatment of advanced melanoma. If approved by the European Commission (EC), pembrolizumab has the potential to be the first anti-PD-1 therapy in Europe. Additional regulatory filings in other countries outside Europe are planned by the end of 2014.

"With the rate of five-year survival for patients with advanced melanoma less 20 percent, there is a need to offer patients additional options, "said Dr. Roy Baynes, vice president, clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. "We are pleased to have regulatory applications to study in the US and Europe, we are working to pembrolizumab to patients around the world."

NCCN Policy Summit to address the impact of the reform of health care on the practice of oncology academic

NCCN Policy Summit to address the impact of the reform of health care on the practice of oncology academic -

On July 10, 2014, the Comprehensive Cancer Network® national (NCCN®) will host the Summit of the NCCN policy :. impact of reform on health care Academic Oncology Practice , at The Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Virginia, as part of the political program of NCCN Oncology

Sunshine Act physician payments, adopted under the Law affordable care patient protection and is designed to ensure transparency of financial relations between doctors, teaching hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry. In part, this summit will examine the impact of the Sunshine Act on academic physicians, as well as provide a forum for stakeholders to discuss the reform of health care, as currently designed and implemented, and examine its effect on academic cancer centers, including topics such as change in the care site, affiliate models, and the cost and quality of care in academic cancer centers.

"to date, much of the discussion on the reform of health care and the delivery of cancer care has focused on the impact on the practice of community oncology with much less attention to how academic oncology centers are affected, "said Robert W. Carlson, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. academic cancer centers "With evidence that some cancer patients have better results in the centers of struggle against cancer, NCCN seeks to provide a forum for discussion on the reform of the effect of health care is to have or will have on the practice of oncology university, access to care, and the patients they serve "

researchers at City of Hope, a National cancer Institute (NCI). - designated cancer center in Duarte, California, has recently completed a study of 53.618 patients with breast, cervical, colorectal, gastric, hepatobiliary, lung, mouth, or pancreatic cancers, found that patients treated in the control centers against NCI-designated cancer have higher overall survival compared to those treated in community cancer centers, even taking into account factors such as socioeconomic status, age and sex.

"findings of population-level show that for certain types of cancer, there is a survival benefit for treatment in a specialized cancer center that was designated by the NCI as a" Comprehensive cancer Center, "said Julie Anne Wolfson, MD, MSHS, City of Hope, the lead author of the study." However, there are a number of factors associated with a lower likelihood of receiving treatment for such specialized oncology center, including having public insurance or no health, lower socioeconomic status, being an African-American or Hispanic community, or live more than nine miles from the nearest cancer center. "

Summit on NCCN political will feature two panels, each beginning with a speech. Participation in the first session are speakers, Anita Griner, MBA, PMP, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ( CMS) and Marc F. Stewart, MD, Seattle cancer Care Alliance, followed by a round table, including Matt Farber, MA, Association of Community cancer centers; Ms. Griner; Deidre Meehan, JD, Johnson & Johnson ; Jon Retzlaff, MBA, MPA, American Association for Cancer Research; Samuel Silver, MD, PhD, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and American Society of Hematology, Dr. Stewart, and Andrew Zelenetz, MD, PhD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

second session of the summit will include a speech by Kavita Patel, MD, the Brookings Institution and Tim Ferris, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, followed by a round table with the following panelists:. Christian Downs , JD, MHA, Association of Community cancer centers; Dr. Ferris; Louis Jacques, MD, ADVI; Terry Langbaum, MAS, The Center Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer at Johns Hopkins; Donald Liss, MD, Independence Blue Cross; Dr. Patel; Caroline Pearson, Avalere Health; Brian Rosen, JD, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; and Dr. Wolfson.