tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43745726593022311322024-03-13T15:16:26.096-05:00Thyroid Cancer FightI was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in Nov., 1999. Surgery and radioactive iodine followed. In Dec., 2006, I found a lump in my neck that turned cancerous. Shortly thereafter, it was found to have metastasized throughout my body and to be untreatable and inoperable. I started a clinical trial with Sutent (sunitinib) since Apr., 2007.
In Nov., 2013, the tumors began growing again and I was removed from the Sutent Clinical Trial. I started a clinical trial taking of CEDIRANIB on 04/09/14.john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-77626231059784108402015-11-20T11:40:00.001-06:002015-11-20T11:40:27.177-06:00ATA Guidelines Update Thyroid Nodule and Cancer Management<h4>
<a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/854765#vp_1"><span style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/854765#vp_1</span></a></h4>
<div id="authors">
Nancy A Melville</div>
<span id="authorComments"></span><span class="pipe authorPostingDateSep">|</span><span id="authorDate">November 20, 2015</span>
New guidelines from the American Thyroid
Association (ATA) offer wide-ranging recommendations on the extensive
clinical challenges involved in the management of thyroid nodules
and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), as rates of nodule detection
soar and options for risk assessment for thyroid cancer become at
once more advanced yet more complicated. For the first time, a medical
oncologist was included among the authors of the guidelines.<br />
"A major goal of these guidelines is to minimize potential harm from
overtreatment in a majority of patients at low risk for disease-specific
mortality and morbidity, while appropriately treating and
monitoring those patients at higher risk," writes the ATA guidelines
task force.<br />
In compiling the new "ATA management guidelines for adult patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer," <a href="http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/thy.2015.0020">published online</a> November 18 in <em>Thyroid</em>,
the task force of experts conducted an exhaustive review of
evidence to update recommendations to reflect the rapid advances in
technology and science that have significantly transformed the field
since the publication of the previous guidelines in 2009.<br />
"The most notable aspect of the guidelines from my perspective is the
extreme depth of coverage and level of detail and nuance included in
discussions in support of each recommendation," Keith C Bible, MD, a
task-force member and chair of the endocrine malignancies
disease–oriented group at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, in
Rochester, Minnesota, told <em>Medscape Medical News</em>.<br />
"This guideline document is much more detailed and comprehensive than
other available guidelines and provides practical clinical guidance for
providers so as to encourage thoughtful and individualized patient
care," he added.<br />
In total, the guidelines include 101 recommendations, including some
important changes from the 2009 guidelines as well as new sections
altogether on issues including: the follow-up of patients with
thyroid nodules who do not have a biopsy; molecular testing for patients
with indeterminate cytology; assessing the risk for recurrence;
management of voice and parathyroid issues around surgery; and the
definition and management of radioiodine-refractory DTC.<br />
<b>First Time a Medical Oncologist Included in Task Force </b>
<br />
The task force for the new guidelines is also the first to include a
medical oncologist, helping with guidance on issues such as the use of
kinase inhibitors for DTC, Dr Bible noted.<br />
"[A lot of] new data have emerged related to the use of kinase
inhibitors as therapeutics in progressive, metastatic, and symptomatic
DTC patients," he explained. "The 2015/16 guidelines are
considerably expanded and revised in this respect, with two kinase
inhibitors, sorafenib [<em>Nexavar</em>, Bayer] and lenvatinib [<em>Lenvima</em>, Eisai], now subject to regulatory approval in the US and the European Union for use in DTC."<br />
The guidelines specifically make a weak recommendation, based on
moderate-quality evidence, that kinase-inhibitor therapy be considered
in DTC patients who fail to respond to radioactive-iodine therapy or
who have metastatic, rapidly progressive, symptomatic, or imminently
threatening disease.<br />
Another notable change in the guidelines is a shift in
recommendations on the use of radioactive iodine in patients with
thyroid cancer, which may spark some debate, Dr Bible said.<br />
"The new guidelines present I think a more nuanced approach to the use of radioactive iodine," he explained.<br />
"[There is a] move further away from recommending uniform use of
radioactive iodine in all thyroid-cancer patients, leaving some
proponents of radioactive-iodine therapy unhappy with the
guidelines."<br />
According to the new recommendations, radioactive-iodine remnant
ablation after thyroidectomy is not routinely recommended for low-risk
DTC patients or after lobectomy or total thyroidectomy for patients
with unifocal or multifocal papillary microcarcinoma in the absence of
other adverse features. The recommendation is classified as "weak,"
based on low-quality evidence.<br />
Radioactive-iodine adjuvant therapy, meanwhile, "should be
considered" after total thyroidectomy in DTC patients with intermediate
risk and is routinely recommended after total thyroidectomy in
patients at high risk, according to the guidelines. The recommendation
is also classified as weak, based on low-quality evidence.<br />
<b>Guidance on Surgery for DTC, Management of Thyroid Nodules </b>
<br />
Another key change is the recommendation that lobectomy or
thyroidectomy are both reasonable surgical approaches for DTC 1 to 4 cm,
a shift from 2009 guidelines, which recommended thyroidectomy for
all nodules larger than 1 cm, explained Bryan R Haugen, MD, of the
University of Colorado, Aurora, who led the task force.<br />
Another recommendation, that thyroid nodules smaller than 1 cm do not
need to be biopsied and that not all larger than 1 cm need to be
biopsied, is the subject of debate, challenged in a study presented last
month at the <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewcollection/33511">2015 International Thyroid Congress and Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association</a> (ITC/ATA).<br />
In that study, which looked at nearly 1000 thyroid nodules,
researchers found no significant difference in prognosis and disease
recurrence between nodules that were smaller than 1 cm compared with
those larger than 1 cm.<br />
Factors that did show statistically significant association with the
highest risk included extrathyroid extension, aggressive histology,
positive surgical margins, and capsular or lymphovascular invasion.<br />
Senior author Emad Kandil, MD, chief of the endocrine surgery section
at Tulane University School of Medicine, in New Orleans, Louisiana,
told <em>Medscape Medical News </em>that choosing not to
cytologically evaluate smaller nodules, as is the new ATA
recommendation, "may not be justified in the light of identical
outcomes and disease recurrence risk as for larger nodules."<br />
This is because "larger people will have larger thyroids and smaller
people will have smaller thyroids, so we can't just focus on size of
nodules," Dr Kandil explained. "The focus should be on molecular
markers and not just the size."<br />
Dr Haugen responded that the researchers' conclusion "is a reasonable
caution" but noted that ATA advocates only omitting cytological
evaluation with fine-needle aspiration"in those patients who have
ultrasound features that do not indicate a concern, such as no abnormal
lymph nodes and no ultrasound evidence of extrathyroid extension or
tumor at the capsule of the thyroid gland." He also noted that Dr Kandil
and colleagues <em>"</em>did not analyze for these features preoperatively."<br />
Discovering the presence of a positive <em>BRAF</em> mutation is not
turning out to be as predictive of risk as once thought, Dr Haugen said.
"We are still cautioning that forgoing fine-needle aspiration in
patients with sonographically suspicious nodules smaller than 1 cm
should be done only in carefully selected patients."<br />
<b>Epidemic of Thyroid Cancer </b>
<br />
Recommendations are likely to continue to evolve as detection rates
of thyroid cancers rise, adding to the pressing need for more evidence
to help guide clinical decision making, Dr Bible stressed.<br />
"There is an 'epidemic' of papillary thyroid cancer noted worldwide,
particularly in developed countries, apparently arising primarily due to
increased detection of minute papillary cancers, either from
intentional thyroid-cancer screening (for instance, in South Korea) or
by incidental detection from the increasing use of medical imaging
(for instance, in the United States)," he explained.<br />
"Available data suggest that the vast majority of these
micropapillary cancers would not have previously been recognized and
furthermore suggest that most appear to be indolent and not
requiring of aggressive therapy — but more evidence is required to
define how to respond most appropriately."<br />
<em>Dr Haugen</em>
<em> has received grant/research support
from Veracyte and Genzyme, as well as a one-time speaker honorarium
from Genzyme. Dr Bible has no relevant financial relationships.
Disclosures for the coauthors are listed in the paper. Dr Kandil has no
relevant financial relationships. </em>
<br />
<em>Thyroid</em>. Published online November 18, 2015. <a href="http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/thy.2015.0020">Article</a>
<br />
<div class="spacer">
</div>
<div id="legal_block">
Medscape Medical News © 2015
WebMD, LLC
<br />
<br />
Send comments and news tips to <a href="mailto:news@medscape.net">news@medscape.net</a>.<br />
<div id="citation">
Cite this article: ATA Guidelines Update Thyroid Nodule and Cancer Management. <i>Medscape</i>. Nov 20, 2015.</div>
</div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-29097738611300016702015-11-19T09:05:00.003-06:002015-11-19T09:05:31.973-06:00Lab-grown vocal cords may one day treat voice disorders<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lab-grown-vocal-cords-may-one-day-treat-voice-disorders/">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lab-grown-vocal-cords-may-one-day-treat-voice-disorders/</a>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-76614808163288288102015-11-06T09:18:00.002-06:002015-11-06T09:18:25.249-06:00Advanced Thyroid Cancer Responds Well to Targeted Therapies<br />
<a href="http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/cfs-2015/advanced-thyroid-cancer-responds-well-to-targeted-therapies">http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/cfs-2015/advanced-thyroid-cancer-responds-well-to-targeted-therapies</a><br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
The
treatment paradigm for advanced radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory
differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in all ages has been greatly changed
due to kinase inhibitors sorafenib (Nexavar) and lenvatinib
(Lenvima), with combination strategies hoping to further build upon this
success, Marcia Brose, MD, told physicians at the 33rd Annual
Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium. - See more at:
http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/cfs-2015/advanced-thyroid-cancer-responds-well-to-targeted-therapies#sthash.MRSCiHGI.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
To
further build upon these results, the phase II UPCC 19309 trial gave
patients with metastatic DTC who were progressing despite prior therapy
with sorafenib a combination of sorafenib and everolimus (Afinitor). PFS
was the primary endpoint of the study.<br />
<br />
The median PFS with the combination was 13.9 months (95% CI,
7.15-24.75). There was 1 partial response among the 33 evaluable
patients enrolled in the study (3%). Additionally, 18 patients had
stable disease for ≥6 months, for a clinical benefit rate of 58%.<br />
<br />
These findings were surprising, since an earlier study exploring the
combination had caused toxicity, for a reason that is not yet
understood, said Brose. Further analysis of data from this study showed
patients with PFS over 40 months, she added. Given the level of efficacy
seen, further clinical trials are planned to confirm the results. - See
more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/CFS-2015/targeted-therapies-improve-outcomes-in-advanced-thyroid-cancer#sthash.TL6KN1bK.dpuf<br />
- See more at:
http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/cfs-2015/advanced-thyroid-cancer-responds-well-to-targeted-therapies#sthash.MRSCiHGI.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
The
treatment paradigm for advanced radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory
differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in all ages has been greatly changed
due to kinase inhibitors sorafenib (Nexavar) and lenvatinib
(Lenvima), with combination strategies hoping to further build upon this
success, Marcia Brose, MD, told physicians at the 33rd Annual
Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium.<br />
<br />
Over 65,000 new cases of DTC and 2000 deaths are expected this year,
said Brose, director of the Thyroid Cancer Therapeutics Program at the
University of Pennsylvania. In 5% to 15% of patients, the disease
becomes RAI-refractory, with median survival estimated at 2.5 to 3.5
years.<br />
<br />
Prior to sorafenib becoming the first kinase inhibitor approved for
RAI-refractory DTC in 2013, the ineffecitve chemotherapy doxorubicin was
the standard, Brose said, with the pivotal phase III DECISION trial
being the first successful analysis of a kinase inhibitor in this
setting.<br />
<br />
“Here we had patients with definite evidence of progression, as well
as evidence of RAI-refractory [DTC] either because the disease did not
take up radioactive iodine or because the disease took up radioactive
iodine and grew anyway,” Brose said.<br />
<br />
In the study, 417 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to
sorafenib or placebo, and crossover was allowed at the time of
progression, with the primary endpoint of progression-free survival
(PFS). The sorafenib cohort had a PFS of 10.8 months; whereas, PFS for
the placebo group was 5.8 months (HR, 0.587; 95% CI, 0.454–0.758; <em>P</em> <.0001).<br />
<br />
In 2015, the multikinase inhibitor lenvatinib joined sorafenib as an
approved therapy for patients with RAI-refractory DTC. This agent
demonstrated value for patients with progression on prior sorafenib,
Brose said.<br />
<br />
In the phase III SELECT study, patients were randomized in a 2:1
ratio to lenvatinib or placebo. A portion of these patients had received
prior VEGF/VEGFR-targeted therapy, providing hints at an optimal
sequence for these therapies.<br />
<br />
In the full population, lenvatinib achieved an 18.3-month PFS versus
3.6 months for placebo. “This is clearly a different population than the
DECISION trial, with patients more rapidly progressing,” Brose said.<br />
<br />
“In the second-line, we also had a very good PFS, at 15.1 months.
Now, it’s been argued by some that because it’s active in the
second-line that lenvatinib can be used in the first- or second-line
after sorafenib, whereas others argue lenvatinib is suitable for
first-line treatment only,” Brose said. “I think both are true, and I
think it’s just very good for our patients that we now have two lines of
therapy.”<br />
<br />
Further data from the SELECT trial indicated that patients over 65
years did well, achieving 16.7-month PFS versus 20.2 months for the
younger group. The risk of death in this group was reduced by 47% with
lenvatinib (HR, 0.53; CI, 95%, 0.31-0.91), marking this as the first
survival benefit for older patients with DTC.<br />
<br />
“What really caught our eye is that treatment with lenvatinib
improved their overall survival to that actually comparable or at least
within range of the patients who are under 65,” Brose said.<br />
<br />
To further build upon these results, the phase II UPCC 19309 trial
gave patients with metastatic DTC who were progressing despite prior
therapy with sorafenib a combination of sorafenib and everolimus
(Afinitor). PFS was the primary endpoint of the study.<br />
<br />
The median PFS with the combination was 13.9 months (95% CI,
7.15-24.75). There was 1 partial response among the 33 evaluable
patients enrolled in the study (3%). Additionally, 18 patients had
stable disease for ≥6 months, for a clinical benefit rate of 58%.<br />
<br />
These findings were surprising, since an earlier study exploring the
combination had caused toxicity, for a reason that is not yet
understood, said Brose. Further analysis of data from this study showed
patients with PFS over 40 months, she added. Given the level of efficacy
seen, further clinical trials are planned to confirm the results. - See
more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/CFS-2015/targeted-therapies-improve-outcomes-in-advanced-thyroid-cancer#sthash.TL6KN1bK.dpuf<br />
- See more at:
http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/cfs-2015/advanced-thyroid-cancer-responds-well-to-targeted-therapies#sthash.MRSCiHGI.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
The
treatment paradigm for advanced radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory
differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in all ages has been greatly changed
due to kinase inhibitors sorafenib (Nexavar) and lenvatinib
(Lenvima), with combination strategies hoping to further build upon this
success, Marcia Brose, MD, told physicians at the 33rd Annual
Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium.<br />
<br />
Over 65,000 new cases of DTC and 2000 deaths are expected this year,
said Brose, director of the Thyroid Cancer Therapeutics Program at the
University of Pennsylvania. In 5% to 15% of patients, the disease
becomes RAI-refractory, with median survival estimated at 2.5 to 3.5
years.<br />
<br />
Prior to sorafenib becoming the first kinase inhibitor approved for
RAI-refractory DTC in 2013, the ineffecitve chemotherapy doxorubicin was
the standard, Brose said, with the pivotal phase III DECISION trial
being the first successful analysis of a kinase inhibitor in this
setting.<br />
<br />
“Here we had patients with definite evidence of progression, as well
as evidence of RAI-refractory [DTC] either because the disease did not
take up radioactive iodine or because the disease took up radioactive
iodine and grew anyway,” Brose said.<br />
<br />
In the study, 417 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to
sorafenib or placebo, and crossover was allowed at the time of
progression, with the primary endpoint of progression-free survival
(PFS). The sorafenib cohort had a PFS of 10.8 months; whereas, PFS for
the placebo group was 5.8 months (HR, 0.587; 95% CI, 0.454–0.758; <em>P</em> <.0001).<br />
<br />
In 2015, the multikinase inhibitor lenvatinib joined sorafenib as an
approved therapy for patients with RAI-refractory DTC. This agent
demonstrated value for patients with progression on prior sorafenib,
Brose said.<br />
<br />
In the phase III SELECT study, patients were randomized in a 2:1
ratio to lenvatinib or placebo. A portion of these patients had received
prior VEGF/VEGFR-targeted therapy, providing hints at an optimal
sequence for these therapies.<br />
<br />
In the full population, lenvatinib achieved an 18.3-month PFS versus
3.6 months for placebo. “This is clearly a different population than the
DECISION trial, with patients more rapidly progressing,” Brose said.<br />
<br />
“In the second-line, we also had a very good PFS, at 15.1 months.
Now, it’s been argued by some that because it’s active in the
second-line that lenvatinib can be used in the first- or second-line
after sorafenib, whereas others argue lenvatinib is suitable for
first-line treatment only,” Brose said. “I think both are true, and I
think it’s just very good for our patients that we now have two lines of
therapy.”<br />
<br />
Further data from the SELECT trial indicated that patients over 65
years did well, achieving 16.7-month PFS versus 20.2 months for the
younger group. The risk of death in this group was reduced by 47% with
lenvatinib (HR, 0.53; CI, 95%, 0.31-0.91), marking this as the first
survival benefit for older patients with DTC.<br />
<br />
“What really caught our eye is that treatment with lenvatinib
improved their overall survival to that actually comparable or at least
within range of the patients who are under 65,” Brose said.<br />
<br />
To further build upon these results, the phase II UPCC 19309 trial
gave patients with metastatic DTC who were progressing despite prior
therapy with sorafenib a combination of sorafenib and everolimus
(Afinitor). PFS was the primary endpoint of the study.<br />
<br />
The median PFS with the combination was 13.9 months (95% CI,
7.15-24.75). There was 1 partial response among the 33 evaluable
patients enrolled in the study (3%). Additionally, 18 patients had
stable disease for ≥6 months, for a clinical benefit rate of 58%.<br />
<br />
These findings were surprising, since an earlier study exploring the
combination had caused toxicity, for a reason that is not yet
understood, said Brose. Further analysis of data from this study showed
patients with PFS over 40 months, she added. Given the level of efficacy
seen, further clinical trials are planned to confirm the results. - See
more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/CFS-2015/targeted-therapies-improve-outcomes-in-advanced-thyroid-cancer#sthash.TL6KN1bK.dpuf<br />
- See more at:
http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/cfs-2015/advanced-thyroid-cancer-responds-well-to-targeted-therapies#sthash.MRSCiHGI.dpuf</div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-56980276085706211372015-11-04T08:57:00.002-06:002015-11-04T08:57:22.444-06:00New Thyroid Cancer Guidelines Reflect Altered Treatment Landscape<a href="https://www.mskcc.org/blog/new-thyroid-guidelines-reflect-altered-treatment-landscape">https://www.mskcc.org/blog/new-thyroid-guidelines-reflect-altered-treatment-landscape</a><br />
<br />
<h1 class="mskcc-title">
<span class="field field-node--title field-name-title field-type-string field-label-hidden"><br /></span>
</h1>
<div class="mskcc-legend">
By <span class="mskcc-legend__heading-brand">Miriam Falco</span> <div class="mskcc-legend__heading-text">
on <strong>Monday, November 2, 2015</strong>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Newly released <a href="http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/thy.2015.0020" target="_blank">thyroid cancer treatment recommendations</a>
from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) suggest that monitoring an
early-stage papillary thyroid tumor — instead of removing it — can be a
very reasonable option.<br />
<br />
For nodules or tumors smaller than one centimeter that appear to be
confined to the thyroid gland, the new guidelines say, patients may be
able to avoid immediate surgery and instead have the tumor observed to
see if it grows.<br />
<br />
This suggestion is one notable aspect of the ATA guidelines,
published in October, which consist of treatment recommendations that
address screening, staging, risk assessment, and surgical approaches
for <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/thyroid">thyroid cancer</a>.<br />
<br />
“The new guidelines are all about risk stratification and are
completely removing one-size-fits-all treatment recommendations,” says
Memorial Sloan Kettering endocrinologist <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/r-michael-tuttle">Michael Tuttle</a>,
who has been actively involved in shaping these guidelines. “Now
treatment will be individualized for high- and low-risk patients.”<br />
<br />
In many cases, the new recommendations reflect a prevailing sentiment
among thyroid cancer experts that less extensive treatment often
produces the best outcomes for patients because most very small thyroid
cancers grow quite slowly and never pose a threat.<br />
<br />
In fact, the ATA guidelines advise that growths smaller than one
centimeter that do not need treatment should not even be biopsied. And
in cases in which surgery is required, the guidelines say that partial
removal of the thyroid (lobectomy) should be considered instead of
always performing a total thyroidectomy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/richard-wong">Richard Wong</a>,
Chief of MSK’s Head and Neck Service, says the guidelines will help
prevent unnecessary ultrasounds and needle biopsies and will help reduce
the “overdiagnosis of a condition in which the treatment could be more
problematic than the underlying disease.”<br />
<br />
<h3>
Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment</h3>
Thyroid cancer has been on the rise in the United States over the
last several decades, more than doubling between 1973 and 2002. The
detection of small thyroid cancers especially increased with the
introduction of ultrasounds into routine practice in the 1990’s. Since
that time, it has become clear that most of these very small thyroid
cancers grow slowly and never pose a threat.<br />
<br />
As a result, physicians at MSK and elsewhere have come to recognize
that a large number of patients were being biopsied or treated
unnecessarily. The new ATA guidelines will help patients and physicians
figure out when to intervene and when to take a more conservative
approach.<br />
<br />
The guidelines recommend practices that in most cases are already
followed at MSK. For example, the watchful waiting technique — also
known as “active surveillance”— used with early-stage papillary thyroid
tumors is <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/blog/papillary-thyroid-active-surveillance-may-be-best-choice">already part of MSK’s approach</a>.
The new ATA guidelines are significant because they “formally endorse
observation” as a possible treatment option, Dr. Tuttle says.<br />
“If at some point we decide that a tumor we have been watching
should be removed, the surgical treatment will almost certainly be just
as effective in the future as it would have been if we took it out when
it was diagnosed,” he says “While some small tumors are not appropriate
for this method — depending on location and other factors — these make
up a tiny group.”<br />
<br />
Dr. Wong points out that most physicians and hospitals do not
currently have an active-surveillance program. He adds that the new ATA
guidelines will make practitioners more comfortable with the concept of
observing a tiny cancer that is statistically highly unlikely to ever
cause harm.<br />
MSK has also been on the forefront with the approach of selecting the
more conservative surgery, lobectomy, for low-risk thyroid cancers, Dr.
Wong explains. The ATA guidelines are now more supportive of this
concept for selected cancers. Research published more than two decades
ago by former MSK Head and Neck Service Chief <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/jatin-shah">Jatin Shah</a> and surgical oncologist <a href="https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/ashok-shaha">Ashok Shaha</a>
supported such an approach, which was somewhat controversial at the
time. “It is gratifying to see how the academic thyroid community has
finally followed their lead,” Dr. Wong says.<br />
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-75800301245926822942015-10-29T16:54:00.000-05:002015-10-29T16:54:02.175-05:00Genetically Modified Super Tomato May Help Fight Cancer, Diabetes And Alzheimer’s Disease<a href="http://www.techtimes.com/articles/100488/20151028/genetically-modified-super-tomato-may-help-fight-cancer-diabetes-and-alzheimer-s-disease.htm">http://www.techtimes.com/articles/100488/20151028/genetically-modified-super-tomato-may-help-fight-cancer-diabetes-and-alzheimer-s-disease.htm </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="at_tool">
<div class="name">
By <a href="http://www.techtimes.com/reporters/katherine-derla">Katherine Derla</a>, Tech Times | October 28, 3:29 AM</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A study
led by John Innes Centre researchers in the United Kingdom (UK)
resulted in the mass production of natural compounds in a single,
genetically modified fruit - a tomato. These compounds include
life-extending Resveratrol found in wine and Genistein found in tofu
which has cancer-preventing benefits.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By introducing a protein called AtMYB12, which is normally
found in a garden weed called thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana),
scientists found that the protein activates a wide set of genes
responsible for natural compound production in the tomato plant. The
AtMYB12 acts like a plug or tap that scientists can control to reduce or
increase the amount of natural compounds that can benefit the plant and
in turn, humans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The researchers <a href="http://www.newfoodmagazine.com/20419/news/industry-news/1-tomato-50-bottles-of-wine-scientists-produce-resveratrol-in-tomatoes/" target="_blank">noted</a> that
the introduction of the AtMYB12 protein did not only increase the
plant's ability to create the Resveratrol and Genistein, it also
influenced the plant's ability to devote more carbon and energy in the
compound creation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="tt-container inread " id="tt-containerb159dbc">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Medicinal plants with high value are often difficult to grow and
manage, and need very long cultivation times to produce the desired
compounds. Our research provides a fantastic platform to quickly produce
these valuable medicinal compounds in tomatoes. Target compounds could
be purified directly from tomato juice," <a href="http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/could-supercharged-gm-tomatoes-help-fight-disease-1-3928210#axzz3pqEc1Fux" target="_blank">said</a> co-author Dr. Yang Zhang</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The research team is optimistic that the same genetic switching
technique can be used to mass manufacture other natural compounds
involved in the production of several medicines. Tomatoes are relatively
cheap to produce and can be turned into juice form where the compounds
can be extracted. Eventually, the fruit itself could soon become a
medicinal plant with increased levels of illness-fighting compounds.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The study provides a basis for a more cost-efficient industrial
production of valuable natural compounds from plants compared to
extracting small amounts from tons of soybeans and grapes. The
researchers believe their design can be applied to other compounds such
as alkaloids and terpenoids.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Co-author Cathie Martin <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/gm-tomatoes-scientists-create-disease-fighting-strain-of-fruit-a6708996.html" target="_blank">stressed</a> that
their study delivers a design to mass produce not just phenylpropanoid
compounds but potentially more natural compounds that can extracted from
aromatic amino acids.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The researchers <a href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/151026/ncomms9635/abs/ncomms9635.html" target="_blank">published</a> their study in the </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nature</span> Communications</em><em> </em>journal on Oct. 26.john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-73610886327424885002015-10-29T09:12:00.002-05:002015-10-29T09:12:20.994-05:00 Camomile tea could improve blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes<a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2015/oct/camomile-tea-could-improve-blood-glucose-control-in-type-2-diabetes-91406398.html"><span> http://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2015/oct/camomile-tea-could-improve-blood-glucose-control-in-type-2-diabetes-91406398.html</span></a><br />
<br />
<span><a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/contributors/jack-woodfield.html">Jack Woodfield</a></span><br />
<span>Tue, 27 Oct 2015 </span><br />
<br />
An Iranian study finds that drinking three cups of camomile <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/tea-and-diabetes.html">tea</a> a day could improve control of <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/Diabetes_and_blood_glucose.html">blood glucose levels</a> in people with type 2 diabetes.<br /><br />
Researchers from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences aimed to investigate how the effects of camomile tea would affect <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diet/glycaemic-index-diet-and-diabetes.html">glycemic control </a>and antioxidant levels in type 2 subjects. Antioxidants are chemicals that protect or delay against cell damage.<br /><br />
64 participants with <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/results.asp?q=type+2+diabetes&client=google-csbe&cx=000186758417407522161:b5hp6lp7xao&cof=FORID:11">type 2 diabetes</a>
were recruited, all of whom were aged between 30 and 60. They consumed
camomile tea three times per day immediately after meals for eight
weeks. A control group also followed this routine, but they drank water
instead.<br /><br />
The camomile tea group had significantly reduced <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-hba1c.html">HbA1c</a> and serum <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/body/insulin.html">insulin</a> levels, as well as significantly increased total antioxidant capacity compared to those in the control group.<br /><br />
The researchers concluded that camomile tea could be useful in reducing <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/Diabetes-Risk-factors.html">diabetes risk factors</a>. They added: "Short-term intake of chamomile tea has beneficial effects on glycemic control and antioxidant status in <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/type-2-diabetes.25/">patients with type 2 diabetes</a>."<br /><br />
However, the researchers noted that a larger sample population and a
longer intervention period would be necessary in order to demonstrate
significant clinical improvements.<br /><br />
This study was published in the journal <a href="http://www.diabetes.co.uk/nutrition.html">Nutrition</a>.john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-21281343599627319232015-10-28T09:17:00.001-05:002015-10-28T09:17:15.923-05:00Vemurafenib/Sorafenib Combo Shows Promise in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma<a href="http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma">http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma</a><br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<div class="detail_author">
W. Todd Penberthy, PhD</div>
<div class="floatLeft detail_date">
<b>Published Online:</b> Thursday, October 22, 2015</div>
- See more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma#sthash.JZnsUABZ.dpuf</div>
W. Todd Penberthy, PhD<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<div class="floatLeft detail_date">
<b>Published Online:</b> Thursday, October 22, 2015</div>
</div>
Published Online: Thursday, October 22, 2015<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Interesting article but for some reason it won't let me copy and paste. Check it out at the website above.</span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Dual targeting of BRAF V600E–positive papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with the anti-<em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em>
agent vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and the angiogenesis inhibitor sorafenib
(Nexavar) showed promising clinical activity, according to research
presented at the 2015 International Thyroid Congress.<br />
<br />
Sorafenib was approved in 2013 for the treatment of locally recurrent or
metastatic, progressive differentiated thyroid carcinoma refractory to
radioactive iodine treatment. Antitumor activity with vemurafenib in <em>BRAF</em>
V600E–positive PTC was previously demonstrated in a phase II study
presented at the 2013 European Cancer Congress. In the study, the median
progression-free survival in treatment-naïve patients who received
vemurafenib was 15.6 months.<br />
<br />
Carmelo Nucera, MD, PhD, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School,
and colleagues used cell cultures of human metastatic/recurrent <em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em>
-PTCs and tested the effects of vemurafenib versus sorafenib used as
single agents or in combination. To date, they have used predominately
three types of assays. These include biochemical assays of enzyme
activity along with two dynamic cellular assays—measures of cell-cycle
proliferation and in vitro microenvironmental analysis: migration and
motility.<br />
<br />
Nucera pointed out that <em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em> PTCs responded to vemurafenib than sorafenib. In contrast, with wild-type <em>BRAF</em>
cells, the BRAF inhibitor does not work and sorafenib works very well.
Ultimately the combination overlaps in activity, Nucera said.<br />
<br />
The key, according to Nucera, is tumor heterogeneity, and therefore, the
tumor microenvironment needs to be considered. Macrophages, for
example, are an important component in the anaplastic pericyte
microenvironment. Macrophages and endothelial cells exist in this
microenvironment.<br />
<br />
Nucera’s group observed that the pericytes act like stem cells,
interacting with endothelial cells to regulate angiogenesis. Pericytes
spread after exposure to various signaling molecules like PDGFR-β,
according to Nucera. Pericytes have a strong capability to produce an
extracellular matrix, which may ultimately confer advantage to PTC cells
to promote their migration and invasion.<br />
<br />
Higher PDGFR-β was observed by Nucera et al in BRAF V600E cells than in
the wild-type equivalent, but addition of a BRAF inhibitor caused
down-regulation of PDGFR-β activation. No response was seen after
sorafenib treatment, while the combination belies the treatment of the
single sorafenib agent.<br />
<br />
Nucera’s study preliminarily suggests that the combination of an
antiangiogenic compound and a BRAF inhibitor may be more effective than
either agent alone, not only in blocking the proliferation of PTC cells,
but also in preventing cell types like pericytes in the
microenvironment from promoting otherwise reproductive advantages to PTC
cells.<br />
<br />
Nucera highlighted that these results indicate for the first time that
PTC cells express VEGFR2, and this dual combination treatment with anti–<em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em> and antiangiogenesis therapy is likely to improve therapeutic response in metastatic <em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em>–positive PTC cells by directly reducing cell survival and migratory capacities via pERK1/2 and pPDGFR-β down-regulation.<br />
<br />
Richard Kloos, MD, cochair for the session and professor of Medicine at
Ohio State University, stated that the value of adding sorafenib must be
that the BRAF activity is not strong enough. Kloos then asked whether
or not the sorafenib effect is really a dose effect working through <em>BRAF</em>.<br />
<br />
Nucera elaborated that the BRAF inhibitor is working on the BRAF system.
Therefore, if you use a pan¬–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) like
sorafenib, you can improve the activity to kill any tumor cell, said
Nucera. The rationale for using an antiangiogenic agent is that you have
a human system with many different cells with many different TK
targets. In Nucera’s observations, combining the BRAF inhibition with a
pan-TKI will fundamentally work on any tumor cell.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<div class="reference">
Sisms J, Antonello Z, Nucera C, et al. Combinatorial targeting with
anti-BRAFV600E and anti-angiogenesis therapy enhances cell death and
suppresses cell migration in metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Presented at: 2015 International Thyroid Congress; October 18-23, 2015;
Orlando, FL. Abstract 106.</div>
- See more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma#sthash.JZnsUABZ.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<div class="floatLeft detail_date">
<b>Published Online:</b> Thursday, October 22, 2015</div>
</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
W. Todd Penberthy, PhD</div>
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Dual
targeting of BRAF V600E–positive papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with
the anti-BRAF V600E agent vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and the angiogenesis
inhibitor sorafenib (Nexavar) showed promising clinical activity,
according to research presented at the 2015 International Thyroid
Congress. - See more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma#sthash.JZnsUABZ.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Dual
targeting of BRAF V600E–positive papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with
the anti-BRAF V600E agent vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and the angiogenesis
inhibitor sorafenib (Nexavar) showed promising clinical activity,
according to research presented at the 2015 International Thyroid
Congress. - See more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma#sthash.JZnsUABZ.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Dual targeting of BRAF V600E–positive papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with the anti-<em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em>
agent vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and the angiogenesis inhibitor sorafenib
(Nexavar) showed promising clinical activity, according to research
presented at the 2015 International Thyroid Congress.<br />
<br />
Sorafenib was approved in 2013 for the treatment of locally recurrent or
metastatic, progressive differentiated thyroid carcinoma refractory to
radioactive iodine treatment. Antitumor activity with vemurafenib in <em>BRAF</em>
V600E–positive PTC was previously demonstrated in a phase II study
presented at the 2013 European Cancer Congress. In the study, the median
progression-free survival in treatment-naïve patients who received
vemurafenib was 15.6 months.<br />
<br />
Carmelo Nucera, MD, PhD, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School,
and colleagues used cell cultures of human metastatic/recurrent <em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em>
-PTCs and tested the effects of vemurafenib versus sorafenib used as
single agents or in combination. To date, they have used predominately
three types of assays. These include biochemical assays of enzyme
activity along with two dynamic cellular assays—measures of cell-cycle
proliferation and in vitro microenvironmental analysis: migration and
motility.<br />
<br />
Nucera pointed out that <em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em> PTCs responded to vemurafenib than sorafenib. In contrast, with wild-type <em>BRAF</em>
cells, the BRAF inhibitor does not work and sorafenib works very well.
Ultimately the combination overlaps in activity, Nucera said.<br />
<br />
The key, according to Nucera, is tumor heterogeneity, and therefore, the
tumor microenvironment needs to be considered. Macrophages, for
example, are an important component in the anaplastic pericyte
microenvironment. Macrophages and endothelial cells exist in this
microenvironment.<br />
<br />
Nucera’s group observed that the pericytes act like stem cells,
interacting with endothelial cells to regulate angiogenesis. Pericytes
spread after exposure to various signaling molecules like PDGFR-β,
according to Nucera. Pericytes have a strong capability to produce an
extracellular matrix, which may ultimately confer advantage to PTC cells
to promote their migration and invasion.<br />
<br />
Higher PDGFR-β was observed by Nucera et al in BRAF V600E cells than in
the wild-type equivalent, but addition of a BRAF inhibitor caused
down-regulation of PDGFR-β activation. No response was seen after
sorafenib treatment, while the combination belies the treatment of the
single sorafenib agent.<br />
<br />
Nucera’s study preliminarily suggests that the combination of an
antiangiogenic compound and a BRAF inhibitor may be more effective than
either agent alone, not only in blocking the proliferation of PTC cells,
but also in preventing cell types like pericytes in the
microenvironment from promoting otherwise reproductive advantages to PTC
cells.<br />
<br />
Nucera highlighted that these results indicate for the first time that
PTC cells express VEGFR2, and this dual combination treatment with anti–<em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em> and antiangiogenesis therapy is likely to improve therapeutic response in metastatic <em>BRAF</em> <em>V600E</em>–positive PTC cells by directly reducing cell survival and migratory capacities via pERK1/2 and pPDGFR-β down-regulation.<br />
<br />
Richard Kloos, MD, cochair for the session and professor of Medicine at
Ohio State University, stated that the value of adding sorafenib must be
that the BRAF activity is not strong enough. Kloos then asked whether
or not the sorafenib effect is really a dose effect working through <em>BRAF</em>.<br />
<br />
Nucera elaborated that the BRAF inhibitor is working on the BRAF system.
Therefore, if you use a pan¬–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) like
sorafenib, you can improve the activity to kill any tumor cell, said
Nucera. The rationale for using an antiangiogenic agent is that you have
a human system with many different cells with many different TK
targets. In Nucera’s observations, combining the BRAF inhibition with a
pan-TKI will fundamentally work on any tumor cell.<br />
<br />
<hr />
<div class="reference">
Sisms J, Antonello Z, Nucera C, et al. Combinatorial targeting with
anti-BRAFV600E and anti-angiogenesis therapy enhances cell death and
suppresses cell migration in metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Presented at: 2015 International Thyroid Congress; October 18-23, 2015;
Orlando, FL. Abstract 106.</div>
- See more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma#sthash.JZnsUABZ.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
W. Todd Penberthy, PhD</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<div class="detail_author">
W. Todd Penberthy, PhD</div>
<div class="floatLeft detail_date">
<b>Published Online:</b> Thursday, October 22, 2015</div>
- See more at:
http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/thyroid-2015/vemurafenib-sorafenib-combo-shows-promise-in-papillary-thyroid-carcinoma#sthash.JZnsUABZ.dpuf</div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-24839948300378452302015-10-28T09:14:00.000-05:002015-10-28T09:14:06.479-05:00Massive screen of drug combinations may find treatment for resistant, BRAF-mutant melanoma<a href="http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-massive-screen-drug-combinations-treatment.html">http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-massive-screen-drug-combinations-treatment.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h5 class="data">
October 26, 2015
</h5>
<section class="content-holder content-table content-story">
<section class="news-content">
<section class="content article-block">
<article>
<a class="extra" href="http://medicalxpress.com/partners/massachusetts-general-hospital/" rel="news" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="search and more info" class="toolsicon isrc" height="25" src="http://cdn.medicalxpress.com/tmpl/v5/img/img-dot.gif" title="search and more info" width="25" /></a><div class="first-block">
A team of Massachusetts General
Hospital (MGH) investigators has discovered a new combination of drugs
that may be effective against one of the deadliest cancers, malignant
melanoma. The combination - pairing a drug targeted against mutations in
the BRAF gene with a second drug that targets another important
signaling pathway - was discovered through one of the largest screens of
cancer drug combinations conducted to date. Findings from the study
conducted at the MGH Cutaneous Biology Research Center and Center for
Molecular Therapeutics have published in the open-access journal <i>PLOS ONE</i>.<br />
<br />
"We wanted to see whether very-large-scale screening across a diverse
collection of cancer cell lines and a large number of drugs could yield
new combinations for patients with cancer," says Adam Friedman, MD, PhD,
of the CBRC and the MGH Cancer Center, who led the study. "By
conducting such a screen, we found one specific combination of agents
that are already being used clinically that potentially could be used
for a specific group of patients - those with BRAF-mutant cancers."<br />
<br />
Friedman notes that, even with the increasing number of drugs
targeting specific molecular abnormalities that drive tumor growth, most
patients are only treated with one such <a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/drug/" rel="tag">drug</a>
at a time. Most of those treated with targeted-therapy drugs will
relapse within a year, often because their tumors have become resistant,
and some tumors never respond to the targeted drugs. While combining
anti-cancer drugs appears a promising strategy, the sheer volume of
drugs currently in use or in development - more than 500, which could
make up more than 100,000 two-<a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/drug+combinations/" rel="tag">drug combinations</a> - makes testing each potential combination in clinical trials challenging.<br />
<br />
Previous efforts to screen potential drug combinations only analyzed
use of a few drugs against a limited number of cell lines or lines in
which genomic variations were poorly understood. This study utilized 36
well-characterized melanoma cell lines assembled by the MGH Center for
Molecular Therapeutics to test all possible combinations of more than
100 oncology drugs, two-thirds of which are currently in clinical use.
More than 5,775 potential drug combinations, as well as each single
drug, were screened against each cell line, looking for effects on the
number and viability of tumor cells. While several combinations showed
synergistic effects - with some drugs sensitizing the cells against
several other drugs - most combinations increased the response of only
one or two cell lines, implying that the vulnerability of an individual
patient's tumor to these combinations depends on its unique genetic
signature.<br />
<br />
Since around half the cases of <a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/malignant+melanoma/" rel="tag">malignant melanoma</a>
are driven by mutation in the BRAF gene, the team focused on
combinations that might address intrinsic resistance to the BRAF
inhibitor vemurafenib. They found that combining that drug with the
cediranib, an investigational drug that targets a group of proteins
known to be involved in blood vessel formation, had synergistic effects
against cell lines that were resistant to treatment with vemurafenib
alone but not those sensitive to single-agent therapy. They also tested
this combination in animal models into which two resistant cell lines
had been grafted, and found significant synergistic effects against both
tumor models.<br />
"We need to confirm this synergistic activity of vemurafenib and
cediranib across a broader range of melanoma models, investigate why the
particular combination is effective, and find biomarkers that predict
which patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma should receive this
combination," says Friedman, who is a research fellow in Dermatology at
Harvard Medical School. "What is really exciting is that these drugs are
already in the clinic; in fact a clinical trial for a similar
combination is already underway at another research center. We may be
able to quickly improve on the selection criteria for this trial and
identify patients whose tumors might respond."<br />
<br />
He adds, "This study was actually a pilot project for a much larger
effort within the Center for Molecular Therapeutics to map responses
against drug combinations across hundreds of cancer cell lines, not just
melanoma, and look for novel combinations that will benefit subsets of
patients regardless of the particular type of tumor they have. Since our
collection of <a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/cell+lines/" rel="tag">cell lines</a>
is completely genetically annotated - which means that mutations and
expression changes in each line's genes have been documented - we should
be able to identify in advance patients who will benefit from specific
combinations. Beyond the specific combination we focused on, this study
should help others understand the technical challenges of analyzing such
a large combination dataset."
<br />
</div>
<footer class="post-floor clearfix"><div class="post-copyright">
</div>
</footer></article></section></section></section>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-22495504900165647972015-10-28T09:08:00.002-05:002015-10-28T09:08:40.509-05:00VB-111 May Be Effective in Radioactive Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer<a href="http://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/itc-2015/itc-ata-vb-111-differentiated-thyroid-cancer/article/449338/">http://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/itc-2015/itc-ata-vb-111-differentiated-thyroid-cancer/article/449338/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="articleAuthor">
<a class="authorLink" href="http://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/jeff-craven/author/2636/" rel="author">Jeff Craven</a>
</div>
<span class="articleDate">October 26, 2015</span><br />
<br />
<span class="articleDate">Use of anti-angiogenic VB-111 was ass<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>ociated
with improved survival in patients with advanced radioactive
iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, according to new data.
</span><br />
Sina A. Jasim, MD, from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said in an email interview with <i>Endocrinology Advisor</i> that most patients respond well to surgery and radioactive iodine therapy (RAI), but other patients with differentiated <a href="http://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/thyroid-cancer/section/4265/" target="_blank">thyroid cancer</a> develop resistant disease, “which is progressive, symptomatic, and fatal.”<br />
<br />
“VB-111 is a non-replicating, engineered AD-5 adenovirus that is
selectively targeting tumor vasculature,” Dr Jasim said. “It utilizes a
tissue- and condition-specific semi-artificial pre-pro-endothelin
promoter to express a pro-apoptotic FAS-chimera transgene that is
triggering apoptosis of angiogenic tumor vasculature in response to
tumor necrosis factor stimulation.”<br />
<br />
Dr Jasim, who presented the data at the <a href="http://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/cardiovascular-and-metabolic-disorders/section/5487/" target="_blank">15th International Thyroid Congress and 85th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association</a>,
and colleagues explained that VB-111 is a novel approach that could
potentially address the need for additional effective therapies.<br />
<br />
Their open-label, industry-sponsored, dose-escalating phase 2 study
analyzed the safety and efficacy of patients with advanced
RAI-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, where the end point was
progression-free survival at 6 months for 25% of patients.<br />
<br />
The researchers divided 29 patients into 2 groups that received a single VB-111 infusion at a low dose (3 x 10<sup>12</sup> viral particles) or a high dose (1 x 10<sup>13</sup> viral particles) every 2 months until disease progression.<br />
<br />
Regarding adverse effects, patients reported flu-like symptoms after
VB-111 administration, which commonly resolved within less than 2 days.<br />
<br />
Results revealed that 35% of patients in the high-dose group and 25%
of patients in the low-dose group achieved progression-free survival at 6
months.<br />
At 12 months, progression-free survival was 25% in the high-dose
group vs 0% in the low-dose group, which may suggest dose-dependent
disease stabilization. However, this finding did not reach statistical
significance.<br />
<br />
Current results indicate that median survival is 18 months in the
low-dose group and 22 months in the high-dose group, although the data
are not yet mature, according to Dr Jasim.<br />
Dr Jasim and colleagues reported that 9 patients survived until final follow-up, with 8 patients (47%) in the high-dose group.<br />
<br />
The research group is continuing to follow the surviving patients, who have all progressed past 18 months post-treatment.<br />
<br />
This study is supported by VBL Therapeutics.<br />
<br />
<b>Reference</b><br />
Jasim S. Poster 638: A Multi-cohort Phase II Trial Of VB-111 In<br />
Advanced Radioactive Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Presented at: <a href="http://www.thyroid.org/itc2015/" target="_blank">15th International Thyroid Congress and 85th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association (ITC/ATA)</a>; Oct 18-23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-56116912124920766062015-10-27T09:15:00.000-05:002015-10-27T09:15:10.737-05:00Month off drinking slashes risk of disease: Abstaining found to heal the liver and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3289187/Month-drinking-slashes-risk-disease-Abstaining-heal-liver-lower-blood-pressure-cholesterol-levels.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3289187/Month-drinking-slashes-risk-disease-Abstaining-heal-liver-lower-blood-pressure-cholesterol-levels.html</a><br />
<br />
<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
<li class=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Doctors have warned drinkers should abstain for a month to prevent illness</strong></span></li>
<li class=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Research has shown it can heal the liver and lower blood pressure levels</strong></span></li>
<li class=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Those who gave up for a month also at lower risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes</strong></span></li>
<li class=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Researchers claim 'staggering' results can influence drinking guidelines</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="author-section byline-plain">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By
<a class="author" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=&authornamef=Sophie+Borland+for+the+Daily+Mail" rel="nofollow">Sophie Borland for the Daily Mail</a></span>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3289187/Month-drinking-slashes-risk-disease-Abstaining-heal-liver-lower-blood-pressure-cholesterol-levels.html#ixzz3pmHB0mWA" style="color: #003399;">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3289187/Month-drinking-slashes-risk-disease-Abstaining-heal-liver-lower-blood-pressure-cholesterol-levels.html#ixzz3pmHB0mWA</a>
<br />Follow us: <a href="http://ec.tynt.com/b/rw?id=bBOTTqvd0r3Pooab7jrHcU&u=MailOnline" target="_blank">@MailOnline on Twitter</a> | <a href="http://ec.tynt.com/b/rf?id=bBOTTqvd0r3Pooab7jrHcU&u=DailyMail" target="_blank">DailyMail on Facebook</a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘The results
were staggering,’ said Professor Kevin Moore, who was involved in both
experiments. ‘If you had a drug that did this it would be a
multi-billion pound market.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘There
was a 40 per cent reduction in liver fat, they lost about three
kilograms in weight and their cholesterol levels improved.’</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<br /><div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">In the
second, larger study the London researchers looked at 102 relatively
healthy men and women in their forties taking part in a ‘dry January’
campaign.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
women had been drinking an average of 29 units of alcohol a week,
almost double the Government guidelines. The men were typically on 31
units, ten too many.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span id="ext-gen154" style="font-size: 1.2em;">All
had blood tests and liver scans and answered detailed questionnaires.
Four weeks later the damage caused to their livers by years of heavy
drinking had started to repair itself.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Their
‘liver stiffness’ - an indication of disease - had been reduced by 12.5
per cent. Their insulin resistance - a measurement of diabetes risk -
had come down by 28 per cent.</span></div>
<div class="mol-img-group floatRHS">
<div class="mol-img">
<div class="image-wrap fff-pic" style="cursor: pointer;">
<img alt="Current recommendations state men should not drink more than four units of alcohol a day or 21 a week" class="blkBorder img-share" height="458" id="i-63a30a2f82a6dbb8" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/10/25/22/19D6641D000005DC-0-image-a-4_1445813107552.jpg" width="306" /><div class="share-pictures-overlay" id="share-pictures-2">
</div>
<div class="overlay-icon mobile-gallery">
<span>+2</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="imageCaption">
Current recommendations state men should not drink more than four units of alcohol a day or 21 a week</div>
</div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">They
had also lost weight, their blood pressure had dropped, and many said
their concentration and sleeping levels had improved. The researchers
are due to publish further details, which are expected to show their
risk of developing certain cancers was also reduced.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Gautam
Mehta, a liver specialist who oversaw the study, said: ‘I am excited.
There are some findings that will be pretty novel. It’s an important
study which shows the benefit from a month’s abstinence. What we can’t
say is how long those benefits are, how durable those benefits are.’</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
initial results are already being examined by Department of Health
officials, who are preparing new guidelines on safe drinking.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Current
recommendations state women should have no more than three units a day
or 14 units over a week while men should not exceed four units a day or
21 a week.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">One unit is equivalent to less than half a glass of wine or half a pint of beer depending on their strength and size.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But
health professionals say these limits should be reduced. They also want
adults to be told to have at least two or three days off a week to
allow their bodies to recover.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The Royal Free’s first experiment was on ten men and women undertaking a dry January last year.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Tom
Smith of Alcohol Concern said: ‘This evidence confirms what a growing
number of other studies have shown, that having even just one month off
from alcohol has incredible health benefits.’</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Andrew
Langford of the British Liver Trust said: ‘It provides good evidence
that simple behavioural change can make a real difference to the health
of your liver.’</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />Read more: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3289187/Month-drinking-slashes-risk-disease-Abstaining-heal-liver-lower-blood-pressure-cholesterol-levels.html#ixzz3pmHN7UPi" style="color: #003399;">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3289187/Month-drinking-slashes-risk-disease-Abstaining-heal-liver-lower-blood-pressure-cholesterol-levels.html#ixzz3pmHN7UPi</a>
<br />Follow us: <a href="http://ec.tynt.com/b/rw?id=bBOTTqvd0r3Pooab7jrHcU&u=MailOnline" target="_blank">@MailOnline on Twitter</a> | <a href="http://ec.tynt.com/b/rf?id=bBOTTqvd0r3Pooab7jrHcU&u=DailyMail" target="_blank">DailyMail on Facebook</a></div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-31680324150550759702015-10-27T09:12:00.002-05:002015-10-27T09:12:34.563-05:00Massive screen of drug combinations may find treatment for resistant, BRAF-mutant melanoma<span style="color: #990000;"> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span>This is interesting because it involved a mutation I have (BRAF, common in Thyroid Cancer as well as Melanoma) and is using the drug I am on in combination with another.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-massive-screen-drug-combinations-treatment.html">http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-10-massive-screen-drug-combinations-treatment.html</a><br />
<br />
<h5 class="data">
October 26, 2015 </h5>
<h5 class="data">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A team of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has
discovered a new combination of drugs that may be effective against one
of the deadliest cancers, malignant melanoma. The combination - pairing a
drug targeted against mutations in the BRAF gene with a second drug
that targets another important signaling pathway - was discovered
through one of the largest screens of cancer drug combinations conducted
to date. Findings from the study conducted at the MGH Cutaneous Biology
Research Center and Center for Molecular Therapeutics have been
published in the open-access journal <i>PLOS ONE</i>. </span></span></h5>
<h5 class="data">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We wanted to see whether very-large-scale screening across a diverse
collection of cancer cell lines and a large number of drugs could yield
new combinations for patients with cancer," says Adam Friedman, MD, PhD,
of the CBRC and the MGH Cancer Center, who led the study. "By
conducting such a screen, we found one specific combination of agents
that are already being used clinically that potentially could be used
for a specific group of patients - those with BRAF-mutant cancers."</span></span></h5>
Friedman notes that, even with the increasing number of drugs
targeting specific molecular abnormalities that drive tumor growth, most
patients are only treated with one such <a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/drug/" rel="tag">drug</a>
at a time. Most of those treated with targeted-therapy drugs will
relapse within a year, often because their tumors have become resistant,
and some tumors never respond to the targeted drugs. While combining
anti-cancer drugs appears a promising strategy, the sheer volume of
drugs currently in use or in development - more than 500, which could
make up more than 100,000 two-<a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/drug+combinations/" rel="tag">drug combinations</a> - makes testing each potential combination in clinical trials challenging.<br />
<br />
Previous efforts to screen potential drug combinations only analyzed
use of a few drugs against a limited number of cell lines or lines in
which genomic variations were poorly understood. This study utilized 36
well-characterized melanoma cell lines assembled by the MGH Center for
Molecular Therapeutics to test all possible combinations of more than
100 oncology drugs, two-thirds of which are currently in clinical use.
More than 5,775 potential drug combinations, as well as each single
drug, were screened against each cell line, looking for effects on the
number and viability of tumor cells. While several combinations showed
synergistic effects - with some drugs sensitizing the cells against
several other drugs - most combinations increased the response of only
one or two cell lines, implying that the vulnerability of an individual
patient's tumor to these combinations depends on its unique genetic
signature.<br />
<br />
Since around half the cases of <a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/malignant+melanoma/" rel="tag">malignant melanoma</a>
are driven by mutation in the BRAF gene, the team focused on
combinations that might address intrinsic resistance to the BRAF
inhibitor vemurafenib. They found that combining that drug with the
cediranib, an investigational drug that targets a group of proteins
known to be involved in blood vessel formation, had synergistic effects
against cell lines that were resistant to treatment with vemurafenib
alone but not those sensitive to single-agent therapy. They also tested
this combination in animal models into which two resistant cell lines
had been grafted, and found significant synergistic effects against both
tumor models.<br />
"We need to confirm this synergistic activity of vemurafenib and
cediranib across a broader range of melanoma models, investigate why the
particular combination is effective, and find biomarkers that predict
which patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma should receive this
combination," says Friedman, who is a research fellow in Dermatology at
Harvard Medical School. "What is really exciting is that these drugs are
already in the clinic; in fact a clinical trial for a similar
combination is already underway at another research center. We may be
able to quickly improve on the selection criteria for this trial and
identify patients whose tumors might respond."<br />
<br />
He adds, "This study was actually a pilot project for a much larger
effort within the Center for Molecular Therapeutics to map responses
against drug combinations across hundreds of cancer cell lines, not just
melanoma, and look for novel combinations that will benefit subsets of
patients regardless of the particular type of tumor they have. Since our
collection of <a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/tags/cell+lines/" rel="tag">cell lines</a>
is completely genetically annotated - which means that mutations and
expression changes in each line's genes have been documented - we should
be able to identify in advance patients who will benefit from specific
combinations. Beyond the specific combination we focused on, this study
should help others understand the technical challenges of analyzing such
a large combination dataset."<br />
<br />
<b>Explore further:</b>
<a href="http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-12-screening-approach-potential-drug-combos.html" itemprop="relatedLink">New screening approach identified potential drug combos for difficult-to-treat melanomas</a>
<br />
<b>More information:</b>
<i>PLOS ONE</i>, <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0140310" target="_blank">journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0140310</a>
<br />
<br />
<b>Journal reference:</b>
<a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/journals/plos-one/" rel="news">PLoS ONE</a><br />
<h5 class="data">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h5>
<h5 class="data">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h5>
<div id="beacon_044eaab673" style="left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; visibility: hidden;">
<img alt="" height="0" src="http://medicalxpress.com/openx/www/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=373&campaignid=196&zoneid=79&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicalxpress.com%2Fnews%2F2015-10-massive-screen-drug-combinations-treatment.html&referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&cb=044eaab673" style="height: 0px; width: 0px;" width="0" /></div>
<br /><a class="textTag" href="http://medicalxpress.com/partners/massachusetts-general-hospital/" rel="news"></a>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-51507672256132622312015-10-26T19:52:00.002-05:002015-10-26T19:52:43.383-05:00The latest study about antioxidants is terrifying. Scientists think they may boost cancer cells to spread faster.<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span><span style="color: #990000;">Good Grief, is anything safe?!?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/10/14/antioxidants-may-give-a-boost-to-cancer-cells-making-them-spread-faster-study-suggests/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/10/14/antioxidants-may-give-a-boost-to-cancer-cells-making-them-spread-faster-study-suggests/</a><br />
<br />
<span class="pb-byline" itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">By <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/people/ariana-eunjung-cha"><span itemprop="name">Ariana Eunjung Cha</span></a></span> <span class="pb-timestamp" content="2015-10-16T06:18-500" itemprop="datePublished">October 16</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Since the term "antioxidants" made the leap from the realm of
biochemistry labs and into the public consciousness in the 1990s,
Americans have come to believe that more is better when it comes to
consuming the substance that comes in things like acai berries, green
tea and leafy veggies.<br />
A provocative new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature raises important questions about that assumption.<br />
Antioxidants
— which include vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, and are contained
in thousands of foods — are thought to protect cells from damage by
acting as defenders against something called "free radicals" which the
body produces as a part of metabolism or that can enter through the
environment.<br />
That's all great for normal cells. But what
researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found
is that antioxidants can work their magic on cancerous cells, too —
turbo-charging the process by which they grow and spread.<br />
Researcher
Sean Morrison and his colleagues conducted experiments on mice that had
been transplanted with skin cancer cells (melanoma) from human
patients. They gave nothing to one group. To the other they gave doses
of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) which is a common antioxidant that's used
in nutritional and bodybuilding supplements and has been used as a
treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS and in some children with certain
genetic disorders.<br />
The results were alarming: Those in the
second group had markedly higher levels of cancer cells in their blood,
grew more tumors and the tumors were larger and more widespread than in
the first.<br />
"What we're starting to learn is that there can be bad
cells from cancer that appear to benefit more from antioxidants than
normal cells," he said in an interview.<br />
<br />
Morrison, director of the Children’s Medical Center Research
Institute at UT Southwestern, explained that it has to do with something
called oxidative stress.<br />
Scientists have known for a while now
that cancer metastasis — especially when it involves spreading a great
distance to another part of the body — is a very inefficient process and
that many cells die along the way. This is likely due to oxidative
stress, which is an inability by the body to counteract the harmful
effect of free radicals. When antioxidants supplements are given, the
paper hypothesizes, they may give new life to those cancerous cells that
are on the edge of dying.<br />
<br />
Morrison said that previous studies have shown that the progression
of metastasis of human melanoma cells in mice is predictive of their
metastasis in humans, which raises concerns about the use of dietary
antioxidants by patients with cancer.<br />
Moreover, melanoma may not be the only type of cancer to be affected this way.<br />
A similar study conducted at Vanderbilt University and published in <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0046792">PLoS One</a> in
2012 involving mice with prostate cancer also showed that antioxidants
appeared to increase the proliferation of cells in the pre-cancerous
lesions. And another one in rodents with lung cancer published in
Science Translational Medicine in 2014 found that normal doses of
vitamin E and smaller doses of acetylcysteine, an antioxidant
supplement, appeared to lead to a three-fold increase in the number of
tumors and caused them to be more aggressive. As a result, the mice
given antioxidants died twice as fast the ones in the control group. The
reaction appeared be dose dependent with larger doses leading to a more
severe reaction.<br />
Morrison said that further study needs to be
done to confirm the findings and that cancer patients should still
consume antioxidants as part of a healthy diet.<br />
But, he added,
"personally, from the results we've seen, I would avoid supplementing my
diet with large amounts of antioxidants if I had cancer."<br />
Over
the past 20 years, numerous studies were launched to ascertain the
effect of antioxidants on other conditions ranging from heart disease to
memory loss. Early results have mostly been mixed, but that hasn't
stopped food companies from hyping their disease-fighting abilities.<br />
<span class="pb-timestamp" content="2015-10-16T06:18-500" itemprop="datePublished"> </span> john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-25388015751570716982015-10-26T09:21:00.005-05:002015-10-26T09:21:59.278-05:00PD-L1 Strongly Correlates with Papillary Thyroid Cancer Aggressiveness<a href="http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/ata-2015/pd-l1-strongly-correlates-with-papillary-thyroid-cancer-aggressiveness">http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/ata-2015/pd-l1-strongly-correlates-with-papillary-thyroid-cancer-aggressiveness</a><br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<div class="detailAuthor">
W. Todd Penberthy, PhD</div>
<div class="detailPublishdate">
<b>Published Online: </b>2:05 PM, Fri October 23, 2015</div>
- See more at:
http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/ata-2015/pd-l1-strongly-correlates-with-papillary-thyroid-cancer-aggressiveness#sthash.G9T2k0uM.dpuf</div>
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Investigators
at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Toronto, Canada, have been
working on determining whether or not PD-L1 expression levels and tissue
(sub)locali - See more at:
http://www.targetedonc.com/conference/ata-2015/pd-l1-strongly-correlates-with-papillary-thyroid-cancer-aggressiveness#sthash.G9T2k0uM.dpuf</div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-89100755641579250152015-10-26T09:17:00.002-05:002015-10-26T09:17:21.256-05:00TERT/BRAF Mutations a Deadly Combo for Thyroid Cancer Patients<a href="http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/tert-braf-mutations-deadly-combo-thyroid-cancer-patients">http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/tert-braf-mutations-deadly-combo-thyroid-cancer-patients</a><br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
The coexistence of mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (<em>TERT</em>) and <em>BRAF </em>genes
dramatically increases the risk of thyroid cancer aggressiveness, tumor
recurrence and thyroid cancer-specific deaths, confirmed research teams
from the United States and Korea at the 15th International Thyroid
Congress (ITC) and 85th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid
Association (ATA) in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
<br />
“<em>BRAF</em> V600E and <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations each alone
have a modest effect, but the two coexisting, had a robustly synergistic
effect on PTC [papillary thyroid cancer]-specific patient mortality,”
reported Mingzhao Xing, MD, PhD, of the division of endocrinology and
metabolism at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore,
Maryland.<br />
Dr. Xing, the lead author of the US study, presented preliminary data on the <em>TERT</em>/<em>BRAF </em>mutations’
deadly synergy at last year’s ITC/ATA meeting, and this year presented
data with a larger cohort of patients and longer follow-up time.<br />
“The two mutations together are associated with much worse outcomes,” Dr. Xing said. “Coexisting <em>BRAF</em> V600E and <em>TERT </em>promoter mutations define a unique genetic background that robustly underpins the worst PTC-specific mortality.”<br />
The coexistence of <em>TERT</em> mutation and <em>BRAF</em>—or <em>RAS</em>—mutations
increases tumor recurrence, mortality, and “several aggressive
clinicopathologic features” among patients, agreed the lead author of
the Korean study, Young Shin Song, MD, of the Seoul National University
College of Medicine in South Korea. Dr. Song reported his team’s study
of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer in Korea.<br />
<em>BRAF </em>is a well-recognized proto-oncogene and <em>TERT</em>
mutations are suspected to lengthen chromosomal telomeres to
immortalize cell lines, in part by evading apoptosis. However, it is not
yet clear exactly how these particular mutations interact so powerfully
in thyroid cancer.<br />
Of the <em>TERT </em>mutations, C228T is the
most common in thyroid cancers, Dr. Xing reported. The US team therefore
focused on C228T mutation’s associations with the natural history and
outcomes of PTCs. They followed 1,059 patients (764 of whom were female)
who were diagnosed with PTC between 1990 and 2015. Using Sanger
sequencing of primary PTC tumor genomes, they identified <em>BRAF </em>V600E and <em>TERT </em>C228T mutation status for each patient’s tumors, and analyzed associations between mutation status and patient outcomes.<br />
The
US researchers reported that during their study period, only four
patients whose PTC harbored neither mutation, died of their disease—a
PTC-specific mortality of less than 1 death per 1,000 person-years.
“Almost no patients died—very few,” remarked Dr. Xing. Among patients
with <em>TERT </em>or <em>BRAF </em>mutations alone, there were four and
seven deaths, respectively, yielding PTC-specific mortality rates of
6.6 and 3 deaths per 1,000 person-years. But for patients whose PTC
tumors harbored both <em>TERT </em>and <em>BRAF </em>mutations, the US
team identified 15 deaths, representing a PTC-specific mortality rate of
29.86 deaths per 1,000 person-years. The associated unadjusted hazard
ratio (HR) was 37.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.50–114.09), Dr.
Xing reported. That HR dropped to a still-dramatic 9.34 after
statistically adjusting the analysis for patient age, sex, tumor size,
tumor multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion, and
cervical lymph node metastasis, he noted.<br />
The Korean researchers
studied 551 patients with DTC (432 of whom had PTC), who underwent
thyroidectomy between 1993 and 2012, among whom the overall prevalence
of <em>TERT </em>C228T and C250T mutations was 4.5%. “This mutation was found more frequently in patients with tumors harboring <em>BRAF </em>V600E or <em>RAS</em>
mutations (4.8% or 11.3%, respectively), or in the high-risk patients
defined by the ATA high-risk group or the TNM stage III–IV group (9.1%
or 12.9%, respectively),” Dr. Song reported. “Even after adjusting for
clinicopathologic cofactors, the presence of <em>TERT</em> promoter
mutations significantly increased the risk of both recurrence and
thyroid cancer-specific mortality among the ATA high-risk group.”<br />
“<em>TERT </em>promoter
mutations strengthened the prognostic predictions of the conventional
staging systems,” Dr. Song noted. “Genetic screening for <em>TERT </em>promoter mutations could aid predictions of mortality and recurrence in DTC patients, particularly high-risk patients.” <br />
- See more at:
http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/tert-braf-mutations-deadly-combo-thyroid-cancer-patients#sthash.tMAHGqTk.dpuf</div>
<br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
October 23, 2015</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
News
| October 23, 2015 | ATA Thyroid Cancer 2015, Thyroid Cancer - See more
at:
http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/tert-braf-mutations-deadly-combo-thyroid-cancer-patients#sthash.tMAHGqTk.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
News
| October 23, 2015 | ATA Thyroid Cancer 2015, Thyroid Cancer - See more
at:
http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/tert-braf-mutations-deadly-combo-thyroid-cancer-patients#sthash.tMAHGqTk.dpuf</div>
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
The coexistence of mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (<em>TERT</em>) and <em>BRAF </em>genes
dramatically increases the risk of thyroid cancer aggressiveness, tumor
recurrence and thyroid cancer-specific deaths, confirmed research teams
from the United States and Korea at the 15th International Thyroid
Congress (ITC) and 85th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid
Association (ATA) in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
<br />
“<em>BRAF</em> V600E and <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations each alone
have a modest effect, but the two coexisting, had a robustly synergistic
effect on PTC [papillary thyroid cancer]-specific patient mortality,”
reported Mingzhao Xing, MD, PhD, of the division of endocrinology and
metabolism at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore,
Maryland.<br />
Dr. Xing, the lead author of the US study, presented preliminary data on the <em>TERT</em>/<em>BRAF </em>mutations’
deadly synergy at last year’s ITC/ATA meeting, and this year presented
data with a larger cohort of patients and longer follow-up time.<br />
“The two mutations together are associated with much worse outcomes,” Dr. Xing said. “Coexisting <em>BRAF</em> V600E and <em>TERT </em>promoter mutations define a unique genetic background that robustly underpins the worst PTC-specific mortality.”<br />
The coexistence of <em>TERT</em> mutation and <em>BRAF</em>—or <em>RAS</em>—mutations
increases tumor recurrence, mortality, and “several aggressive
clinicopathologic features” among patients, agreed the lead author of
the Korean study, Young Shin Song, MD, of the Seoul National University
College of Medicine in South Korea. Dr. Song reported his team’s study
of <em>TERT</em> promoter mutations in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer in Korea.<br />
<em>BRAF </em>is a well-recognized proto-oncogene and <em>TERT</em>
mutations are suspected to lengthen chromosomal telomeres to
immortalize cell lines, in part by evading apoptosis. However, it is not
yet clear exactly how these particular mutations interact so powerfully
in thyroid cancer.<br />
Of the <em>TERT </em>mutations, C228T is the
most common in thyroid cancers, Dr. Xing reported. The US team therefore
focused on C228T mutation’s associations with the natural history and
outcomes of PTCs. They followed 1,059 patients (764 of whom were female)
who were diagnosed with PTC between 1990 and 2015. Using Sanger
sequencing of primary PTC tumor genomes, they identified <em>BRAF </em>V600E and <em>TERT </em>C228T mutation status for each patient’s tumors, and analyzed associations between mutation status and patient outcomes.<br />
The
US researchers reported that during their study period, only four
patients whose PTC harbored neither mutation, died of their disease—a
PTC-specific mortality of less than 1 death per 1,000 person-years.
“Almost no patients died—very few,” remarked Dr. Xing. Among patients
with <em>TERT </em>or <em>BRAF </em>mutations alone, there were four and
seven deaths, respectively, yielding PTC-specific mortality rates of
6.6 and 3 deaths per 1,000 person-years. But for patients whose PTC
tumors harbored both <em>TERT </em>and <em>BRAF </em>mutations, the US
team identified 15 deaths, representing a PTC-specific mortality rate of
29.86 deaths per 1,000 person-years. The associated unadjusted hazard
ratio (HR) was 37.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.50–114.09), Dr.
Xing reported. That HR dropped to a still-dramatic 9.34 after
statistically adjusting the analysis for patient age, sex, tumor size,
tumor multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion, and
cervical lymph node metastasis, he noted.<br />
The Korean researchers
studied 551 patients with DTC (432 of whom had PTC), who underwent
thyroidectomy between 1993 and 2012, among whom the overall prevalence
of <em>TERT </em>C228T and C250T mutations was 4.5%. “This mutation was found more frequently in patients with tumors harboring <em>BRAF </em>V600E or <em>RAS</em>
mutations (4.8% or 11.3%, respectively), or in the high-risk patients
defined by the ATA high-risk group or the TNM stage III–IV group (9.1%
or 12.9%, respectively),” Dr. Song reported. “Even after adjusting for
clinicopathologic cofactors, the presence of <em>TERT</em> promoter
mutations significantly increased the risk of both recurrence and
thyroid cancer-specific mortality among the ATA high-risk group.”<br />
“<em>TERT </em>promoter
mutations strengthened the prognostic predictions of the conventional
staging systems,” Dr. Song noted. “Genetic screening for <em>TERT </em>promoter mutations could aid predictions of mortality and recurrence in DTC patients, particularly high-risk patients.” <br />
- See more at:
http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/tert-braf-mutations-deadly-combo-thyroid-cancer-patients#sthash.tMAHGqTk.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
By Bryant Furlow</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
By Bryant Furlow</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
October 23, 2015</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
News
| October 23, 2015 | ATA Thyroid Cancer 2015, Thyroid Cancer - See more
at:
http://www.cancernetwork.com/ata-2015-thyroid-cancer/tert-braf-mutations-deadly-combo-thyroid-cancer-patients#sthash.tMAHGqTk.dpuf</div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-780569849730018552015-10-20T08:59:00.003-05:002015-10-20T08:59:39.028-05:00TSH overcomes BrafV600E-induced senescence to promote tumor progression via downregulation of p53 expression in papillary thyroid cancerAbstract only:<br />
<a href="http://www.nature.com/onc/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/onc2015253a.html">http://www.nature.com/onc/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/onc2015253a.html</a><a href="http://www.nature.com/onc/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/onc2015253a.html"></a>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-5575658916935841152015-10-20T08:55:00.003-05:002015-10-20T08:55:44.786-05:00Tigers' Daniel Norris reveals he has thyroid cancer<a href="http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/10/19/detroit-tigers-daniel-norris/74236764/">http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/10/19/detroit-tigers-daniel-norris/74236764/</a>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-38997136070322307582015-10-15T14:03:00.003-05:002015-10-15T14:03:40.666-05:00Is red wine at dinner good for type 2 diabetes?<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-wine-at-dinner-may-help-hearts-in-type-2-diabetes/">http://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-wine-at-dinner-may-help-hearts-in-type-2-diabetes/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="byline">
<span class="by">By</span>
<span class="author">Mary Brophy Marcus</span>
<span class="source">CBS News</span>
<span class="time">October 13, 2015, 1:38 PM</span></div>
<div class="entry" id="article-entry" itemprop="articleBody">
<div class="updated-time">
Last Updated Oct 14, 2015 7:10 AM EDT<br />
<br />
</div>
A glass of red wine each evening with dinner may offer heart health perks to <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/half-of-us-adults-have-diabetes-or-high-risk-prediabetes/" target="_blank">people with type 2 diabetes</a>.<br />
<br />
A
two-year study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine is the
first long-term study aimed at assessing the effects and safety of
drinking moderate amounts of alcohol in people with type 2 diabetes, who
are more at risk for developing cardiovascular disease than the general
population. Those with type 2 diabetes also tend to have lower levels
of HDL, the "good" cholesterol.<br />
The researchers from Ben-Gurion
University of the Negev reported that over two years, red wine helped
improve signs of cardiac health by modestly increasing levels of HDL
cholesterol and lowering overall cholesterol.<br />
<br />
The randomized controlled intervention trial involved 224 controlled <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-study-weight-loss-surgery-may-cure-diabetes/" target="_blank">diabetes patients</a>
aged 45 to 75, who generally abstained from alcohol. The patients were
randomly assigned to drink 5 ounces of red wine, white wine, or mineral
water (the control group) with their dinner for two years. They were all
given instructions to follow a well-balanced <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mediterranean-diet-cuts-risk-of-heart-disease-nearly-in-half/" target="_blank">Mediterranean diet plan</a> that did not have a calorie restriction.<br />
<br />
The
researchers performed genetic tests that showed how quickly the
patients metabolized alcohol, as well as various lipid (cholesterol)
tests. They also measured glucose control, blood pressure, liver
function tests, medication use, and other symptoms at several time
points during the two-year follow-up.<br />
<br />
Compared with the group that
drank water, patients in the red wine group had improvements in their
lipid tests, the study showed. "<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/red-wines-contain-high-arsenic-levels/" target="_blank">Red wine</a>
was found to be superior in improving overall metabolic profiles,
mainly by modestly improving the lipid profile, by increasing good HDL
cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1, one of the major constituents of HDL
cholesterol, while decreasing the ratio between total cholesterol and
HDL cholesterol," the researchers explained.<br />
<br />
Also, in both wine
groups, patients who were "slow alcohol metabolizers" (according to the
genetic tests) showed more improvements in glucose control tests than
"fast alcohol metabolizers." Compared with water, wine did not increase
or decrease blood pressure or liver function tests.<br />
The study
authors noted that in both red and white wine drinkers, sleep quality
was significantly improved, too, compared with the water control group.<br />
<br />
Iris
Shai, principal investigator of the trial, and a member of the
Department of Public Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences, said in a
press statement, "The differences found between red and white wine were
opposed to our original hypothesis that the beneficial effects of wine
are mediated predominantly by the alcohol."<br />
<br />
So, how much can
people with type 2 diabetes sip at dinner without going over the top?
"One to two glasses of red wine for men and up to one glass of red wine
for women, daily, at dinner," was the amount indicated by the study, Dr.
Minisha Sood, an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, told CBS News.<br />
<br />
Sood
said researchers have known for some time that moderate amounts of
alcohol are acceptable for diabetics, but the jury was out on which kind
of alcohol might offer the most benefit.<br />
<br />
Sood said of red wine's health-enhancing ingredients: "It's the non-ethanol <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/prescription-resveratrol-supplement-expensive-investigation/" target="_blank">components of the wine</a>, which are present more so in red wine. It's the phenols, it's the <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/compound-in-red-wine-and-chocolate-may-not-be-secret-to-better-health-after-all/" target="_blank">resveratrol</a>, it's the tannins. They all work together with the ethanol possibly to result in these positive changes."<br />
<br />
While
the study shows benefits, Dr. Susan Spratt, an endocrinologist and
assistant professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine,
said, "I worry about the subset of my type 2 diabetes patients who drink
too much, and that this may give them more ammunition to say alcohol is
good for diabetes. Over-drinking can poison the pancreas. In these
patients, when they stop drinking, their diabetes gets tremendously
better."<br />
<br />
Spratt also told CBS News that in the South, where she
lives, many people abstain from drinking for religious reasons. She
said, "Here in the South, it would not be something I would generally
recommend. I would not say, 'Now you should start drinking wine.' I
wouldn't tell someone to start drinking, but if I knew a type 2 diabetes
patient was a moderate drinker, I would tell them it looks like red
wine is the best choice out of all alcohols to drink, rather than white
wine, beer, or hard liquor."<br />
<br />
Spratt also noted that the study did not look at cardiovascular outcomes such as heart attack and stroke.<br />
<br />
For
51-year-old Garret Rubin, who said he has to watch out for everything
-- fats, salt, sugar -- in his diet since being diagnosed with type 2
diabetes, the study is a positive note.<br />
<br />
Rubin said <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/one-thing-to-add-to-your-diet-if-you-want-to-lose-weight/" target="_blank">diet</a>,
exercise and medication will remain his first line of defense, but he
told CBS News, "Now, since I have a choice, I think red wine might be
the thing."<br />
<br />
<em>Editor's note: In an earlier version of this
article, Dr. Sood said red wine decreased development of heart disease,
but that was not found in the study. The research only looked at risk
factors like cholesterol levels, not whether patients actually developed
heart disease.</em><br />
</div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-16362260484482814662015-10-09T09:12:00.002-05:002015-10-09T09:12:51.408-05:002015 NCCN Guidelines® for Thyroid Carcinoma Recommend LENVIMA™ (lenvatinib) as Preferred Agent <a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2015-nccn-guidelines-for-thyroid-carcinoma-recommend-lenvima-lenvatinib-as-preferred-agent-300156158.html">http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2015-nccn-guidelines-for-thyroid-carcinoma-recommend-lenvima-lenvatinib-as-preferred-agent-300156158.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.</span></span></span>, <span class="xn-chron">Oct. 8, 2015</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Inc. announced the decision of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network<sup>®</sup> (NCCN<sup>®</sup>)
to recommend LENVIMA™ (lenvatinib) as the preferred agent for the
treatment of patients with progressive and/or symptomatic metastatic
differentiated thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular and
Hürthle cell thyroid carcinoma, that no longer responds to radioactive
iodine therapy in the 2015 NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
(NCCN Guidelines<sup>®</sup>) for Thyroid Carcinoma. The panel based
its recommendation on the response rate seen in the pivotal Phase 3
SELECT clinical trial. </div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<br /></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
LENVIMA, a receptor tyrosine
kinase inhibitor discovered and developed by Eisai, was approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration in <span class="xn-chron">February 2015</span>
for the treatment of locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive,
radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAI-R DTC).
</div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
The most common types of thyroid
cancer, papillary and follicular (including Hürthle cell), are
classified as differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and account for
approximately 95% of all cases. While most DTC patients are curable with
surgery and radioactive iodine treatment, the prognosis for those
patients whose cancers persist or recur is poor. There are a limited
number of treatment options for this radioactive iodine-refractory form
of thyroid cancer.</div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<br /></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
"We are pleased that the NCCN has
recommended the use of LENVIMA as the preferred treatment option for
patients with progressive and/or symptomatic metastatic differentiated
thyroid cancer who have become refractory to radioactive iodine
therapy," said <span class="xn-person" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person"><span itemprop="name">RuiRong Yuan</span></span>,
MD, Chief Medical Officer, Eisai Global Oncology Business Unit, and
Vice President, Medical Affairs, Americas Region, Eisai Inc. "This
decision underscores the role of LENVIMA and provides oncologists and
endocrinologists with an evidence-based, consensus-driven guide for
decision-making when treating patients with this rare and
difficult-to-treat cancer." </div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<br /></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (<a href="http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/thyroid.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCCN Guidelines<sup>®</sup></a>)
document provides evidence-based, consensus-driven management to help
patients receive preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and supportive
services that are most likely to lead to optimal outcomes. The intent of
the NCCN Guidelines is to assist in the decision-making process of
individuals involved in cancer care—including physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, payers, patients and their families—with the ultimate goal
of advancing patient care in the fight against cancer.</div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<br /></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<b>About LENVIMA™ (lenvatinib) </b></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
LENVIMA™ (lenvatinib) is indicated
for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic,
progressive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer
(DTC). </div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
LENVIMA, discovered and developed
by Eisai, is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor that inhibits
the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). LENVIMA also
inhibits other RTKs that have been implicated in pathogenic
angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their
normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
receptors FGFR1, 2, 3, and 4; the platelet derived growth factor
receptor alpha (PDGFRα), KIT, and RET. LENVIMA™ (lenvatinib) was
approved under Priority Review designation for locally recurrent or
metastatic, progressive, radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated
thyroid cancer by the FDA in <span class="xn-chron">February 2015</span>. Eisai was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) for lenvatinib in various types of thyroid cancer in <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">the United States</span></span></span>, <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Japan</span></span></span>, and <span class="xn-location" itemprop="contentLocation" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Place"><span itemprop="geo" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/address"><span itemprop="addressLocality">Europe</span></span></span>. </div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<b>Important Safety Information</b></div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<b>Warnings and Precautions</b></div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;" type="disc">
<li>Hypertension reported in 73% of patients on LENVIMA vs 16% for
placebo (44% vs 4% ≥grade 3). Blood pressure should be controlled prior
to treatment. Withhold dose for grade 3 hypertension despite optimal
antihypertensive therapy; resume at reduced dose when controlled at
≤grade 2. Discontinue for life-threatening hypertension. </li>
<li>Cardiac dysfunction reported in 7% of patients on LENVIMA vs 2% for
placebo (2% vs 0% ≥grade 3). Monitor for signs/symptoms of cardiac
decompensation. Withhold for grade 3 cardiac dysfunction. Resume at
reduced dose or discontinue based on severity and persistence of cardiac
dysfunction. Discontinue for grade 4 cardiac dysfunction. </li>
<li>Arterial thromboembolic events reported in 5% of patients on LENVIMA
vs 2% for placebo (3% vs 1% ≥grade 3). Discontinue following an
arterial thrombotic event. The safety of resuming LENVIMA after an
arterial thromboembolic event has not been established, and LENVIMA has
not been studied in patients who have had an arterial thromboembolic
event within the previous 6 months. </li>
<li>ALT and AST increases (≥grade 3) occurred in 4% and 5% of patients
on LENVIMA vs 0% for placebo. Across clinical studies in which 1108
patients received LENVIMA, hepatic failure (including fatal events) was
reported in 3 patients and acute hepatitis in 1 patient. Monitor liver
function before initiation, then every 2 weeks for first 2 months, and
at least monthly thereafter during treatment. Withhold dose for liver
impairment ≥grade 3. Resume at reduced dose or discontinue based on
severity/persistence of hepatotoxicity. Discontinue for hepatic failure.
</li>
<li>Proteinuria reported in 34% of patients on LENVIMA vs 3% for placebo
(11% vs 0% ≥grade 3). Monitor for proteinuria before and during
treatment. Withhold dose for ≥2 grams of proteinuria/24 hours. Resume at
reduced dose when proteinuria is <2 discontinue="" for="" gm="" hours.="" li="" nephrotic="" syndrome.="">
<li>Events of renal impairment reported in 14% of patients on LENVIMA vs
2% for placebo (3% vs 1% ≥grade 3). Withhold LENVIMA for grade 3 or 4
renal failure/impairment. Resume at reduced dose or discontinue,
depending on severity/persistence of renal impairment. </li>
<li>Events of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation or fistula reported in
2% of patients on LENVIMA vs 0.8% for placebo. Discontinue in patients
who develop GI perforation or life-threatening fistula. </li>
<li>QT/QTc interval prolongation reported in 9% of patients on LENVIMA
vs 2% for placebo (2% vs 0% ≥grade 3). Monitor ECG in patients with
congenital long QT syndrome, CHF, bradyarrhythmias, or patients taking
drugs known to prolong the QT interval. Monitor and correct electrolyte
abnormalities in all patients. Withhold dose for ≥grade 3 QT interval
prolongation. Resume at reduced dose when QT prolongation resolves to
grade 0, 1, or baseline. </li>
<li>Hypocalcemia ≥grade 3 reported in 9% of patients on LENVIMA (2% for
placebo). Monitor blood calcium levels at least monthly and replace
calcium as necessary. Interrupt and adjust LENVIMA as necessary. In most
cases, hypocalcemia responded to replacement and dose
interruption/reduction. </li>
<li>Across clinical studies in which 1108 patients received LENVIMA,
reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) was reported in
3 patients. Withhold LENVIMA for RPLS until fully resolved. Resume at
reduced dose or discontinue based on the severity and persistence of
neurologic symptoms. </li>
<li>Hemorrhagic events occurred in 35% of patients on LENVIMA vs 18% for
placebo (2% vs 3% ≥grade 3). The most frequently reported hemorrhagic
event was epistaxis (11% grade 1 and 1% grade 2). Discontinuation due to
hemorrhagic events occurred in 1% of patients on LENVIMA. There was 1
fatal intracranial hemorrhage case among 16 patients who received
LENVIMA and had CNS metastases at baseline. Withhold dose for grade 3
hemorrhage. Resume at reduced dose or discontinue, based on
severity/persistence of hemorrhage. Discontinue for grade 4 hemorrhage. </li>
<li>LENVIMA™ (lenvatinib) impairs exogenous thyroid suppression. In
patients with a normal baseline TSH, elevation of TSH level above 0.5
mU/L was observed post baseline in 57% of patients on LENVIMA (14% for
placebo). Monitor TSH levels monthly and adjust thyroid replacement
medication as needed in patients with DTC. </li>
<li>LENVIMA may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception
during treatment with LENVIMA and for at least 2 weeks following
completion of therapy.</li>
</2></li>
</ul>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<b>Adverse Reactions</b></div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;" type="disc">
<li>The most common adverse reactions observed in LENVIMA-treated
patients vs placebo-treated patients were hypertension (73% vs 16%),
fatigue (67% vs 35%), diarrhea (67% vs 17%), arthralgia/myalgia (62% vs
28%), decreased appetite (54% vs 18%), weight decreased (51% vs 15%),
nausea (47% vs 25%), stomatitis (41% vs 8%), headache (38% vs 11%),
vomiting (36% vs 15%), proteinuria (34% vs 3%), palmar-plantar
erythrodysesthesia syndrome (32% vs 1%), abdominal pain (31% vs 11%),
and dysphonia (31% vs 5%).</li>
</ul>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<b>Use in Specific Populations</b></div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;" type="disc">
<li>Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing
infants, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. </li>
<li>LENVIMA may result in reduced fertility in females of reproductive
potential, and may result in damage to male reproductive tissues,
leading to reduced fertility of unknown duration.</li>
</ul>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
For more information about LENVIMA, click <a href="http://www.lenvima.com/pdfs/prescribing-information.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here </a>for the full Prescribing Information or visit <a href="http://www.lenvima.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.LENVIMA.com</a>. </div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<b>About Eisai Inc.</b>At Eisai Inc., <i>human health care</i> is
our goal. We give our first thoughts to patients and their families,
and helping to increase the benefits health care provides. As the U.S.
pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., we have a
passionate commitment to patient care that is the driving force behind
our efforts to help address unmet medical needs. We are a fully
integrated pharmaceutical business with discovery, clinical,
manufacturing and marketing capabilities. Our key areas of commercial
focus include oncology and specialty care (Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy
and metabolic disorders). To learn more about Eisai Inc., please visit
us at <a href="http://www.eisai.com/US" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.eisai.com/US</a>.</div>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
Eisai Inc. has affiliates that are
part of a global product creation organization that includes R&D
facilities in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as a
global demand chain organization that includes facilities in
Maryland and North Carolina. Eisai's global areas of R&D focus
include neuroscience; oncology; metabolic disorders; vascular,
inflammatory and immunological reaction; and antibody-based programs.</div>
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SOURCE Eisai Inc.<br />
<br /><br /> RELATED LINKS<br />
<a href="http://www.eisai.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="Link to http://www.eisai.com">http://www.eisai.com</a>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-11395212228324171502015-10-09T08:45:00.003-05:002015-10-09T08:45:31.797-05:00WebMD: Experts Link Chemicals to Diabetes, Obesity<a href="https://fepblue.webmdhealth.com/!newsletters?id=AD7jaLg1x2P97Mb5udhcAWrMK6Ql5BfFYnDzGqODA90w0&s=14148&mrdid=50f9b189-166e-e511-a515-a0369f30171a">https://fepblue.webmdhealth.com/!newsletters?id=AD7jaLg1x2P97Mb5udhcAWrMK6Ql5BfFYnDzGqODA90w0&s=14148&mrdid=50f9b189-166e-e511-a515-a0369f30171a</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mxBodyText">By <a href="https://fepblue.webmdhealth.com/%21newsletters?s=14148&id=AD7jaLg1x2P97Mb5udhcAWrMK6Ql5BfFYnDzGqODA90w0&WebMDLink=%2fcontent%2fwebmdarticles%2fwebmd%2fwebmd_biography_091e9c5e808db6c1.html">Brenda Goodman, MA</a><br />
</td><td align="right" class="mxBodyText">
Reviewed by <a href="https://fepblue.webmdhealth.com/%21newsletters?s=14148&id=AD7jaLg1x2P97Mb5udhcAWrMK6Ql5BfFYnDzGqODA90w0&WebMDLink=%2fcontent%2fwebmdarticles%2fwebmd%2fwebmd_biography_091e9c5e8000abdc.html">Brunilda Nazario, MD</a>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote>
Sept. 28, 2015 -- People who are trying to lose weight or manage
diabetes should try to change their lifestyle not only to exercise or
cut calories, but also to avoid chemicals that may be contributing to
their condition, experts say.<br />
“You may have a healthy meal, but if it’s in a plastic container,
it’s leaching chemicals,” said Andrea Gore, PhD, a pharmacologist at the
University of Texas at Austin in a webinar for reporters on Monday.<br />
Gore is the chair of a task force that issued on Monday a new
statement on the harm from hormone-disrupting chemicals. The statement,
which is based on a review of more than 1,300 studies, says there’s
convincing evidence to support a link between hundreds of hormone
disruptors and several chronic health problems, including:<br />
<ul>
<li>Diabetes</li>
<li>Obesity</li>
<li>Heart disease</li>
<li>Infertility</li>
<li>Hormone-sensitive cancers in women (breast, endometrial, ovarian)</li>
<li>Prostate cancer</li>
<li>Thyroid problems</li>
<li>Poor brain development and brain function in young children</li>
</ul>
Researchers say the statement is significant because it comes from a
group of doctors that treat people for hormone problems instead of
scientists who study the effects of chemicals in animals or on cells.<br />
Gore said the evidence for these effects is now strong enough that
everyone should take steps to avoid chemicals that block or mimic the
action of hormones in the body.<br />
She also called on doctors who are treating patients for infertility
to tell their patients to avoid hormone disruptors, which are known to
decrease semen quality and interfere with how ovaries work. She said
doctors who are counseling pregnant women and the parents of young
children should also warn about chemical exposures.<br />
“In particular, we’re worried about fetuses, infants, children,
etc.,” she said, because exposure to the chemicals during development
could set the stage for disease down the road.<br />
Avoiding these kinds of chemicals is easier said than done, however,
since no one knows how many of them exist or exactly how they’re being
used. That’s because chemicals aren’t tested for safety before they used
in products that are sold to consumers.<br />
There are about 85,000 chemicals known to be used in the U.S. No one knows how many might disrupt hormones.<br />
“Not all of them are EDCs [endocrine-disrupting chemicals], but if
even 1% of them were EDCs, that would be 850 chemicals,” Gore said.<br />
Some of the best-known hormone-disrupting chemicals include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S, which are used in some plastics, metal food cans, and cash register receipts</li>
<li>Phthalates, a class of chemicals that are used to soften plastic and also used in some perfumes, soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics</li>
<li>Some pesticides, like DDT</li>
<li>Triclosan, an antibacterial chemical</li>
</ul>
“They act at very low doses,” she said.<br />
The statement calls for better safety testing to determine which
chemicals could pose problems, tighter regulation, and more research on
the health effects.<br />
Environmental health experts cheered the new statement.<br />
“I’m thrilled,” said Richard Stahlhut, MD, a visiting research scientist at the University of Missouri-Columbia.<br />
“The endocrinologists had to be the first ones on board, and
fortunately, they are,” he said. “If they’re not on board, then maybe
people like me are crazy,” said Stahlhut, who studies the
hormone-disrupting effects of chemicals like BPA.<br />
Chemical manufacturers said the statement went too far.<br />
“The statement incorrectly characterizes as settled the
still-unproven hypothesis regarding risks of low levels of exposure to
particular chemicals. In doing so, the [Endocrine] Society discounts the
extensive reviews by experts at the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the European Food Safety Authority that were unable to
substantiate the health significance of the so called low-dose effects,”
said the American Chemistry Council in a statement.<br />
“Furthermore, the Endocrine Society’s report fails to differentiate
between chemicals that are 'endocrine-active,' meaning they interact
with the endocrine system, and those that are 'endocrine disruptors,'
meaning that the levels of exposure associated with that interaction
cause scientifically-proven adverse health effects,” the statement said.<br />
Some retailers and manufacturers aren’t waiting for the dust to settle on the chemical debate.<br />
On Monday, Bloomberg News reported that Target is expanding the list
of chemicals it would ask suppliers to take out of their products. The
expanded list will included nearly 600 chemicals on Health Canada’s
roster of prohibited cosmetic ingredients. It will include triclosan,
which is found in antibacterial soaps and some toothpastes.<br />
Walmart also has a list of substances it asks retailers to avoid, though it doesn’t post the list publicly, Bloomberg reported.<br />
Until more is known, Gore said consumers could reduce their exposure
to known endocrine disruptors by avoiding bottled water in plastic
bottles and being careful not to heat or microwave food in plastic
containers.<br />
Stahlhut said people who are concerned about chemical exposure should
try to do the best they can, but because it’s impossible to avoid all
potential exposures, to “Try to be Zen about it. Don’t drive yourself
crazy.”<br />
He said he tries to eat and drink out of stainless steel or glass
containers instead of plastic. He especially tries to avoid heating food
in plastic. He said he tries to avoid chemicals in the nonstick
coatings by cooking in cast-iron pans. And he steers clear of soaps and
toothpaste with triclosan.<br />
“Make the easy choices when you can. Make the harder choices when you can afford it,” he said.<br />
</blockquote>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-69434881385643652382015-10-07T09:38:00.001-05:002015-10-07T09:38:09.005-05:00Finding Calm in the Face of Cancer<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span><span style="color: #990000;">A good list of ideas to help calm yourself when fearful, etc. Of the list the author has here, I find mindless comedies (Laurel and Hardy's "The Music Box" never fails to help) and Deep Breathing to be the most helpful.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.curetoday.com/community/susan-fariss/2015/09/finding-calm-in-the-face-of-cancer?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Cure+Today&utm_campaign=CURExtra_email_10-6-15">http://www.curetoday.com/community/susan-fariss/2015/09/finding-calm-in-the-face-of-cancer?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Cure+Today&utm_campaign=CURExtra_email_10-6-15</a>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-3992960092756828852015-10-07T09:28:00.002-05:002015-10-07T09:28:18.458-05:00 Chemotherapy: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Cancer Treatment<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span><span style="color: #990000;">Pretty good overview of preparing for chemo and/or radiation. Has some good, practical ideas.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/cancer/facing-chemotherapy-15/getting-ready/before-you-begin-cancer-treatment?page=1"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span> </span> http://www.webmd.com/cancer/facing-chemotherapy-15/getting-ready/before-you-begin-cancer-treatment?page=1</span></span></a></span></span>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-44841346306980137982015-10-02T09:28:00.001-05:002015-10-02T09:28:10.199-05:00Hilton Head Island pitcher overcame cancer, other obstacles on his way to The Show <a href="http://hiltonheadmonthly.com/sports/hilton-head-recreation/2843-hilton-head-island-pitcher-overcame-cancer-other-obstacles-on-his-way-to-the-show">http://hiltonheadmonthly.com/sports/hilton-head-recreation/2843-hilton-head-island-pitcher-overcame-cancer-other-obstacles-on-his-way-to-the-show</a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span><span style="color: red;">A good non-goopy article about a Thyroid Cancer survivor.</span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<span itemprop="name">BY JUSTIN JARRETT | P HOTO BY POUYA DIANAT</span><br />
<br />
<div class="article-content-main">
<blockquote class="article-intro" itemprop="description">
To anyone else, it looked like a routine spring training
appearance. A quick inning of work on one of dozens of indistinguishable
Grapefruit League afternoons.<br />
For Ryan Kelly, it was the biggest game of his life, because as far as he knew, it might be his last.<br />
</blockquote>
<section class="article-content" itemprop="articleBody">
Three days later, Kelly had surgery to remove his cancerous thyroid,
an ailment that was discovered during a routine physical just days
earlier.<br />
Kelly thought it might be the end of his long journey through
professional baseball, but it turned into a beginning of a new, more
fruitful quest that culminated with his long-awaited arrival in the big
leagues.<br />
<h4>
THE ‘C’ WORD</h4>
When Kelly reported to spring training with the Atlanta Braves in
February 2014, he did so with realistic hopes it was his time to reach
the big leagues. The former Hilton Head Island High School star had
pitched well at Triple-A Tucson in the San Diego Padres organization the
previous season and signed a free-agent contract with the Braves in the
offseason.<br />
A month later, he was more concerned with his health than the status
of his baseball career. He learned that March that he had thyroid
cancer, and the road to the majors suddenly looked longer and more
treacherous than ever.<br />
There were complications during surgery, followed by weeks of
radioactive iodine treatments. Kelly missed two months, an eternity for
someone who can’t stand being on the disabled list, and began his season
at Single-A Lynchburg, a long way from the majors. It took the full
season for him to get back to full strength, and he was assigned to play
in the Puerto Rican Winter League for the first time in his career to
get in some of the work he missed.<br />
“People think I’m crazy when I say it, but it was one of the best
things that ever happened for me in my life,” Kelly says, noting the
thyroid cancer had been the source of his difficulty staying at his
optimum weight and maintaining his stamina.<br />
More than that, though, it offered a dose of perspective. The notion
that his baseball career might be over — as frustrating as it had
sometimes been — provided added motivation.<br />
“This is all I know,” Kelly said. “For there to be a chance for me to
have that taken away, it hit me pretty deep. I wasn’t ready to give up
playing. It completely changed that side of it. It made the game easier,
because I had a lot less to worry about.<br />
“It became fun again.”<br />
<h4>
LEARNING TO PITCH</h4>
That winter in Puerto Rico wound up being pivotal to Kelly’s
development. He experimented with “pitching backward” — starting at-bats
with off-speed pitches to keep hitters guessing and disrupt their
timing — and learned to pitch inside more. The lessons he picked up
carried over to the next spring.<br />
Kelly began the 2015 season at Double-A Mississippi and was dominant.
In his first 17 appearances, he posted a 0.48 ERA and 10 saves while
holding opponents to a .197 batting average, earning a promotion to
Triple-A Gwinnett. He was nearly as dominant there, going 1-1 with five
saves and a 2.13 ERA in 10 outings.<br />
“What got me that far was God-given talent — I was lucky enough to be
able to throw hard and had good stuff, and that kind of carried me
through,” Kelly said. “When I finally learned how to pitch, which
probably took me longer than I’d care to admit, that’s when I really
started to have success.”<br />
<h4>
THE CALL</h4>
On June 27, 2015, more than nine years after the Pittsburgh Pirates
selected him in 26th round of the 2006 MLB Draft, Kelly got the call. He
was going to The Show. The next afternoon, Kelly was in the Atlanta
Braves’ bullpen — in Pittsburgh, oddly enough — eager for his big-league
debut.<br />
After an arduous nine-year trek to the bigs, Kelly had to wait two
more days for his moment. With a group of family and friends cheering
from the stands, Kelly ran in from the Turner Field bullpen on June 30
to face the heart of the Washington Nationals’ lineup.<br />
Yunel Escobar greeted Kelly with a seeing-eye single through the
middle, and then came his welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment. Bryce
Harper, one of the brightest young stars in the game, roped a
first-pitch single into right field. Kelly recovered nicely, getting a
double-play grounder and a swinging strikeout to escape with only one
run and elicit a celebration among his cheering section.<br />
In hindsight, Kelly didn’t relish the moment as much as he would have liked.<br />
“I was trying to keep my cool so much that I think I kind of brought
myself down further than I would like to be,” Kelly said. “I didn’t want
to let the bright lights and the fans and everything get involved with
my outing. I didn’t really get to soak in everything.”<br />
For the journey that led him so many places — from Hilton Head to
Walters State Community College in Tennessee, to minor-league stops in
Florida, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Myrtle Beach, Arizona, San
Antonio, Oregon, Virginia, Mississippi and Puerto Rico — to wind up in
Atlanta, where so many friends and family could make the short trip to
see it in person, made it all the more rewarding.<br />
“When I first got the call, I was overwhelmed with joy,” Kelly said.
“Not just for myself, but my family, everyone that’s been on the journey
with me. It’s been just as tough a road for them as it has been for me.<br />
“It was definitely everything that I thought it would be.”<br />
</section>
</div>
<span itemprop="name"> </span> john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-86876548274561663002015-10-02T09:21:00.002-05:002015-10-02T09:21:23.738-05:00What It’s Really Like to Have Thyroid Cancer<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/health/what-its-really-like-to-have-thyroid-cancer-172224707.html">https://www.yahoo.com/health/what-its-really-like-to-have-thyroid-cancer-172224707.html</a><br />
<br />
<div class="auth-attr W(100%) Mb(5px)--sm Mb(20px)" data-reactid=".17tr11y794w.0.2.3.0.0.0.0.0.0.$SideTop-1-HeadComponentAttribution" id="SideTop-1-HeadComponentAttribution">
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<div class="date" data-reactid=".17tr11y794w.0.2.3.0.0.0.0.0.0.$SideTop-1-HeadComponentAttribution.1.0.2">
September 30, 2015</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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About a little over a year ago, I found myself reclined in an exam chair about to have a big needle jabbed into my neck.</div>
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“Big
pinch,” the doctor said, as he gave me the local anesthetic. I just
stared at the ceiling, trying to remain calm despite the fear and the
burning bee sting sensation.</div>
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I
spent the previous evening drinking wine and Googling, “cancer in your
neck,” “biopsy needle,” “lump in neck,” and “thyroid cancer death”—while
my six-year-old son, Jack, and our brand new Golden Retriever puppy,
Lucia, slept peacefully unaware that their single mom had a very
suspicious 4-centimeter lump on her thyroid gland. Two weeks prior, my
regular doctor had discovered the lump during a routine physical. An
ultrasound and CT scan later, this needle was to determine whether it
was cancer.</div>
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But it didn’t.</div>
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That’s the first thing I learned about having cancer: it can take an awfully long time to confirm that you actually have it.</div>
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<br /><b><i><a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20723100,00.html?xid=yahoo-thyroid-093015" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></i></b></div>
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<b>Saying goodbye to my gland</b><br />At
my next appointment, my doctor, Erik Cohen, MD, of Carol G. Simon
Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center, explained that my biopsy was
“inconclusive,” yet “suspicious.” Surgery was scheduled.</div>
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On
the day of, I pushed through the revolving glass door and before I knew
it, the anesthesiologist said, “I’m going to give you something to
relax.” A happy feeling took over, and then total, peaceful blackness.
When I woke up, my throat was sore from the breathing tube, there was a
drain in my neck, an IV in my arm, blood pressure cuffs on my legs, and
wires everywhere.</div>
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“Did
you take out my whole thyroid?” I struggled to ask when I saw Dr.
Cohen. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that powers
your metabolism. It also plays a role in regulating body temperature and
mood. I really wanted to keep as much of mine as I could.</div>
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Dr.
Cohen explained he removed the tumor and right side, and that the tests
in the OR presented mixed reviews—again. He needed more pathology
tests. Still, the left part of my gland remained. A small win, I
thought.</div>
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<b>Related: <i><a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20954663,00.html?xid=yahoo-thyroid-093015" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">15 Thyroid Cancer Facts Everyone Should Know</a></i></b></div>
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<b>The big bad reveal</b><br />There
are approximately 60,000 new cases of thyroid cancer diagnosed each
year, with women accounting for 75% of cases. At my post-op appointment,
I knew immediately that I was one of those some-60,000 by the way Dr.
Cohen looked at my chart. “So, as it turns out…” he began.</div>
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My
official diagnosis: follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
(FVPTC). Sitting on the exam table, I was having trouble reconciling
this information with the other facts of my life. But I’m only 33, I
thought to myself. I’ve never smoked a cigarette a day in my life. I
drink green juice and exercise. And the most important: I can’t be sick.
I’m Jack’s mom.</div>
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Some
more facts I was learning: thyroid cancer has a survival rate of nearly
97% after five years. These facts asserted that “in general” my kind of
cancer is “good.” But what about that other 3%? And oh yeah, Dr. Cohen
explained, I now needed another surgery. The rest of my thyroid had to
go, and I probably also needed radioactive iodine therapy, a type of
radiation treatment also known as “RAI.”</div>
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This
was not the first time life had thrown me a curveball, so I tried to
remain calm, telling myself I always find a way to work things out, or
at least find an inch of silver lining. But I did not convince myself at
all.</div>
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<b><b>Related:</b> <i><b><a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20818045,00.html?xid=yahoo-thyroid-093015" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">14 Reasons You’re Always Tired</a></b></i></b></div>
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<b>A new normal</b><br />After
my second surgery rendered me completely thyroid-less, I was started on
100 mg of Synthroid, a standard drug that replaces the hormones the
thyroid gland naturally produces.</div>
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I
am so thankful my cancer was treatable, and that medication exists to
replace what my vital gland once did. But let me tell you, life without a
thyroid is not a piece of cake. I was perpetually tired and depressed,
but also anxious and constantly obsessing about my weight and diet. I
was cold when it was warm outside, and sweating when the AC was on.</div>
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On top of all that, I still had RAI treatment to look forward to.</div>
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Normally,
the thyroid gland absorbs iodine in your body. So when thyroid cancer
patients take radioactive iodine in pill or capsule form, the radiation
concentrates in any leftover thyroid cells and destroys them, without
affecting the rest of the body.</div>
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To
prep for this, I was put on a low-iodine diet (no iodized salt, dairy,
eggs, pizza, cheese or seafood for me!), and given thyrogen injections
to rapidly raise my thyroid hormone levels to make the radiation
effective at killing as many lingering cancer cells as possible.</div>
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When
I showed up in the Nuclear Medicine department in the basement of the
hospital, the radiologist entered in a mask, lead apron, and gloves to
protect himself from the thing he wanted me to swallow. I signed the
papers saying I would isolate myself from others for 5 days and not get
pregnant for a year. Scared and fascinated at the same time, I swallowed
the pill and left the hospital with enough radiation to set off alarms
at airports.</div>
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I
felt like I had the flu, and because I could still set off a Geiger
counter, I had to sweat it out alone. I had weepy moments but I got
through it, and a few short days later my son and my dog got to come
home. Jack busted through the door like a ball of energy and Lucia
jumped on me, so excited she peed right there. Having Jack back in my
arms, his cookie crumbs on the couch, and new drawings on the fridge
made my home whole again. Since I could eat again we celebrated with
pizza—extra cheese—and frozen yogurt. And I knew a year of hell was
worth being healthy for him.</div>
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<b>One year later</b><br />Now I see an endocrinologist every few months, and I’m still struggling to find a good balance.</div>
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Every
“thyca” survivor I’ve befriended has gone down this same endo rabbit
hole, trying to find a doctor that understands. I need more than a pill;
I need energy, a healthy weight, happiness. My meds have been adjusted
four times this year in an effort to achieve this, and I’m trying to
come to terms with the fact that I might never be symptom-free. That’s
why I bristle when I hear people say thyroid cancer is a “good”
cancer—there’s just no such thing.</div>
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But
on September 10 I celebrated one year in remission, and that does feel
good. It was the hardest year of my life but I got so much out of it.
Being part of the “Big C club” is scary but it reminds me every day how
amazing life is.</div>
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If
I could tell one person to check their neck today and they listened,
this article will have done its job. You can examine your own thyroid by
feeling just above the collarbone on either side of the trachea with
your fingertips—something I never did. Look out for any swelling or
lumps. Don’t wait to see your doctor if you feel anything strange.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Related:</b> <b><i><a href="http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20723100,00.html?xid=yahoo-thyroid-093015" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">19 Signs Your Thyroid Isn’t Working Right</a></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-85565938479617544422015-10-02T09:17:00.002-05:002015-10-02T09:17:17.184-05:0015 thyroid cancer facts everyone should know<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/10/01/15-thyroid-cancer-facts-everyone-should-know/">http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/10/01/15-thyroid-cancer-facts-everyone-should-know/</a>john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4374572659302231132.post-65056607196573582062015-09-22T10:08:00.003-05:002015-09-22T10:08:42.131-05:00New campaign emphasizes support for people with thyroid cancer<a href="http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/thyroid/news/online/%7B496f404d-4fde-4f1f-b8fd-189b8b8fb45f%7D/new-campaign-emphasizes-support-for-people-with-thyroid-cancer">http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/thyroid/news/online/%7B496f404d-4fde-4f1f-b8fd-189b8b8fb45f%7D/new-campaign-emphasizes-support-for-people-with-thyroid-cancer</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">September 19, 2015</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">An interactive, educational campaign designed to help dispel myths that
thyroid cancer is a “good cancer,” was recently launched by The Light of
Life Foundation, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Inc. and
Eisai Inc., according to a press release.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
“As a thyroid cancer survivor, I urge people to stop referring to
thyroid cancer as the ‘good cancer,’ as I believe it downplays patients’
experiences,” <b>Joan </b><b>Shey</b><b>, </b>founder of the Light of
Life Foundation, said in the release. “I hear time and time again from
patients how difficult their diagnosis and treatment were and that their
scars are more than skin deep. My hope is that this campaign can
educate about the many types of thyroid cancer and change the thyroid
cancer conversation.” <br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">The campaign, “Myths and Truths About Thyroid Cancer,” is aimed
at informing people about the realities of thyroid cancer. Most thyroid
cancers can be successfully treated and many falsely believe that this
makes <a href="http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/thyroid/news/online/%7B9243c930-cd8e-4915-b16b-7aadaae4c262%7D/low-risk-tumor-imaging-leads-to-increased-thyroid-cancer-rates" id="rId4" target="_new">thyroid cancer</a> “a good cancer.”</span><br />
<br />
“Being part of a community of survivors is very important for people coping with thyroid cancer,” <b>Gary Bloom, </b>thyroid
cancer survivor and cofounder and execuative director of ThyCa, said in
the release. “ThyCa takes this to the heart, which is why we are proud
to provide support and resources to the thyroid cancer community. We
also know more needs to be done to elevate awareness of thyroid cancer
and what patients need in terms of support for the rest of our lives.”<br />
<br />
People diagnosed with thyroid cancer may often feel misunderstood by
their family and friends, but the campaign emphasizes the need for
support and resources specific to their thyroid cancer experience, even
after their diagnosis.<br />
<br />
“I see patients with advanced forms of thyroid cancer, which can
be aggressive, difficult to treat and often require the involvement of
an <a href="http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/diabetes/news/online/%7Bb8c884c3-26e0-4cfa-be0a-d49174aaf165%7D/video-access-to-care-evidence-based-medicine-key-to-success-of-integrated-health-care-system" id="rId5" target="_new">integrated health care team</a>,” <b>Marcia Brose, MD, PhD, </b>associate
professor and director of Rare Cancers and Personalized Therapy at the
University of Pennsylvania’s Abramson Cancer Center, said in the
release. “Not all thyroid cancers are the same, and it is important that
people diagnosed with and treated for thyroid cancer understand their
treatment. In addition, if initial treatment does not eradicate their
disease, they should find a medical oncologist with experience in the
treatment of advanced thyroid cancer.” <br />
john1960http://www.blogger.com/profile/10476042882652140164noreply@blogger.com0