-
In an epidemiologic analysis of SEER data, middle-aged patients with early-stage disease who opted for active surveillance rather than retroperitoneal lymph node dissection experienced a greater rate of second malignancy. The investigators speculate that this may relate to increased radiation exposure (multiple CT scans) and a greater likelihood of subsequent chemotherapy use.
-
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, clonidine and venlafaxine both proved superior to placebo in reducing hot flashes in breast cancer patients. The study was insufficiently powered to prove superiority of one drug over the other. However, venlafaxine produced earlier reductions and it appeared clonidine had more sustained effect (i.e., at 12 weeks of treatment).
-
A 66-year-old postmenopausal retired teacher went to her primary care physician because she found a lump in her right breast during a routine bath.
-
From a large cohort of women followed prospectively and with an adjunct meta-analysis of existing evaluable studies, a clearly demonstrated, nearly universal (i.e., across tumor types) incremental increase in cancer incidence was observed with advancing height.
-
Medication poisonings in children; rosuvastatin vs atorvastatin for atherosclerosis; saw palmetto for prostate symptoms; using atypical antipsychotics for off-label indications in adults; and FDA actions.
-
The prognostic relevance of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) internal tandem duplications and point mutations at D835 in acute promeylocytic leukemia (APL) is controversial.
-
A 70-year-old man undergoing preoperative evaluation for abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery was noted to have a 3 cm mass in the right adrenal gland with heterogeneous texture but clear margins.
-
For patients in the midst of chemotherapy, there are little data on the most efficacious time to administer influenza vaccine. In a randomized study of 38 patients receiving FEC chemotherapy for adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, it is apparent that vaccination early (on day 4 of a 21-day cycle) provided better antibody response than when administered late in the cycle (day 16).
-
Apixaban could soon join the anticoagulation market; Chinese herbs for flu; chronic medication and discontinuation after hospitalization; and FDA actions.
-
