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In a case-control study, patients with prostate cancer and matched controls were asked to recall whether they experienced male-pattern baldness by 20, 30, or 40 years of age. Prostate cancer patients were twice as likely to have alopecia at age 20 than controls. Early-age alopecia was not associated with early diagnosis of prostate cancer or with markers of disease aggressiveness. Thus, men with male-pattern baldness at age 20 may be at higher risk for the development of prostate cancer and perhaps more aggressive screening or other disease preventing interventions might prove beneficial for this population.
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In a multicenter randomized (not blinded) Phase 3 study of erlotinib vs chemotherapy for EGFR-mutation positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), progression-free survival was both significantly greater and toxicity less for patients treated with erlotinib. The findings suggest that erlotinib should be considered first-line therapy for patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC.
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In a retrospective analysis of risk factors for the development of cerebral metastases in patients with known metastatic breast cancer, several factors including ER, HER-2, patient age, and site of first metastatic recurrence were found to be predicted. Using a cumulative incidence model employing competing-risk regression analysis, small initial tumor size, and the absence of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis appeared to be independent risk factors.
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ACEI/ARB therapy for AS; safety alert issued for dronedarone; statins and cancer risk; nesiritide and heart failure; and FDA actions.
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A 57-year-old, postmenopausal African American schoolteacher was found by annual screening mammogram to have a suspicious irregularity. Follow-up ultrasound did not reveal cystic disease so a repeat "spot" mammogram-assisted biopsy was obtained and a grade 1 invasive ductal carcinoma with tubular elements was found.
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In a commentary on preterm birth (PTB) in the april issue of OB/GYN Clinical Alert, I mentioned that data are on the horizon that would support the use of vaginal progesterone to reduce the risk of PTB in patients with short cervices. Well, the study has now been published, and the results may change how PTB is approached.
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In this issue: 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.
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The authors performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the clinical utility of dilation and curettage (D&C) in diagnosing ectopic pregnancy (EP).
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Thyroid dysfunction and disease may present as reproductive compromise including oligomenorrhea, infertility, and miscarriage. Thyroid dysfunction and disease may complicate pregnancy and lead to compromised fetal neurodevelopment and preterm labor.
