What to Do When Your Liver Doesn’t Function Well

One of the major sites of tumor spread of colon cancer spread is the liver.

The liver can compensate for a long time despite having large tumors.  This is reason that our blood tests of liver function remain normal despite the liver having multiple lesions.  However, if the tumors grow to a certain size or interfere with the bile ducts, they can cause the liver enzymes. including the bilirubin, to increase. When bilirubin increases patients develop jaundice, indicating that the liver is not functioning well. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on March 31st, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | 5 Comments »
Tags: bilirubin, liver metastases, Managing Symptoms and Side Effects

FDA Recommends Avoiding Pistachios Due to Salmonella

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella in California has recalled over a million pounds of pistachios after Salmonella was found in Back To Nature Trail Mix by Kraft Foods.  Kraft traced the contamination back to Setton.

Setton is recalling both its large bulk shipments of pistachios to other manufacturers and Setton Farms brand roasted salted shelled pistachios in 9 oz. film bags.  The Setton Farm bags of pistachios were distributed in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky and have UPC Code: 034325020252 with a “Best Before” date between 01/06/10 and 01/19/10. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on March 31st, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: FDA, salmonella

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Liver Mets Safe

An early clinical trial of focused radiation therapy for liver metastases appeared to be safe without causing liver disease.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) delivers high doses of radiation to a carefully targeted area of the body.  Its goal is to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.

Radiation oncologists at Princesss Margaret Hospital at the University of Toronto used SBRT to treat 68 patients with cancer that had spread to their liver, 40 of whom had colorectal cancer.  Patients, who were not eligible for surgery or additional chemotherapy, had six radiotherapy treatments over two weeks. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on March 30th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: liver metastases, radiotherapy

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Recognized in Congress

Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed H. Con Res. 60, recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The resolution was introduced by Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX) and Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and marked the tenth anniversary of the first colorectal cancer awareness month. Continue reading…

Posted by Joe Arite on March 30th, 2009
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | No Comments »

Congressman Boren Introduces the Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection Act of 2009

Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK)

C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition is proud to support The Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection Act of 2009 (HR 1330) introduced by Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK). The bill would require group and individual health insurance plans provide coverage of colorectal cancer screenings.

Americans age 50-64 are a critical group when considering colorectal cancer. HR 1330 will provide the same protections to non-Medicare beneficiaries that are already provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

Congressman Boren lost his mother to colon cancer, and personally understands the need for early detection of the disease.

Click here to watch Congressman Boren speak on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Posted by Joe Arite on March 30th, 2009
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | No Comments »
Tags: Boren, House of Representatives, Screenings