High Levels of Gene MACC1 Predicts Colorectal Cancer Spread

German scientists have identified a gene that has higher levels in colon cancer patients whose tumors are destined to spread. By initiating a signaling pathway in the cancer cell, MACC1 (Metastasis-Associated in Colon Cancer 1) promotes faster cell growth and cancer spread  to distant sites in the body (metastasis) .

Their research was published online in Nature Medicine.

About a third of patients whose cancer is found in early stages will eventually have it spread to other organs.  Measuring MACC1 may help doctors identify those patients, treat them more aggressively, and follow them  more closely. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 27th, 2008
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: colorectal cancer prognosis, molecular medicine

Boehringer Ingelheim Addresses Leucovorin Shortage

Boehringer Ingelheim, parent company of Bedford Laboratories, reports that Bedford is shipping some leucovorin, but that improvements in its manufacturing facilities will cause some short-term interruptions.

In a statement, Boehringer Ingleheim says that five lots of intravenous leucovorin were released between late November and mid-December, providing about 175,000 vials.  Another two lots are expect to be shipped before the end of 2008 containing another 167,000 vials.

According to the statement,

Bedford Laboratories will continue to work with the FDA drug shortage staff to provide updates on leucovorin.

Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 26th, 2008
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Tags: leucovorin shortage

Eartha Kitt Dies

Eartha Kitt at the Cafe Carlyle (Photo from the NY Times)

Eartha Kitt died on December 25, 2008 of colon cancer.  She was 81.

Her cancer was diagnosed and treated two years ago.  After a period of remission, it recurred leading to her death today. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 25th, 2008
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | 3 Comments »
Tags: Eartha Kitt, obituaries

Another Ethex recall: 2 Mg Hydromorphone

On December 23, 2008 Ethex Corporation recalled one lot of 2 mg hydromorphone tablets because it may contain oversized pills.

Hydromorphone is used to manage pain.  Too high a dose could cause difficulty breathing, excessive sedation, or low blood pressure.  Patients taking hydromorphone who experience these adverse effects should contact their doctor immediately.  If the patient cannot breathe or doesn’t respond, call 911.

The lot recalled is #90219.  The round tablets are blue with a script “E” on one side and a “2″ on the other side.  Hydromorphone is also marketed by Abbott with the brandname Dilaudid® Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 24th, 2008
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: drug recall, Ethex, FDA, hydromorphone

Inflamed Gallbladder More Common After Colorectal Cancer

Cancer increases the risk of gallbladder attacks (cholecystitis), particularly in the first six months after diagnosis.  In a study of over 50,000 cancer patients in Denmark, the risk of a gallbladder infection was twice that of the general population in those first six months.

Risk for people with colorectal cancer was nearly five times that of people who didn’t have cancer.

After six months, risk went down, but there was still about a 25 percent greater chance that someone with cancer would have pain from an inflamed or infected gallbladder Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 24th, 2008
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: cancer complications