Dr. Lenz: Genetic Signature Not Helpful to Predict Recurrence in Clinical Practice

At ASCO 2009 Dr. David Kerr from the United Kingdom presented data on a genetic signature which is associated with tumor recurrence in stage II colon cancer. However these data are not even close to being clinically meaningful.

These data have been discussed by Kate Murphy. However I wanted to follow up with the significance of the data. To increase the risk of recurrence from 12% to 22% is not in any way or form helpful in the clinic, particularly because this outcome is independent of treatment effect. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on June 25th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | No Comments »
Tags: ASCO 2009, genetic signature, recurrence risk

Poverty, Lack of Insurance Barriers to Reducing Colon Cancer

Although new diagnoses of colon and rectal cancer are decreasing in the United States, the benefit does not reach everyone.

No matter where they lived, incidence of colorectal cancer dropped significantly between 1995 and 2004 for white Americans aged 65 and over, most of whom have Medicare that covers colonoscopy screening.  However, colorectal cancer rates for whites from 50 to 64 did not fall if they lived in rural areas or counties where there was poverty, lack of insurance, or few primary care providers.

African Americans only benefited from reduced incidence if they were over 64 and living in an affluent community. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on June 25th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: colorectal cancer incidence, disparities

Hepatic Perfusion Treatment Improves Survival and Shrinks CRC Liver Tumors

Colorectal cancer patients whose cancer had spread to their livers benefited from surgery during which heated chemotherapy was pumped directly to their livers. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) shrank tumors and increased survival time.  It may be a hopeful new approach to treating colorectal cancer that is widespread in the liver.

Median survival time after the treatment was a little over 17 months.  A third of patients lived two years or more.

A clinical trial of a similar hepatic perfusion technique without open surgery is currently available at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on June 24th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: hepatic perfusion, liver metastases

Colorectal Cancer News in Brief: June 19

In studies reported this week  fewer specialists managing colorectal cancer were found in US counties with large African American populations, older adults with cancer had significantly worse physical and mental health, and palliative sedation at the end of life did not hasten death.

In other headlines, colorectal cancer screening for the uninsured will begin on July 1 in Minnesota, and if screening reveals cancer, treatment will be covered under the Minnesota Medical Assistance program.  The FDA warned consumers not to use Zicam nasal gel or swabs to avoid loss of smell, and doctors advised patients on long-term Xeloda therapy to carry a letter from their oncologist explaining possible loss of fingerprints if they travel internationally. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on June 20th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: disparities, fingerprints, free colonoscopies, palliative sedation, Zicam

Nestle’s Refrigerator Cookie Dough Recalled: Risk of E.Coli

Throw out that refrigerated Nestles TOLL HOUSE Cookie Dough!  And don’t eat it raw or bake it.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a voluntary recall of all varieties of Nestle® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerator cookie dough.  While no e. coli bacteria have been actually found in the dough, there have been a number of reports of consumers becoming ill after eating the raw dough.

Baking the cookies may not eliminate the risk of contamination because cooks may get bacteria on their hands or on other kitchen surfaces.

Nestle and the FDA emphasize that people should never eat raw cookie dough or other foods that are intended to be baked or cooked before eating.

The products involved in the voluntary recall include all varieties of Nestlé TOLL HOUSE refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough. A complete list is available from Nestle. It includes all varieties, not just chocolate chip.

Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on June 19th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: FDA recalls, Nestle cookie dough