February, 2008

An experimental approach to fix breast defects in women who have had cancerous lumps removed has been used for the first time. Stem cells from liposuctioned fat have been used in Japan. Plastic surgeons throughout the U.S. are very excited about this technique but caution that it needs further study. Men can carry breast cancer genes as well as women. Doctors are encouraging male relatives with these genes to be tested. Both men and women should reveal their genetic risk from BRAC genes to family members, especially grandchildren. Researchers can now pinpoint breast tumors likely to lead to cancer, potentially saving thousands form unnecessary treatment and anxiety. A drop in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) indicates that chemotherapy is working with patients with metastatic breast cancer and that drop can be established within a few weeks after the first cycle of treatment. New research suggests that most doctors don't talk about breast reconstruction with women before cancer surgery, depriving them of key information that can sway their decision about whether to have the whole breast or a lump removed. Eli Avisar, MD, surgical oncologist at UM/Sylvester, says UM has a "multi-disciplinary team which routinely includes plastic surgeons." He explains that "we are at the forefront of skin sparing for mastectomies," and they have incorporated plastic surgery in reshaping the breast after lumpectomies in what is commonly called "oncoplastic" surgery. The American Cancer Society reports that cancer killed almost 8 million people worldwide. Due to the aging population the number of cancer deaths has risen to 12 million this year. Many of the cancer cases are preventable. Lifestyle behavior such as smoking, high fat diets and less physical activity adds to these numbers. Prevention can alter these statistics through lifestyle changes. The newest prescription for cancer is Comprehensive Care - it is important to treat the emotional side of the disease as well as the physical side. The Courtelis Center at Sylvester provides that critical component by focusing on the psychological and social needs of patients. The Monroe School District, (in the Keys), will bring in third year medical students to teach children the dangers of smoking in a program called, "They're Rich, You're Dead". Hormonal factors may affect gastric cancer risk. Women with a high number of years of fertility seem to be protected to some degree against developing gastric cancer. Researchers at three medical centers will begin the first test in patients looking at a way to target cancerous stem cells. The theory is one of the most promising ideas about the cause and treatment of cancer. However, it is still controversial. New research indicates that the seemingly inefficient way our bodies replace worn-out cells is a defense against cancer. People age 65 and older who walk regularly and get moderate forms of exercise appear to significantly lower the risk of developing vascular dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Phillip J. Rosenthal, MD, professor of ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, has been an outspoken advocate for the use of Avistan as a more economical treatment for wet macular degeneration. The drug company, Genentech, appears to have resolved a dispute with ophthalmologists that will allow physicians to continue to use the company's drug Avistan to treat eye diseases. Doctors had accused the company of trying to force them to use a much more expensive Genentech drug, Lucentis. A new robotic surgical system, the transoral surgery (TORS), shows promise in the removal of cancer involving the tonsils. The largest and longest study ever done on bone mineral density tests supports screening for the prevention of osteoporosis. Bone density tests can predict women's fracture risk. A simple mouth rinse (saliva test) may provide a new way to screen for head and neck cancers in people at high risk for these diseases. Scientists have traced the arrival of a colon cancer gene back to a family that arrived in the New World around 1630. The need for knowing your family history and being tested is important because this type of cancer can be treated. Cancer researchers have identified a link between a cellular signaling protein and the hormone androgen that can play a role in hormone-resistant recurring prostate cancer. A cancer cell line that is resistant to one of the newest classes of cancer treatments has been developed by researchers. They are already using it to determine what else they can give patients fighting this resistant line, in clinical trials. Researchers report that disrupting sleep damages the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels, potentially raising the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Children who sleep less than nine hours a day are more likely to be overweight, obese, or emotionally volatile. Sleep is important for well-being throughout life. Naomi Prever - VP Education - naomirltr@bellsouth.net - 561-997-6020