March, 2008

Researchers are preparing for clinical trials examining whether high doses of Vitamin C, administered intravenously, can slow the growth of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. People with Down syndrome produce higher levels of a certain protein that keep tumors from growing and therefore have a lower incidence of cancer. In patients with severe cases of prostate cancer, a combination of testosterone-lowering drugs and radiation appear to lower the odds of dying from the disease over a 10-year period. A recent report finds that the most effective prostate screening requires a digital rectal examination. The U.S. Surgeon General encourages people to learn more about their family health history. Men should be aware of the history of prostate cancer. It takes a combination of 5 gene variants to raise the risk of prostate cancer. Women who inherit a mutated version of the gene BRCA1 are more likely to develop breast and ovarian cancer. A study of Ashkenazi Jewish women with ovarian cancer found that those with BRCA1/2 mutations had a better long-term survival than women without the mutations. They also responded better to medication. Women who have taken birth control pills for at least 15 years halved their chances of developing ovarian cancer and that risk remained low more than 30 years later. Researchers have discovered a substance called Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF)-derived from yeast-that may become an oral treatment for diabetes and its complications. People with restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea face twice the risk of stroke or heart disease and should be treated by a physician. Dr. Leslie Baumann,MD, professor in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery commented that the Public Citizen Consumer group is demanding that Botox carry a black-box warning that its use can potentially cause serious injury or death. The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU in Boca Raton is focusing on research and programs for the elderly, especially with Alzheimers disease. The College is working with the UM Miller School of Medicine via the new Institute for Quality Aging. By studying blood cells in a young pair of twins, scientists say they are gaining new insights into how some children are poised to develop leukemia even before birth. These studies get closer to the origins of leukemia. The FDA is warning parents that "serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur" when using over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines and cough suppressants in children under the age of 2. There will be a decision made in the spring on the effects of these remedies on older children. Researchers have identified the gene that is responsible for creating the cerebral cortex, the brains thinking center. The discovery could one day help people with brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. A new treatment for stroke victim can clear clogged brain arteries in the hopes of stopping the brain attack before it does permanent damage. The device called Penumbra acts like a tiny vacuum cleaner. This treatment is not for everyone and is undergoing more studies. Dr. Arthur Agatston, M.D, voluntary associate professor in the Department of Medicine, at UM, author of the "South Beach Diet", has written a new book, "The South Beach Heart Revolution" on the importance of diet in treating heart health. UM/Sylvester's Well Being/Being Well conference will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel, in Miami, on April 22nd and is open to the public. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Deepak Chopra. Some of Sylvester's top physicians and researchers will discuss the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call Jeannie Bonish at 305-243-9088. About one-third of patients going to a hospital do not get potentially life-saving defibrillation within the recommended two minutes of having a heart attack. A lawsuit has been filed against DANONE for its claim that Activa yogurt and other probiotic products can cure stomach problems. People who are physically active in their free time are biologically younger than people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Naomi Prever - VP Education - naomirltr@bellsouth.net - 561-997-6020