November, 2007

New research suggests that the widely used chemotherapy drug, Taxol, does not work for the most common form of breast cancer. A pilot study has found that radiation used for early stage breast cancer will not hurt the immune health of most women. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has studied the two common forms of colonoscopy options, either the CT exam or the conventional screening to detect polyps in the colon. On average, research has shown that the CT scan is inferior to regular colonoscopy for detection of polyps. UM/Sylvester's Annual Survivors' Day was a huge success with nearly 600 people in attendance. The inspirational stories from former patients and physicians spoke of courage and hope for the future in battling cancer. The family of Fred Havenick raised $35,000 at a Flagler Dog Track Poker Tournament to help fund an intensive care unit at UM/Sylvester. Luis Raez, MD, director of the hematology-oncology clinics and co-leader of the Lung Cancer Disease Group at UM/Sylvester and Arnold Markoe, MD, professor and chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology, at the Miller School of Medicine were among the authors of a study that showed that adding docetaxel to the standard therapy has helped save the lives of patients with advanced head and neck cancers. Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism to predict survival in older women with early stage lung cancer. It is associated with the levels of aromatase, an enzyme found in the estrogen hormone. A Mayo Clinic study indicates that a drug that's already shown promise in treating sarcoma, lung and brain cancers may also be effective in treating the spread of breast cancer. The drug is presently in clinical trial. UM has received approval to establish the first medical residency program in Palm Beach County. The program will be in internal medicine at the JFK Medical Center in Atlantis and the VA Medical center in West Palm Beach. Penny Tenzer, MD, vice-chair of Family Medicine and Community Health, at the Miller School of Medicine is quoted as saying that taking aspirin or ibuprofen more than a few days a week can lead to rebound headaches when you try to stop taking the drugs. Some people who increase their exercise level, also step up their eating, not losing as much weight as expected. Naomi Prever - VP Education - naomirltr@bellsouth.net - 561-997-6020