November, 2008

Joseph Lucci, M.D., professor and co-leader of the Gynecological Site Disease Group at Sylvester and Talia Donenberg, certified genetic counselor at Sylvester, discussed how more women today are undergoing genetic counseling and taking blood tests to determine if they have a mutation in the BRAC1 or BRAC2 genes. These genes can detect those patients who have a genetic predisposition for breast or ovarian cancer. Leo Twiggs, M.D., professor and chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and member of the Gynecological Cancer Site Disease Group at Sylvester, is a principal investigator for a clinical trial for LightTouch, a non invasive cervical cancer detection device. LightTouch has the potential to detect cervical disease before it becomes life threatening. To date, 1900 women have been tested to demonstrate the technology's accuracy in detecting cervical cancer. The next step is to analyze the results and file for an approval application with the FDA. ImmunoVaccine Technologies' (IVT) patented depot vaccine formulation, DepoVax, is showing positive pre-clinical results. This single dose vaccine explores pandemic and seasonal influenza as well as hepatitis B. By using tumor specific peptides it can also destroy tumors, indicating a promising immunotherapy for cancer. A computer aided detection system may eliminate the need for double reading mammograms. Tiffany Field, M.D, director of the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, spoke about the benefits of massage to reduce stress, which increases immune cells. Other things women can do to avoid getting sick are; taking a cold shower to help boost your energy and reduce pain; using ginger either in food or tea for certain gastric intestinal issues; using vitamin C and zinc at the first sign of a cold; use garlic which has antioxidants that boosts immunity and fights inflammation and most important-think positive-to stay healthy. The FDA said it needs to gather more data on whether over-the counter cold and cough medicines are safe and effective for children ages 2-6. An animal study raises a warning sign that a new class of drugs, (such as Lithium), which show promise against a variety of ailments, ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's disease, might cause congenital heart defects. How fat and muscle are distributed throughout the body is one of the factors that contribute to limited mobility of people with rheumatoid arthritis. The inhaled steroids that are often used to treat asthma do not work as well in those who are overweight or obese. Naomi Prever - VP - Education - naomirltr@bellsouth.net - 561-997-6020