Clinical TrialBMS Phase 2B Study including 4 drug regimen of NS5A BMS-790052 + protease BMS-650032 + Peglambda/Rbv
This study is currently recruiting participants.
Verified on March 2011 by Bristol-Myers Squibb
The purpose of this study is to determine if combination therapy with Pegylated Interferon Lambda (BMS-914143) plus Ribavirin (RBV) with a single direct antiviral agent (BMS-790052 or BMS-650032) for 24 weeks is effective and safe for treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) compared to current standard therapy with Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a plus RBV for 48 weeks.
The purpose of this study is to determine if combination therapy with Pegylated Interferon Lambda (BMS-914143) plus Ribavirin (RBV) with a single direct antiviral agent (BMS-790052 or BMS-650032) for 24 weeks is effective and safe for treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) compared to current standard therapy with Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a plus RBV for 48 weeks.
Official Title: A Phase 2B, Randomized Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Pegylated Interferon Lambda (BMS-914143) Administered With Ribavirin Plus a Single Direct Antiviral Agent (BMS-790052 or BMS-650032) Versus Pegasys Administered With Ribavirin (Part A) and of Pegylated Interferon Lambda (BMS-914143) Administered With or Without Ribavirin Plus 2 Direct Antiviral Agents (BMS-790052 and BMS-650032) (Part B) in Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype-1 Treatment naïve Subjects
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In This Issue:
FDA Approves Victrelis and Incivek
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
HealthWise: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
HCV Snapshots
Lucinda K. Porter, RN and Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
CV Advocate Eblast
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
HealthWise: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
HCV Snapshots
Lucinda K. Porter, RN and Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
CV Advocate Eblast
Research
01 June 2011
Inside the human body, an amazing amount of communication occurs constantly. But the dialogue is rather extraordinary. The orators are actually multiple cell types that make up the human tissues...
New substance may allow successful transplantation of 'marginal' livers
New research raises the possibility that the critically short supply of livers for organ donation could be expanded by treating so-called "marginal" livers with a substance that protects them from damage after being connected to recipients' blood supplies.
The report appears in ACS' journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.
Ram Mahato and colleagues note that the need for liver transplants has grown over the years, though the number of available livers has not. Currently, more than 16,000 people are waiting for a liver in the U.S., but less than 7,000 liver transplants were performed during the entire year of 2010. This shortage has led organ transplant teams to consider using marginal, or damaged, livers, such as those with cholestasis — a build-up of bile. But transplanting a damaged liver has risks, including a higher risk that the organ will fail. To overcome this challenge, the researchers utilized a hedgehog-signaling inhibitor to increase the odds of a successful liver transplant.
They found that a compound called cyclopamine prevented further injury to cholestatic livers after the blood supply was cut off then returned — a situation similar to what transplanted livers undergo. The research was performed in rats, which are stand-ins for humans in the laboratory. It provided "convincing evidence" that cyclopamine may protect cholestatic livers from additional damage after a transplant procedure and improve clinical outcomes for the patients.
New method for assessing liver fibrosis based on acoustic radiation force impulse
A study in the most recent Journal of Gastroenterology identifies a new method for assessing liver fibrosis based on acoustic radiation force impulse making reference to the difference between right and left liver.
Virtual touch tissue quantification based on acoustic radiation force impulse imaging has been developed as a noninvasive bedside method for the assessment of liver stiffness.
Dr Takeo Toshima and colleagues examined the diagnostic performance of ARFI imaging in 103 patients, focusing on the difference in VTTQ values between the right and left liver lobes.
The researchers evaluated virtual touch tissue quantification values of the right and left lobes in 79 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent histological examination of liver fibrosis, and in 24 healthy volunteers.
The diagnostic accuracy of virtual touch tissue quantification was compared with several serum markers, including hyaluronic acid, type 4 collagen, and aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index.
The virtual touch tissue quantification values in the right and left lobes were 1.6 and 1.9, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant.
The team found that the virtual touch tissue quantification values in both liver lobes were correlated significantly with histological fibrosis grades.
The standard deviations of the virtual touch tissue quantification values in the right lobe were significantly lower than those in the left lobe.
The team observed that the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of fibrosis using virtual touch tissue quantification values in both liver lobes was superior to serum markers, especially in the right lobe.
Dr Toshima and team commented, "Virtual touch tissue quantification is an accurate and reliable tool for the assessment of liver fibrosis."
"Virtual touch tissue quantification of the right lobe was more accurate for diagnosing liver fibrosis than in the left lobe."
J Gastroenterol 2011: 46(5): 705-711
01 June 2011
Changes in the most common causes of chronic liver diseases in the United States
A study in the latest issue of the Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology reports on changes in the prevalence of the most common causes of chronic liver diseases in the United States.
Chronic liver diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Dr Zobair Younossi and colleagues from Virginia, USA assessed changes in the prevalence of different types of chronic liver diseases in the United States.
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 1988 and 2008 were used to estimate changes in the prevalence and predictors of chronic liver diseases.
The research team used serologic and clinical data established the diagnoses of chronic liver disease in 39,500 adults.
The prevalence rates for chronic liver disease were 12%, 16%, and 158%.
During the same period, the team found that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus, and alcoholic liver disease remained generally stable.
In contrast, the team noted the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increased from 6% to 10% to 11%.
From 1988 to 1994, NAFLD accounted for 47% of chronic liver diseases cases.
The team observed that from 1994 to 2004 its prevalence increased to 63%, and then to 75% from 2005 to 2008.
During these time periods, steady increases were observed in obesity, visceral obesity, type II diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypertension.
A multivariate analysis showed that during all time periods, obesity was an independent predictor of NAFLD.
Dr Younossi's team concluded, "National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data collected from 1988 to 2008 show that the prevalence of major causes of chronic liver diseases remained stable, except for NAFLD, which increased steadily, along with the prevalence of metabolic conditions."
"Given the increasing rates of obesity, NAFLD prevalence is expected to contribute substantially to the burden of chronic liver diseases in the United States."
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011: 9(6): 524-530
31 May 2011
Meike Heeren
New substance may allow successful transplantation of 'marginal' livers
New research raises the possibility that the critically short supply of livers for organ donation could be expanded by treating so-called "marginal" livers with a substance that protects them from damage after being connected to recipients' blood supplies.
The report appears in ACS' journal Molecular Pharmaceutics.
Ram Mahato and colleagues note that the need for liver transplants has grown over the years, though the number of available livers has not. Currently, more than 16,000 people are waiting for a liver in the U.S., but less than 7,000 liver transplants were performed during the entire year of 2010. This shortage has led organ transplant teams to consider using marginal, or damaged, livers, such as those with cholestasis — a build-up of bile. But transplanting a damaged liver has risks, including a higher risk that the organ will fail. To overcome this challenge, the researchers utilized a hedgehog-signaling inhibitor to increase the odds of a successful liver transplant.
They found that a compound called cyclopamine prevented further injury to cholestatic livers after the blood supply was cut off then returned — a situation similar to what transplanted livers undergo. The research was performed in rats, which are stand-ins for humans in the laboratory. It provided "convincing evidence" that cyclopamine may protect cholestatic livers from additional damage after a transplant procedure and improve clinical outcomes for the patients.
New method for assessing liver fibrosis based on acoustic radiation force impulse
A study in the most recent Journal of Gastroenterology identifies a new method for assessing liver fibrosis based on acoustic radiation force impulse making reference to the difference between right and left liver.
Virtual touch tissue quantification based on acoustic radiation force impulse imaging has been developed as a noninvasive bedside method for the assessment of liver stiffness.
Dr Takeo Toshima and colleagues examined the diagnostic performance of ARFI imaging in 103 patients, focusing on the difference in VTTQ values between the right and left liver lobes.
The researchers evaluated virtual touch tissue quantification values of the right and left lobes in 79 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent histological examination of liver fibrosis, and in 24 healthy volunteers.
The diagnostic accuracy of virtual touch tissue quantification was compared with several serum markers, including hyaluronic acid, type 4 collagen, and aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index.
The virtual touch tissue quantification values in the right and left lobes were 1.6 and 1.9, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant.
The team found that the virtual touch tissue quantification values in both liver lobes were correlated significantly with histological fibrosis grades.
The standard deviations of the virtual touch tissue quantification values in the right lobe were significantly lower than those in the left lobe.
The team observed that the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of fibrosis using virtual touch tissue quantification values in both liver lobes was superior to serum markers, especially in the right lobe.
Dr Toshima and team commented, "Virtual touch tissue quantification is an accurate and reliable tool for the assessment of liver fibrosis."
"Virtual touch tissue quantification of the right lobe was more accurate for diagnosing liver fibrosis than in the left lobe."
J Gastroenterol 2011: 46(5): 705-711
01 June 2011
Changes in the most common causes of chronic liver diseases in the United States
A study in the latest issue of the Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology reports on changes in the prevalence of the most common causes of chronic liver diseases in the United States.
Chronic liver diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Dr Zobair Younossi and colleagues from Virginia, USA assessed changes in the prevalence of different types of chronic liver diseases in the United States.
National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 1988 and 2008 were used to estimate changes in the prevalence and predictors of chronic liver diseases.
The research team used serologic and clinical data established the diagnoses of chronic liver disease in 39,500 adults.
The prevalence rates for chronic liver disease were 12%, 16%, and 158%.
During the same period, the team found that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus, and alcoholic liver disease remained generally stable.
In contrast, the team noted the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increased from 6% to 10% to 11%.
From 1988 to 1994, NAFLD accounted for 47% of chronic liver diseases cases.
The team observed that from 1994 to 2004 its prevalence increased to 63%, and then to 75% from 2005 to 2008.
During these time periods, steady increases were observed in obesity, visceral obesity, type II diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypertension.
A multivariate analysis showed that during all time periods, obesity was an independent predictor of NAFLD.
Dr Younossi's team concluded, "National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys data collected from 1988 to 2008 show that the prevalence of major causes of chronic liver diseases remained stable, except for NAFLD, which increased steadily, along with the prevalence of metabolic conditions."
"Given the increasing rates of obesity, NAFLD prevalence is expected to contribute substantially to the burden of chronic liver diseases in the United States."
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011: 9(6): 524-530
31 May 2011
Meike Heeren
Abstract
Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection frequently show neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study aims to help clarify the neurochemical mechanisms behind these symptoms and to add further proof to the hypothesis that HCV may affect brain function. Therefore, 15 patients who reported increasing chronic fatigue, mood alterations, and/or cognitive decline since their HCV infection underwent neurologic and neuropsychological examination, magnetic resonance imaging, 18F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography of the brain, and single photon emission tomography of striatal dopamine and midbrain serotonin transporter (SERT) availability. None of the patients had liver cirrhosis. Patients’ data were compared with data of age-matched controls.
In addition, regression analysis was performed between cognitive deficits, and mood and fatigue scores as dependent variables, and cerebral glucose metabolism, dopamine, or SERT availability as predictors.
Patients showed significant cognitive deficits, significantly decreased striatal dopamine and midbrain SERT availability, and significantly reduced glucose metabolism in the limbic association cortex, and in the frontal, parietal, and superior temporal cortices, all of which correlated with dopamine transporter availability and psychometric results.
Thus, the study provides further evidence of central nervous system affection in HCV-afflicted patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Data indicate alteration of dopaminergic neurotransmission as a possible mechanism of cognitive decline.
From Laboratory Medicine
Absolute Quantitation of Different Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus RNA in Clinical Samples by a Modified Real-time PCR Method
Abstract and Introduction Material and Methods Statistical Analysis
Results Discussion Conclusion
Discussion
From Laboratory Medicine
Absolute Quantitation of Different Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus RNA in Clinical Samples by a Modified Real-time PCR Method
Posted: 05/31/2011; Laboratory Medicine. 2011;42(6):333-337. © 2011 American Society for Clinical Pathology
See Links For Full Text;Results Discussion Conclusion
Discussion
In HCV-infected patients, the quantification of viral RNA has been regarded as 1 of the most important indicators for the outcome of interferon therapy.[2,4] Real-time PCR assays have become an essential tool to monitor viral load. Based on this, we developed a highly specific, sensitive, and reproducible real-time PCR method allowing the quantification of HCV-RNA in serum and plasma samples from patients infected with different genotypes.
In this study, the sensitivity, specificity, linearity, and reproducibility of an in-house HCV real-time PCR assay were evaluated. We found that the dynamic range of quantification of our method was from 102 to 20 × 106 copies/mL. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.99 (Figure 1). Kawai and colleagues16 reported that their TaqMan PCR assay had a sensitivity from 2 × 103 to 2 × 108 copies/mL. Hence, we were able to detect a low copy number compared with assays mentioned before. On the other hand, interassay and intrassay reproducibility were evaluated, and CV values were low (Table 1). It has been reported that a CV of <20% is considered adequate for the reproducibility of the assay.[16] We also found that the reproducibility of our method using clinical samples had a CV less than 0.45%, and different HCV genotypes can be efficiently identified (Table 1). The specificity of our method was high as demonstrated by the absence of HCV-RNA in all samples from negative HCV controls.
In the 15 patients analyzed, we found the following distribution of HCV genotype: 1, 6.7%; 1a, 13.3%; 1b, 26.6%; 1a/1b, 13.3%; 2b, 20%; 3, 6.7%; 3a, 6.7%; and 3b, 6.7%. The genotype pattern was similar to those previously reported in the Northeast and other regions of Mexico.[17] We demonstrated that HCV-RNA levels measured by the AMPLICOR Monitor Assay correlated with those measured by the TaqMan PCR Assay (r=0.98) (Figure 2), and that it has a practical application and high specificity in samples from HCV-infected patients (Table 2).
Conclusion
In conclusion, our in-house real-time PCR method provides a valid platform for quantifying HCV-RNA, combining good analytical sensitivity with a wide dynamic range and high reproducibility. We suggest that our assay has a broad applicability in basic and clinical investigations requiring quantification of HCV-RNA levelsHIV
Journal of Viral Hepatitis, May 2011 1 in 4 new HIV infections in Ontario are among women: Study
1 in 4 new HIV infections in Ontario are among women: Study
TORONTO, June 1, 2011– Despite significant clinical advances in HIV care, an estimated 25 per cent of new HIV infections in Ontario from 2006 to 2008 were among women, according to a health study by researchers from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and St. Michael's Hospital. The researchers say 93 per cent of new infections among women are acquired through sexual transmission and seven per cent through injection drug use. About 60 per cent of newly infected women are immigrants. The findings, the latest from the POWER (Project for an Ontario Women's Health Evidence-Based Report) study, suggest targeted prevention and intervention efforts are necessary to eliminate gaps and inequities in care for HIV patients.
"We have made real progress in preventing HIV infection and in treating people living with HIV, but we also identified several groups for whom important disparities persist, including older women, Aboriginal women, and women who have immigrated from countries where HIV is endemic," says Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi, lead author on the chapter and a physician at St. Michael's Hospital. "We also identified differences related to poverty, injection drug use, and geography. Our findings suggest that addressing such factors will be important for delivering universal, high-quality HIV care in Ontario."
The POWER Study — a joint study from St. Michael's Hospital and ICES — is the first in the province to provide a comprehensive overview of women's health in relation to income, education, ethnicity and geography. The findings are detailed in the report titled HIV Infection-the 11th chapter to be released as part of the study. Findings can be used by policymakers and health-care providers to improve access, quality and outcomes of care for Ontario women. The POWER Study was funded by Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario, an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
"The POWER Study HIV Infection chapter reveals important gaps in prevention, access and clinical care," says Pat Campbell, CEO, Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario. "Findings support the need for strategies to promote HIV prevention and testing directed at hard to reach groups. We also need to improve access to care for women aged 55 and older to ensure earlier diagnosis and/or earlier entry to care. At the same time findings are helping to track improvements in care, evident in the high prenatal HIV screening rate (95%)."
The POWER study chapter, released today, examined the impact of HIV infection on Ontarians. Key findings include:
TORONTO, June 1, 2011– Despite significant clinical advances in HIV care, an estimated 25 per cent of new HIV infections in Ontario from 2006 to 2008 were among women, according to a health study by researchers from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and St. Michael's Hospital. The researchers say 93 per cent of new infections among women are acquired through sexual transmission and seven per cent through injection drug use. About 60 per cent of newly infected women are immigrants. The findings, the latest from the POWER (Project for an Ontario Women's Health Evidence-Based Report) study, suggest targeted prevention and intervention efforts are necessary to eliminate gaps and inequities in care for HIV patients.
"We have made real progress in preventing HIV infection and in treating people living with HIV, but we also identified several groups for whom important disparities persist, including older women, Aboriginal women, and women who have immigrated from countries where HIV is endemic," says Dr. Ahmed Bayoumi, lead author on the chapter and a physician at St. Michael's Hospital. "We also identified differences related to poverty, injection drug use, and geography. Our findings suggest that addressing such factors will be important for delivering universal, high-quality HIV care in Ontario."
The POWER Study — a joint study from St. Michael's Hospital and ICES — is the first in the province to provide a comprehensive overview of women's health in relation to income, education, ethnicity and geography. The findings are detailed in the report titled HIV Infection-the 11th chapter to be released as part of the study. Findings can be used by policymakers and health-care providers to improve access, quality and outcomes of care for Ontario women. The POWER Study was funded by Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario, an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
"The POWER Study HIV Infection chapter reveals important gaps in prevention, access and clinical care," says Pat Campbell, CEO, Echo: Improving Women's Health in Ontario. "Findings support the need for strategies to promote HIV prevention and testing directed at hard to reach groups. We also need to improve access to care for women aged 55 and older to ensure earlier diagnosis and/or earlier entry to care. At the same time findings are helping to track improvements in care, evident in the high prenatal HIV screening rate (95%)."
The POWER study chapter, released today, examined the impact of HIV infection on Ontarians. Key findings include:
More than 4,700 women are living with HIV in Ontario, most of whom acquired HIV through sexual contact. This represents 18% of the estimated HIV infections in the province. Women who emigrated from a country where HIV is endemic account for more than half of all new infections in 2008 among women.
- Women reported lower rates of condom use than men.
- Women who inject drugs report riskier injection behaviours than men.
- One third of users of community based HIV services are women
- Over 90% of HIV-positive pregnant women who knew their HIV status received antiretrovirals during pregnancy, which could prevent transmission to the newborn.
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For more information on the POWER Study and its partners, visit http://www.powerstudy.ca/. Other findings from the study will be released later this year.
New HCV Drugs; Patient success stories
Right now, a two-drug therapy is the standard treatment.
This month, the Food and Drug Administration approved add-on medicines that can be used to create a new three-drug cocktail.
The new drugs are protease inhibitors, a drug type also used in HIV treatment.
"It attacks the virus itself and it prohibits it from replicating," said Lisa Pedicone, who leads scientific affairs for the Hepatitis division at Merck.
She says the two older hep C drugs nudge the body's immune system to clear out infection; the protease inhibitor works directly on the virus.
Hep C therapy is often described as a grueling regimen of weekly shots and daily pills. Treatment lasts 48 weeks, and after nearly a year, the therapy only works in about 40 percent of patients. The success rate is even lower among some hard-to-treat people.
Reading resident KellyAnn Mann-Hester tried the standard treatment seven times.
"So I would be virus free so long as I was on treatment, but within six weeks, I would relapse," Mann-Hester said. "You do get to where you pray it works but you don't get your hopes up anymore."
In 2009, Mann-Hester joined the drug trial for Incivek. Doctors say she's virus free today.
The 51-year-old says she's also shed the symptoms she lived with for nearly two decades.
"Low grade fever and the fatigue from having the hepatitis. I don't have the fullness in my stomach, from my liver being swollen, all of those things that were day-to-day living," she said.
For some patient groups--people new to therapy--the three drug cocktail doubles the chances for success--and can slash months from the time it takes to complete treatment.
Dr. Vishal Patel is a liver care specialist at Temple University Hospital. He says standard treatment for hep C can cost from $30,000 to $50,000. Adding one of the new medications may add another $15,000 to $30,000, he said.
"Final numbers haven't been released but talking to some specialty pharmacies, it's going to be up to two times as costly, however, it's going to become standard treatment and most of insurance will pay for the treatment," Patel said.
There are two approved protease inhibitors for hep C. Incivek is from Massachusetts drugmaker Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Victrelis is from pharma giant Merck.
Some health experts want to step up efforts to get more people tested for the hepatitis C virus. Dr. Kenneth Rothstein is chief of the hepatology division at Drexel University College of Medicine. He says current recommendations suggest screening just for high risk people.
"The main risk factors in the U.S. are anyone who had a blood transfusion before 1992 and anyone who's ever used intravenous drugs. There are other risk factors that are considered somewhat controversial, these would include anyone who's ever snorted cocaine; anyone who's ever had tattoos," he said.
U.S. experts are gathering in coming weeks to discuss more routine testing for Baby Boomers. Supporters say the change could reduce the number of people with advanced liver disease.
The hepatitis C virus can go undetected in the body for decades, and today, many newly diagnosed people are between age 50 and 70.
UC Davis Medical Center plays key role in new drugs that cure hepatitis C
SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Hepatitis C, the viral liver disease afflicting more than 3.2 million people nationwide, may no longer be a painfully slow death sentence for many of those infected, thanks to two newly approved drugs tested at sites around the country, including UC Davis Medical Center.
Victor Garcia is one of the California success stories. The 59-year-old Sacramento resident recently completed a clinical trial at the medical center using Victrelis (boceprevir), the drug approved in early May by the Food and Drug Administration for general use against the disease. The other drug physicians are hailing as a cure, Incivek (telaprevir), was approved by the FDA on May 23.
“It’s extended my life,” said Garcia, a father of five. “My doctor originally told me I didn’t have that long to live, so I was really fortunate to get into the study. Now it’s amazing to think that I don’t have hepatitis C at all anymore.”
Dr. Lorenzo Rossaro uses telemedicine to consult with patients and health providers about hepatitis C and the two new drugs that can cure 70-80 percent of all cases.
Healthy You
Newly Revealed Health Risk Linked to Fatty Liver Disease
Raising the demand for colonoscopies, scientists have found a clear link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and colon cancer.by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Many of the estimated 25 percent of American adults living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) do not yet know of their condition. The good news for those who are aware of their liver’s excess baggage is that it is possible to reverse a fatty liver before it gets too severe. The not so good news is that new research shows a heightened risk of colon cancer in people with NAFLD.
Cut Red Meat Intake and Don't Eat Ham, Say Cancer Researchers
Denis Campbell
(The Guardian, London, May 23, 2011)
"The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is advising people to limit their intake of red meats such as beef, pork and lamb, and to avoid processed meat such as ham and salami altogether…The charity kickstarted a global debate in 2007 when it published a study which identified meat as a risk factor for a number of different forms of cancer. WCRF-funded scientists at Imperial College London led by Dr Teresa Norat studied 263 research papers that have come out since then looking at the role of diet, weight and physical activity in bowel cancer. An independent panel of leading cancer experts then reviewed their conclusions."
Many of the estimated 25 percent of American adults living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) do not yet know of their condition. The good news for those who are aware of their liver’s excess baggage is that it is possible to reverse a fatty liver before it gets too severe. The not so good news is that new research shows a heightened risk of colon cancer in people with NAFLD.
Cut Red Meat Intake and Don't Eat Ham, Say Cancer Researchers
Denis Campbell
(The Guardian, London, May 23, 2011)
"The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is advising people to limit their intake of red meats such as beef, pork and lamb, and to avoid processed meat such as ham and salami altogether…The charity kickstarted a global debate in 2007 when it published a study which identified meat as a risk factor for a number of different forms of cancer. WCRF-funded scientists at Imperial College London led by Dr Teresa Norat studied 263 research papers that have come out since then looking at the role of diet, weight and physical activity in bowel cancer. An independent panel of leading cancer experts then reviewed their conclusions."
U.S.: Some Tips for Avoiding Mix-Ups in Medication
Opinion
Michael Cohen, president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices
(The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 25, 2011)
"Handwritten prescriptions combined with look-alike drug names are among the most risky conditions associated with medication mix-ups. Running closely behind is the combination of soundalike drug names and the thousands of orally communicated prescriptions...Managing the risks of name similarity is clearly an industry-wide obligation. It begins with the FDA and pharmaceutical companies when…names are selected and spans the entire health-care continuum, from practitioners to consumers…Be sure to tell your doctor to always include the reason for the medication on the prescription.", , , , , , , , , and
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