TON - October 2011 Vol 4 No 7

The FDA issued a statement warning physicians of changes in the package insert for bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) regarding newly identified risks.

The FDA has granted 510k marketing clearance to an invitro diagnostic assay (NADiA ProsVue, Iris International) for determining rate of change of serum total prostate-specific antigen over a period of time. A slope of 3 assays is indicated for use as a prognostic marker in conjunction with clinical evaluation to aid in identifying those patients at reduced risk for recurrence of prostate cancer for the 8-year period following prostatectomy.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved denosumab (Prolia, Amgen) to increase bone mass in patients at high risk for fracture receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer or adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy for breast cancer.

SAN ANTONIO—More than 300 oncology nurse and patient navigators discussed the advancement of their profession at the Second Annual Navigation and Survivorship Conference, a forum for navigators to connect with one another and discuss the changing landscape of patient navigation and survivorship care for patients with cancer. “Ultimately, the networking of these professionals is so important to patient care, because it enables a forum for the sharing of ideas and experiences to impact practice,” said Sean T. Read More ›

The Cleveland Clinic was founded in 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio, by 4 physicians. At that time, it was one of the few group practices in the United States. This group practice model was very familiar to 3 of the founders—George Crile Sr, Frank Bunts, William Lower—as they served together in military hospitals near the front lines in World War I. These 3 colleagues were determined to establish a not-for-profit clinic that combined the best of military and civilian medical practices.

Since we first reported on the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and its Survivors Teaching Students: Saving Women’s Lives initiative (September/October 2009), the San Diego chapter has expanded its program into nursing schools and further empowered a research patient advocate. Read More ›

The cool, crisp air and the vibrant sea of red, orange, and yellow that decorate our landscapes are the inviting signs that fall has arrived. Among the most common symbols of fall is the pumpkin. At this time of year, this winter squash is usually adorned with a spooky face and potato ears—however, the jack-o-lantern is not the pumpkin’s only claim to fame. Read More ›