Prostate Cancer | Written Info

So How Worried Are Public-Health Officials About XMRV?

A WSJ article Monday reported that a federally funded working group is trying to determine whether a virus known as XMRV poses a risk to the nation’s blood supply. So how worried are public-health experts about XMRV?

In August, the last time emerging threats were assessed and ranked by the AABB, XMRV hadn’t yet appeared on [...]

Creative thyroid cancer screening ads

With the USPSTF in the midst of updating their recommendations for thyroid cancer screening, this advocacy organization is coming out with some seriously creative ads.

"Thyroid cancer is growing 7 times faster than breast cancer. Ask your doctor to check your neck. It could save your life."

"Thyroid cancer is growing 6 times faster than prostate cancer. [...]

15 cancer screening posts you may have missed

With entries dating back to 2004, here are 15 classic blog posts on cancer screening:

1. Not all screening tests lead to early, better treatment

2. Will the Pap smear soon be replaced by a DNA test to detect cervical cancer?

3. Should men still be screened for prostate cancer?

4. Should we start screening women for ovarian cancer?

5. [...]

Five Positive Signs for Cash-Strapped Biotech Industry

Cloudy days are starting to turn brighter for the biotech industry, many of whose smaller players have been strapped for cash amid the recession. A run-down of recent deals and other positive developments:

Exelixis is licensing two experimental cancer drugs to Sanofi-Aventis, and getting an upfront payment of $140 million.
MAP Pharmaceuticals reported very positive results for [...]

Poll: Should doctors discuss the price of medical treatment?

A recent poll conducted by the Consumer’s Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, found that only 4 percent of patients said their doctors talk with them about the cost of prescriptions. And 60 percent find out what the price is for the first time when they pick up their drugs at the pharmacy.

Should doctors discuss the [...]

Analysts Like J&J’s Deal for Cougar

Johnson & Johnson said late yesterday that it’s buying Cougar Biotechnology for about $894 million, or $43 a share. That’s a 16% premium to where the stock closed yesterday. Including Cougar’s cash on hand, the deal’s value is about $970 million.

Cougar’s lead product is an experimental drug called abiraterone, which is in late-stage trials for [...]

Op-ed: Not all screening tests lead to early, better treatment

The following op-ed was published on April 23rd, 2009 in the USA Today.

As a primary care doctor, it’s heartening to hear President Obama call for “the largest investment ever in preventive care.” That means more people, for one, will be undergoing tests to screen for various forms of cancer. But this might be one of [...]

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