International Treatment as Prevention Conference In Vancouver

The Center for Global Health Policy's "Science Speaks" blog continued its coverage of the 2nd International Treatment as Prevention Workshop in Vancouver. One post describes a presentation by Zunyou Wu, director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who "offered ... new information about China's response to new evidence on treatment as prevention" (Lubinski, 4/25). A second post discusses a presentation by Vladimir Novitsky of the Harvard School of Public Health, who "offered ... a snapshot of a four-year treatment as prevention study planned for Botswana (Lubinski, 4/25). View more from the "Science Speaks" blog here.

Numerous health benefits of the lactoferrin protein

Hans Vogel, professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary, comments on the results of a study on lactoferrin, a protein secreted into human milk, blood, and other bodily fluids. Having conducted extensive research for the past 15 years, Professor Vogel is admanent that lactoferrin has a number of health benefits, including wound healing, boosting the immune system, and offering protection from certain types of cancer. Studies are underway to determine whether or not this protein can be taken orally in lieu of being injected into a substance, such as infant formula. Vogel views lactoferrin as "the Swiss army knife of the human host defense system." As a potential deterrent or protector against some cancers, it is definitely a protein that cannot be taken lightly. For additional information on Professor Vogel's work, and to read the article from UToday, click here

Recruiting patients with selected advanced solid tumours: Clinical trial

Dr. Philippe L. Bedard at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, is presently recruiting for a new multi-centre study for adult patients with selected advanced solid tumours. Patients will be enrolled in 3 phase II arms (colorectal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarnomina, and melanoma), with approximately 20-28 patients each. While strict protocols will be followed regarding follow-up assessments after conclusion of study treatment, as well as during the study itself, Cancer View Canada cautions that "patients will be treated until progression of disease, unacceptable toxity develops, or withdrawal of informed consent, whichever occurs first." For additional information on this trial, which is expected to begin in the summer of 2012, visit the following link

Taking action to prevent chronic disease

Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), and Public Health Ontario have released Taking Action to Prevent Chronic Disease, a report addressing chronic disease in Ontario. According to the study, 22 evidence-informed recommendations have been developed in an effort to combat chronic disease, which accounts for 79% of all deaths in Ontario. The four most common risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. Click here to read the full report and/or an executive summary.

Notice of Decision for ARZERRA™

Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance with conditions under the Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) Policy to GlaxoSmithKline Inc., for the drug product, Arzerra™ on the basis of the promising nature of the clinical evidence, and the need for confirmatory studies to verify the clinical benefit. Arzerra™ is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab. Read the notice of decision here.

New funding pledged for targeted treatments for cancer patients

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research has set aside $18.3-million to fund three new imaging research projects that it hopes will lead to the adoption of more targeted treatments to halt the spread of cancer. Read the full article from Wednesday's Globe and Mail, published online Tuesday, April 24, 2012.

Researchers identify 10 new breast cancer subtypes

A team of researchers in Canada, collaborating with scientists in Britain to determine the genetic underpinnings of breast-cancer tumours, recently announced a discovery that could open the door to personalized, targeted therapies for breast cancer. Read the full article from the Globe and Mail, published online Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

NICE Update on Treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has released an updated technology appraisal indicating possible treatment alternatives to individuals afflicted with chronic myeloid leukaemia. Since 2003, imatinib was regularly prescribed, due to its safety, cost, and effectiveness over other drugs in the field. However, new evidence has shown that dasatinib and nilotinib have similar benefits to imatinib, and are considered to be more effective. Nevertheless, NICE cautions that dasatinib is not recommended as the first drug of choice for individuals who have no prior treatment records for chronic myeloid laukaemia; "the high cost of this drug does not justify the benefits provided" (NICE, 2012). Nilotinib or imatinib are thus both seen as more viable treatment options. For more information on this recommendation, include access to the complete guide and a version intended for patients and caregivers, click here.

Ageing and Literacy Skills: Evidence from Canada, Norway and the United States

Published in March 2012, the study on the relationship between age and literacy skills in Canada, Norway and the U.S. presents a wide range of literacy outcomes – using data from the 1994 and 2003 International Adult Literacy Surveys. Full report is here: http://cdeacf.ca/actualite/2012/04/17/ageing-and-literacy-skills-evidence-canada-norway-and-united

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines on safety and quality indicators in endoscopy

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology has just published a new consensus guideline on safety and quality indicators in endoscopy. Complete copy of the guideline is here.

Indoor Tanning: Banning Those Under 18

The correlation between ultraviolet radiation and melanoma is definitive. Indoor tanning has been on the rise over the past 3 decades to the point where estimates indicate that 70% of females between 16 and 49 in the U.S. regularly visit a tanning salon. Many of these clients are teenagers, bringing a standstill between tanning studios who rely on adolescents to stay in business versus numerous health organizations advocating a complete ban on indoor tanning facilities for anyone under 18. The Canadian Paediatric Society has produced a position statement documenting the link between UV radiation and cancer, and presenting a number of recommendations to support the prohibition of indoor tanning by minors. The statement has been reviewed and is supported by a leading paediatric dermatologist. To read the position statement in its entirety, click here.

Canadian Medical Association (CMA): Radon's Cancer Risks

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has released a fact sheet discussing the association between radon gas and cancer. Considering that "radon exposure is linked to approximately 10% of lung cancers in Canada and is the second leading cause of lung cancer for smokers", the CMA urges homeowners to ensure all entrances and windows are properly sealed. Not only will this prevent radon from seeping into homes, it will also improve ventilation. Consult the fact sheet for additional information

Is Eribulin Effective for Treating Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer?

According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), eribulin is NOT recommended for patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, particularly in cases where a patient's symptoms have worsened after chemotherapy. According to NICE, "eribulin does not provide enough benefit to patients to justify its high cost." Consult the NICE Technology Appraisal TA 250 for more information.

Not to be Forgotten: Care of Vulnerable Canadians

Not to be Forgotten: Care of Vulnerable Canadians

from Healthy Aging in Cities: A Current Awareness Report by NYAM Library

Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care presents a report based on testimony to the committee, on palliative care of Canadians, and a variety of problems (such as elder abuse) facing older citizens.

Full report is available

YACC (Young Adult Cancer Canada)

This afternoon, I attended a very moving presentation by Geoff Eaton, founder of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). Headquartered in St. John's Newfoundland, YACC's goal is to "to build a community of young adults diagnosed with cancer that provides information, support, skills and opportunity."

Each year, 7000 Canadians between 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer, however research shows that less than 0.1 of cancer research centres on this demographic (YACC, 2012). YACC's focus is to provide social support programs for young adults to discuss their cancer diagnosis journey.

For more information on this organization, including the opportunity to sign up for Up to Here, a monthly electronic newsletter, visit the YACC website.

Pocket Cancer Care Guide - Mobile App

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) has created a free mobile app, enabling cancer patients to build lists of questions asked between themselves and their physician.

The guide comes preloaded with hundreds of questions related to various stages of cancer diagnosis, and even includes a features that records and plays back a physician's answers. Patients can also browse a glossary of medical terms, and use the app to link their medical appointments to their calendars.

For more information, including download instructions, click here

MASCC 2012 International Symposium

The 2012 MASCC (Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer) International Symposium will be held from June 28-30, 2012 in New York City. A variety of study groups, including Rehabilitation/Survivorship, Mucositis, Oral Care, and Psychosocial Resources are scheduled to present at this event. Of particular note is a work on the role of e-health technologies in supportive cancer care.

For more information on the MASCC symposium, click here

Cancer - Changing the Conversation: The Nation's Investment in Cancer Research

The National Cancer Institute's Annual Plan and Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2012 including a review of recent progress made against six kinds of cancer (melanoma, glioblastoma, acute myeloid leukemia, neuroblastoma, lung cancer, ovarian cancer) is available here: http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Files/aboutnci/budget_planning_leg/plan-archives/nci_plan.pdf

CAMO 2012 ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING

The CAMO (Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists) 2012 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012. See the
Preliminary Program at: http://www.cos.ca/camo/pdf/CAMO%202012%20Preliminary%20Program%20web%20Jan%2027.pdf

The role of obesity in cancer survival and recurrence - workshop summary

Recent research suggests that excess weight and obesity can influence cancer survival and recurrence.

At a workshop October 31-November 1, 2011, held by the IOM’s National Cancer Policy Forum, experts presented the latest laboratory and clinical evidence on the obesity-cancer link and the possible mechanisms underlying that link.

Download the full report here: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2012/The-Role-of-Obesity-in-Cancer-Survival-and-Recurrence.aspx

The Swiss Healthcare System

Produced by CIVITAS (Institute for the Study of Civil Society), this report takes a close look at the Healthcare system in Switzerland, which draws many similarities to the healthcare system established in the Netherlands. Key issues of concern are addressed, along with a lengthy discussion of the various insurance options available. An extensive reference list provides numerous avenues towards which further discussion may lead.

The complete report is available here

Health of Nations

Created by the Economist Intelligence Unit for GE's Healthy Imagination, this website contains results of investigations in key healthcare issues affecting countries worldwide. Content is presented in a variety of formats.

This website will be checked regularly, and selected case studies will be posted on the blog.

This week's case study: "Why Doctors Are Finally Embracing the Internet"

For more information, visit the Health of Nations homepage.

International Profiles of Health Care Systems, 2011

This publication presents overviews of the health care systems of
Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United
States. Each overview covers health insurance, public and private financing,
health system organization, quality of care, health disparities, efficiency and
integration, use of health information technology, use of evidence-based
practice, cost containment, and recent reforms and innovations.

Full-text report is available at: http://www.commonwealthfund.org/~/media/Files/Publications/Fund%20Report/2011/Nov/1562_Squires_Intl_Profiles_2011_11_10.pdf

The Grey Literature Report - New York Academy of Medicine

The Grey Literature Report is a bimonthly publication of The New York Academy of Medicine Library alerting readers to new grey literature publications in health services research and selected public health topics.

To access this publication, you may visit: http://www.nyam.org/library/online-resources/grey-literature-report/.

We will also be monitoring the Report and include any new publications on the topics of cancer and Canada.