First large-scale atlas of cancer metabolism

The role of glycine in cancer cell production has been studied for over 100 years. Researchers at the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital have conducted extensive studies on 60 cancer cell lines. This has resulted in the inaugural large-scale atlas of cancer metabolism. Lead researcher Vamsi Mootha, co-director of the Broad Institute's Metabolism Program and professor at the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, states that most studies of metabolism in cancer tend to concentrate on one or perhaps two studies. This atlas thus took "an unbiased approach, looking at all of metabolism." To read more about this study, which appeared in the May 25th issue of Science, click here.

Health Canada endorsed important safety information on XGEVA (denosumab)

Subject: XGEVA® (denosumab) - Risk of severe symptomatic hypocalcemia, including fatal cases. Amgen Canada Inc., in consultation with Health Canada, would like to inform you of new important safety information related to hypocalcemia associated with XGEVA treatment. XGEVA is indicated in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and other solid tumours for reducing the risk of developing skeletal-related events (SREs). XGEVA is not indicated in patients with multiple myeloma. Further information is here.

World Cancer Congress 2012: August 27-30

When international cancer control leaders gather for the UICC World Cancer Congress in Montreal this summer, Canada’s strong contributions across the cancer control spectrum will be in the spotlight. The Congress, which is held every two years, includes plenary sessions with keynote speakers from around the world and presentations relating to the four content areas: prevention and early detection, cancer care and survivorship, palliation and pain control, and systems in cancer control; and a “global village” forum for networking.

IMC-18F1 or ramucirumab DP in combination with capecitabine or capecitabine on previously treated breast cancer patients

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer Corporation has posted a new clinical trial studying the effect of the drugs ramucirumab or IMC-18F1, combined with capecitabine or capecitibine monotherapy, on metastatic breast cancer patients. The primary outcome of this trial is progression-free survival, with adverse events, response rate, and overall survival seen as significant secondary outcome measures. As indicated, treatment with this medication "will continue until disease progression, the development of unacceptable toxicity, noncompliance or withdrawal of consent by the patient, or investigator decision" occurs. For more information on this trial, click here.

Robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and School of Medicine have revealed that robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for prostate cancer patients is significantly more costly than standard open surgery. This study, considered to be the first to investigate actual direct and indirect surgery costs at a single institution, determined that the robotic-assisted surgery exceeded costs by 62% compared to the standard approach. Further, there appears to be little evidence of long-term improvement in patient outcomes, and the majority of the cost difference has been associated with robotic equipment and supplies. To learn more about this study, click here.

HER-2 peptide-based vaccine: Potential to prevent breast cancer recurrence?

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and the Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center in Athens, Greece, have uncovered a new vaccine that indicates possible prevention of breast cancer recurrence. The vaccine in question, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), has been shown to "elicit a powerful immune response...the ability to improve recurrence rates...and is well tolerated in an adjuvant setting." The findings of this study will be presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), June 1-5 in Chicago. To read more about this vaccine, click here.

European Medicines Agency approves axitinib and pazopanib

The European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has approved axitinib and pazopanib for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and selected subtypes of advanced soft tissue sarcoma. While axitinib should only be administered by a physician with experience in anticancer therapies, the CHMP remains steadfast that the benefit-to-risk ratio for this drug is favourable enough to warrant its recommendation. Pazopanib is proposed as the first line of treatment for patients afflicted with advanced renal cell carcinoma. More information on this study can be found here.

Prevention Policies Directory

Recognizing the pivotal role that tobacco control plays in preventing many types of cancer and other chronic diseases, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer supports Canadian tobacco control efforts through a unique online resource — the Prevention Policies Directory. The Directory brings together cancer and chronic disease prevention policies from hundreds of Canadian sources in a searchable online tool. It was created to support public health professionals, academic researchers, and policy specialists as they work to create healthier communities through policy change, for example by developing policies that limit exposure to second-hand smoke in public places. While tobacco control content is an important focus, the Directory also includes Canadian policies — including legislation, regulations, and codes — relating to the other key modifiable risk factors for cancer and related chronic diseases including: nutrition, physical activity, the built environment, alcohol consumption, infectious agents, environmental and occupational exposures, and UV/ionizing radiation. This growing resource currently brings together more than 1,100 documents from nearly 300 sources and is available through the Partnership’s cancer control portal, cancerview.ca. Municipal policies are a new component of the database with 31 communities, including jurisdictions in every province and territory, now being added. Check the Directory here.

World No Tobacco Day - May 31

On May 31, the World Health Organization is marking World No Tobacco Day by bringing attention to the importance of tobacco control in combating the nearly 6 million tobacco-related deaths estimated worldwide each year1. Recognizing the pivotal role that tobacco control plays in preventing many types of cancer and other chronic diseases, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer supports Canadian tobacco control efforts through a unique online resource — the Prevention Policies Directory. This growing resource currently brings together more than 1,100 documents from nearly 300 sources and is available through the Partnership’s cancer control portal, cancerview.ca. Municipal policies are a new component of the database with 31 communities, including jurisdictions in every province and territory, now being added. 1.WHO Global Report: Mortality Attributable to Tobacco, World Health Organization, 2012, page 3.

Canadian kids get failing grade in physical activity: report

Many Canadian kids are failing to make the grade when it comes to reaching physical activity targets, with too few hours devoted to active play and too much free time fixated on TV, computer and game screens. Active Healthy Kids Canada released its annual Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth on Tuesday which paints a grim picture of the activity levels of many Canadian youngsters. The literature supports that exercise accelerates academic performance, and physical activity prevents child obesity. See the full news here.

Medical groups OK lung cancer screening for heavy smokers

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommend that patients at greatest risk of developing lung cancer be screened with low-dose CT scans. They base the new guidelines on a review of studies that looked at low-dose CT screening. The American Cancer Society is among the organizations that reviewed the studies, and is developing a full lung cancer screening guideline of its own. In the meantime, ACS guidance says people who think they may be at increased risk should speak with their doctors about the risks and benefits of using low-dose CT scans for the early detection of lung cancer. The review was published online May 20, 2012 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers analyzed 21 studies of low-dose CT screening. See the full story from American Cancer Society.

Safety and tolerability of SOR-C13 in patients with advanced solid tumours

Dr. Toney Illenchuk, of Soricimed Biopharma, Inc. in Hamilton is presently investigating the potential of using the drug SOR-C13 as an intravenous infusion in patients with ovarian cancer, "or other cancers known to over express the TRPV6 calcium channel." Thus, both males and females over the age of 18, diagnosed with a solid tumour cancer of epithelial origin, may be suitable candidates for this trial. As Dr. Illenchuk's team points out, ideal candidates for the study are patients for which "palliative measures do not exist or are no longer effective." More information on the study can be found here.

The BEACON study (breast cancer outcomes with NKTR-102)

The BC Cancer Agency has designed a randomized controlled trial for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The trial seeks to uncover the effects of adding NKTR-102 once every 3 weeks to a patient's existing intravenous chemotherapy regimen. More information on this trial can be found here.

Self-management intervention for breathlessness in lung cancer

Canadian Cancer Trials has released a new pilot study investigating the benefit of daily strategies to manage breathlessness in lung cancer patients. Controlling and/or reducing the intensity of breathless periods can assist with a patient's quality of life. Dr. Doris Howell, principal investigator at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, believes that evaluating self-management strategies for lung cancer patients will help them better cope and understand dyspnea, a condition that becomes progressively worse due to the patient's stage of cancer diagnosis. To learn more about this trial, click here.

Google algorithm being used to find cancer biomarkers

Researchers at the Dresden University of Technology in Germany have adapted Google's searching algorithm to rank the genetic relevance of 20 000 proteins responsible for pancreatic cancer. This study, published by PLoS Computational Biology, reports on the discovery of seven such proteins "that can help assess how aggressive a patient's tumor is and guide the clinician to decide if that patient should receive chemotherapy or not." While this new biomarker dicovery mechanism is an improvement over previously used diagnostic tools, the researchers caution that further testing, as well as greater cooperation with biotech companies is required before a clinical trial on a pancreatic cancer drug can be run. For further information on this study, click here

Drug could attack ‘the root’ of cancer cells: study

A drug used in the past to treat schizophrenia and psychosis also has the ability to kill cancer stem cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed, Canadian researchers announced in a new study published in the journal Cell. The findings have yet to be proven in humans and clinical trials may reveal thioridazine is not effective at treating cancer. But the initial discovery is creating excitement among cancer experts who have been looking for ways to target cancer stem cells. Read the news item here.

Cancer among the elderly: Is research keeping up?

"It has never been more important to find evidence-based treatment strategies for elderly patients." These words, presented at the 31st Conference of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO 31) in Barcelona, lament on the lack of clinical trials, and evidence-based treatment for senior citizens with cancer. While ageism should never play a role in deciding the best course of treatment for a cancer patient, a study from the St. James' Instiute of Oncology at the University of Leeds has shown that this does occur, particular in patients over the age of 70. A stance is therefore needed to balance the right amount of treatment, without under or over-prescribing. To read more about this study, click here

Influence of HPV status on tumor control and survival

A Danish study has unveiled findings that patients with human papilloma virus (HPV)-posive tumors respond better to radiotherapy alone than HPV-negative patients. This is particularly prevalent in head and neck cancer patients; HPV-positive patients who refrain from smoking (or smoke only lightly) respond best to radiotherapy, without additional chemotherapy treatments. Thus, the patients exhibit fewer side effects often associated with chemotherapy sessions. Dr. Pernille Lassen, lead researcher in this study states that "HPV-positive patients with advanced oropharngeal cancer...[often caused by heavy smoking or drinking]...had significantly better control of the tumour at its promary site, disease-specific survival after five years, and overall survival. To read more about this study, click here.

Rates of avoidable deaths reduced, yet significant room for improvement remains

The rate of deaths that could potentially be avoided through timely and effective health care and disease prevention dropped from 373 per 100,000 Canadians in 1979 to 185 per 100,000 Canadians in 2008 according to Health Indicators 2012. The report, available here, presents the most recent data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and Statistics Canada on a broad range of measures. In addition to presenting the most recent indicator results, this report introduces a suite of new acute-care readmission indicators, which will facilitate comprehensive evaluation of readmissions for all patient groups, as well as three new indicators of avoidable mortality. Read the CIHI press release here.

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer's strategic plan

Sustaining Action: Toward a Shared Vision available here outlines the Partnership's strategic and business plans for 2012 to 2017. Strategic priorities and corresponding core enabling functions highlight upcoming work to advance Canada’s cancer strategy and desired outcomes.

Sleep apnea linked to higher risk for cancer

People with sleep apnea have a higher risk of cancer, two new studies have found. In one of the new studies, researchers in Spain followed thousands of patients at sleep clinics and found that those with the most severe forms of sleep apnea had a 65-per-cent greater risk of developing cancer of any kind. The second study, of about 1,500 government workers in Wisconsin, showed that those with the most breathing abnormalities at night had five times the rate of dying from cancer as people without the sleep disorder. Read the Globe and Mail news article here.

First signs of a levelling off in incidence trends in malignant melanoma in younger generations

A paper by scientists of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published in the International Journal of Cancer analysed incidence trends in malignant melanoma worldwide and observed the first signs of a levelling off in younger generations. The paper by Erdmann et al. analysed time trends in 84 population‐based cancer registries in 39 countries to examine how risk patterns changed globally over the period 1953‐2008. Read the IARC news item here.

USPSTF recommendation against PSA-based screening for prostate cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released a new report recommending against PSA-based screening for prostate cancer (grade D recommendation). This recommendation applies to men in the general U.S. population, regardless of age and does not include the use of the PSA test for surveillance after diagnosis or treatment of prostate cancer. Read the full Globe and Mail news article here.

Two new Health Canada guidance documents about bioavailability

Bioavailability is an important attribute of formulations of drugs used for systemic effects. It is defined as the rate and extent of drug entry into the systemic circulation. Health Canada has released two guidance documents, entitled Conduct and Analysis of Comparative Bioavailability Studies and Comparative Bioavailability Standards: Formulations used for Systemic Effects.

Cancer practice guidelines status report update: all cancers

In March 2012 Capacity Enhancement Program of the Cancer Guidelines Advisory Group released a CPG status report update. Since 2008 the CEP has conducted regular updates to the SAGE Directory. In March 2011, SAGE comprised of 1158 English language clinical practice guidelines published between 2003 and 2010. An update of the database completed in March 2012 identified an additional 789 guidelines publsihed between 2010 and January 2012. The focus of this report is to provide an analysis of the new guideline data (2010 to 2012) by summarizing the demographic characteristics, development methods, scope and content, and quality of CPGs. Overall analyses were also performed for comparative purposes and to provide an overview of the entire body of cancer control guidelines. To view all guidelines available from SAGE, please click here.

First genomic study of bile duct cancer

Researchers at the National Cancer Center in Singapore and the National Science and Technology Developmentment Agency in Thailand have identified new genes which frequently mutate in bile duct cancers. By understanding the cause of this cancer, particularly its development, new treatment options can be introduced. Afflicting 10 - 25% of all liver cancers worldwide, bile duct cancer is largely preventable; one of its primary causes is the consumption of raw fish. Upon studying the molecular properties of bile duct cancer, researchers have uncovered similarities to those patients afflicted with liver and pancreatic cancers. While this study is seen as only a first step in seeking to determine the underlying causes of this particular form of cancer, it does provide hope in better understanding how the tumours originate and develop. To read more about this study, click here.

RNA regulator of melanoma: New target for cancer therapy

A new study released by Genome Research has identified a RNA regulator that could result in new therapy for melanoma. Lead researchers Drs. Ross Flockhart and Paul Khavari from Stanford University have demonstrated the ability of RNA to be sequenced in a manner that more easily identifies melanoma progression. The researcher's believe that this method will lead to "a better understanding of how tumors evade drugs, and how previously unknown players...could be new targets for treatment." To learn more about this study, click here..

Cancer System Quality Index (CSQI) 2012

Cancer Quality Council of Ontario has released the 8th annual update of the Cancer System Quality Index (CSQI). The CSQI "reports on 32 evidence-based quality measures covering every aspect of cancer control, from cancer prevention to end-of-life care." It serves as a key indicator on quality of cancer care, along with providing indications of where performance improvements are needed. To view the webcast of the CSQI 2012 launch event, along with additional information about the CSQI itself, click here.

10 ways to reduce cancer risk

"Nearly half of today's North American men and one-third of women will develop cancer." This startling statistic appeared in a number of newspapers over the past couple of days. However, Dr. John Swartzberg and Dr. Jeffery Wolf from the University of California have released a list of the top 10 lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of 65% of cancers. To see the complete list of recommendations, click here

Research raises hope of earlier breast cancer detection

Scientists have mapped the complete genetic codes of 21 breast cancers and created a catalogue of the mutations that accumulate in breast cells, raising hopes that the disease may be able to be spotted earlier and treated more effectively in the future. The research untangles the genetic history of how cancer evolves, allowing scientists to identify mutational patterns that fuel the growth of breast tumours, and start to work out the processes behind them. Read the complete news story here.

Reviews of EBCC 2012 conference now available on YouTube

Reviews of the European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC), held in Vienna in March 2012, have now been posted on YouTube. Topics of discussion include social issues surrounding breast cancer, treatment resistance, and novel drug formulations. To view the videos currently avalable, click here.

Clinical cases in bladder cancer: E-learning module

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has produced an E-learning module discussing recently updated clinical practice guidelines for bladder cancer. Consisting of two patient case studies, the module covers both early stages of bladder cancer, as well as patients with a stage III diagnosis. Follow-up strategies and treatment options are also included. To view the complete 20-minute E-learning module, click here.

Laboratory testing for TEMs in blood

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has unveilled a new study analyzing the effects of Tie-2 Expressing Monocytes (TEMs). TEMs are blood cells present in both healthy people as well as patients afflicted with cancer. The cells are seen as playing a key role in "starving tumours of their blood supply" and thus may prevent certain types of cancers. The researchers' goal is to develop tests that will monitor patients who are prescribed drugs that potentially target blood vessel growth. For more information on this trial, click here.

Testing for mutations identified in squamous cell lung cancer tumors helps personalize treatment

Screening lung cancer tumor samples for cancer-causing genetic mutations can help physicians tailor patients’ treatments to target those specific mutations. Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have begun testing for three new genetic targets and have found that together they occur in approximately 50 percent of patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the lung, which affects 40,000 Americans each year. Initial findings of the research will be presented on June 4 at the 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Read the press release here.

NIH study finds that coffee drinkers have lower risk of death

Older adults who drank coffee -- caffeinated or decaffeinated -- had a lower risk of death overall than others who did not drink coffee, according to a study by researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and AARP. Coffee drinkers were less likely to die from heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, injuries and accidents, diabetes, and infections, although the association was not seen for cancer. Read the NCI press release here.

WHO faces challenges in setting priorities

In this BMJ Groups Blog post, Amanda Glassman, director of Global Health Policy at the Center for Global Development, writes about the challenges the WHO faces in "[s]etting priorities and fully funding those priorities." She defines the criteria by which the WHO could outline its priorities, including by identifying "global" and "shared" concerns and adequately funding and staffing priority areas.

Novel subgroups of breast cancer

Researchers at the Cambridge Research Instiute and BC Cancer Agency have studied the DNA and RNA of nearly 2000 breast tumours, resulting in the identification of 10 unique subtypes of breast cancer. Each subgroup is correlated with a variation in survival outcome. The researchers thus believe that this information "could be used to better predict the outcomes of the diseases, as well as offer tailored treatment to patients." More information on this study is available by clicking here

Phase II randomized trial for ealy-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

A new phase II randomized trial for early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx may challenge traditional treatment methods. While the standard course of action for patients afflicted with this type of cancer is radiation therapy, chemotherapy combined with radiation, and even additional surgery, may be required. The trial will compare the traditional radiation therapy method with a new intervention, namely transoral robotic surgery (TORS). TORS uses a "robot to assist the surgeon in removing the tumour, potentially with fewer side effects than older surgical techniques." See the trial listing at Canadian Cancer Trials.ca

Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines

Cancer Care Ontario has recently updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines. The key change centers around age that screening for cervical cancer should begin, as well as the optimum screening interval. According to the guidelines, women should be screened for cervical cancer every three years, stating at the age of 21, particularly if they are or have been sexually active. Further information on the updated guidelines can be found here

Unnecessary imaging among cancer patients?

Few would argue that MRI and PET/CT scans provide essential information to help physicians make appropriate diagnoses. However, a new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Radiology claims that more imagery sessions may be recommended than is necessary. Drs. Atul Shinagare and Paul Shyn, lead authors in this study, reviewed PET/CT scan reports of 250 cancer patients; 84 of these patients were told to undergo additional imaging tests, however, Shinagare and Shyn's analysis concluded that 43 patients did not require these measures. Reporting at the American Roentgen Ray Society Annual Meeting (May 4, 2012 in Vancouver), Shinagare and Shyn believe that reluctance of physicians to admit uncertainly with a diagnosis, legal liability concerns, and patients' clinical circumstances are contributing factors related to the higher than necessary degree of additional imaging tests. Further information on this case study can be found by clicking here.

Treatable infections responsible for early 2M cases of cancer globally each year, study suggests

"Bacteria, viruses and parasites cause around two million cases of cancer in the world each year, experts believe," the Press Association/Guardian reports. According to the news service, "Scientists carried out a statistical analysis of cancer incidence to calculate that around 16 percent of all cancers diagnosed in 2008 were infection-related," and "[t]he proportion of cancers linked to infection was three times higher in developing countries than in developed ones."

Genetic mutations rise with chronic sun exposure

Despite the benefits of sun exposure (a previous post discussed sunlight's role as a natural source of vitamin D), too much chronic sun exposure can be harmful to one's health. Researchers at the Broad Instiute and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have revealed that chronic sun exposure causes increasing rates of genetic mutations, in particular, PREX2, which can lead to tumour formation. More information on this discovery can be found here.

The importance of sunlight in breast cancer prevention

A study released by vitamin D researchers at Boston University supports the age-old addage of the benefits of exposure to sunlight to treat/prevent a number of ailments. In fact, "exposure to...summer sunlight is the body's only true natural and intended source of vitamin D". Researchers further claim that as a society, we continue spending more and more time indoors; more than two-thirds of women in North America are not obtaining vitamin D naturally, and are thus at great risk for being diagnosed with breast cancer. Further information on this study is available here.

NICE releases guidance on cabazitaxel for prostate cancer

NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) has released guidance concerning the effect of cabazitaxel for hormone-refactory metastatic prostate cancer. Of particular note is NICE'S recommendation that cabazitaxel should not be used in combination with prednisone or prednisolene to treat this form of cancer, particularly after docetaxel treatment. Further information on this recommendation, including access to both the full guidance and patient version can be found here

Infections cause one in six of all cancers worldwide: IARC

Worldwide, 2 million (16.1%) of the total 12.7 million new cancer cases in 2008 are attributable to infections. This fraction is higher in less developed countries (22.9%) than in more developed countries (7.4%) and varies 10-fold by region from 3.3% in Australia and New Zealand to 32.7% in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a landmark study of infection-related cancers published in The Lancet Oncology. Read the International Agency for Research on Cancer news item here.

Guest Lecture: Dr. Jeffrey M. Drazen, Editor-in-Chief of The New England Journal of Medicine

Event Date May 22 2012
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location Libin Theatre, Foothills Campus, University of Calgary
Description
 “Scientific Writing and Publications” Dr. Jeffrey M. Drazen, Editor-in-Chief of The New England Journal of Medicine
For more info http://medicine.ucalgary.ca/node/5201

HPV vaccine completion rates continue to fall

A new study from the University of Texas Medical Branch has revealed an alarming statistic regarding HPV vaccine completion rate: there has been a 63% drop in girls and young women (ages 9-18) completing the HPV vaccine since 2006. While the high cost of the HPV vaccine can be seen as a potential barrier regarding vaccine compliance, the authors are quick to refute this notion, claiming that all 271,976 participants in the study were fully insured for the duration of vaccine completion. Therefore, non-compliance is believed to be due to lack of communication between patients and parents regarding vaccine dossage, along with neglecting to schedule follow-up visits with physicians. More information on the study can be found here.

Does sunscreen use cause vitamin D deficiency?

A new study from Bispebjerg Hospital's Department of Dermatology in Copenhagen, Denmark offers new evidence disputing sunscreen recommendations set forth by the World Health Organization. According to lead researcher Dr. Annesofie Faurschou, "regular sunscreen use may lead to vitamin D deficiency." Exposure to the sun's UV rays and correlation with melanoma is a serious concern, and this study is not advocating against the use of sunscreen lotions. Rather, the researchers, as supported by their findings, recommend that a thinner sunscreen "is associated with higher vitamin D serum levels." For further information on this study, click here.

Fewer Canadian are dying from cancer

According to new data from the Canadian Cancer Society reported in a Globe and Mail article, the cancer death rate dropped 21 per cent in men and nine per cent in women between 1988 and 2007 due to fewer Canadians smoking, early detection, and improved treatments. Read the full article here.

Summary basis of decision (SBD) for Halaven

Health Canada has issued a Notice of Compliance for the drug product, Halaven. Halaven, an antineoplastic agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer who have previously received at least two chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of metastatic disease. Read the full document here.

New mental health strategy for Canada

The Mental Health Commission of Canada released its landmark Mental Health Strategy document yesterday. This is the first national-level mental health strategy for Canada, and is the product of years of research by the Mental Health Commission, which was formed in 2007. This is a key document for Canadian professionals, policy-makers and organizations working within mental health and within any larger health-care system. You can download the Strategy and its accompanying documents here.

Summary basis of decision (SBD) for PrMOZOBIL™

Health Canada’s Summary Basis of Decision (SBD) documents outline the scientific and regulatory considerations that factor into Health Canada regulatory decisions related to drugs and medical devices. Mozobil is indicated in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM). Read the full document here.

May 2012 issue of Artemis now available

The John Hopkins Breast Center has released the May 2012 issue of the Artemis newsletter. This month's feature article focuses on establishing new goals to enhance quality of life in breast cancer survivors. In a joint study between Concordia and McGill universities, the researchers seek to answer the question "what happends when a life-altering experience makes [those] goals become unachievable or even unhealthy?" To read the findings of this study, as well as numerous other articles on cancer research, prevention, and treatment, click here.

May is natural breast cancer prevention month

May 2012 marks the inaugural Natural Breast Cancer Prevention Month. Launched by the Breast Cancer Natural Prevention Foundation (BCNPF), this foundation's motto, "you don't have to cure what you can prevent" encourages natural lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Currently, the BCNPF campaign is raising awareness of the importance of vitamin D, along with a healthy diet and exercise as key prevention measures. While this advice may seem like common sense, BCNPF comments that many of these strategies are "widely underappreciated despite being naturally intuitive." Follow the BCNPF website for additional information on this foundation.

Upcoming EACR meetings, courses, and workshops

With conference season underway, the EACR (European Association for Cancer Research) is offering a number of upcoming events on cancer research, prevention, treatment, and care. Highlights include: The 2nd EACR-OECI (Organization of European Cancer Institutes) Molecular Pathology Approach to Cancer (May 7-9, 2012, De Rode Hoed, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) EACR Biennial Congress: From Basic Research to Personalised Cancer Treatment (July 7-10, 2012, Barcelona, Spain) EACR-IACR (International Association of Cancer Registries) Special Conference: The Tumour Microenvironment (September 17-19, 2012, Dublin, Ireland) Founded in 1968, EACR currently has nearly 10,000 members. For more information on this association, click here.

Aftermath of the ESMO IMPAKT Breast Cancer Conference

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has just wrapped up the 4th IMPAKT (Improving Care and Knowledge through Translational Research) Breast Cancer Conference in Brussels. Bringing together researchers and oncologists, the purpose of the conference is to discuss trends in diagnosing breast cancer patients, along with introducing new treatment options. IMPAKT aligns with ESMO's philosophy of "good science, better medicine, best practice." IMPAKT will be posting meeting resources from this conference on the ESMO website (interviews with selected oncologists are already available for viewing). For more information, click here.

New CIHI online resource shows hospital performance improving

Four years of clinical and financial indicator results for Canadian acute care facilities now publicly available April 4, 2012—A new resource at www.cihi.ca that looks at clinical and financial performance in acute care hospitals shows that hospitals saw fewer deaths after major surgery, heart attack and stroke; fewer readmissions after heart attack, stroke, and hip and knee surgery; and fewer cases of in-hospital hip fracture in 2010 than in 2007. This resource, a part of the Canadian Hospital Reporting Project at the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), provides a series of 21 clinical indicators (with risk-adjusted rates) and 9 financial indicators that allows hospitals to compare their performance against those of their peers and to learn from leading practices. See the full CIHI News here.

Drug spending continues to slow

May 3, 2012— While drug spending continues to increase in Canada, overall annual growth has slowed to its lowest rate in 15 years, according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).

Ontario Renal Network releases Renal Plan 2012-2015

Adhering to the Cancer Care Ontario model, the Ontario Renal Network has released its first Renal Plan, 2012-2015. The goal of this plan is to reduce a patient's risk of chronic kidney disease, raising awareness of this illness, and pursuing new approaches to improve the quality of care and treatment. The Ontario Renal Network reports that "1 in 4 patients starting dialysis in Ontario have never seen a nephrologist." The Triple Aim Approach (improving health, improving system accountability, and optimizing value for money) seeks to overturn this trend. Click here to read the complete Renal Plan.

Health Canada endorsed important safety information on REVLIMID (lenalidomide)

Subject: Association of REVLIMID® (lenalidomide) with an increased risk of second primary malignancies REVLIMID® is an antineoplastic and immunomodulatory agent indicated for the treatment of patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to Low- or Intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities (approval was based on a surrogate marker of transfusion independence). REVLIMID® is also indicated in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) in patients who have received at least one prior therapy. See the full letter from Drugs and Health Products - Health Canada.

Growth in drug spending slows in Canada: study

PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTER— Globe and Mail Update Published Thursday, May. 03, 2012 Total drug costs rose just 4 per cent between 2010 and 2011, the Canadian Institute for Health Information reports. Spending is slowing down,” Mr. Hunt said. A number of inter-related factors he cited.

New program announced for Young Adult Cancer Canada

Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) has announced a new program, Retreat Yourself Adventure, to be held from August 15 - 20, 2012 in Gros Morne, Newfoundland. The purpose of the program is to provide support for young adult cancer survivors, allowing for the opportunity "to address survivorship issues while taking part in an adventure that will challenge them physically and mentally push their limits." More information on the Retreat Yourself Adventure is available by clicking here.

Cancer Facts & Figures 2012

This American report provides the estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths in the US in 2012 as well as cancer incidence, mortality, and survival statistics and information on cancer symptoms, risk factors, early detection, and treatment. Read the report here.

Canada may not need more doctors and nurses

OTTAWA, ON and VANCOUVER, BC, Mar. 30, 2012, Troy Media/ – After the mid-January meeting of the Premiers on the future of Canadian health care came the announcement of the creation of a working group on health care innovation to examine three critical issues related to the health workforce. These issues include examining the scopes of practice of health care providers to better meet patient needs, better coordinated management of health human resources and accelerated adoption of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Link to full text

New breast cancer susceptibility gene found

Currently, only about 30% of the familial risk of breast cancer has been explained, leaving the substantial majority still unaccounted for. In a large collaborative study, they found that mutations in a gene called XRCC2, although rare, explain another proportion of breast cancers that run in families where there is no known genetic cause and that particularly occur at an early age. Read the IRAC News on April 18, 2012 here.

Canada’s 1st Applied Research Conference in Cancer Control

The objective of the 2012 ARCC Conference is to bridge a connection between researchers and decision-makers, using health economics, services, policy and ethics research to improve cancer control and the delivery of cancer care. Access the preliminary schedule and registration information here for the May 28th conference in Montreal, Quebec. 

Models of care in outpatient cancer centers

Perspectives in Ambulatory Care has issued a report identifying models of care in the ambulatory oncology setting. Lead author Dr. Charlotte T. Lee of the University Health Network in Toronto argues that innovations in delivery have not kept up with the numerous evidence-based research being undertaken in the cancer care environment. The report comments on common themes to include in an ideal model of care, and the challenges faced in outpatient cancer centers. An executive summary is available here. The complete report has been published in: Lee, C., Fitzgerald, B., Downey, S., and Moore, M. (2012). Models of care in outpatient cancer centers. Nursing Economics, 30(2), 108-116.

Report card on cancer in Canada

The Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada (CACC) has released its annual 2011-2012 Report Card on Cancer in Canada. The purpose of this publication is to present a number of innovations/recommendations towards improving the outcomes of patients afflicted with cancer. The highlights of the report include support for earlier mammography screening and smoke-free multiunit housing. Mention is also made of a University of Manitoba study discussing the impact of lung cancer on caregivers. The CACC Report is the only independent evaluation of cancer system performance in Canada. According to Past Chair Dr. James Gowing, "the Report Card demonstrates that there is a great need for innovation in our battle against cancer, but it also highlights the strides that are already being made in discovering and developing better, more efficient approaches to treatment." To read the full report, click here. For more information on the Cancer Advocacy Coalition, visit the organization's website.