Archive for November, 2007
Two New Second-Line Options For Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Jean-Yves Douillard
Gordon McVie
REFERENCE: Abstracts: 6507 & 2LB, ECCO 14, The European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 23 – 27 September 2007
JEAN-YVES DOUILLARD, Centre René Gauducheau, Nante
COMMENT: GORDON MCVIE, European Institute of Oncology, Milan
The vinca alkaloid vinflunine and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib both achieved equivalent benefits to standard docetaxel second-line therapy among patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer previously treated with platinum.
JEAN-YVES DOUILLARD, Centre René Gauducheau, Nante
COMMENT: GORDON MCVIE, European Institute of Oncology, Milan
The vinca alkaloid vinflunine and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib both achieved equivalent benefits to standard docetaxel second-line therapy among patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer previously treated with platinum.
Protective Cardiovascular Benefit for Women on HRT For Natural Menopause
George Sopko
REFERENCE: Abstract 3771, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
N Engl J Med 2007;357
GEORGE SOPKO, National Heart, Lung And Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
COMMENT: JENNIFER MIERES, New York University
A new study presented to the American Heart Association meeting found women taking hormone replacement therapy since the menopause had a protective cardiovascular benefit. This was greater the earlier HRT was initiated and the women who took HRT had lower rates of coronary artery disease. Chief study author George Sopko spoke with Sarah Maxwell at the Orlando meeting.
N Engl J Med 2007;357
GEORGE SOPKO, National Heart, Lung And Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
COMMENT: JENNIFER MIERES, New York University
A new study presented to the American Heart Association meeting found women taking hormone replacement therapy since the menopause had a protective cardiovascular benefit. This was greater the earlier HRT was initiated and the women who took HRT had lower rates of coronary artery disease. Chief study author George Sopko spoke with Sarah Maxwell at the Orlando meeting.
Oral Contraceptive Use: More Carotid and Femoral Atheroschlerosis Later in Life
Ernst Rietzschel
Jennifer Mieres
REFERENCE: News Briefing, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
N Engl J Med 2007;357
ERNST RIETZSCHEL, University of Ghent, Belgium
COMMENT: JENNIFER MIERES, New York University
Women who used the contraceptive pill had increases in atherosclerotic plaque in their carotid and femoral arteries of between 20 and 30 percent by the time they reached late middle age. This is the finding of the ASKLEPIOS study conducted by the University of Ghent in which plaque was measured by ultrasound in 2 500 healthy men and women. Ernst Rietzschel presented data from the study to the 2007 Sessions of the AHA, and afterwards discussed the findings with Peter Goodwin.
N Engl J Med 2007;357
ERNST RIETZSCHEL, University of Ghent, Belgium
COMMENT: JENNIFER MIERES, New York University
Women who used the contraceptive pill had increases in atherosclerotic plaque in their carotid and femoral arteries of between 20 and 30 percent by the time they reached late middle age. This is the finding of the ASKLEPIOS study conducted by the University of Ghent in which plaque was measured by ultrasound in 2 500 healthy men and women. Ernst Rietzschel presented data from the study to the 2007 Sessions of the AHA, and afterwards discussed the findings with Peter Goodwin.
TAXUS DES Trials Results: How Long Should Thienopyridine Be Used After Drug Eluting Stent?
Gregg Stone
REFERENCE: Abstract 2357, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
GREGG STONE, Columbia University, New York
New light has been thrown on the use of thienopyridine therapy after percutaneous intervention using drug-eluting stents. Gregg Stone presented data from the TAXUS DES trials which looked at patients surviving more than a year after receiving either paclitaxel-eluting or bare metal stents. After his talk at the American Heart Association he discussed his findings with Sarah Maxwell.
GREGG STONE, Columbia University, New York
New light has been thrown on the use of thienopyridine therapy after percutaneous intervention using drug-eluting stents. Gregg Stone presented data from the TAXUS DES trials which looked at patients surviving more than a year after receiving either paclitaxel-eluting or bare metal stents. After his talk at the American Heart Association he discussed his findings with Sarah Maxwell.
Torcetrapib in Patients at High Risk for Coronary Events: ILLUMINATE Trial Latest Results
Philip Barter
Gordon Tomaselli
REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials, Session 2, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
N Engl J Med 2007;357
PHILIP BARTER, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
COMMENT: GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
A randomized double-blind study involving over 15,000 patients at high cardiovascular risk which looked at the new agent torcetrapib (an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, CETP) resulted in higher mortality in the experimental arm. The study compared torcetrapib plus atorvastatin with atorvatstin alone. Inhibition of CETP increases HDL levels and reduces LDL levels and should combat atherosclerosis. Sarah Maxwell spoke with Philip Barter who presented data on the ILLUMINATE trial at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando.
N Engl J Med 2007;357
PHILIP BARTER, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
COMMENT: GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
A randomized double-blind study involving over 15,000 patients at high cardiovascular risk which looked at the new agent torcetrapib (an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, CETP) resulted in higher mortality in the experimental arm. The study compared torcetrapib plus atorvastatin with atorvatstin alone. Inhibition of CETP increases HDL levels and reduces LDL levels and should combat atherosclerosis. Sarah Maxwell spoke with Philip Barter who presented data on the ILLUMINATE trial at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando.
Rosuvastatin: No Significant Benefit for Older Patients with Systolic Heart Failure: CORONA Study Results
Ake Hjalmarson
Gordon Tomaselli
REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials, Session 2, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
N Engl J Med 2007;357
AKE HJALMARSON, Sahlgrenska University, Göteborg
COMMENT: GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
The lipid lowering agent rosuvastatin did not bring a significant benefit to older patients with systolic heart failure, according to the findings of the CORONA study released at the American Heart Association sessions in Orlando. Ake Hjalmarson talked with Peter Goodwin about the implications this has for using statins in older patients with heart failure.
N Engl J Med 2007;357
AKE HJALMARSON, Sahlgrenska University, Göteborg
COMMENT: GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
The lipid lowering agent rosuvastatin did not bring a significant benefit to older patients with systolic heart failure, according to the findings of the CORONA study released at the American Heart Association sessions in Orlando. Ake Hjalmarson talked with Peter Goodwin about the implications this has for using statins in older patients with heart failure.
Eptifibatide as Effective as Abciximab in Primary PCI for Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: EVA-AMI Study
Uwe Zeymer
REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials Session I, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
UWE ZEYMER, Herzzentrum Ludwigshafen, Germany
The glycoprotein 2B 3A antagonist eptifibatide has performed as well as standard abciximab therapy in patients receiving primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. So according to Uwe Zeymer who presented findings on this it can be used in this setting just as it is already being used in elective PCI. Sarah Maxwell interviewed Dr Zeymer at the Orlando conference.
UWE ZEYMER, Herzzentrum Ludwigshafen, Germany
The glycoprotein 2B 3A antagonist eptifibatide has performed as well as standard abciximab therapy in patients receiving primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. So according to Uwe Zeymer who presented findings on this it can be used in this setting just as it is already being used in elective PCI. Sarah Maxwell interviewed Dr Zeymer at the Orlando conference.
TRITON-TIMI 38 Prasugrel Or Clopidogrel In Percutaneous Intevention?
Gordon Tomaselli
Daniel Jones
REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials 1, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
COMMENT: DANIEL JONES, President, American Heart Association, University of Mississippi, Jackson
A potential new option for patients with acute coronary syndromes receiving coronary intervention has emerged following a report on the comparison of prasugrel, a new anti-platelet agent, with clopidogrel. Elliott Antman from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston gave the American Heart Association his findings and recommendations about when and in which patients prasugrel might be favored. Gordon Tomaselli discussed the findings with Sarah Maxwell.
GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
COMMENT: DANIEL JONES, President, American Heart Association, University of Mississippi, Jackson
A potential new option for patients with acute coronary syndromes receiving coronary intervention has emerged following a report on the comparison of prasugrel, a new anti-platelet agent, with clopidogrel. Elliott Antman from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston gave the American Heart Association his findings and recommendations about when and in which patients prasugrel might be favored. Gordon Tomaselli discussed the findings with Sarah Maxwell.
Eptifibatide After PCI: Brief Infusion Is Just As Good
Anthony Fung
REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials Session I, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
ANTHONY FUNG, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Brief courses of antiplatelet therapy with the glycoprotein 2b 3a inhibitor are just as effective as longer infusions for patients receiving non-emergency percutaneous intervention. So said Anthony Fung at the first session of Late breaking Clinical Trials held at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting in Orlando. He talked with Peter Goodwin about his findings.
ANTHONY FUNG, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Brief courses of antiplatelet therapy with the glycoprotein 2b 3a inhibitor are just as effective as longer infusions for patients receiving non-emergency percutaneous intervention. So said Anthony Fung at the first session of Late breaking Clinical Trials held at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting in Orlando. He talked with Peter Goodwin about his findings.
Long Term Outcomes of Drug Eluting and Bare Metal Stents in Patients Undergoing PCI
Laura Mauri
Raymond Gibbons
REFERENCE: Late Breaking Special Session, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
LAURA MAURI, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
COMMENT: RAYMOND GIBBONS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
The largest study to date looking at long-term outcomes of bare metal stents as compared with drug eluting stents in patients who have undergone PCI was presented to the American Heart Association annual meeting. There was no increased mortality for patients who received drug eluting stents in a Massachussets based population. Sarah Maxwell spoke with investigator to Laura Mauri at the Orlando meeting.
LAURA MAURI, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
COMMENT: RAYMOND GIBBONS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
The largest study to date looking at long-term outcomes of bare metal stents as compared with drug eluting stents in patients who have undergone PCI was presented to the American Heart Association annual meeting. There was no increased mortality for patients who received drug eluting stents in a Massachussets based population. Sarah Maxwell spoke with investigator to Laura Mauri at the Orlando meeting.
Stable Angina: Add PCI To Medical Therapy If Guided by SPECT-Detected Ischemia? COURAGE Nuclear Sub-Study Results
Leslee Shaw
Daniel Jones
REFERENCE: Abstract: Late Breaking Clinical Trials, Session 1, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida
LESLEE SHAW, Emory University, Atlanta
COMMENT: DANIEL JONES, AHA President, University of Mississippi, Jackson
Some patients with stable angina may be best treated by adding percutaneous intervention to optimal medical therapy. This is the finding of a “nuclear sub-study” of the COURAGE (Clinical Outcomes Using Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation) trial. Although the study found no benefit of adding angioplasty in most patients, the AHA conference heard from Leslee Shaw that if myocardial ischemia is monitored using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), there could be a role for angioplasty in a subgroup of patients. Peter Goodwin talked with Dr Shaw after her presentation and then asked the American Heart Association President, Daniel Jones, for his assessment.
LESLEE SHAW, Emory University, Atlanta
COMMENT: DANIEL JONES, AHA President, University of Mississippi, Jackson
Some patients with stable angina may be best treated by adding percutaneous intervention to optimal medical therapy. This is the finding of a “nuclear sub-study” of the COURAGE (Clinical Outcomes Using Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation) trial. Although the study found no benefit of adding angioplasty in most patients, the AHA conference heard from Leslee Shaw that if myocardial ischemia is monitored using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), there could be a role for angioplasty in a subgroup of patients. Peter Goodwin talked with Dr Shaw after her presentation and then asked the American Heart Association President, Daniel Jones, for his assessment.
Endothelin Antagonist Keeps Patients with Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer Alive Longer
Nicholas James
Gordon McVie
REFERENCE: Abstract: 3LB (Presidential Session), ECCO 14, The European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 23 – 27 September 2007
NICHOLAS JAMES, Birmingham University
COMMENT: GORDON MCVIE, European Institute of Oncology, Milan
A new drug has improved overall survival among patients with hormone resistant prostate cancer. The endothelin A antagonist ZD4054 was investigated in a placebo-controlled trial among 300 patients whose hormone-resistant prostate cancer had metastasized to bone.
NICHOLAS JAMES, Birmingham University
COMMENT: GORDON MCVIE, European Institute of Oncology, Milan
A new drug has improved overall survival among patients with hormone resistant prostate cancer. The endothelin A antagonist ZD4054 was investigated in a placebo-controlled trial among 300 patients whose hormone-resistant prostate cancer had metastasized to bone.
LSHTM Audio News»
Bayard Roberts, Siân Clarke, Sandy Cairncross, Claire Bertschinger and Virginia Berridge
Derek Thorne and Peter Goodwin talk with Bayard Roberts, Siân Clarke, Sandy Cairncross, Claire Bertschinger and Virginia Berridge of The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine about:Bayard Roberts, Siân Clarke, Sandy Cairncross, Claire Bertschinger and Virginia Berridge
- depression and post traumatic stress disorder in war-torn northern Uganda and the lessons to be drawn from a research project there; - the unexpected additional value of using malaria drugs at regular intervals among school children in Kenya; - the key role of sanitation in preventing infant deaths all over the world and what is being done to improve it; - the life and work of the nurse who inspired Band Aid and Live Aid, as she receives an honorary doctorate; - the \"marketing\" of health to the British public, as illustrated by the way attitudes to smoking have changed over the years.
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