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PET scans lead to treatment changes in majority of colorectal cancer patients

A recent study found that positron emission tomography (PET) scans led to changes in treatment plans for more than half of patients with suspected recurrent colorectal cancer. The study, conducted at four sites in Australia, involved 191 patients and showed that PET scans identified additional disease sites in 48% of patients, allowing...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 2, 2008

New bacterial species found in human mouth

Scientists discovered a new Prevotella species in the mouth, which could help understand oral diseases. The finding confirms that oral bacteria can invade tissues and individual cells, paving the way for new prevention measures and treatments.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateAug 10, 2008

Endoscopic circumferential ablation promising for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia

A multicenter U.S. registry study found that endoscopic circumferential ablation effectively cleared high-grade dysplasia in 90.2% of patients with Barrett's esophagus, offering a promising alternative to surgery and other therapies. The procedure also showed good safety profiles and comparable outcomes to PDT, EMR, and esophagectomy.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJul 31, 2008

Guidelines for care of elderly patients ignored

Research published in BMC Health Services Research found that only a small minority of eligible elderly patients receive recommended treatments for obstructive respiratory diseases. The study revealed significant disparities in care, including low rates of bronchodilator inhaler use and lung function exams.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateJul 7, 2008

New drugs for Crohn's disease

Researchers are developing new treatments targeting Crohn's disease by blocking autoimmune responses and strengthening the intestinal lining. The goal is to provide more effective options for patients who have lost response to current treatments.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 3, 2008

Potential treatments from cryptic genes

Scientists have discovered two novel compounds produced by soil bacteria that show promise in combating MRSA infections and cancer. The breakthroughs come after years of genome mining, which identifies pathways to produce new compounds from microbial DNA sequences.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalMicrobiology·DateJun 1, 2008

JAMA publication features study on depression and head and neck cancer

A University of Nebraska Medical Center-led pilot study found that antidepressants significantly reduced the risk of depression in head and neck cancer patients. The study, led by Drs. William Lydiatt and Bill Burke, showed that only 15% of patients who took antidepressants experienced depression, compared to 50% of those who did not.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateMay 19, 2008