Colorectal Cancer :: KRAS mutation in colorectal cancer patients treated with Cetuximab

Mutations in the KRAS oncogene could predict a lack of response to the drug cetuximab in patients with colorectal tumors. For those with the mutations, the drug is likely to be inefficient and possibly harmful, according to researchers at France?s Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM).

Allergy :: All itches not created equal – Different parts of brain activated depending on cause

Different reactions in the brain to two common allergy triggers — allergens (pollen and dust) and histamine (allergy cells within the body caused by foods, drugs or infection) — may shed some light on the itch-scratch cycle. Allergen-induced itch intensity ratings were higher compared to histamine and perception of itch and changes in blood flow were significantly greater when allergen induced. Itch intensity and changes in blood flow were perceived to exist for significantly longer periods.

Health :: Colorado Company to Sell Medical Food Products Based on Wake Forest Discovery

A Colorado-based company is launching a line of ‘medical- food’ products for the dietary management of asthma, eczema and other allergic conditions based on discoveries by Floyd H. ‘Ski’ Chilton, Ph.D., of Wake Forest University Health Sciences (WFUHS).

Skin Care :: Sunscreens with benzophenone-3 unsuitable for children

Sunscreens that contain benzophenone-3 provide effective protection against both UVA and UVB radiation, but these preparations should not be used for young children. The substance can be found in the urine of adults several days after coming home from a holiday in the sun. A doctoral thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy has recently presented these results.

Health :: Glivec, imatinib approved for five rare life threatening disorders

In another important milestone, Glivec? (imatinib) has received US regulatory approval to help patients with five distinct and potentially life-threatening disorders, representing the first time that a regulatory authority has ever simultaneously approved one targeted medicine for so many disorders. With today’s decision, and in only five years, Glivec has now been approved in the US for seven diseases, including two solid tumors and five blood disorders with molecular targets known to be inhibited by the drug.