Health | Page 1135 of 1374 | SpiritIndia.com

Lung Cancer :: GALES Trial of ALIMTA, pemetrexed for injection in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Eli Lilly and Company has launched a major clinical trial evaluating ALIMTA (pemetrexed for injection) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a devastating and rapidly spreading form of lung cancer. This international trial, expected to be the largest ever to be conducted in SCLC(1), will assess the potential clinical benefit of pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin, a commonly-used chemotherapeutic agent, in direct comparison to the current leading treatment option of etoposide in combination with carboplatin.

Hunter Syndrome :: ELAPRASE, idursulfase – therapy for Hunter syndrome patients in Europe

Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY, TSX: SHQ) today reported that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) issued a positive opinion recommending approval of ELAPRASE for the long-term treatment of patients with Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II). The EU Marketing Authorisation is expected early in 2007 and will result in unified labelling that will be valid in the current EU 25 member states as well as in Iceland and Norway.

Prostate Cancer :: Data on Genetic Susceptibility for Prostate Cancer

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, has released new data from the Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility (CGEMS) study on prostate cancer. This information could help identify genetic factors that influence the disease and will be integral to the discovery and development of new, targeted therapies. This is also the first public release of a whole genome association study of cancer – such studies examine the entire genome, with no assumptions about which genetic alterations cause cancer.

Herpes :: Human Protein Helps Chickenpox and Shingles Virus Spread

A team of scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has identified a human protein that helps varicella-zoster virus, the cause of both chickenpox and shingles, spread from cell to cell within the body.

Diabetes :: FTC and FDA Act Against Internet Vendors of Fraudulent Diabetes Cures

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), working with government agencies in Mexico and Canada, have launched a drive to stop deceptive Internet advertisements and sales of products misrepresented as cures or treatments for diabetes. The ongoing joint campaign has so far included approximately 180 warning letters and other advisories sent to online outlets in the three countries.

Heart Disease :: Dilated cardiomyopathy – child heart disease due to inflammation

Researchers have uncovered partial causes for dilated cardiomyopathy, a form of potentially fatal child heart disease that often goes undetected. DCM means the heart fails to pump properly and the condition can often lead to heart failure. The US research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found heart inflammation is the most common cause.

Meningitis :: Meningitis shot and risk for Guillain Barre syndrome

Young people who get a new meningitis shot may be at a slightly higher risk of developing a paralyzing side effect, federal researchers said. Even so, U.S. health officials said the benefits far outweigh the risk of getting the rare condition, Guillain Barre syndrome. They are not backing off their recommendation that most students be vaccinated.

ADHD :: Use of Ritalin in preschoolers with attention deficit disorder

Is it safe to give preschoolers Ritalin, the popular attention deficit disorder drug? The first long-term U.S. government study of that age group warns of side effects with the stimulant drug, which isn’t recommended for children under age six. There were benefits for children who had severe ADHD, but the researchers said preschoolers on Ritalin need close monitoring because they’re more likely than older children to develop side effects.

Diet :: Apples and apple juice – quercetin antioxidant good for neurological health

For those who think that picking and eating apples this time of year is just for fun and for the great taste of America’s favorite fruit, you may want to think again. Apples and apple juice may be among the best foods that anyone could add to their diet, finds a collection of recent research studies, the latest of which was presented yesterday at the Society of Neuroscience annual conference in Atlanta. Researchers G. Bureau and M. Martinoli from the University of Quebec a Trois-Rivieres, found that quercetin (one of the antioxidants found abundantly in apples) was one of two compounds that helped to reduce cellular death that is caused by oxidation and inflammation of neurons.

Skin Cancer :: Skin cancer prevention – beachgoers accurately report their sun habits

Adult beachgoers participating in a research study accurately report their sun habits, including sunscreen use and clothing worn on the beach, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. The skin cancer cutaneous melanoma has become much more common and deadly in the United States over the past few decades, according to background information in the article.