General Cancer News

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Developing a web-based registry among community oncologists may be useful for

collecting significant information about febrile events in patients with

hematologic malignancies. Italian researchers have suggested that both morbidity

and mortality could be lowered in this patient population through a computerized

registry that collected data in a prospective manner.

“We have developed what may be the first web-based registry to collect febrile

events in hematologic malignancy patients so you can register a real-life

picture of what is occurring in these patients,” said study investigator Morena

Caira, MD, a research scientist at the Catholic University in Rome.

Dr. Caira said developing such a system has allowed oncologists in Italy to

create a complete system for the epidemiological study of infectious

complications in this cancer patient population. It is a simple system that

could be adopted in the U.S. on a community- wide, state-wide, or country-wide

basis, she said.

Source: Cancernetwork.com, December 30, 2010

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December 10, 2010

December 7, 2010

Deeper molecular responses seen with dasatinib in new chronic myeloid leukemia

The median reductions in Bcr-Abl transcripts at one year were greater with

dasatinib (Sprycel) than with imatinib (Gleevec), according to the results of an

intergroup phase II trial. A better molecular response should eventually

correlate with better outcomes, making dasatinib a serious contender... More »

Source: Cancernetwork.com

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Mayo Clinic review of symptoms of CML and home remedies

Clinical trials

Clinical trials study the latest treatment for diseases or new ways of using

existing treatments. Enrolling in a clinical trial for chronic myelogenous

leukemia may give you the chance to try the latest treatment, but it can't

guarantee a cure. Talk to your doctor about what clinical trials are available

to you. Together you can discuss the benefits and risks of a clinical trial.

Subscribe to our Living with cancer newsletter to stay up to date on cancer

topics. For many people, chronic myelogenous leukemia is a chronic disease they

will live with for years. Many will continue treatment with imatinib

indefinitely. Some days, you may feel sick even if you don't look sick. And some

days, you may just be sick of having cancer. Self-care measures to help you

adjust and cope with a chronic illness.

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December 12, 2010

Supportive care kit guides dasatinib Rx

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical have launched My Sprycel Support,

a resource to assist adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who are taking

dasatinib (Sprycel). The program is designed to help patients learn more about

dasatinib and how to be involved in treatment decisions with a healthcare

provider.

The kit contains information on dasatinib study data; dosing and potential side

effects; and a journal to help track activities throughout the treatment

process. The kit also contains a co-pay assistance brochure. If patients qualify

for assistance, they could receive up to $100 per month toward their co-pay for

a period of 12 months, with a maximum benefit of $1,200, according to Bristol-

Myers Squibb.

Enrolling in the program also grants patients 24-hour access to registered

nurses who are trained as dasatinib counselors. Visit www.sprycel.com to learn

more about the kit and affiliated program.

Source: Cancernetwork.com

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The ranks of the uninsured or underinsured have been on the rise, placing a

burden on cancer patients and the programs that dispense treatment. A national

poll conducted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network found that,

over the past two years, nearly one-half of cancer patients and survivors under

age 65 said they are having difficulty affording healthcare costs, including

paying for copays and prescription drugs (ACS CAN poll results, June 23, 2010).

As a result, one in three patients under age 65 diagnosed with cancer delayed

needed cancer-related tests, treatments, checkups, and filling of prescription

drugs over the past year.

Source: Cancernetwork.com, December 30, 2010

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Carpe Diem,

Lottie Duthu