FDA Approves Votrient™ for Kidney Cancer

December 7, 2009 — On October 29, 2009 the FDA approved Votrient™ (pazopanib) for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer).

Home Care Nursing Improves Symptom Management

December 7, 2009 — Researchers from the UK have reported that symptom management for patients with breast and colorectal cancer treated with oral Xeloda® (capecitabine) was better for patients who received home care nursing than for patients receiving standard care. The results of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on November 16, 2009.

Cervarix® Vaccination Against HPV Lasts at Least Six Years

December 7, 2009 — Researchers affiliated with the GlaxoSmithKline Vaccine HPV-007 Study Group have reported that Cervarix® [human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine] has “high and sustained immunogenicity, and a favorable safety” profile for up to 6.4 years following administration. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Lancet on December 3, 2009.

Risk of blood clots after surgery higher than thought

December 4, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The risk of blood clots following surgery is probably higher - overall, more than one clot per 50 surgeries -- than previously thought, data from the UK's Million Women Study suggest.

Immediate biopsy unnecessary for some breast lumps

December 4, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - For breast lumps that can be felt with the fingers but look benign on ultrasound, an immediate biopsy may not be needed, particularly for some young women, researchers report.