Every week, MedCity News highlights the best of its MedCitizens: syndication partners and MedCity News readers who discuss life science current events on MedCityNews.com.
Now here’s the best of what YOU had to say:
Multiple myeloma death shows the problem of ‘patient advocacy.’ “Multiple myeloma is just one of many cancers that researchers at pharmaceutical companies believe will be susceptible to ‘targeted’ drugs, some of which are now in clinical trials. But those trials aren’t designed to prove them superior to existing therapies. They usually are tested in addition to existing therapies. That leaves patients and physicians in the dark about what drugs to use first or in what combinations to maximize a patient’s chance of survival.”
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Spiral CT scans save the world! Or maybe not. “University Hospitals is now offering a $99 spiral computed tomography (CT scans) of the chest in individuals who are at increased risk of developing lung cancer…Although one national study suggested that spiral CT scanning was effective, one study shouldn’t change the course of medical practice. If you’ve been reading medical journals for a while, as I have, you realize that today’s breakthrough may break apart tomorrow. Let’s see what future studies on screening for lung cancer with spiral CT scans conclude. I predict growing medical dissent on this issue.”
A gift from the FDA: Continuity in medical device reviews during staff shakeups. “Time will tell if this SOP and FDA’s new found transparency initiative will walk the walk. What I like, however, is that the SOP changes the burden. Instead of the company having to push back, the new FDA staffer has the impetus to gain approval from a superior for a change. New staffers are incentivized to only be disruptive when substantial and substantiated reason exists. And, supervisors will have greater responsibility to make a decision and not simply be passive spectators.”
Latest cancer education: Patients asking doctors about personalized medicine. “The ‘Is My Cancer Different?’ campaign urges patients to ask their doctors a crucial question — is my cancer different? — and provides powerful information on why, when and how it could matter to their treatment choices.”
Looking back at health IT (and more) in 2011. “In summary, 2011 was filled with high highs and low lows. The pace was faster than any year in my life to date. More happens every day in healthcare IT than the human brain can comprehend and I’m working harder than ever to filter the incoming data (and email) into knowledge and wisdom.”
