Abstracts: Cancer Watch August 1996

• Helicobacter Pylori and Stomach Cancer
  Abstract: Halicobacter pylori infection is now thought to be strongly associated with stomach (gastric) and duodenal ulcers and a causative factor for gastric cancer. However, duodenal ulcer is not a risk factor for cancer. By contrast, it seems that duodenal ulcer patients have a lower risk of developing gastric cancer.
  
  
• Screening for Helicobacter pylori
  Abstract: Helicobacter pylori-associated stomach cancer may be prevented by screening and treating the infected individual with appropriate antibiotics. This strategy is expected to be cost-effective if the screening is done at the age of 50 for the general population and after age 10 among high-risk groups. A clinical trial is needed to establish the effectiveness of this preventative strategy.
  
  
• Lipids And Cancer by John A. Kellen, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP (C)
  Abstract: Among the endless number of factors which influence and contribute to our potential in developing cancer, diet plays a definite role (which is not recognized in full). Lipids are a major component, especially in our "Western" diet and health implications of this are discussed.
  
  
• Meta-Analysis In Oncology by John A. Kellen, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP (C)
  Abstract: Meta-analysis, as a source of definitive answers to clinical questions, is glorified by some and profoundly mistrusted by others. The pooling of results from several independent studies, in order to add statistical weight, should save time and money and allow for more meaningful data. This, of course, is tempting and has resulted in a torrent of meta-analyses.
  
  
• News on Prostate Diseases by Walter Alexander
  Abstract: Scientific research reporter Walter Alexander brings information from the 91st Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association and the 32nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology on prostate cancer. He reports on race difference in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and the effects of androgen on prostate cancer.
  
  
• Our Doctors, Ourselves: A few thousand words of advice to patients from a patient advocate
  by Beverly Zakarian
  Abstract: Beverly Zakarian, an author, cancer advocate and cofounder of CANACT (Cancer Patients Action Alliance, the first activist cancer-patient organization) writes about the importance of patient doctor relationship. She gives suggestions and modalities involved in becoming a knowledgeable, empowered patient in order to communicate effectively with doctors.
  
  
• A Note from the Editor on The Activist Cancer Patient
  Abstract: The editor Dr. Mukti H. Sarma provides a review on the book The Activist Patient by Beverly Zakarian. The editor warmly recommends the book and concludes "The book is a must read for cancer patients. Physicians, healthcare providers and general public at large will also find the book compelling". It is published by John Wiley & Sons.
  
  
• Prognostic Marker for Melanoma of the Eye
  Abstract: Loss of one of the chromosomes from pair 3 is consistently found in patients with metastatic melanoma of the eye and this knowledge can be used as a prognostic factor in identifying this subgroup of patients for closer observation and treatment.
  
  
• Technology Update: Three-Dimensional Holographic Microimaging
  Abstract: The technology that produces three-dimensional real-life images, holograms, is being increasingly used for nondestructive testing in biomedical research. It allows the investigators to look into the internal organs in humans without resorting to invasive procedures. Further advancement in the technique will allow to look at the finer level of biomolecules, thus helping to diagnose and plan treatment strategy for many diseases including cancer.
  
  
• Ovarian and Breast Cancers: Advances in Therapy by Walter Alexander
  Abstract: Scientific research reporter Walter Alexander brings information from the 9th International Congress on Breast Disease and the 32nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology on advances in chemo- and hormonal therapy for ovarian and breast cancers. Among the topics discussed are: combination therapy for ovarian cancer; Taxotere treatment for advanced breast cancer; effect of other drugs such as Zoladex, Anastrozole.
  
  
• Sensitivity of Mammography Among Women Under 50
  Abstract: Sensitivity to screening mammography is lower among women of age below 50. This may be, in part, due to the rapid growth of tumors in this group which become clinically apparent between screening when the screening interval is the standard two years. Annual screening for this group, though not recommended at present, may increase sensitivity.
  
  
• Predicting Survival for Gynecologic Tumors
  Abstract: Women with gynecologic cancer who need optimal resection of tumors may have cancerous spread in the peritoneal cavity. This spread often indicates unfavorable prognosis no matter what the stage of the disease. In the future oncologists should be able to devise proper treatment strategies for this subgroup of gynecologic cancer patients.
  
  
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