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Blue Shield of California refuses to pay for breast cancer drug Avastin

In a new development, health insurer Blue Shield of California has decided not to pay for Roche Holding's drug Avastin to treat breast cancer after health advisers said it was not safe or clinically beneficial. Blue Shield of California with around 3.3 million members, said in a notice posted on its web site that the drug would no longer be covered as a treatment for metastatic breast cancer beginning October 17. It said exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4 Oct 2011

HeartWare announces updated clinical data from BTT study, ADVANCE and CAP

HeartWare International, Inc., a leading innovator of less invasive, miniaturized circulatory support technologies that are revolutionizing the treatment of advanced heart failure, today announced updated clinical data from its bridge to heart transplantation (BTT) study, ADVANCE, and the Continued Access Protocol.

3 Oct 2011

EMA accepts Inspiration's IB1001 MAA for treatment of hemophilia B

Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated and accepted the filing of the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Inspiration's IB1001, a recombinant factor IX (FIX) product for the treatment and prevention of bleeding in individuals with hemophilia B.

3 Oct 2011

New AAOS guideline recommends how to reduce DVT, PE after joint replacement surgery

An updated clinical practice guideline released last week by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Board of Directors recommends how to reduce the likelihood of blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery, procedures that more than 800,000 Americans undergo each year. The new guideline suggests use of preventive treatments and advises against routinely screening patients after surgery using ultrasound imaging.

1 Oct 2011

Study calls for review of current treatment strategies, more research into stroke prevention

Doctors are underutilising crucial medication to prevent deadly strokes in those with a common type of heart condition, new research says, leading to fresh calls for a review of current treatment strategies and more research into stroke prevention.

1 Oct 2011

Review of stroke treatment could save lives

29 Sep 2011

Double balloon enteroscopy safe and effective for detection of small intestine diseases

A large-scale data review by researchers in China of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) over the last decade showed the endoscopic procedure to be safe and effective for detection of diseases of the small intestine.

27 Sep 2011

Afinitor Phase III study on angiomyolipomas associated with TSC meets primary endpoint

A Phase III study of Afinitor (everolimus) tablets in patients with non-cancerous kidney tumors, or angiomyolipomas, associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) met its primary endpoint of best overall angiomyolipoma response rate, which includes reduction in kidney tumor size and absence of new tumors.

26 Sep 2011

N.Y. State Department of Health releases 2010 report on hospital infection rates

For the third year in a row, Hospital for Special Surgery is the only hospital in New York State with an infection rate that is significantly lower than the state average for hip replacement or revision surgeries, according to the 2010 report on hospital infection rates just released by the State Department of Health.

26 Sep 2011

Janssen Biotech receives FDA approval for Remicade to treat UC in children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Remicade (infliximab) to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in children older than 6 years who have had inadequate response to conventional therapy.

26 Sep 2011

Complications requiring hospitalization after prostate biopsy rise: Study

In a study of complication rates following prostate biopsy among Medicare beneficiaries, Johns Hopkins researchers have found a significant rise in serious complications requiring hospitalization.

23 Sep 2011

Verax Biomedical receives FDA clearance for Platelet PGD test

A $30 test that takes fewer than 30 minutes to perform can prevent potentially deadly transfusions of bacterial contamination in platelets, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Transfusion. An early view of the study can be found at the journal's web site.

23 Sep 2011

Gynesonics initiates VizAblate FAST-EU study for uterine fibroid treatment

Gynesonics, Inc., a women's healthcare company focused on minimally invasive solutions for symptomatic uterine fibroids, today announced the start of, and initial treatments in, the FAST-EU Trial, a multicenter clinical study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the VizAblate® procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.

22 Sep 2011

HRPR before PCI procedures linked to increased risk of ischemic event in ACS patients

Among patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing a procedure such as angioplasty, those who received platelet function tests before receiving antithrombotic therapy to determine appropriate clopidogrel dosing and who had high residual platelet reactivity were at an increased risk of an ischemic event at short- and long-term follow-up of up to 2 years, according to a study in the September 21 issue of JAMA.

21 Sep 2011

Smith & Nephew's TRUCLEAR System to improve training for gynecologists

Smith & Nephew plc, the global medical technology business, today announced the introduction of its TRUCLEAR SIM Morcellation Simulator, a highly-realistic, hands-on simulator designed to improve training for gynecologists who perform hysteroscopic morcellation, a procedure to remove intrauterine polyps and fibroids.

21 Sep 2011

Scientists discover crucial connection in skin formation

Skin is the body's armor, protecting us from disease agents, injury, excessive water loss, and cold and heat. Yet mutations in a single gene, the gene for the protein p63, cause numerous diseases and malformations of the uppermost layer of skin - the epidermis - and other tissues. In the epidermis, these range from skin cancers to dysplasias that cause cracking, bleeding, infection, and discoloration.

21 Sep 2011

One in five cancer patients more likely to develop venous thromboembolism

An analysis of more than 30,000 cancer patients has shown that blood clots are a more common complication than doctors may realize, causing additional hospitalizations and driving up the cost of care, according to a study led by a Duke Cancer Institute researcher.

21 Sep 2011

Neurocritical Care Society announces comprehensive set of guidelines on brain aneurysms

The Neurocritical Care Society is releasing a comprehensive set of guidelines this week to guide physicians and hospitals on how to optimally care for patient's ruptured brain aneurysms. One of the strongest recommendations is that all patients receive specialized care at high-volume stroke centers that treat at least 60 cases per year.

20 Sep 2011

Shannon installs Toshiba's Infinix CF-i single plane vascular X-ray system

Performing cardiac catheterizations through the radial artery is proven to lower the risk of vascular complications, reduce major bleeding and improve patient recovery time when compared to femoral access. Shannon Medical Center, in San Angelo, Texas, installed Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.'s Infinix CF-i single plane vascular X-ray system to conduct radial interventions more easily and improve patient safety and outcomes while reducing costs.

19 Sep 2011

Combination of prasugrel plus ASA can treat acute coronary syndrome

In order to better prevent blood clots, the drugs clopidogrel or prasugrel can be prescribed to patients with acute ischaemia of the heart muscle, in addition to acetylsalicylic acid.

16 Sep 2011