Oral Cancer News – Page 321 – The Oral Cancer Foundation News Archive

Prevention vs. prosecution

Source: www.rdhmag.com Author: Dianne Glasscoe-Waterson Malpractice. The very word strikes fear in the hearts and minds of all health-care providers. In fact, according to risk management statistics, every dentist can expect at least one malpractice lawsuit in his or her practice lifetime. What about dental hygienists? Are they at risk? Should dental hygienists invest in their own malpractice insurance? Read on to learn of the unpleasant circumstances surrounding four dental hygienists. Limits of Malpractice Coverage Carol practiced dental hygiene for 25 years without carrying malpractice insurance. She reasoned that there was no need since the doctor's malpractice insurance covered her. When Carol's employer was sued for failure to diagnose oral cancer, Carol was named as a codefendant in the suit, as she had seen the patient for a preventive care appointment within the past year. While being named in any lawsuit was unsettling, Carol figured she really had nothing to worry about. She knew the doctor had malpractice insurance. What Carol did not know was that lawsuits can actually exceed the limits of the doctor's malpractice coverage. According to Jeff Tonner, JD, monetary awards for failure to diagnose oral cancer are the most common lawsuits to exceed the limits of coverage. If a lawsuit is successful and the limits of coverage are exceeded, codefendants can be saddled with monetary damages, because the doctor is the primary defendant. False Security Jan chose not to carry malpractice insurance. She felt it was really a waste of money, since she knew her employer's [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-27T06:47:48-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Public knowledge and attitudes towards Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination

Source: 7th Space (Johns Hopkins Medical Letter) Author: Charlotte Devereaux et al. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine has undergone successful trials and has recently been approved for use for the primary prevention of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and attitudes towards HPV vaccination. Method: Semi-structured interview and questionnaire delivered in a street survey. Standardised HPV-related statements used to measure HPV knowledge and attitudes to vaccination. The setting was three different areas of Birmingham, to target a mix of social class and ethnicity. The sample population was composed of 16-54 year olds. Results: A total of 420 participants were recruited. Poor knowledge of HPV and its links with cervical cancer were observed. 81% had a knowledge score of zero. Knowledge about HPV was associated with different ethnic group and socio-economic group. The majority (88%) of participants were in favour of vaccination, with 83.6% indicating that they would allow a child under their care to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Initial responses to the proposed HPV vaccination within the UK public are favourable. However, knowledge levels are poor and media and health professional promotion are required to raise awareness. Authors: Charlotte Devereaux Walsh, Aradhana Gera, Meeraj Shah, Amit Sharma, Judy E Powell and Sue Wilson Source: BMC Public Health 2008, 8:368

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-26T17:08:08-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Cervical cancer vaccine called safe

Source: www.washingtonpost.com Author: staff Gardasil, the two-year-old vaccine that's designed to prevent cervical cancer, is safe, U.S. officials said Wednesday. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Immunization Safety Office said a study of 370,000 doses given to girls and young women over the past two years found no evidence that the vaccine causes an increased risk of blood clots or other serious conditions, Bloomberg News reported. The CDC, which recommends the vaccine for girls starting at ages 11 and 12, based its findings on statistics from the Vaccine Safety Datalink, which uses medical data to test hypotheses about vaccine safety, the news service said. "There were no associations found that suggested an elevated risk," said John Iskander, acting director for the Immunization Safety Office, toldBloomberg. Critics of the vaccine, including some groups that worry that the inoculation could promote promiscuity, have contended that Gardasil may not be safe and could give women a false sense of security about sexually transmitted diseases. Gardasil protects against four types of genital human papillomavirus, HPV, which is spread through sexual contact and can cause cervical cancer in women. The U.S. study covered 190,000 girls and young women who received at least one dose of the vaccine's three-shot regimen. The CDC researchers compared medical data on those girls who got the vaccine with data for girls and young women who received other vaccines or none. "The results are really reassuring," said Dr. Paul Offit, chief of the infectious diseases division at Children's Hospital [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-24T08:55:32-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Altria prices offset cigarette volume declines

Source: Associated Press (ap.google.com) Author: Vinnee Tong Altria Group demonstrated its pricing power as interest in cigarettes dropped off further, and its CEO said Thursday that its buyout of smokeless tobacco maker UST positions it for long-term growth amid the widespread financial turmoil. The company's third-quarter profit fell 67 percent from a year ago, when results included the Philip Morris International business. But the maker of Marlboro, Parliament and Virginia Slims said earnings from continuing operations rose 15 percent and it confirmed its full-year profit forecast. "Because of the economic uncertainties we all face, Altria is taking steps now to continue adding value to shareholders over the long term," Chief Executive Michael Szymanczyk said. One of the ways Altria — owner of No. 1 U.S. cigarette maker Philip Morris USA — will expand is acquiring UST Inc., maker of Copenhagen and Skoal. But because of difficulties in the credit market, Szymanczyk said it had become more expensive to finance the acquisition. The deal passed antitrust review last month, and the company plans to schedule a special meeting in December to let shareholders vote on it. Szymanczyk expects the deal to close no later than the first week of January. Altria also reported net income of $867 million, or 42 cents per share, in the quarter that ended Sept. 30. That compares to $2.63 billion, or $1.24 per share, a year earlier. Richmond, Va.-based Altria, which spun off the international business in March, said revenue rose 5 percent to $5.24 billion. [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-24T08:05:23-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Top award for mouth cancer guru

Source: www.dentistry.co.uk Author: staff A doctor who says he has a ‘mission to raise awareness' of mouth cancer has won a top award in recognition of his work. Dr Vinod Joshi – founder of the UK's leading mouth cancer charity, the Mouth Cancer Foundation – earned it for Best Patient Support Initiative at the Pfizer Oncology Awards. Dr Chris Nutting, President of the British Oncological Association (BOA), presented him with his award – and a £1,500 research grant. Dr Joshi achieved outstanding success through the restorative dentistry oncology clinic initiative to create a patient website and patient support charity. In January 2002, he launched the UK website to cater for the unmet needs of his patients and similar patients across the nation, focusing on mouth cancer awareness, early Detection and patient information and support. The unique feature of the members' forum and message board added in 2003 enables patients and carers to offer each other support, advice and encouragement. The Pfizer Oncology Awards are designed to recognise and reward teams as well as individuals who stand out from their peers – whatever their speciality, level of expertise or position. Dr Chris Nutting says: ‘As President of the BOA, I am delighted to have chaired the awards again this year. It has been a genuine pleasure for me to review this year's entries. They have all demonstrated a wide range of impressive achievements in oncology care.' BOA provides a multidisciplinary forum for the presentation and discussion of cancer research and development. [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-24T06:57:32-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Favourable impact of intensity-modulated radiation therapy on chronic dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer

Source: British Journal of Radiology (2008) 81, 865-871 Authors: A. K. Anand, MD et al. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on the incidence and severity of chronic dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer. 62 evaluable patients with head and neck cancer who were treated with IMRT with or without concurrent chemotherapy were analysed. The majority of the patients (77.4%) had advanced locoregional disease. 45 patients underwent definitive IMRT and 17 received post-operative IMRT. Concurrent chemotherapy was given to 29 of the 45 patients treated with definitive IMRT. The average prescribed dose to clinical target volume (CTV)1 was 66–70 Gy (definitive IMRT) and 56–62 Gy (post-operative IMRT); 60 Gy to CTV2; 54 Gy to CTV3; and 50–52 Gy to the supraclavicular area. At a median follow-up of 19 months, 2-year actuarial locoregional control and survival was 77% and 74%, respectively. At 6 months after IMRT, chronic dysphagia was Grade 0 in 77.1% of patients, Grade 1 in 10.5% and Grade 2 in 12.3%. Acute mucositis showed no correlation with long-term dysphagia. The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or nasogastric tube was removed in all of the patients within 8 weeks of completion of treatment. Xerostomia was Grade 0 in 61.4% of patients, Grade 1 in 31.5% and Grade 2 in 7% of patients. In conclusion, IMRT conferred a major favourable impact on chronic dysphagia in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers, with satisfactory locoregional control. Authors: A. K. Anand, [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-24T06:49:50-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

GlaxoSmithKline to acquire the leading dry mouth brand, Biotene

Source: www.marketwatch.com Author: press release GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announced today that it has reached an agreement with Laclede, a privately held company, to purchase the leading Dry Mouth brand Biotene(R) for $170 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory review by competition authorities in the United States and Europe, and is expected to complete by early 2009. "The acquisition of Biotene extends our portfolio in therapeutic oral healthcare to include a proven treatment for Dry Mouth," said John Clarke, President, GSK Consumer Healthcare. "This opportunity leverages our global capability with dental and medical professionals and is a further step towards our goal in GSK of building and growing a diversified healthcare business." Biotene is the world's number one dentist and hygienist-recommended Dry Mouth product for the growing population that suffers from this condition. Biotene is a brand in strong growth, with global sales in 2007 of around $50 million up 17%. Approximately 65% of the brand's current sales are in the United States. Dry Mouth, a condition known as Xerostomia, is a significant health issue associated with chronic medical conditions that include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment, as well as any of more than 400 medications that, as a side-effect, can cause Dry Mouth. Globally, Dry Mouth is as prevalent as dental sensitivity, affecting around one-in-five adults. Biotene joins a world-class portfolio of Oral Healthcare Brands, including: - Aquafresh(R), Odol-med(R), Binaca(R), a leading range of toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes and whitening products [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-22T13:40:35-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Incidence and impact of comorbidity diagnosed after the onset of head and neck cancer

Source: Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008;134(10):1045-1049 Authors: Katherine C. Yung, MD; Jay F. Piccirillo, MD Objective: To investigate the incidence and prognostic impact of comorbidities diagnosed after the onset of head and neck cancer. Design: Retrospective review of medical records. Patients: One hundred eighty-three patients diagnosed as having head and neck cancer at Washington University School of Medicine from January 1, 1997, through December 31, 1998. Main Outcome Measures: We reviewed medical records for demographic, tumor, treatment, and comorbidity data. Comorbid ailments at diagnosis and last follow-up or death were coded using the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation–27. Results: Of the 183 patients, 53 (29.0%) were found to have a baseline comorbidity score of none; 58 (32.0%) of mild; 53 (29.0%) of moderate; and 19 (10.4%) of severe. At last follow-up or death, scores were none for 30 patients (16.4%), mild for 52 (28.4%), moderate for 43 (23.5%), and severe for 58 (31.7%). Comorbidity scores at baseline (P = .002) and last follow-up (P = .001) were associated with 5-year survival. The prognostic impact of comorbidity scores at baseline and last follow-up were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Individual comorbid ailments after diagnosis included myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease/angina, solid tumor, psychiatric disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and alcohol abuse. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with previous research demonstrating that comorbidity at diagnosis is strongly correlated with prognosis. This study also showed that the burden of comorbidity changes after diagnosis. There appeared to be a prognostic gradient based on [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-21T12:30:55-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Characteristics associated with swallowing changes after concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer

Source: Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2008;134(10):1060-1065 Authors: Joseph K. Salama, MD et al. Objective: To define factors that acutely influenced swallowing function prior to and during concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Design: A summary score from 1 to 7 (the swallowing performance status scale [SPS]) of oral and pharyngeal impairment, aspiration, and diet, was assigned to each patient study by a single senior speech and swallow pathologist, with higher scores indicating worse swallowing. Generalized linear regression models were formulated to asses the effects of patient factors (performance status, smoking intensity, amount of alcohol ingestion, and age), tumor factors (primary site, T stage, and N stage), and treatment-related factors (radiation dose, use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, response to induction chemotherapy, post-chemoradiotherapy neck dissection, and pre-protocol surgery) on the differences between SPS score before and after treatment. Setting: University hospital tertiary care referral center. Patients: The study included 95 patients treated under a multiple institution, phase 2 protocol who underwent a videofluorographic oropharyngeal motility (OPM) study to assess swallowing function prior to and within 1 to 2 months after the completion of concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Main Outcome Measures: Factors associated with swallowing changes after chemoradiotherapy. Results: The mean pretreatment and posttreatment OPM scores were 3.09 and 3.77, respectively. Patients with T3 or T4 tumors (odds ratio [OR], 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.95; P = .04) and a performance status of 1 or 2 (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.91; P = .03) were less likely to have worsening of swallowing after [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-21T12:25:59-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|

Foreign docs bring home message on cancer

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com Author: staff A group of seven leading specialists who have been globe-trotting with a special message -- to spread the word on preventing head and neck cancer -- stopped by in Mumbai on Monday. The busy doctors, well-known names in the medical world, planned the stopover in the city in October as it coincides with the month in which the Centre's ban on smoking in public places comes into force. "If we can prevent people from tobacco use, it will be a bigger advance in the field of head and neck cancer than molecular biology,'' said Dr Jatin Shah of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) who is spearheading the world tour. The doctors who have taken five weeks off from work, have already visited seven cities including London, Barcelona, Rome and Moscow and will spend three days in Mumbai during which they will interact with cancer specialists, doctors and medical students. The focus was on exchanging latest treatment modalities and research in the field of head and neck cancer. "There has been significant medical and technological advances in the field. If we could successfully treat two in every four patients of head and neck cancer in the seventies, we can cure three out of four today,'' said Dr Shah. Earlier the diagnosis, better is the chance of treatment, pointed out Dr A K D'cruz of Tata Memorial Hospital. "People should look out for warning signs and consult a doctor within four weeks if [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2008-10-21T10:01:17-07:00October, 2008|Oral Cancer News|