Posts Tagged ‘Used’

FDA: Avastin should not be used for breast cancer

FDA: Avastin should not be used for breast cancer
Washington — Federal health authorities recommended today that the blockbuster drug Avastin no longer be used to treat breast cancer, saying recent studies failed to show the drug’s original promise to help slow the disease.

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Company used ghostwriters to promote dangerous meds: probe

Company used ghostwriters to promote dangerous meds: probe
A major pharmaceutical company commissioned ghostwritten articles in peer-reviewed journals to make its hormone replacement therapy drugs seem safer than they actually are, a new investigation alleges.

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In Hormone Replacement Therapy, Breast Cancer Risk Varies Among Different Progestins Used,

In Hormone Replacement Therapy, Breast Cancer Risk Varies Among Different Progestins Used,
Progestins are used in hormone replacement therapies to counteract the negative effects of estrogen on the uterus and reduce the risk of uterine cancer. However, evidence in recent studies and clinical trials has demonstrated that progestins increase the risk of breast cancer. Now, University of Missouri researchers have compared four types of progestins used in hormone replacement therapies and …

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Mri- An Advanced Imaging Technology Used For Cancer Treatment

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) refers to a sophisticated medical technique used in radiology. This medical imaging technique is commonly used to visualize internal structure and functions of the body organs. The images captured by MRI technique give detail information to assess the functions inside the body. These images provide greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than other scanning technologies like computed tomography (CT) and X-rays.

The magnetic resonance imaging scan is a non-invasive method that uses magnets and radio waves to give deep look inside the human body. It is widely used in the neurological treatment, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological imaging. MRI does not use ionizing radiation like CT, but it uses powerful magnetic field to align the nuclear magnetization of hydrogen atoms in water that is present in the body. The MRI images can be reviewed on a large computer screen to identify the exact problem. Here radio frequency field is used to systematically alter the alignment of this magnetization, causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. A radiofrequency electromagnetic field makes the protons change their alignment relative to the field. As soon as the electromagnetic field is turned off, the released protons return to their original alignment.

There are some specialized MRI scans, such as Diffusion MRI, Magnetic transfer MRI, Fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), Magnetic resonance angiography, Functional MRI, Interventional MRI, Radiation therapy simulation, Multinuclear imaging, Susceptibility weighted imaging, etc. This technique uses some specified components like MRI machine that is embedded with the primary magnets and gradient magnets. The primary magnets develop a magnetic field of around 1.5 to 3 Tesla. The gradient magnets help in altering the magnetic field precisely. MRI scanner also includes horizontal tube. There are specialized computer hardware and software components to set the parameters prior to the examination.

In comparison to the other imaging techniques, the MRI scan is little expansive. It is performed to detect cancers in the organs of the chest and abdomen. It is used to evaluate the problems in heart, liver, biliary tract, kidney, pancreas, spleen, breast cancer implants and adrenal glands. Physicians use MRI to help diagnose or monitor some treatment conditions.

Widely Used Cancer Drug May Increase Risk for Proteinuria in Patients

Widely Used Cancer Drug May Increase Risk for Proteinuria in Patients
Cancer patients treated with the chemotherapy agent bevacizumab (Avastin) may be at an increased risk of severe loss of protein from the kidney into the urine that can lead to significant kidney damage.

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