Health News
Novartis Drug Shows Reduction of Iron Overload
Results from THALASSA , the first pivotal placebo-controlled study examining the benefit of iron chelation with Exjade ( deferasirox ) in patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia ( NTDT ), show that Exjade can significantly reduce iron overload. These data were presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego.
Merck Announces Multiple Myeloma Drug Trial Results
Merck announced today that a Phase III study of Zolinza ( vorinostat ), for investigational use in combination with bortezomib in patients with progressive multiple myeloma , met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a 23 percent reduction in the risk of progression compared to the standard therapy of bortezomib (p=0.01).
Drug Cuts Pain in Sickle Cell Infants
A sickle cell anemia treatment may benefit infants as young as nine months old by reducing their level of pain from the disease. It also could reduce the need for blood transfusions and cut the rate of hospital admission.
Two Sisters Help Understand One Disease
It's well known that cancer can be passed between a donor and recipient during a transplant operation. One such exchange has actually advanced the scientific understanding of lymphoma.
Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Prone to Problems
Stem cell transplant patients may not only be at risk during treatment. A new study suggests that a decade later they are still more susceptible to psychological conditions and chronic illness.
Do Birth Control Drugs Cause Blood Clots?
Women who use oral contraception, take caution: Birth control pills that contain the hormone drospirenone may cause blood clots. Government officials are still examining study data and will decided whether the pills’ benefits outweigh the risk.
Potential Hemophilia B Cure Unveiled
A novel one-time intravenous gene therapy infusion could potentially cure patients with severe hemophilia B. Four patients from the small trial have had such success that they have discontinued traditional treatment.
Aspirin May Cut Risk of Unprovoked Blood Clots
Low dose aspirin may help prevent an additional blood clot in patients not considered at risk. Taking a course of aspirin for at least two years could reduce the risk to patients by as much as 40 percent.
Preemies Need Their Blood Type Checked
Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most common and serious gastrointestinal disorders that can affect preterm infants. Identification of a new risk factor may help reduce its prevalence.
New Lymphoma Bull's-Eye
It's the most aggressive blood cancer. Unfortunately, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma ( DLBCL ) is also the most common form of lymphoma in adults. But there is some good news - researchers may have a new target for treating this disease.