Health News

Move Over Platinum, Here Comes Ruthenium
A number of common chemotherapy agents, such as cisplatin , contain the element platinum. And while effective against cancer cells, these medications can damage healthy cells.
Newest CML Drug Helps
The introduction of Gleevec  in 2001 to treat chronic myeloid leukemia ( CML ) marked one of modern oncology's biggest success stories. The treatment has become the model for other cancer drugs.
Targeting Leukemia's Kill Switch
Once a resistance to chemotherapy develops in leukemia, it can be extremely difficult to turn back the tide. A new drug focuses on changing that.
Diabetes Linked to Blood Cancers
Doctors have to carefully watch their diabetes patients for other serious health problems like kidney disease and heart disease. Now, it seems doctors should keep an eye out for blood cancers as well.
Procedure Doesn't Lower Pulmonary Embolism Mortality
Filters used to block blood clots from passing to the lungs and creating a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism can save patient lives. Yet a trio of new studies suggests they don't reduce the risk of dying. The vena cava filters may reduce the risk of mortality in patients considered "unstable" when they arrive at the hospital, however. Always ask about the benefits and risks of potential therapies. Paul Stein, MD, a lead researcher, professor in osteopathic medical specialties at Michigan State University and director of research at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, noted t...
Progress for Leukemia Test
Everybody likes simple solutions to complex problems. A blood test for a diagnosis, a pill to cure. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is one step closer to that day.
Mapping Leukemia Evolution
The thing that strikes the most fear in the hearts of cancer patients is wondering if a remission is real, or if the cancer is just on pause. These fears linger despite the most aggressive treatments and the best doctors.
Invulnerable Leukemias
The genes you inherit from your parents can be sort of a mixed bag. While some traits like height and eye color can be straightforward, some are complex relationships that take a detective to find the full implications.
'Blood-Letting' Delivers Health Benefits
The practice of blood-letting or bleeding patients was abandoned in the 19th  century when it became clear there was little benefit. New research suggests the barbaric-sounding practice could offer a very real heart benefit.
Cancer Cart Before the Horse
The last few decades have seen an incredible growth in the number and kinds of drugs used to treat cancer, including entirely new classes of drugs outside traditional chemotherapy.