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Lung screening service available at Sanford in Aberdeen Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center now offers a lung screening service using low-dose CT technology to detect if patients have forms of lung diseases, including lung cancer. Sanford Aberdeen will be the only site in South Dakota outside Sioux Falls to offer the lung screening at a permanent location, according to a news release. The screenings, which last about 15 minutes, will be offered from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Mondays. The cost is $25 through Sept. 1. Adults age 50 to 74 who are smokers or former smokers who have quit within the past 15 years are eligible for the screening. Other criteria may apply. For more information, call 605-626-4200

Good news! Here is a link to a new support group for the newly diagnosed. Cancer Survivor 101 Support Group for newly diagnosed patients actively undergoing treatment meets at 2 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the NMMC Cancer Center in Tupelo. Call Cindy Edwards at 377-4049 or (800) 843-3375 North Mississippi Medical Center 830 South Gloster Street Tupelo, MS 38801

Law & Order Dennis Farina's doctor says the actor died while being treated for lung cancer. The actor, who died Monday after suffering a blood clot in his lung, had been under treatment for the cancer for several months, according to his cardiologist, Dr. Marc A. Kates. A 911 call has revealed that the 69-year-old former Chicago police officer - who died at his Scottsdale home in Arizona on Monday - was very ill and required oxygen. During the emergency call - obtained by TMZ - from his house on Saturday morning a woman is heard saying 'I have a cancer patient here' before telling the operator 'we need oxygen'. Thirteen years ago Farina had been diagnosed with 'a small cancer that was treated and cured with surgery,' Kates said in a statement on Tuesday. But in recent months the cancer had recurred and, despite ongoing treatment, the blood clot 'unexpectedly and suddenly took his life,' Kates said The actor put his craggy face, steel-gray hair, ivory smile and ample mustache to good use in many popular films, including: take, Saving Private Ryan, Midnight Run and Out Of Sight. He also had memorable roles in Get Shorty and the Cameron Diaz film What Happens In Vegas, showing his flair for comedy. Farina was perhaps best known for playing Detective Joe Fontana on Law & Order during the 2004-06 seasons, one of many roles in his lengthy television career. 'I was stunned and saddened to hear about Dennis’ unexpected passing this morning,' said Law & Order creator Dick Wolf in a statement on Monday. 'The Law & Order family extends sympathy and condolences to his family. He was a great guy.' Farina also starred in the 1980s cult favorite Crime Story and was a regular in the 2011-12 HBO drama Luck. He recently completed shooting a comedy, Lucky Stiff. Farina was a veteran of the Chicago theater and appeared in Joseph Mantegna's Bleacher Bums and Streamers, directed by Terry Kinney, among other productions. He was born on Feb. 29, 1944, in Chicago and was a city detective before he found his way into the acting profession as he neared his forties. His first film was the 1981 action drama Thief, directed by Michael Mann, whom he had met through a mutual friend while still working for the Chicago Police Department. 'I remember going to the set that day and being intrigued by the whole thing,' Farina recalled in a 2004 interview. 'I liked it. And everybody was extremely nice to me. If the people were rude and didn't treat me right, things could have gone the other way.' Farina is survived by three sons, six grandchildren and his longtime partner, Marianne Cahill. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/ar ... th-69.html

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Demonstrated Longer Overall Survival In Multiple Primary Lung Cancer: MD Anderson A research team led by Joe Y. Chang, MD, PhD, of the department of radiation oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center examined the use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in patients with multiple primary lung cancer, and demonstrated long-term tumor control and increased OS (overall survival) and PFS (progression free survival) according to study results. Multiple primary lung cancer incidence has increased steadily in recent years. Although surgical resection has been the standard form of treatment, many patients are unable to undergo surgery, according to background information provided by researchers. In the study, 101 patients (57% men, median age 72 years, range of age 50-90 years) were examined, and tumors were treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy 50 Gy in four fractions (n=120) or 70 Gy in 10 fractions (n=10). Gy (gray) is defined as the absorption of one joule of ionizing radiation by one kilogram (1 J/kg) of matter such as human tissue. As a result, median OS was 46 months. The researchers reported OS rates of 73.2% at 2 years and 47.5% at 4 years – PFS rates of 67% at 2 years and 58% at 4 years. Patients with metachronous tumors demonstrated improved survival compared with those who had synchronous tumors. With metachronous tumors vs. synchronous tumors, OS rates were 80.6% vs. 61.5% and PFS rates were 84.7% vs. 49.4% at 2 years. At 4 years, OS rates were 52.7% vs. 39.7% and 39.7% vs. 30.4%. Grade ≥3 radiation pneumonitis occurred in 3% of patients who underwent surgery or received stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for an index tumor. The incidence increased to 17% for patients who received conventional radiotherapy for an index tumor. Other grade ≥3 toxicities were chest wall pain (3%) and skin toxicity (1%). “Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy achieves promising long-term tumor control and survival and may be a potential curative treatment for early-stage multiple primary lung cancer,” Chang and colleagues concluded.

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy Demonstrated Longer Overall Survival In Multiple Primary Lung Cancer A research team led by Joe Y. Chang, MD, PhD, of the department of radiation oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center examined the use of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in patients with multiple primary lung cancer, and demonstrated long-term tumor control and increased OS (overall survival) and PFS (progression free survival) according to study results. Multiple primary lung cancer incidence has increased steadily in recent years. Although surgical resection has been the standard form of treatment, many patients are unable to undergo surgery, according to background information provided by researchers. In the study, 101 patients (57% men, median age 72 years, range of age 50-90 years) were examined, and tumors were treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy 50 Gy in four fractions (n=120) or 70 Gy in 10 fractions (n=10). Gy (gray) is defined as the absorption of one joule of ionizing radiation by one kilogram (1 J/kg) of matter such as human tissue. As a result, median OS was 46 months. The researchers reported OS rates of 73.2% at 2 years and 47.5% at 4 years – PFS rates of 67% at 2 years and 58% at 4 years. Patients with metachronous tumors demonstrated improved survival compared with those who had synchronous tumors. With metachronous tumors vs. synchronous tumors, OS rates were 80.6% vs. 61.5% and PFS rates were 84.7% vs. 49.4% at 2 years. At 4 years, OS rates were 52.7% vs. 39.7% and 39.7% vs. 30.4%. Grade ≥3 radiation pneumonitis occurred in 3% of patients who underwent surgery or received stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for an index tumor. The incidence increased to 17% for patients who received conventional radiotherapy for an index tumor. Other grade ≥3 toxicities were chest wall pain (3%) and skin toxicity (1%). “Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy achieves promising long-term tumor control and survival and may be a potential curative treatment for early-stage multiple primary lung cancer,” Chang and colleagues concluded. http://bionews-tx.com/news/2013/07/23/s ... -anderson/

Low cost cancer screening available to smokers By Cecelia Mason July 23, 2013 · Long time smokers can find out whether they have lung cancer through a screening offered in Berkeley County. Berkeley Medical Center is offering low dose CT screenings. The scan creates a 3D image of the lungs that shows abnormalities. According to a news release, a study called the National Lung Screening Trial shows when heavy smokers get a lung CT scan their risk of dying from cancer is lower. Dr. Eric Bonnem, University Healthcare regional cancer program director, said the Eastern Panhandle has some of the highest lung cancer and smoking rates in the state, which ranks among the highest smoking rates in the country. The CT lung screening is only open to patients who are current or former smokers between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoked at least one pack a day for 30 years and don’t have a history of lung cancer. Patients interested in being screened must get an order from a primary care physician. Dr. Bonnem will provide an order for patients without a primary care physician. The screening clinics are scheduled for Aug. 10 and 24, 2013, from 8 a.m. until noon. The cost is $99 and include interpretation by a radiologist. Anyone wanting to make an appointment can call 304-264-1297. For more information call the Berkeley Medical Center radiology department at 304-264-1211. http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=30932

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lake Health is the latest local hospital system to offer low dose computed tomography as part of a lung cancer screening program for people at high risk of developing the disease. The screening, which includes three scans over a two-year period, is being offered at both West Medical Center in Willoughby and TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Twp. for $99. The screening is geared toward longtime current or former smokers. They must be 55-74 years old who has been a two-pack-per-day smoker for 15 years or a one-pack-per-day smoker for 30 years, or be a former smoker who has quit within the past 15 years. Those requirements mirror the patient population in the National Cancer Institute's National Lung Screening Trial, which compared low-dose CT and standard chest X-ray in current smokers and former smokers. In the two years since the New England Journal of Medicine published an article that touted the of low-dose computer tomography as a lung cancer screening tool, the number of hospitals in Ohio and across the country have begun offering the diagnostic test. University Hospitals Case Medical Center was the first to offer the low-cost scans in June 2011. All patients must have a physician's referral before scheduling a screening appointment, which is preceded by a meeting with a patient navigator that includes information on smoking cessation. For information call the Best of Health Line at 800-454-9800. To schedule a lung cancer screening with CT scanning, call Lake Health’s Centralized Scheduling at 866-652-5253. A physician’s referral is required. For more information, here is the link http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/inde ... ung_c.html

Low cost cancer screening available to smokers By Cecelia Mason July 23, 2013 · Long time smokers can find out whether they have lung cancer through a screening offered in Berkeley County. Berkeley Medical Center is offering low dose CT screenings. The scan creates a 3D image of the lungs that shows abnormalities. According to a news release, a study called the National Lung Screening Trial shows when heavy smokers get a lung CT scan their risk of dying from cancer is lower. Dr. Eric Bonnem, University Healthcare regional cancer program director, said the Eastern Panhandle has some of the highest lung cancer and smoking rates in the state, which ranks among the highest smoking rates in the country. The CT lung screening is only open to patients who are current or former smokers between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoked at least one pack a day for 30 years and don’t have a history of lung cancer. Patients interested in being screened must get an order from a primary care physician. Dr. Bonnem will provide an order for patients without a primary care physician. The screening clinics are scheduled for Aug. 10 and 24, 2013, from 8 a.m. until noon. The cost is $99 and include interpretation by a radiologist. Anyone wanting to make an appointment can call 304-264-1297. For more information call the Berkeley Medical Center radiology department at 304-264-1211. http://www.wvpubcast.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=30932

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lake Health is the latest local hospital system to offer low dose computed tomography as part of a lung cancer screening program for people at high risk of developing the disease. The screening, which includes three scans over a two-year period, is being offered at both West Medical Center in Willoughby and TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Twp. for $99. The screening is geared toward longtime current or former smokers. They must be 55-74 years old who has been a two-pack-per-day smoker for 15 years or a one-pack-per-day smoker for 30 years, or be a former smoker who has quit within the past 15 years. Those requirements mirror the patient population in the National Cancer Institute's National Lung Screening Trial, which compared low-dose CT and standard chest X-ray in current smokers and former smokers. In the two years since the New England Journal of Medicine published an article that touted the of low-dose computer tomography as a lung cancer screening tool, the number of hospitals in Ohio and across the country have begun offering the diagnostic test. University Hospitals Case Medical Center was the first to offer the low-cost scans in June 2011. All patients must have a physician's referral before scheduling a screening appointment, which is preceded by a meeting with a patient navigator that includes information on smoking cessation. For information call the Best of Health Line at 800-454-9800. To schedule a lung cancer screening with CT scanning, call Lake Health’s Centralized Scheduling at 866-652-5253. A physician’s referral is required. For more information, here is the link http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/inde ... ung_c.html

Veggie Fried Rice Author: Margaret Raber 0/5 Eggs contain protein that may help fatigue symptoms. Brown rice and fresh vegetables contain fiber that may help constipation. Cooking Time: 15 minutes Work level: Easy Pin It Share Ingredients 1 small tomato(es), chopped 4 green onion(s) (white and green part), chopped 1 bell pepper(s) (any color), chopped 1 cup(s) spinach, chopped 1 clove(s) garlic, chopped 2 large egg(s) 2 cup(s) broccoli, chopped 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 3 cup(s) cooked brown rice 4 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium Instructions 1. Chop up vegetables.2. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a pan and add onions, garlic, broccoli, peppers and pepper flakes, cook about 3 minutes, add a spoonful of water if it starts to stick.3. Add, tomato and spinach to pan, reduce heat.4. In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly.5. Pour eggs over vegetables and stir quickly to cook about 2 minutes.6. Add rice and season with soy sauce.7. Stir well until everything is heated through and serve immediately.Notes:- This recipe uses 1/3rd of the 'Veggie Egg Filling' found in this online cookbook.- You can also add leftover chicken or pork to this recipe, but try to reduce the portion size accordingly.

Karmanos Cancer Center launches Lung Cancer Screening Program to help detect lung cancer early. By Karmanos Cancer Institute Published: Monday, Jul. 22, 2013 - 4:13 am DETROIT, July 22, 2013 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center is launching a Lung Cancer Screening Program for adults with a history of smoking – both current and former smokers. The goal of the program is to help detect lung cancer early with the help of low-dose CT (computed tomography) scans. Karmanos is able to offer the lung cancer screening for the reduced cost of $100, thanks to the generous support of the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Foundation which is partially underwriting the expense. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), a study of over 50,000 current or former heavy smokers conducted by the National Institutes of Health, showed that screening using three annual CT scans can reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer. Studies show that, among high-risk adults, early detection of lung cancer through screening with a CT scan rather than a chest X-ray can reduce cancer death by 20 percent and overall death rate by seven percent. "The findings from this national study are significant, which is why we want to provide this lung cancer screening here at Karmanos," said Shirish Gadgeel, M.D., leader of the thoracic multidisciplinary team at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. He added, "The multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology team at Karmanos, consisting of experts focused only on lung cancer, is uniquely qualified to implement this important screening program. We are very grateful for the incredible support of the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Foundation and the fund created at Karmanos to help put an end to this disease. This screening test is an opportunity to dramatically change the lung cancer mortality rate for those who have a long history of smoking." Founded in 2004, the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Foundation is dedicated to increasing lung cancer awareness and supporting research that will lead to early detection and better treatment options. The foundation has raised more than $70,000 for the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Research Fund at Karmanos and has also provided monetary support to numerous families who are in financial need, due to the impact of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both men and women. It's estimated that more than 159,400 people will die of lung cancer in the United States this year alone, representing about 27 percent of all cancer deaths. Any opportunity to help prevent this disease or detect it early through screening can result in less extensive treatment and better outcomes, and may help reduce mortality rates. Who is Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening? Men and women ages 55-75 who are current or former smokers and who've smoked at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years. The NLST found that people in this age range with a history of smoking were most likely to benefit from this screening. What's Involved? The screening involves three consecutive annual CT scans of the chest. The screening scans are available at the Karmanos Cancer Center Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills. Karmanos will offer the initial lung cancer screening test for $100. Should there be a positive finding, future scans should be covered by insurance, otherwise the remaining two scans would also be charged the reduced out-of-pocket cost of $100 each. Any abnormality found on the CT should be followed up by the patient's primary health care provider or a specialist at the Karmanos Cancer Center. To participate in Karmanos' Lung Cancer Screening Program, call toll free 855-527-LUNG (855-527-5864) or email lungcancerscreening@karmanos.org Another Option For those who feel the lung cancer screening would be beneficial but do not meet the eligibility criteria or cannot commit financially to complete the program, the INHALE Study could be an option. INHALE (Inflammation, Health and Lung Epidemiology), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and coordinated by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSU SOM), is a study that includes a chest CT scan. INHALE is aimed at identifying genetic and environmental determinants of lung disease – gaining understanding about why some people develop lung health problems and others do not. Karmanos and WSU SOM received the national grant to conduct the study with 4,000 participants. The INHALE Study serves as another option and may identify cancer in its early stage when it's most treatable. For more information or to enroll in the INHALE Study, call toll free 1-866-828-2339. For more information on cancer services call 1-800-527-6266 or visit www.karmanos.org. About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $260 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or go to www.karmanos.org. SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/22/558495 ... rylink=cpy

Karmanos Cancer Center launches Lung Cancer Screening Program to help detect lung cancer early. By Karmanos Cancer Institute Published: Monday, Jul. 22, 2013 - 4:13 am DETROIT, July 22, 2013 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center is launching a Lung Cancer Screening Program for adults with a history of smoking – both current and former smokers. The goal of the program is to help detect lung cancer early with the help of low-dose CT (computed tomography) scans. Karmanos is able to offer the lung cancer screening for the reduced cost of $100, thanks to the generous support of the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Foundation which is partially underwriting the expense. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), a study of over 50,000 current or former heavy smokers conducted by the National Institutes of Health, showed that screening using three annual CT scans can reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer. Studies show that, among high-risk adults, early detection of lung cancer through screening with a CT scan rather than a chest X-ray can reduce cancer death by 20 percent and overall death rate by seven percent. "The findings from this national study are significant, which is why we want to provide this lung cancer screening here at Karmanos," said Shirish Gadgeel, M.D., leader of the thoracic multidisciplinary team at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. He added, "The multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology team at Karmanos, consisting of experts focused only on lung cancer, is uniquely qualified to implement this important screening program. We are very grateful for the incredible support of the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Foundation and the fund created at Karmanos to help put an end to this disease. This screening test is an opportunity to dramatically change the lung cancer mortality rate for those who have a long history of smoking." Founded in 2004, the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Foundation is dedicated to increasing lung cancer awareness and supporting research that will lead to early detection and better treatment options. The foundation has raised more than $70,000 for the Gianni Ferrarotti Lung Cancer Research Fund at Karmanos and has also provided monetary support to numerous families who are in financial need, due to the impact of lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both men and women. It's estimated that more than 159,400 people will die of lung cancer in the United States this year alone, representing about 27 percent of all cancer deaths. Any opportunity to help prevent this disease or detect it early through screening can result in less extensive treatment and better outcomes, and may help reduce mortality rates. Who is Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening? Men and women ages 55-75 who are current or former smokers and who've smoked at least one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years. The NLST found that people in this age range with a history of smoking were most likely to benefit from this screening. What's Involved? The screening involves three consecutive annual CT scans of the chest. The screening scans are available at the Karmanos Cancer Center Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center in Farmington Hills. Karmanos will offer the initial lung cancer screening test for $100. Should there be a positive finding, future scans should be covered by insurance, otherwise the remaining two scans would also be charged the reduced out-of-pocket cost of $100 each. Any abnormality found on the CT should be followed up by the patient's primary health care provider or a specialist at the Karmanos Cancer Center. To participate in Karmanos' Lung Cancer Screening Program, call toll free 855-527-LUNG (855-527-5864) or email lungcancerscreening@karmanos.org Another Option For those who feel the lung cancer screening would be beneficial but do not meet the eligibility criteria or cannot commit financially to complete the program, the INHALE Study could be an option. INHALE (Inflammation, Health and Lung Epidemiology), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and coordinated by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSU SOM), is a study that includes a chest CT scan. INHALE is aimed at identifying genetic and environmental determinants of lung disease – gaining understanding about why some people develop lung health problems and others do not. Karmanos and WSU SOM received the national grant to conduct the study with 4,000 participants. The INHALE Study serves as another option and may identify cancer in its early stage when it's most treatable. For more information or to enroll in the INHALE Study, call toll free 1-866-828-2339. For more information on cancer services call 1-800-527-6266 or visit www.karmanos.org. About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $260 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or go to www.karmanos.org. SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/07/22/558495 ... rylink=cpy

What do you mean by “Palliative” or Supportive Care? Is that Code for “We’re Giving Up on You?” July 12th, 2013 - by Dr. Jack West One of the first questions that is often addressed when someone is diagnosed with cancer is whether the treatment is with curative or palliative intent. Palliative care can mean many things, and some health care professionals use it simply to mean that a treatment is given for a reason other than an expectation of being able to completely cure a patient. Treatment that can prolong survival for months or years but not cure it is absolutely valuable but may still be palliative. It’s important to distinguish this from another use of palliative care as terminal care. Palliative care is sometimes loosely applied to the situation of treating symptoms for a patient who may be dying. Similarly, supportive care may just refer to addressing symptom management and quality of life alongside efforts to prolong survival, or even deliver a cure, or it is sometimes a term used to define the efforts to maximize quality of life at the end of life. None of this means that a person receiving palliative or supportive care is being given up on. First, palliative care or supportive care are not consolation prizes for aggressive care. As I noted, sometimes life-prolonging treatments are still palliative, and supportive care/management of symptoms isn’t mutually exclusive with prolonging survival or treating for cure. But even for patients who don’t have treatment options that can feasibly prolong survival, managing symptoms and quality of life may be the most beneficial treatment that can realistically be suggested, and overly aggressive treatments with little or no realistic probability of prolonging survival have a significant probability of shortening survival. Cancer care needs to be an appropriate balance between under-treatment and over-treatment. That care may be palliative, may be supportive, but these terms don’t mean that it’s not valuable and effective treatment. Have these terms led to confusion for you? I’d like to hear. Chime in on this topic here or on our website. Just follow the link to see more. http://expertblog.lungevity.org/2013/07 ... #more-2317

The Immunotherapy Stimuvax on the START Trial: An Encouraging Signal from a “Negative” Trial July 5th, 2013 - by Dr. Jack West The START trial of the immunotherapy Stimuvax, which is also know as tecemotide or L-BLP-25, initially looked very favorable in a randomized phase II trial conducted several years ago. This early effort led to a subsequent phase III trial, conducted over the past few years, that administered Stimuvax or placebo on multiple occasions over two years after chemo and radiation for locally advanced (stage III) NSCLC. For more details on the background and the phase III START trial, check out this post on Stimuvax from the GRACE website in early 2007. Since that time, the degree of anticipation around this drug and trial has been somewhat between hopeful and frenzied. Though oncologists specializing in lung cancer were guardedly optimistic about it, financial analysts and patient/caregiver communities sometimes became, in my view, irrationally exuberant about it, with some zealots of immunotherapy becoming convinced it was a “can’t miss” treatment long before the work had been completed. Unfortunately, several months ago we learned that the START trial did not actually meet its primary endpoint of significantly improving overall survival with Stimuvax vs. placebo. Though I had no specific data and just this headline to go on, I felt that the key implication of what little we knew so far was that I wouldn’t “throw out the baby with the bathwater” and presume that all other immunotherapy-based work in lung cancer would follow the same fate. It wasn’t until ASCO 2013, in early June, that we actually saw data from the trial, which made me conclude that a declaration of the trial as being simply “negative” didn’t do justice to the complexity of the results. Specifically, the START trial showed a modest, statistically non-significant 3.3 month longer median overall survival in the 829 recipients of Stimuvax compared to the 410 recipients of placebo (the randomization was 2:1 for the active treatment). However, when looking at just the 65% of patients who had received their prior chemo and radiation concurrent (as is preferred for maximal opportunity for cure when patients can tolerate this more challenging approach than chemo and radiation delivered sequentially), the median overall survival was a striking 10.2 months longer in recipients of Stimuvax vs. placebo. See the figures below for details (you can click on them to enlarge). Survival in Entire Population, START Trial (To see the detailed graph, please click on the following link) http://cancergrace.org/lung/files/2013/ ... -trial.jpg Survival in Concurrent CTRT Pts, START Trial (To see the detailed graph, please click on the following link) http://cancergrace.org/lung/files/2013/ ... -trial.jpg As these results were being conveyed, I considered the difference in overall survival in this large subset of patients on the trial to be rather remarkable — far from a complete strikeout. In fact, I found that 10.2 month difference in a subgroup comprised of 806 patients to be quite encouraging. That said , looking at the survival curves in the lower figure, it’s important to not that the curves happen to separate hugely in the middle (right where the median overall survival is measured, then converge again. Unfortunately, this means that Stimuvax isn’t curing patients, which was our hope for potentially curable patients with locally advanced NSCLC. Instead, it seems more likely that a subset of patients may be doing better for a few months, but it’s not converting more potentially curable patients from “not cured” to “cured”. My understanding is that Merck KGA, the company developing Stimuvax, or tecemotide, is planning a START trial redux that only enrolls patients who received concurrent chemo/radiation. We don’t know why the results seem to be different and more favorable in these patients, but this is the preferred and more curative treatment approach, so there may be some significant difference by which the locally advanced NSCLC patients who are good candidates for concurrent chemo/radiation truly benefit from this immunotherapy. However, even if a subsequent trial shows a survival difference, it will be important to clarify whether this therapy is actually curing patients who wouldn’t otherwise be cured or “merely” prolonging survival for several months. The latter is still a helpful development, but it’s not as valuable as curing more patients with lung cancer. To share this with others please click on the following link: http://expertblog.lungevity.org/2013/07 ... #more-2314

June 28th, 2013 - by Dr. Jack West Immunotherapy was again an exciting area in the field of cancer care in general, and lung cancer in particular, at ASCO this year. But it’s a different kind of treatment from standard chemo, and as we begin to gain experience with it, we continue to learn about some issues that are very specific to immunotherapy. One of those is the concept of “pseudo-progression”. As the name implies, it looks like progression, but it actually isn’t — in fact, it may precede a good and prolonged response to the immunotherapy. But because it looks just like progression on scans, it’s important to know about it and avoid discontinuing a potentially very effective treatment based on a misinterpretation of what the scans are telling us. What does that mean? Historically, we judge the efficacy of treatments for cancers that are visible on scans by looking at whether the visible areas of disease have grown, shrunk, or stayed the same in size, and whether any new lesions appeared after a period of time on the cancer treatment. We’re happy if it shrinks, not happy if it grows or new areas of disease appear, and we may have more mixed feelings about the utility of the treatment if a person shows stable findings of neither shrinkage nor progression (a kind of “half empty vs. half full” situation). The size of the cancer is almost always a helpful indicator of the status of the cancer when we’re treating with standard chemo or targeted therapies like Tarceva (erlotinib), Avastin (bevacizumab), etc. But with immunotherapies, we’re learning that a growing or even new lesion isn’t always progressing cancer. Confusing though it may be, sometimes patients seem to be feeling great, cancer symptoms improving, and perhaps most of the areas of disease are shrinking, but there’s one new or growing lesion. What researchers on these treatments are sometimes finding is that biopsies of the growing area or new lesion doesn’t reveal a collection of viable cancer cells, but rather shows an infiltration of the host’s immune cells (called T cells) that appear to be aggregating to attack the cancer cells there. But the crowd of cells looks like progression even when, as may happen, you later see this area clear away with more time on immunotherapy. The presumption is that when you see a new lung nodule, for instance, that may actually be a collection of mostly immune cells that may have converged on an area that was a small collection of tumor cells so small it wasn’t picked up on a prior scan, so it looks like a new nodule now. And these sometimes just vanish later. This concept doesn’t apply for the cancer treatments that we have more experience with, so unfortunately we can’t just presume that growing lesions in most people are something other than progressing cancer, but for the growing number of people on clinical trials of treatments mediated by the immune system, it makes sense to do a biopsy if the imaging looks worse than the clinical picture. Many of these trials now allow patients who seem to be doing well clinically to stay on treatment even in the face or a new or growing area of disease, since we can’t necessarily just trust our eyes anymore. It’s confusing, but it’s worth being careful not to cast aside a potentially effective therapy because we misinterpret the scans by applying old rules to new therapies. Clicking this link will take you to this blog. There you will have several methods of sharing with your friends and loved ones. http://expertblog.lungevity.org/2013/06 ... #more-2312

L@@K FREE SCREENINGS! Saturday, July 27, Bronson Battle Creek (BBC) is offering free lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals. The screenings will be held in the BBC outpatient center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With early detection, the five-year survival rate for lung cancer goes up to 52.6 percent. If you are at high-risk, you can register for these free screenings by calling the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center referral coordinator at (269) 245-8390 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. 300 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 245-8660

I wish I lived closer I'd sign up myself! Will you be able to go or know someone who can? Saturday, July 27, Bronson Battle Creek (BBC) is offering free lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals. The screenings will be held in the BBC outpatient center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. When the disease is detected early and it is still localized (within the lungs), the five-year survival rate for lung cancer goes up to 52.6 percent If you are at high-risk, you can register for these free screenings by calling the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center referral coordinator at (269) 245-8390 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. http://www.bronsonhealth.com/news/free- ... -screening

I have a friend who tried the juicing way of life for a few months. She said her energy levels were higher, her skin looked great, and she got a lot of compliments about looking younger. She couldn't swing it with her 3 kids, so she has backed off from it. However she really taps back in to juicing when she isn't feeling well. I'd ask your doctor before you decide to try something like this. SOme veggies have reactions with certain medications. Cindy

What a sweet relief! Woohoo! Cindy

I read an article that proposed music is a universal way to alter ones day, feelings & health. Do you find this to be true? I listen to music all day long. Now that it has been cloudy more I feel my energy level gets lower. UNTIL I turn up my favorite songs loudly. Sometimes I feel like if my kitchen & laundry could talk they'd say they didn't see that coming! Other days when I walk home from dropping my daughter off at school I put my earbuds in & listen to Kenny G's station on iHeart radio. When, & which type of music stirs your soul and feels like it heals?

Thanks for posting lilystemp. I love that you se beauty in everything. I tend to "have my head in the clouds" as my mother says. I look at the clouds and see brush strokes. I used to tel my mother if God will give me that opportunity to be a creater of a cloud one day. She would pollitely smile and we'd still go on about on way. Now as an adult with small children I find myself asking them to admire the beatiful color the trees are or to watch out for beautiful flowers. My oldest who is six now turns to me as we are harridly rushing in our walk to school, makes me stop to smell our neighbors flowers. Thanks for spreading the love of true beauty. Good luck with your resolutions. I too have a few similair ones and I think this might be the year to achieve them. Merry Christmas, Cindy

In response to your shoulder pain I would seek help from a Chiropractor in addition to the measures you are already taking to find answers about LC. I pray you dont have LC.

Hi Lungevity folks, I recently was at a function & was speaking to my friend who is conquoring LC. Well, let me tell you she is looking BEEE UUUtiful and healthier these days. While we were hanging out she was telling me that GINGER is great for nausea and can help while going thru chemo. I made some cookies on Monday and I have to say the Betty Crocker mix was easy to whip up, I would recommend buying the softened butter that is in the baking aisle though. The frosting we used was Vanilla. Sooo scrumptious. I made a batch for my family because I'm notorious for burning every baked good I've ever tried. I'm glad my Husband took over, he's the baker in this house. Now I'm ready to whip up a fresh bathc and send to my friends house. I hope she likes them! happy Holidays y'all!

Great Katie! Please let us know what you thought of them.

When it passes thru the FDA, then I think I'll be a believer. I like the optimism though