The adrenal glands-which are also called suprarenal glands-are part of the endocrine system and are found on the top of each kidney. How the endocrine system hormones work Hormones secreted from glands of the endocrine system travel in the bloodstream to target cells. Target cells have receptors that are specific to each hormone. The hormones and receptors...
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Thirty-eight states in the US have passed “Right To Try” laws. These are laws that are created to give terminally ill patients who have run out of options access to experimental drugs that have not completed the FDA approval process. There is an effort underway to pass this type of legislation on a federal level. On February 8, the #LCSM (Lung...
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In a nutshell This study investigated if aspirin is associated with increased survival in melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that aspirin improves survival in melanoma patients. Some background Skin melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States. New treatments, such as immunotherapy, have improved melanoma outcomes when...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the combined treatment with ipilimumab and pembrolizumab in advanced melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that the combined treatment improves cancer outcomes with manageable side effects. Some background The use of immunotherapy, such...
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In a nutshell This phase 2 trial aims to test the safety and effectiveness of the combined treatment with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), trametinib (Mekinist) and dabrafenib (Tafinlar) for advanced melanoma. The main outcomes of this trial include overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause), side effects and response rate to the...
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Cherry Hughes** is an active, energetic 75 year old, still working in the marketing and public relations profession in Great Britain. Her life is filled with friends and fun. “I love cooking and eating out. I am deeply interested in politics. I love music …I go to jazz clubs. I love going to France …I have a little apartment...
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There are 1.6 million people diagnosed with cancer in the US each year. Of these, 650,000 receive chemotherapy. Did you know that 60,000 people a year are hospitalized for neutropenia, a common side effect of chemotherapy? One in fourteen die because of it. Of the 650,000 receiving chemotherapy, 104,000 are not aware of neutropenia and 52,000 don’t...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the long-term effectiveness of vemurafenib (Zelboraf) as treatment for BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma. Researchers concluded that vemurafenib is associated with improved overall survival. Some background Over 50% of melanoma patients has a mutation (permanent change) in the BRAF gene. This can increase...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who have had treatment for cancer. This study found that a number of patients undergoing cancer treatment developed PTSD after treatment and recommended that supports are put in place. Some background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a...
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After three hurricanes, flooding, fires and mudslides, and now severe cold and snow in the Deep South and throughout the country, the US has had its share of emergencies. Are you prepared? For people who rely on oxygen, who are on dialysis, have diabetes or other serious conditions, it is time to think about putting together some of the essentials. What...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of Talimogene Laherparepvec (T-VEC) combined with ipilimumab (Yervoy) and ipilimumab alone to treat patients with melanoma. Researchers suggested that the combined treatment was associated with better outcomes. Some background Newer therapies, such as immunotherapy have changed cancer...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of treatment with vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and cobimetinib (Cotellic) in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. Researchers suggested that this combination improves treatment outcomes. Some background PD-L1 is a protein present in the immune system that helps attacking cancer...
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