GLG News by Radiologists (US)

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Particle Beam Technology - Costly and a limited utility

October 26, 2009

Analysis of:Particle Beam Radiation Therapy published by AHRQ | effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov

Over the last several years, there has been an increased interest in the US in particle beam therapy as the costs have come down and large manufacturers have become more efficient in installing these centers. In addition, private companies have made a business model of building proton centers - mostly by treating prostate cancer.Protons are incredibly useful in specific diseases - ie ocular melanoma, pediatric cancers, but are too costly without proven benefit for our health care system.

Marc HametClinical ProfessorCOLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Its all about the spin

August 21, 2008

Analysis of:Heart Stents No Better Than Drugs for Chest Pain Over Time | www.bloomberg.com

This article could easily be spun as a victory for stent efficacy.

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

You get what you pay for

May 27, 2008

Analysis of:Look to England's example for ways to solve America's health-care problem | www.sltrib.com

A single payer, national system does work, but may not necessarily be in the best interest of all parties.   Yes this type of system is 'free' to the users, but is funded through higher taxes than paid in the US.

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Watch out Tomo....here comes some competition

November 16, 2007

Analysis of:Varian's New Rapid Arc Delivery | www.varian.com

Varian and Elekta's new arc treatments improve workflow, efficiency, and give radiation oncologists a better alternative to tomotherapy.    

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Let's all exhale

October 26, 2007

Analysis of:Pfizer Abandons Exubera, Posts 77% Earnings Decline | online.wsj.com

This is a big hit for Pfizer - a costly product they licensed due to lack of good pipeline products.   Unfortunatley, I don't think they anticipated the issues surrounding the complexity of inhaled insulin, properly marketed the product, or did enough research on the patient side (ie compliane, interest), etc.    As such, Pfizer, and it's share holders will pay a price for this costly investment.    However, Pfizer will survive, and will keep on buying other products to develop and sell

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Cardiovascular risks no laughing matter

October 26, 2007

Analysis of:More Prominence Urged for Heart Risks in Breast Cancer Treatment | www.medpagetoday.com

Cardiovascular disease in breast cancer is a real risk.   As our population is aging, and breast cancer is one of the most comon cancers, it is up to us to minimize risks of treatment related morbidity.

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Pharmaceutical greed and the fleecing of medicare

October 26, 2007

Analysis of:Genentech to Limit Avastin Availability | online.wsj.com

While the data between avastin and lucentis is pending, it's interesting to see Genetch trying to defending profits at the expense of patients.   Genetech has impeded this trial, so that they could defend sales of Lucentis. Before lucentis was approved, avastin was used for macular degeneration with good results - however, we don't know if it's better, the same or worse than lucentis.   Rather than make the products comparible in cost (mg per mg), Genetech has kept the price on Lucentis inflated compared to the cost of Avastin.   Until the answer is out there, Genetech should stop fleecing the consumer (ie the patient) and the government.

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Initial Avastin data interesting

October 25, 2007

Analysis of:Avastin seen as helpful against deadly brain tumor | www.reuters.com

Glioblastoma multiforme are one of the worst tumors one can have - period.   Even with aggressive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, most of these patients succumb to their disease within 1 year.   Initial results of Avastin + Irinotecan look promising as a second line regimen.   Look for avastin use to increase, probably off label, given the impressive results.    However, phase III data will be necessary for this to become standard.    

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

Fentora not for beginners

September 28, 2007

Analysis of:FDA Warns About Misuse Of Fentora Cancer Pain Drug | www.medicalnewstoday.com

Fentora is a great, but potentially dangerous product. With it's significant narcotic effect, it should only be prescirbed to appropriate patients by those with experience. The recent deaths were likely due to poor patient selection and lack of experience by the providers.  

Jon StrasserAssistant Professor of Radiation OncologyTHOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

An expected result

September 17, 2007

Analysis of:FDA approves Lilly's Evista for breast cancer | www.marketwatch.com

The STAR trial was a follow-up to the P1 trial, evaluating whether raloxifene (Evista) could be used as a preventive agent. The results were supportive of this agent in this role, and hence the FDA has approved it. There is a black box warning on stroke risk, though the results did not show a significantly higher rate of stroke. I'm not sure Evista will be a blockbuster drug, but in women who are high risk for breast cancer (family history, estrogen exposure, etc), this is a new, safer option to hopefully reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer.

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