Health News

FDA Approves Gleevec for Rare Gastrointestinal Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Gleevec ( imatinib ) regular approval for use in adult patients following surgical removal of CD117-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Today’s action also highlights an increase in overall patient survival when the drug is taken for 36 months rather than the standard 12 months of treatment.
Is Chemo Needed After Surgery?
Traditionally, making decisions about whether to operate or treat a cancer with chemotherapy has been a clinical decision by the doctor, with reliance on their own experience and training.
Blood Clots a Common Risk for Some Cancer Patients
As if cancer treatment isn't rigorous enough, patients are often at risk of additional medical problems for months afterwards. New research has uncovered that some cancer patients face an increased risk of developing blood clots.
Tearing the Scab off Bleeding Myths
Bleeding during surgery is always a concern, particularly with operations involving the digestive tract. A new study shows these concerns may not be warranted in some cases.
Gastric Cancer's Two Tumors
For many years, people with stomach cancer have all been treated the same. Science didn't know any better. It's now understood that this disease is more complex, a finding that will improve treatment options.
The Protective Effects of Estrogen
Estrogen has been getting a bad name lately. The female hormone drives the most common form of breast cancer, but a new study suggests it also protects women from other types of cancer.
Urine Test for Cancer in the Works
Cancers of the stomach, gut and pancreas are usually diagnosed when they've already advanced, making treatment difficult. That could change soon.
Drinking and Cancer
Drinking too much alcohol has been linked to a number of diseases - ranging from gout to fatty liver. A new study expands the number of health conditions on the list.
Diabetes Increases Risks of Cancer
A new study shows that avoiding or controlling diabetes may reduce risks of developing or dying from cancer.
Fighting Cancer with Infection
University of Minnesota researchers have discovered an unlikely way to help cancer patients using salmonella - a bacteria that causes thousands of food borne illnesses in the United States each year.