National Minority Cancer Awareness Week: Unequal Burden

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) observes National Minority Cancer Awareness Week April 20- 26, 2008. NCI has continually demonstrated leadership in bringing the issue of health disparities of ethnic minorities to the forefront of the healthcare debate. Almost a decade ago they published a comprehensive report, The Unequal Burden of Cancer. Unfortunately, we haven't made much progress in listening to their findings:

• Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US
• 1 in 4 deaths is attributable to cancer. 1 in 3 Americans will eventually be diagnosed with cancer
• Black people continue to carry greatest burden when it comes to cancer. Death rates are 25% higher.
  

Lack of health insurance coverage and unequal access to improvements in treatment are cited as reasons for this disparity. Lack of insurance leads to lack of ties to a primary care provider which leads to lack of screening and early detection that the insured take for granted.

In 2001, the NCI established the Center to Reduce Health Care Disparities to reduce the unequal burden of cancer in our communities. The NCI provides opportunities for career development and training of ethnic minorities in cancer research, education and outreach through the Comprehensive Minority Biomedical Branch (CMBB). These are exciting opportunities for young minority students to secure long term funding to pursue rewarding careers in cancer research. Outreach begins in high school through the Postdoctoral and Junior Investigator level, providing mentorship to attract and keep minorities in the scientific community. Let your schools, churches and community groups know about these wonderful resources for young people. Keep hope alive!

Thank you storycorps photostream for use of picture Sisters in Science: Black Women Scientists.

Labels: cancer, health disparities, outreach students

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Important Safety Information for Fentora (Fentanyl buccal tablet)

On September 10th 2007, Cephalon, Inc., the manufacturer of Fentora (Fentanyl buccal tablet) issued both a Dear Doctor and a Dear Healthcare Professional letter in response to the deaths of some people who were using the drug.

Fentora (fentanyl) is a narcotic (opioid) medication indicated for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients who are already taking and are tolerant to opioid therapy for their cancer pain. The medication is not approved for use in patients who are not tolerant to opioids nor is it approved for use in treating patients with other types of pain including acute pain, post-operative pain, headache, migraine, or sports injuries.

And therein lies the problem. Of the four reported deaths due to Fentora (fentanyl), three were related to inappropriate prescribing of the drug, says the manufacturer. Two patients were prescribed the drug for the treatment of headaches, even though, contrary to the dosing guidelines, they were not on any other opiates. According to Cephalon, a fourth death was reported in an individual who was taking the drug though it had not been prescribed to the person; the individual eventually committed suicide.

Cephalon is now under the FDA's microscope but they have also managed to attract attention due to possible inappropriate marketing practices. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Connecticut Attorney General's investigation, which has been ongoing since 2004, found that Cephalon promoted Actiq (fentanyl citrate, oral transmucosal) to neurologists for the treatment of headaches which is an off-label use, amongst other questionable practices.

Bottom line: if you're a health professional then familiarize yourself with the proper use of Fentora(fentanyl) and key safety information regarding the drug. If you are a patient, arm yourself with appropriate questions for your healthcare provider and be an active participant in your treatment plan.

Labels: actiq, attorney general, cancer, cancer pain, cephalon, fentanyl, fentora, off-label drug use

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Torisel Approved for Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment

Torisel (Temsirolimus) was yesterday approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, a form of advanced kidney cancer.

Common adverse reactions associated with this drug include edema, loss of appetite, nausea, mouth sores, fatigue, and rash. The drug can also cause some abnormal lab test results, including high blood sugar, lipids and triglycerides, low red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts, and elevated liver and kidney function tests.

Torisel is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and will be available in July 2007.

Photo courtesy of striatic

Labels: cancer, kidney, renal cell carcinoma, torisel

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