Keep abreast of what your patients are currently seeing in the media with our round-up of popular news stories, available from WHF as abstracts with links to the full-text articles.

From the week of December 10, 2007:

Detecting Breast Cancer Depends on Doctor, Study Finds

According to new research presented this week, doctors miss an average of 2 cases of breast cancer out of every 10 mammograms they read. This statistic includes both symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Although it was previously known that routine screening mammograms were not always accurate, this research concludes that radiologists are often unable to detect breast cancer in diagnostic mammograms performed on women with suspicious lumps or other symptoms. Radiologists based at academic medical centers tended to be the most accurate at reading mammograms, followed by those who devote at least 20% of their time to breast imaging. The authors of the study urge women to continue pursuing medical attention for any signs or symptoms they exhibit of breast cancer, rather than being placated by a negative (normal) mammogram.

Read the full story on chicagotribune.com

Advisory Panel Rejects New Use for Cancer Drug

A federal advisory committee voted that the drug Avastin, marketed by Genentech, should not be approved as a treatment option for breast cancer. Although Avastin has been shown to delay the worsening of the cancer, it does not extend the survival time of breast cancer patients. The severe side effects of Avastin, which have resulted in approximately five deaths caused by the drug itself, were found to outweigh the positive effects. The final vote of 5 to 4 has already caused the stock price of Genentech to fall by 8% in the aftermath of the committee hearing. The FDA will make a final decision on Avastin in the coming months, but the agency is expeced to follow the advice of the advistory committee. Avastin is currently approved for the treatment of lung and colon cancer in the U.S., and as a treatment for breast cancer overseas.

Read the full story on nytimes.com

Women With AIDS Face Cervical Cancer Threat

The use of antiretroviral drugs has reduced the AIDS mortality rate worldwide, women who have been saved by the drug therapy are now at increased risk for cervical cancer. A study conducted in Africa found 90% of women infected with HIV are harboring cervical cell abnormalities. Researchers stress the importance of cervical cancer screening for all women, but especially for those taking antiretroviral drugs. With early detection, cervical cancer cure rates are high. New screening protocols can identify precancerous cells within minutes, and patients can begin treatment immediately.

Read the full story on medicalnewstoday.com

Avandia May Raise Osteoporosis Risk

The drug rosiglitazone, marketed as Avandia, is prescribed to diabetics to improve their response to insulin. However, new research suggests that Avandia may also contribute to bone thinning, leading to an increased risk of fractures. A study by GlaxoSmithKline, the marketer of the drug, found that women taking Avandia are at risk both for heart failure and fractures. Patients who are already at a higher risk for fractures, such as women over the age of 60, should be cautious in their use of Avandia, and possibly take it in conjunction with anti-osteoporosis drugs. This research corrects a previous assumption that diabetics suffer more fractures due to a reduced ability to build bone, not because of bone loss.

Read the full story on washingtonpost.com

Being Fat and Fit is Better than Being Thin and Sedentary, Study Says

Researchers at the University of South Carolina tracked about 2,600 people age 60 and older to determine how physical fitness and weight affected their death rates over a period of twelve years. Fitness was determined through a treadmill test, and each subject's weight was classified as normal, overweight, or underweight. The study found that physical fitness has a greater impact on mortality rates than weight, leading to the conclusion that an overweight person who is physically fit is healthier than a thin person who does not get an adequate amount of exercise. Regardless of weight, the subjects in the bottom 20% in terms of physical fitness had a death rate four times higher than the subjects in the top 20%. Researchers emphasize that obesity should not be the only factor considered in a patient's overall heath; exercise can significantly reduce mortality rates even in obese patients.

Read the full story on bostonglobe.com