Audio Medica News - Medical News Interviews

Audio Journal of Oncology, February 26th, 2008 Combinations and Targeted Agents: Better Survival in Mantle Cell Lymphoma MARTIN DREYLING, University Hospital Grosshaden, Munich REFERENCE: 4th European Congress on Hematologic Malignancies, Paris 22-24 February, 2008 Since the 1970s therapies for mantle cell lymphoma have greatly extended life, Martin Dreyling told conference delegates in Paris. He gave Peter Goodwin his latest data on combination therapy using the antibody, rituximab, and the emerging rôles of other targeted agents.

Audio Journal of Oncology, February 26th, 2008 "Total Therapy" Possible Cure For Multiple Myeloma? BART BARLOGIE, University of Arkansas, Little Rock REFERENCE: 4th European Congress on Hematologic Malignancies, Paris 22-24 February, 2008 A treatment known as "total therapy" could cure many patients with multiple myeloma, conference-goers have just heard. The targeted drugs thalidomide and bortezomib, coupled with tandem autologous transplants, are used by Arkansas-based Bart Barlogie. In Paris he told Peter Goodwin about their success.

Audio Journal of Oncology, February 26th, 2008 Multiple Myeloma: Towards A Chronic Disease With Cure On The Horizon KENNETH ANDERSON, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston REFERENCE: 4th European Congress on Hematologic Malignancies, Paris 22-24 February, 2008 Multiple myeloma may soon be considered a chronic disease with cure on the horizon, thanks to an array of novel therapies which are turning prospects around for this malignancy. So said Kenneth Anderson at the European meeting in Paris. He explained to Peter Goodwin how a number of molecular and other therapies are changing the prospects for this disease.

Audio Journal of Medicine, January 11th, 2008 Meta-Analysis Proves Statins Help Patients With Diabetes COLIN BAIGENT, Oxford University REFERENCE: Lancet 371:117 January 11, 2008 Statins were foiund to cut cardiovascular event rates by a fifth among patients with both Type I and Type II diabetes in a meta-analysis of 18 000 patients from Oxford University in England and the University of Sydney in Australia. Peter Goodwin asked the lead UK investigator, Colin Baigent, about the findings and their implications.

Audio Journal of Medicine, January 4th, 2008 Non Drug Intervention: Better Than Antipsychotic Drugs for Aggressive Challenging Behaviour in Intellectual Disability PETER TYRER, Imperial College, W6 8RP London REFERENCE: Lancet 371:57 January 5, 2008 A randomized study comparing treatment with risperidone, or haloperidol, or placebo to treat patients who have intellectual disability presenting with a syndrome commonly labelled as "aggressive challenging behaviour" has shown that the anti-psychotic medicines gave no benefit. Peter Goodwin met up with Professor Peter Tyrer at London's Imperial College to ask him about the study.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 15th, 2007 Reporting from: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 13-16 December, 2007 New Drug RAD001 Plus Letrozole In Neoadjuvant Therapy For Breast Cancer JOSE BASELGA, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, Barcelona REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 2066 RAD001, a drug targeted at the mTor pathway, has been combined with letrozole in a randomised phase II trial in breast cancer. The investigators saw more responses in the experimental arm, and so Derek Thorne got the details from Jose Baselga of Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 15th, 2007 Reporting from: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 13-16 December, 2007 ATAC Trial: Anastrozole Still Superior At Over Eight Years’ Follow Up JACK CUZICK, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, London REFERENCE: ABSTRACTS 41, 2069, 2071 New data from the ATAC trial, which is testing anastrozole and tamoxifen in early breast cancer, have demonstrated the continued superiority of the aromatase inhibitor. Among other things, the data now show a benefit in the time to distant recurrence. Derek Thorne heard more from Jack Cuzick, of the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine in London.

Oncology, December 13th, 2007 Reporting from: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 13-16 December, 2007 Early Breast Cancer: Survival Benefit For Adjuvant Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide STEPHEN JONES, US Oncology Research, Houston REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 12 Long term data from an early breast cancer trial involving cyclophosphamide combined with docetaxel or doxorubicin have shown a survival advantage for the taxane. As Stephen Jones of US Oncology Research explained to Derek Thorne, this advantage was also seen in patients over 65.

Reporting from: San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, 13-16 December, 2007 AACR In New Partnership For San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium MARGARET FOTI, American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium will, in the future, be presented jointly by the Cancer Therapy and Research Center at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Baylor College of Medicine, and the American Association for Cancer Research. Peter Goodwin found out more on this new collaboration from Margaret Foti, CEO of the American Association for Cancer Research in Philadelphia.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 11th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta Can Intensive Immunochemotherapy Cure Mantle Cell Lymphoma? CHRISTIAN GEISLER, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen REFERENCE: ABSTRACT LB1, ASH 2007 Mantle cell lymphoma, which was previously considered incurable, has apparently been cured in some patients on a phase II study. Derek Thorne got the details on the study – which featured an intensive immunochemotherapy approach - from Christian Geisler of Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 10th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta Ibritumomab Provides Benefit in Patients with Follicular Lymphoma ANTON HAGENBEEK, University Medical Centre Utrecht REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 643, ASH 2007 For patients with advanced-stage follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ibritumomab tiuxetan seems to prolong progression free survival by two years with favourable toxicity. Sarah Maxwell spoke to study author Anton Hagenbeek at the ASH meeting in Atlanta while George Canellos provided comment.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 10th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta Oblimersen Extends Survival in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia SUSAN O'BRIEN, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston REFERENCE: ASH 2007 For patients with relapsed or refractory CLL, oblimersen extends survival when added to standard fludarabine/cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Susan O’Brien presented data from this phase III trial to the American Society of Hematology meeting in Atlanta. Sarah Maxwell reports.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 9th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta Dasatinib Effective At Two Years’ Follow Up in Chronic Phase CML RICHARD STONE, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston GEORGE CANELLOS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 734, ASH 2007 New data shows that dasatinib is giving durable responses in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia who have failed, or who cannot tolerate imatinib. So where does dasatinib stand as an emerging CML therapy? Richard Stone of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston explained all to Derek Thorne, while George Canellos, of the same institute, gave another perspective on the data.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 9th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta Azacitidine ‘New Standard’ In High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes PIERRE FENAUX, Paris 13 University REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 817, ASH 2007 Results from a phase III study presented at ASH suggest that the hypomethylating agent azacitidine should be the new standard of care for patients with high-risk MDS. Pierre Fenaux of Paris 13 University gave the details to Derek Thorne.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 9th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta Interleukin-2 For Acute Myeloid Leukemia In First Remission? JONATHAN KOLITZ, Monter Cancer Center, Lake Success, NY GEORGE CANELLOS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 157, ASH 2007 New data shows that dasatinib is giving durable responses in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia who have failed, or who cannot tolerate imatinib. So where does dasatinib stand as an emerging CML therapy? Richard Stone of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston explained all to Derek Thorne, while George Canellos, of the same institute, gave another perspective on the data.

Audio Journal of Oncology, December 8th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta New Drug AMG 531 Effective in Splenectomized Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura TERRY GERNSHEIMER, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle REFERENCE: ABSTRACT 2, ASH 2007 An investigational drug AMG 531 has increased and sustained platelet counts in splenectomized patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia purpura or ITP. This was in a placebo controlled phase III trial that randomized patients to receive either the novel agent or a placebo. The new drug increased platelet counts and was also well tolerated. Sarah Maxwell spoke to study author Terry Gernsheimer from the University of Washington during the American Society of Hematology meeting in Atlanta.

Audio Journal of Global Health Issues, December 8th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta No Use Of Hydroxyurea In Country With Most Sickle Cell Anemia ZAKARI ALIYU, Howard University, Washington DC REFERENCE: Late Breaking Special Session, AHA 2007 Nigeria has the highest incidence of sickle cell anemia in the world, with over 150,000 children being born each year with the disease. But a new study has shown that no one is using the standard therapy hydroxyurea to treat it. Derek Thorne got more from Zakari Aliyu of Howard University in Washington DC.

Audio Journal of Medicine, December 8th, 2007 Reporting from: American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, December 8-11 2007, Atlanta Large Risk Reduction For Rivaroxaban In Blood Clot Prevention BENGT ERIKSSON, Gothenburg University REFERENCE: Abstract 6 In a large phase III trial of patients having a hip replacement, the oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban has shown significant benefit when compared to enoxaparin. Derek Thorne heard more from Bengt Eriksson of Gothenburg University.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 6th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Protective Cardiovascular Benefit for Women on HRT For Natural Menopause GEORGE SOPKO, National Heart, Lung And Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland COMMENT: JENNIFER MIERES, New York University REFERENCE: Abstract 3771 A new study presented to the American Heart Association meeting found women taking hormone replacement therapy since the menopause had a protective cardiovascular benefit. This was greater the earlier HRT was initiated and the women who took HRT had lower rates of coronary artery disease. Chief study author George Sopko spoke with Sarah Maxwell at the Orlando meeting.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 6th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Oral Contraceptive Use: More Carotid and Femoral Atheroschlerosis Later in Life ERNST RIETZSCHEL, University of Ghent, Belgium COMMENT: JENNIFER MIERES, New York University REFERENCE: News Briefing Women who used the contraceptive pill had increases in atherosclerotic plaque in their carotid and femoral arteries of between 20 and 30 percent by the time they reached late middle age. This is the finding of the ASKLEPIOS study conducted by the University of Ghent in which plaque was measured by ultrasound in 2 500 healthy men and women. Ernst Rietzschel presented data from the study to the 2007 Sessions of the AHA, and afterwards discussed the findings with Peter Goodwin.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 6th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Torcetrapib in Patients at High Risk for Coronary Events: ILLUMINATE Trial Latest Results PHILIP BARTER, Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia COMMENT: GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltmimore REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials Session 2 A randomized double-blind study involving over 15,000 patients at high cardiovascular risk which looked at the new agent torcetrapib (an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, CETP) resulted in higher mortality in the experimental arm. The study compared torcetrapib plus atorvastatin with atorvatstin alone. Inhibition of CETP increases HDL levels and reduces LDL levels and should combat atherosclerosis. Sarah Maxwell spoke with Philip Barter who presented data on the ILLUMINATE trial at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 6th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida TAXUS DES Trials Results: How Long Should Thienopyridine Be Used After Drug Eluting Stent? GREGG STONE, Columbia University, New York REFERENCE: Abstract 2357 New light has been thrown on the use of thienopyridine therapy after percutaneous intervention using drug-eluting stents. Gregg Stone presented data from the TAXUS DES trials which looked at patients surviving more than a year after receiving either paclitaxel-eluting or bare metal stents. After his talk at the American Heart Association he discussed his findings with Sarah Maxwell.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 6th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Rosuvastatin: No Significant Benefit for Older Patients with Systolic Heart Failure: CORONA Study Results AKE HJALMARSON, Sahlgrenska University, Göteborg COMMENT: GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltmimore REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials Session 2 & N Engl J Med 2007;357 The lipid lowering agent rosuvastatin did not bring a significant benefit to older patients with systolic heart failure, according to the findings of the CORONA study released at the American Heart Association sessions in Orlando. Ake Hjalmarson talked with Peter Goodwin about the implications this has for using statins in older patients with heart failure.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 6th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Eptifibatide as Effective as Abciximab in Primary PCI for Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: EVA-AMI Study UWE ZEYMER, Herzzentrum Ludwigshafen, Germany REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials Session 1 The glycoprotein 2B 3A antagonist eptifibatide has performed as well as standard abciximab therapy in patients receiving primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. So according to Uwe Zeymer who presented findings on this it can be used in this setting just as it is already being used in elective PCI. Sarah Maxwell interviewed Dr Zeymer at the Orlando conference.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 5th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida TRITON-TIMI 38 Prasugrel Or Clopidogrel In Percutaneous Intevention? GORDON TOMASELLI, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore COMMENT: DANIEL JONES, President, American Heart Association, University of Mississippi, Jackson REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials 1, AHA 2007 A potential new option for patients with acute coronary syndromes receiving coronary intervention has emerged following a report on the comparison of prasugrel, a new anti-platelet agent, with clopidogrel. Elliott Antman from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston gave the American Heart Association his findings and recommendations about when and in which patients prasugrel might be favored. Gordon Tomaselli discussed the findings with Sarah Maxwell.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 5th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Eptifibatide After PCI: Brief Infusion Is Just As Good ANTHONY FUNG, University of British Columbia, Vancouver REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials Session I, AHA 2007 Brief courses of antiplatelet therapy with the glycoprotein 2b 3a inhibitor are just as effective as longer infusions for patients receiving non-emergency percutaneous intervention. So said Anthony Fung at the first session of Late breaking Clinical Trials held at the American Heart Association's annual meeting in Orlando. He talked with Peter Goodwin about his findings.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 5th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Long Term Outcomes of Drug Eluting and Bare Metal Stents in Patients Undergoing PCI LAURA MAURI, Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts COMMENT: RAYMOND GIBBONS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota REFERENCE: Late Breaking Special Session, AHA 2007 The largest study to date looking at long-term outcomes of bare metal stents as compared with drug eluting stents in patients who have undergone PCI was presented to the American Heart Association annual meeting. There was no increased mortality for patients who received drug eluting stents in a Massachussets based population. Sarah Maxwell spoke with investigator to Laura Mauri at the Orlando meeting.

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, November 5th, 2007 Reporting from: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 4-7 November, 2007, Orlando, Florida Stable Angina: Add PCI To Medical Therapy If Guided by SPECT-Detected Ischemia? COURAGE Nuclear Sub-Study Results LESLEE SHAW, Emory University, Atlanta COMMENT: DANIEL JONES, AHA President, University of Mississippi, Jackson REFERENCE: Late Breaking Clinical Trials, Session 1 Some patients with stable angina may be best treated by adding percutaneous intervention to optimal medical therapy. This is the finding of a "nuclear sub-study" of the COURAGE (Clinical Outcomes Using Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation) trial. Although the study found no benefit of adding angioplasty in most patients, the AHA conference heard from Leslee Shaw that if myocardial ischemia is monitored using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), there could be a role for angioplasty in a subgroup of patients. Peter Goodwin talked with Dr Shaw after her presentation and then asked the American Heart Association President, Daniel Jones, for his assessment.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 21st, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Colistin Use Linked to Outbreak of Rare Hospital Infection RAMON GUEVARA, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health REFERENCE: Abstract K-1942/ICAAC Congress 2007 Chicago 16-20 September A report on a hospital outbreak involving a rare pathogen, which was presented at ICAAC, may have an important message for the whole field of infection control. Elizabethkingia Meningoseptica was found in a Los Angles hospital outbreak in 2006 and its emergence was linked to the use of colistin. So was this antibiotic selecting for the pathogen? Derek Thorne spoke with Ramon Guevara of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 21st, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Which HIV Treatment is Best for Patients with HIV and Hepatitis C? JUAN BERENGUER, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid REFERENCE: Abstract V-1385/ICAAC Congress 2007 Chicago 16-20 September A retrospective study has thrown doubt on the theory that protease inhibitors (PIs) are a preferable antiretroviral treatment for patients co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C virus. Previous research had suggested that PIs had a more beneficial effect on liver fibrosis than NNRTIs, but a study based at the Hospital Gregorio Marañón in Madrid has found the opposite. Derek Thorne discussed the data with Juan Berenguer.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 21st, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Broad Approach, Including Computer System, to Improve Hospital Hygiene YEHUDA CARMELI, Tel-Aviv Medical Center REFERENCE: Abstract K-1373/ICAAC Congress 2007 Chicago 16-20 September Hospitals can prevent significant numbers of infections by taking up a multi-faceted approach, including the use of a computer program to guide the isolation of patients. Derek Thorne spoke to Yehuda Carmeli of the Tel-Aviv Medical Center about his hospital’s experience.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 21st, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 DUET 1 and 2 Trials: TMC 125 has Superior Virologic and Immunologic Response Rates PEDRO CAHN, Juan A. Fernández Hospital, Buenos Aires REFERENCE: Abstract H-717/ICAAC Congress 2007 Chicago 16-20 September Etravirine provides a chance to rescue patients who are failing non-nucleoside regimens according to 24-week pooled results of the DUET-1 and -2 studies. Nicola Solomon discussed these major trials with Pedro Cahn, of Juan A. Fernández Hospital in Buenos Aires.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 21st, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Hospital Hand Hygiene Program Successfully Rolled Out LINDSAY GRAYSON, Austin Hospital, Victoria, Australia REFERENCE: Abstract K-1374/ICAAC Congress 2007 Chicago 16-20 September A hand hygiene campaign implemented in six hospitals in Victoria, Australia has saved lives from MRSA, and saved twice as much money as it cost. Lindsay Grayson from Austin Hospital explained his data to Derek Thorne.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 21st, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 BORIS: A. baumanni Highly Resistant β-Lactamase and Varying Susceptibility Patterns JANE HATA, bioMéríeux Inc, Durham REFERENCE: Slide Session C2-1360/ICAAC Congress 2007 Chicago 16-20 September Reports from the BORIS study call for ongoing surveillance of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter Baumanii. Investigators found varying susceptibility and resistance patterns across the United States that highlight the organisms ability to adapt. Nicola Solomon spoke with Jane Hata of bioMéríeux.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 18th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Entecavir for Hepatitis B Linked to HIV Resistance MOIRA MCMAHON, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore REFERENCE: Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 17 – 20 September 2007, Chicago The hepatitis B drug entecavir appears to select for a drug resistant HIV mutation – and this has implications for patients infected with both viruses. Derek Thorne got the details from Moira McMahon from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 18th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Monoclonal Antibody to Help Treat HIV? JEFFREY JACOBSON, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia REFERENCE: Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 17 – 20 September 2007, Chicago Could a monoclonal antibody have a role to play in HIV treatment? Early data on the PRO 140 antibody, presented at ICAAC, show that it does give responses. Derek Thorne discussed this news approach with Jeffrey Jacobson of Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 18th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Maraviroc for HIV: Responses at 48 Weeks JACOB LALEZARI, Quest Clinical Research, San Francisco REFERENCE: Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 17 – 20 September 2007, Chicago Maraviroc could be a useful new drug for the treatment of some HIV infections, according to Jacob Lalezari of Quest Clinical Research in San Francisco. He presented 48 week results from the MOTIVATE 1 study and Derek Thorne spoke to him at ICAAC in Chicago

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 18th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Starting Antiretroviral Therapy Can Trigger Leprosy DIANA LOCKWOOD, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine REFERENCE: Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 17 – 20 September 2007, Chicago ICAAC delegates heard that ‘hidden’ leprosy can be triggered in some patients who are receiving HIV antiretroviral therapy. So what might this mean for the countries that are rolling out this therapy to large numbers of people? Derek Thorne discussed the issue with Diana Lockwood of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 18th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Bortezomib for Multiple Myeloma Can Cause Reactivation of Viruses GEORG HÄRTER, University Hospital, Ulm REFERENCE: Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 17 – 20 September 2007, Chicago For patients with multiple myeloma being treated with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, doctor’s should be wary of viral reactivation – and they should give antiviral prophylaxis in all cases. This finding was unveiled at ICAAC by Georg Härter from the University Hospital in Ulm, and he shared his data with Derek Thorne.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 18th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Nosocomial Clostridrium Difficile: Reduce by Cleaning with Household Bleach DONNA HACEK, Evanston Hospital, Evanston IL REFERENCE: Slide Session 42 K-608 Thorough, all surface bleach cleaning helps to achieve a significant and sustained reduction in nosocomial C. difficile infections according to a study from Evanston Hospital. Nicola Solomon discussed the results of this simple technique with Donna Hacek.

Audio Journal of Global Health Issues, September 19th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 Vancomycin: New Guidelines May Induce Kidney Damage MEGAN NGUYEN, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona REFERENCE: Poster Session 104 K-1096/ICAAC Congress 2007 Chicago 16-20 September New vancomycin guidelines that recommend using higher doses may cause kidney damage according to a study presented at the 2007 ICAAC meeting. Nicola Solomon discussed this new finding with Megan Nguyen of Western University of Health Sciences.

Audio Journal of Medicine, September 18th, 2007 Reporting from: 47th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Chicago, 2007 MRSA: Fight Superbug Using Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour JON OTTER, Bioquell Ltd, Andover UK REFERENCE: Poster Session 033 K-464, ICAAC 2007 Chicago 17-20 September An investigation looking at hydrogen peroxide vapour for sterilisation in hospital areas at risk of an outbreak of MRSA revealed that it can significantly reduce environmental contamination. Nicola Solomon discussed this new technique with Jon Otter of Bioquell Ltd.

Wednesday, September 5th - European Society of Cardiology Congress, 2007, 1-5 September, Vienna, Austria 1. Better Criteria For Cardiac Resynchronisation Needed in Heart Failure: PROSPECT Trial Results STEFANO GHIO, San Matteo University Hospital, Italy COMMENT: CECILIA LINDE, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm REFERENCE: Hotline III, 3222 page 315 The standard echocardiographic criteria for selecting patients to receive cardiac resynchronisation are not adequate according to Stefano Ghio. During the ESC Congress in Vienna he presented results from the PROSPECT trial and afterwards he talked with Sarah Maxwell. Cecilia Linde gave Nicola Solomon her comments on the findings. 2. Selective Invasive Treatment Best for Women with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes EVA SWAHN, University Hospital Linköping, Sweden COMMENT: ECKART FLECK, Deutsches Herzzentrum, Berlin REFERENCE: HOTLINE II, Monday 8am Women who undergo selective invasive treatment for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes do better than those who receive routine early invasive treatment. This is according to the OASIS 5 study from Sweden that randomised women to either of the two approaches. The findings suggest that females with non-ST elevation ACS should be approached differently from their male counterparts. Sarah Maxwell interviewed OASIS investigator Eva Swahn at the ESC meeting in Vienna. Eckart Fleck of the Deutsches Herzzentrum in Berlin gave his comments on her comments to Derek Thorne. 3Patients with High Restenosis Risk Benefit More from Drug Eluting Stents RAUL MORENO, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid REFERENCE: Abstract 3103 Results from a large meta analysis suggest that drug eluting stents have a greater benefit when the risk of restenosis increases. This could affect the “off label” use of these stents. Raul Moreno, of the University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, discussed his findings with Derek Thorne.

Tuesday, September 4th - European Society of Cardiology Congress, 2007, 1-5 September, Vienna, Austria 1. Drug Eluting Stents: Higher Late Mortality in STEMI Patients Than Bare Metal: GRACE Registry Findings GABRIEL STEG, Hôpital Bichat, Paris COMMENT: FREEK VERHEUGT, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen REFERENCE: Hotline III, number 709 The GRACE registry looking at over 60 000 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction has shown that patients live longer if they receive bare metal stents than if they get drug eluting stents. Gabriel Steg presented these latest data at the ESC meeting in Vienna. Sarah Maxwell discussed the findings with him. 2. Looking for Atherosclerosis in the Legs Could Save Lives CURT DIEHM, University of Heidelberg COMMENT: FREEK VERHEUGT, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can be diagnosed easily by a test using the ankle brachial index (ABI) and its presence can indicate a high risk of myocardial infarction. Curt Diehm explained his findings to Derek Thorne, while Peter Goodwin got expert comment from Freek Verheugt. 2. Heart Attacks Drop After Smoking Ban in Ireland EDMOND CRONIN, Cork University Hospital REFERENCE: Abstract 3506, European Society of Cardiology Congress, 2007, 1-5 September, Vienna, Austria Study data that support banning smoking in public places were unveiled at the ESC congress by a team from Ireland. After the smoking ban in 2004, admissions for acute coronary syndromes dropped, and lead author Edmond Cronin explained the significance of his findings to Derek Thorne.

Monday, September 3rd - European Society of Cardiology Congress, 2007, 1-5 September, Vienna, Austria 1. Chronic Stable Angina: Should ESC Guidelines on Clopidogrel as Pre-Treatment to Planned Coronary Angiography be Changed? PETR WIDIMSKY, Charles University, Prague COMMENT: ECKART FLECK, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin REFERENCE: Hot Line II Monday 3rd Sept The ESC guideline suggesting all patients with chronic stable angina having coronary angiography should have clopidogrel pre-treatment is now being questioned following findings of the PRAGUE-8 Study, which randomized patients to receive the anti-platelet agent either non selectively before angiography, or selectively after angiography in those considered to need PCI. The PRAGUE investigators concluded that the ESC guideline was unjustified for the treatment of elective angiography in chronic stable angina, and that the previous practice of selective administration of clopidogrel should be resumed. Nicola Solomon talked with Petr Widimsky at the ESC Congress in Vienna. Derek Thorne heard comments on the findings from Eckart Fleck. 2. Enoxaparin Superior to Unfractionated Heparin for STEMI at 12 months Follow Up: ExTRACT-TIMI 25 Trial DAVID MORROW, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston REFERENCE: 1027, Clinical Trial Update I Further data to support the use of enoxaparin has come out of the latest update from the ExTRACT-TIMI 25 study. It shows at 12 months follow up, that the benefits of enoxaparin are durable and still superior to unfractionated heparin for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction undergoing fibrinolytic therapy. Sarah Maxwell interviewed David Morrow at the Vienna meeting. 3. Drug Eluting Stent Shows Great Benefit in Chronic Total Occlusions GERALD WERNER, Klinikum Darmstadt, Germany REFERENCE: Abstract 925 The ESC congress in Vienna heard that drug eluting stents are highly effective in chronically occluded arteries, when compared with bare metal stents. Derek Thorne got more on this German study from Gerald Werner, of Klinikum Darmstadt in Germany.

Sunday, September 2nd - European Society of Cardiology Congress, 2007, 1-5 September, Vienna, Austria 1. Blood Pressure Drugs Reduce Mortality in Patients with Diabetes: The ADVANCE Study REFERENCE: Abstract 312 Hot Line 1 Sunday STEPHEN MACMAHON, The George Institute, University of Sydney COMMENT: RAYMOND GIBBONS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN The randomised placebo controlled ADVANCE study of 11000 patients with diabetes has demonstrated that a combination of the ACE inhibitor, perindopril, with the diuretic indapamide can lower blood pressure and mortality. The investigators saw an impact even in patients who did not have high blood pressure. Lead study author Stephen MacMahon said this approach should be included in current practise guidelines. Sarah Maxwell spoke with him at the meeting in Vienna. Commented on Stephen McMahon's presentation of the ADVANCE study looking at the use of perindopril plus indapamide among patients with diabetes: a study with 11 000 patients divided between active and placebo in which a 14 per cent improvement in all-cause mortality, an 18 per cent reduction of cardiovascular deaths, was achieved together with reductions of the incidence of both renal and coronary disease. 2. Lifestyle and Heart Disease in Europe: A Growing Problem REFERENCE: Abstract 316 DAVID WOOD, Charing Cross Hospital, London Among 8000 coronary patients in 9 European countries, smoking prevalence hasn’t changed over the last 12 years, and obesity is going up – that’s according to the combined EUROASPIRE surveys, which were presented at the ESC congress. Derek Thorne got more from David Wood, of Charing Cross Hospital in London. 3. Drug Eluting Stents, Bare Metal Stents: No Survival Difference REFERENCE: Hot Line 1 Sunday 11:00 2 Sept/ESC Congress 2007 Vienna 1-5 September STEFAN JAMES, Uppsala Clinical Research Centre, Sweden COMMENT: RAYMOND GIBBONS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN Another year’s results of the long term outcome of using drug-eluting stents as compared with bare-metal stents from Sweden reveal that there is no longer an increased risk of late mortality when using drug-eluting stents according to Stefan James of Uppsala Clinical Research Centre. He suggested that improvements in technique have helped reduce the risk of death or myocardial infarction associated with using drug-eluting stents nevertheless the risk of blood clots still remains. Overall survival of patients was found to be the similar for both categories of stent.

Audio Journal of Medicine, August 29th 2007 Gene Study Identifies Heart Disease Risk REFERENCE: N Engl J Med 2007; 357: 443-53 NILESH SAMANI, University of Leicester UK Previously unrecognised DNA segments in human genes have been found to significantly increase the risk of coronary artery disease. That's according to a publication just out in the New England Journal of Medicine. Nilesh Samani from the University of Leicester explained how this will help identify new high-risk groups and target prevention before the disease develops in at risk individuals.

Audio Journal of Medicine, August 23rd 2007 Vaginal Progesterone Reduced Risk of Preterm Birth in Women with Short Cervix REFERENCE: N Engl J Med 2007; 357: 426-9 KYPROS NICOLAIDES, Kings College Hospital, London The risk of giving birth prematurely was reduced among pregnant women with short cervices by treatment with vaginally administered progesterone: whether or not they had a history of preterm delivery. Investigators from London have reported in the New England Journal of Medicine that progesterone therapy significantly reduced the risk of spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks: from a one in three chance with a placebo to one in five with progesterone. Kypros Nicolaides discussed the results with Anna Lacey.

Audio Journal of Medicine, August 15th 2007 Earlier Interferon Reduces Disability in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis REFERENCE: Lancet 2007; 370: 389-97 LUDWIG KAPPOS, University Hospital, Basel Earlier treatment can reduce the risk of confirmed disability in patients with multiple sclerosis, according to a new study published in the Lancet. Three-year follow-up of the BENEFIT study showed favourable results among patients who began treatment with interferon beta-1b after a first event suggestive of multiple sclerosis, rather than waiting for further confirmatory events. Nicola Solomon interviewed Ludwig Kappos.

Audio Journal of Medicine, August 2nd 2007 Reporting from: 23rd Annual Conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, 1-4 July 2007, Lyon, France Cortical Grafting Or Intact Ovary Transplantation for Preserving Fertility? REFERENCE: O-149 SHERMAN SILBER, St Luke's Hospital, St Louis MO A study from Missouri has shown that transplanting intact ovaries using microvascular surgical techniques is superior in the long term for restoring or preserving fertility to the simpler technique known as cortical grafting. Sarah Maxwell heard about the findings from Sherman Silber during the fertility conference held in Lyon.

Audio Journal of Medicine, August 2nd 2007 Reporting from: 23rd Annual Conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, 1-4 July 2007, Lyon, France Lapraroscopic Ovarian Diathermy Or Clomifene as First Line Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? REFERENCE: O-148 SAAD AMER, The Derby Medical School, Nottingham University More reassurance about the use of clomifene for treating anovulatory women with polycystic ovarian syndrome has emerged from a randomised study from Nottingham reported to the fertility conference held in Lyon. Laparoscopic ovarian diathermy, normally used as second line treatment (after clomifene), was found to be equivalent for inducing ovulation and pregnancy in a study with over sixty women. But Saad Amer explained to Sarah Maxwell why he still favours clomifene.