Being Human

Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers find that outcomes of robotic assisted kidney cancer surgery, when performed by experienced surgeons at high volume centers, prove more beneficial to patients when compared to open surgery. The study, authored by Fox Chase robotic surgeon Rosalia Viterbo, MD, was presented today at the American Urological Association's Annual Meeting,

Robotic trained surgeons at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia presented a new and novel approach to surgically treat urothelial cancer (in the lining of the bladder or kidney) today at the American Urological Association's Annual Meeting. Using da Vinci(R) robot-assisted technology, urologic cancer surgeons perform complicated urologic cases using minimally invasive surgery.

The following tips are on abstracts or posters to be presented at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting 2009, April 25-30, or the concurrent Engineering & Urology Society Annual Meeting 2009, April 25, Chicago, Ill.

GIVING PROSTATE CANCER THE COLD SHOULDER

--"Cold shock" proteins could be new target in cancer fight

DURHAM, N.C. - Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may reduce inflammation in prostate tumors, possibly hindering cancer growth, according to a study led by investigators in the Duke Prostate Center.

LINTHICUM, MD, April 26, 2009--Patients with stone disease could benefit from drinking diet soda. New research from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that the citrate and malate content in commonly consumed sodas may be sufficient to inhibit the development of calcium stones.

LINTHICUM, MD, April 26, 2009-Tadalafil may improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers from Nashville, Dallas, San Antonia and Indianapolis will present these findings during the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

LINTHICUM, MD, April 26, 2009-Men taking generic drugs may be more likely to have less effective results and more adverse events than if they were using branded medications, according to new data from researchers in New York.

LINTHICUM, MD, April 26, 2009-Active surveillance may be a viable option for some men, but reclassification of disease risk over time is imperative to ensure outcomes, according to researchers in Toronto, who will present these criteria during the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

LINTHICUM, MD, April 26, 2009-Extent of fibrosis is the most profound factor in predicting surgical outcomes of genitourinary fistula repair, suggesting that prompt treatment could significantly improve survival. Researchers in Nashville review experiences at two centers in Sierra Leone to assess factors predictive of successful fistula repair.

LINTHICUM, MD, April 26, 2009-Researchers have confirmed that transplanting autologous muscle-derived cells (AMDC) into the bladder is safe at a wide range of doses and significantly improves symptoms and quality of life in patients with stress urinary incontinence.

CHICAGO (April 26, 2009)--Does a person's insurance coverage affect their access to quality cancer care? According to researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center, insurance coverage may not only affect a patient's access to health care, but also the quality of care they receive.

Due to the economy, more middle-class families are passing on private schools in favor of the local public school.

In most movies about high school, the student council president, the so-called "band geek" or the kid who stays after school for math club often fall victim to the teasing and bullying of the popular students or "jocks."

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (April 23, 2009) -- Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc. today announced the publication of the health-related quality of life results from the largest clinical trial ever conducted in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in the April 14, 2009 issue of Neurology.

One in five women between the ages of 18 and 24 are smokers, and most say they keep lighting up for fear of gaining weight. But researchers at Temple University have found that when it comes to quitting, a little bit of dialogue and support can be more effective than an exercise plan in helping women not only keep off the weight, but also stay smoke-free.

Hanover, NH--Dartmouth Medical School researchers have devised a novel approach for thwarting the relentless bacterial infections that thrive in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), unlocking new possibilities against a tenacious and toxic hallmark of the common genetic disease.

A new study challenges long-standing expectations that men are promiscuous and women tend to be more particular when it comes to choosing a mate.

WASHINGTON -- Levees and floodwalls surrounding New Orleans -- no matter how large or sturdy -- cannot provide absolute protection against overtopping or failure in extreme events, says a new report by the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council.

SAN DIEGO - Researchers from the Children's Cancer Hospital at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered how to turn off a certain receptor that promotes the growth of leukemia cells. The pre-clinical study was presented today in a platform session at the 22nd annual meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO).

Survival rates for cancer are continuing to rise even though the number of cases being diagnosed is increasing, an all-Ireland report launched today reveals.