Breast Cancer: Existing Drug Shows Promise for Prevention in High-Risk Women

Researchers have identified an existing drug that they say has the potential to prevent or delay breast cancer for women at high risk of developing the disease.

In a study published the journal Nature Medicine, researchers reveal how the drug denosumab halted the growth of pre-cancerous cells in breast tissue of women with a faulty BRCA1 gene.

Women with a BRCA1 gene mutation are at significantly greater risk for breast and ovarian cancers; around 55-65 percent of women with such a mutation will develop the disease by the age of 70, according to the National Cancer Institute, compared with 12 percent of those in the general population.

Read more:  Breast Cancer: Existing Drug Shows Promise for Prevention in High-Risk Women

Researchers found the drug denosumab stopped the growth of cells that are a precursor to breast cancer
in women with a BRCA1 gene mutation.

Source: medicalnewstoday

Enabling Rapid Results for Effective Neonatal Care

The epoc® Blood Analysis System provides the fast and accurate results that clinicians need to make accelerated treatment decisions

Anyone working with neonates understands the importance of quick and accurate analysis. These tiny patients have different biomarkers from adults, they also have immature immune systems and provide smaller blood samples that are more difficult to acquire. However, with neonatal testing, timing and result quality is often crucial to the wellbeing of the child.

Case Example: London, UK – Gracie*

Gracie was born prematurely. She immediately had trouble breathing, despite the rapid use of an oxygen breathing mask and was whisked off to the NICU. Glucose, oxygen, and electrolytes were quickly analyzed using the epoc® Blood Analysis System and after seeing the results, the doctor was able to give a prompt diagnosis of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension. Gracie’s rapid results meant that she could receive the treatment she needed and was soon able to be reunited with her parents. 

epoc® Blood Analysis System

Such quick testing is made possible by the advanced Smartcard Technology and wireless communication offered by the epoc® Blood Analysis System. This point-of-care testing solution is able to analyze a small sample of blood (92μL) and transfer the results wirelessly to the epoc® Host2 Mobile Computer, in approximately 30 seconds. This almost instantaneous delivery of blood gas, oxygen, and electrolyte results from the patient’s bedside, allows the clinician to make the accelerated treatment decisions that are necessary when dealing with acute neonatal situations.

Read more: Enabling Rapid Results for Effective Neonatal Care

Clinicians have to make rapid treatment decisions when dealing with acute neonatal situations

Source: Pixabay