4 Mesothelioma Information

Sterilisation and Disinfectant Markets in Europe

2008-07-01T12:42:00.001-05:00

Sterilisation and Disinfectant Markets in Europe Enjoy Mixed Fortunes

LONDON-- July 01, 2008 --The sterilisation and disinfectant market in Europe has been witnessing slow growth as hospitals try to tackle alarmingly high infection rates resulting from inadequately decontaminated patient care equipment. However, the market is mature and saturated, offering little scope for technological innovation, and the complete lack of product differentiation is hampering competition. While the disinfection market has shown potential for expansion, the sterilisation market remains largely static.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicaldevices.frost.com), European Sterilisation and Disinfection Equipment Market, finds that the market earned revenues of over USD269.7 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach USD352.0 million in 2014.

"Though the sterilisation and disinfection equipment market is not characterised by a strong level of technological development, certain mutations are contributing to the overall positive growth," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Kieu A. Vuong. "For instance, slack growth in the low-temperature gas steriliser segments is compensated by positive trends impacting the disinfector equipment sector."

The spurt in the number of surgical procedures utilising minimally invasive instruments such as endoscopes is also driving the need for sophisticated systems for proper disinfection and maintenance of such equipment. This demand for more efficient disinfecting methods is fuelling the growth of the automatic endoscope reprocessor (AER) segment. The washers and AER disinfection markets are exhibiting continuous growth due to advancements in surgical instrumentation and liquid chemical disinfectants as well.

However, emerging trends indicate increasing consolidation and centralisation of hospitals in Europe, drastically reducing the number of hospitals and the number of potential customers. End-user consolidation is a challenge for this market, as purchasing power is augmented.

"High prices along with slow rate of product replacement will force manufacturers to identify different revenue streams in order to maintain and increase their profit margins," notes Vuong. "Despite several attempts at creating a unified platform, insecurities concerning the standardisation and regulation of products continue."

Nonetheless, participants can accrue revenues by providing integrated service packages and proper nurturing of customer relationships, since virtually all hospitals are already equipped with infection control equipment. To achieve the high standards required for service packages, many companies have entered into partnerships to reduce costs and enhance their offering.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants with an overview of the European sterilisation and disinfection equipment market, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at pcairns_pr@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

European Sterilisation and Disinfection Equipment Market is part of the Medical Devices Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: cardiovascular, wound care, surgical, orthopaedic and others. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team MembershipT empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.

European Sterilisation and Disinfection Equipment Market

M236

Contacts

Frost & Sullivan
Corporate Communications - Europe & Africa
Patrick Cairns, +27 18 468 2315
patrick.cairns@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - North America
Stacie Kopecki, 210-247-2450
fax: 210-348-1003
stacie.kopecki@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - Asia Pacific
Jasminder Kaur, 65-6890-0937
fax: 65-6890-0988
jkaur@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - South Asia
Remi Chatterjee, +91-44-4001 3419
fax: +91-22-2832 4713
remi.chaterjee@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - Middle East
Nimisha Iyer, +91 22 4001 3404
fax: +91 22 2832 4713
niyer@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - China
Amelia Wong, +86 21 5407 5783, ext. 8669
cell: +86 13621724823
amelia.wong@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - Latin America
José María Jantus, + 54-11-4777-9951
fax: + 54-11-4777-0071
jose.jantus@frost.com
http://www.frost.com

New Patient Safety Solution Supported By Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

2008-06-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Supports Florida's New Patient Safety Solution

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the leading national program that has certified more than 300,000 pharmacy technicians, supports and congratulates the Florida House of Representatives and Governor Charlie Crist for passing legislation requiring new standards for pharmacy technicians. The new Florida legislation takes a progressive step toward increasing patient safety for consumers. The legislation will ensure pharmacy technicians meet key requirements for training, certification and registration.

Washington, D.C. - June 27, 2008 -- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) (http://www.ptcb.org/), the leading national program that has certified more than 300,000 pharmacy technicians, is pleased to support and congratulate the Florida Legislature for passing SB 1360 and Governor Charlie Crist for signing it into law, requiring new standards for pharmacy technicians. Tireless advocacy efforts for the passage of this critical patient safety legislation and its final approval by Governor Crist were spearheaded by the Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP) and the Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA).

The new Florida legislation takes a progressive step toward increasing patient safety for consumers. By passing this legislation without amendment, and signing it into law, the Florida state legislature and governor will ensure pharmacy technicians meet key requirements for training, certification and registration. PTCB is proud to have certified 15,000 pharmacy technicians in Florida to date and looks forward to working with more pharmacy technicians and their employers.

"Florida's new pharmacy technician standards are an important patient safety solution for consumers in the Sunshine State and Governor Crist and the state's legislators should be applauded," said PTCB Executive Director and CEO Melissa Murer Corrigan. "To meet these new state standards, PTCB is looking forward to continued work with pharmacy technicians and significant employers of Florida's pharmacy technicians such as Walgreen's, CVS, Publix, Target, the U.S. military, multiple health-systems and independent pharmacists in communities across the state. Several of these employers presently support and endorse PTCB across the United States."

The landmark piece of Florida legislation (SB 1360) contributes to raising the bar for states across the country by providing an example of the high standards needed for pharmacy technicians. The more than 40,000 pharmacy technicians currently working in Florida will be required to register with the Florida Board of Pharmacy by 2010. In 2011, they will need to either complete a board-approved training program with 1,500 hours of work as a technician under a Florida licensed pharmacist, or be certified (https://www.ptcb.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Guidebook_to_Certification&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2952) by a program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). PTCB is the pioneer in certifying pharmacy technicians (https://www.ptcb.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Learn&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1384) and is accredited by the NCCA. PTCB's certification program has been included in regulations by more than 30 state boards of pharmacy. Through its strategic partnership with Pearson VUE, PTCB is able to offer highly scalable computer-based testing through the world's largest network of testing centers.

Studies show without a doubt that Americans support a standard of excellence for pharmacy technicians. A recent poll commissioned by PTCB confirms that 91% of American consumers support strong regulations across the country to protect patient safety by requiring that pharmacy technicians are trained and certified. While states like Florida reflect this growing need for action, almost twenty other states still have no requirement for certification. Clearly, consumers are relying on state boards of pharmacy to protect them and enact strong requirements such as Florida's for pharmacy technicians.

About the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) (http://www.ptcb.org/)

PTCB was established in January 1995 and is governed by five pharmacy organizations - the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP), the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Since PTCB's inception, PTCB has certified over 300,000 pharmacy technicians through the examination and transfer process. PTCB's certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The goal of the PTCB national certification program is to enable pharmacy technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. PTCB contracts with Pearson VUE, the industry's technology leader, as its computer-based testing vendor. PTCB draws upon the experience and expertise of its 13-year partner, Professional Examination Service (PES) for test development.

Contact Information
Mark Franco
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
http://www.ptcb.org
202-429-7508
202-828-9767

Suboxone Treatment Program Launched

2008-06-27T20:51:00.000-05:00

InterventionTreatment.com Launches Suboxone Treatment Program

LOS ANGELES-- June 27, 2008 --Intervention Treatment announced today that it has launched a suboxone treatment program. The program will be used to increase Intervention Treatment's Global mission of providing Intervention and Treatment resources to those affected by alcohol and drug addiction. According to Dr. Jason Schiffman, Chief Medical Officer for Intervention Treatment, "There is a large, poorly met demand for outpatient, office-based treatment of opiate dependence and the addition of the suboxone treatment program to Intervention Treatment's array of alcohol and drug addiction related services will be a great tool for patients and their families."

Intervention Treatment is currently one of the fastest growing online resources for those affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The new Suboxone Treatment program is designed to help those affected by opiate addiction.

About Suboxone:

Suboxone is the first drug approved by the FDA for opiate dependence treatment in office based settings. This means that patients addicted to opiates may now choose to receive opiate-based treatment as an outpatient instead of in a hospital setting. Patients are evaluated and treated during office visits and receive a prescription for suboxone which they may fill at any pharmacy. Suboxone is comprised of two separate medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist, meaning its opiate effects are significantly reduced compared to that of full opiate agonists, such as vicodin or heroin. The naloxone in suboxone is not appreciably absorbed from the digestive track when suboxone is taken orally and is in place to prevent the misuse of suboxone by injection drug users. The combination of these two medications leads to suboxone's effectiveness in treating opiate dependence.

About Suboxone Treatment:

Suboxone treatment differs significantly from standard opiate dependence treatment programs. Traditionally, opiate addicts undergoing medical detoxification have been administered either methadone or a combination of drugs, each targeting a symptom of withdrawal. The latter approach usually must take place in an inpatient setting in order to be done safely, while methadone treatment requires a patient to visit a clinic on a daily basis to receive a prescribed dose. Suboxone treatment differs from these treatments in several important ways. Firstly, a prescription for suboxone can be obtained at a specially licensed physician's office and filled at any pharmacy. This means the patient does not need to be admitted to a hospital or make daily visits to a methadone clinic in order to receive their medication. Secondly, because suboxone is a mixture of naloxone and buprenorphine, a partial opiate agonist with a long duration of action, the potential for abuse and overdose are much less than with methadone. Thirdly, because buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist, suboxone may be easier to taper off of than full opiate agonists like methadone.

About Intervention Treatment

Intervention Treatment, formed in 2007, is an internet resource offering help to those affected by drug and alcohol addiction. Intervention Treatment provides referrals to drug and alcohol rehabs, intervention services, suboxone treatment referrals, and general information regarding addiction and treatment.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, and members of their management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.
Contacts

Intervention Treatment
William Donovan, Co-Founder, 949-267-4113
bj@interventiontreatment.com
www.interventiontreatment.com

Physician Practice Documentation Receives CCHIT Certification

2008-06-18T15:05:00.000-05:00

Dairyland Healthcare Solutions' Physician Practice Documentation Receives 2007 CCHIT Certification

Software Complies with 100 Percent of Updated 2007 Certification Criteria

GLENWOOD, Minn.-- June 18, 2008 --The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT®) today announced that Dairyland Healthcare Solutions' Physician Practice Documentation (PPD), Version 9.0.0 is CCHIT Certified®, and meets the Commission's ambulatory electronic health record (EHR) criteria for 2007. Ambulatory EHRs are designed for physician offices and clinics where most Americans get their healthcare. CCHIT - an independent, nonprofit organization - is the Recognized Certification Body in the United States for certifying health information technology products.

In the second year of the program's operation, the criteria and testing have been significantly enhanced. The Commission added 96 criteria to the 151 original requirements from last year. As a CCHIT Certified product has been tested and passed inspection of 100 percent of a set of updated criteria for functionality, interoperability and security.

"For 2007, the Commission raised the bar from the previous year's criteria. Ambulatory EHRs now must include electronic prescribing, demonstrate an ability to receive lab results, and show enhanced patient safety, quality, and security features," said Mark Leavitt, M.D., Ph.D., chair, CCHIT. "Investment in 2007 certified ambulatory EHRs gives providers even more powerful tools to improve quality, safety and efficiency while protecting the privacy of health information."

The CCHIT Certified mark - a "seal of approval" for EHR products - provides the first consensus-based, government-recognized benchmark for ambulatory EHR products. By looking to products with the CCHIT Certified seal, physicians and other providers can reduce their risk in selecting an EHR product, allowing them to focus their evaluation on the special needs of their practices.

"We are delighted to receive CCHIT certification," said James Burgess, CEO of Dairyland. "The CCHIT review process is rigorous and essential to ensuring that technologies carrying this important certification meet the highest safety and quality standards. We are pleased that CCHIT recognizes Dairyland's high standards," he added.

CCHIT's certification compliance criteria and its design for a certification inspection process have been thoroughly researched, taking into account the state of the art of EHRs and available standards, and comparing certification processes in other industries and other countries. The inspection process is based on real-life medical scenarios designed to test products rigorously against the clinical needs of providers and the quality and safety needs of healthcare consumers and payers. One script, for example, recreates a scenario of an elderly man with poorly controlled diabetes, hypertension and other chronic conditions in order to test EHR functions such as potential adverse drug reactions, disease management and treatment plans.

About Dairyland Healthcare Solutions

Dairyland Healthcare Solutions is an award-winning healthcare information systems company that links essential information between small community hospitals and their healthcare delivery and business networks. Dairyland enables its hospital partners to deliver the highest level of patient care by providing the information infrastructure required to operate effectively in the dynamic and complex healthcare delivery environment. For almost three decades, Dairyland has partnered with leading community hospitals to help them improve efficiencies, enhance profitability and ensure patient safety by providing solutions to manage, integrate and access key financial, clinical and patient information. Dairyland is the only company to be awarded three consecutive "Best in KLAS" ratings in the Community Hospital Information Systems category. To learn more, visit: http://www.dhsnet.com.

About CCHIT

The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT®) is an independent, nonprofit organization that has been named by the federal government as the Recognized Certification Body for health information technology. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of health information technology by creating a credible, sustainable certification program. The certification requirements are based on widely accepted industry standards and involve the work of hundreds of expert volunteers and input from a variety of stakeholders throughout the health care industry. More information on CCHIT and CCHIT Certified® products is available at www.cchit.org.

"CCHIT®" and "CCHIT Certified®" are service marks of the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology.

Contacts

Dairyland Healthcare Solutions
Tracey Schroeder, 612-787-3125
VP Marketing & Communications
tracey.schroeder@dhsnet.com
or
CCHIT
Sue Reber, 503-703-0813
sreber@cchit.org

Victims of Asbestos Exposure Should Call the Mesothelioma Victims Center

2008-06-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

Mesothelioma Victims And All Victims of Asbestos Exposure Should Call the Mesothelioma Victims Center First For Free Honest Advise & Help

Why should victims of mesothelioma or their families call the Mesothelioma Victims Center First? According to Americas Watchdog, "its pretty simple, we will tell them the truth about treatment options, lawyers, Social Security, and everything else they need to know and our service is free". The Mesothelioma Victims Center was created to assist all US victims of Mesothelioma. Americas Watchdog has initiated this very complete free service because there is literally nothing close to this type of service in the United States, and because this type of service is sorely needed by Mesothelioma victims and their families. The Mesothelioma Victims Center was created to assist victims & their families in every way possible. Victims who served in the US Navy are especially encouraged to contact the group at 866-714-6466.

May 27, 2008 -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center is a free service designed to assist all victims of Mesothelioma, or to assist the families of victims who have this disease. What makes this service unique? According to Americas Watchdog,"our service to victims or their families is free. Mesothelioma is a rare, and lethal form of cancer related to asbestos exposure. Americas Watchdog never realized that there was no safety net for victims, to get help from the government or VA. They did not know how difficult it might be to get veterans benefits or social security benefits. Americas Watchdog also discovered that it is critical for victims of this lethal disease to get proper legal representation. They have designed the Mesothelioma Victims Center to be the national advocacy center for the victims and family members of Mesothelioma.Their service is free. The web site is located at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com.

Very Important note: According to the Mesothelioma Victims Center, "You do not want a personal injury attorney with little, to no Mesothelioma experience taking on a case, unless they have lots of experience with mesothelioma. This is especially true of US Navy veterans, who were exposed in a US naval vessel engine room. If you, or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, there are thousands of law firms that say they can take the case. The problem; there are only a handful of law firms in the US that can do a superior job."

According to Americas Watchdog, "Individuals who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, or their family members should call the Mesothelioma Victims Center first, for honest and straight forward advice at 866-714-6466". The Mesothelioma Center is all about honest, and helpful advice for all Mesothelioma victims. The Mesothelioma Victims Center web site is located at Http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com.

The Mesothelioma Victims Center's services include:

* Assisting the victims of Mesothelioma in obtaining Social Security permanent disability payments

* If the victim is a veteran and was exposed to asbestos during military duty, we will work with the victim and his/her family in obtaining veterans disability and health care benefits.

* We will assist the family in getting the best possible health care options

* We will assist the victim in getting legal representation.

* We will assist the victim and their family in getting counseling on a wide variety of topics that arise from this disease.

A victim of Mesothelioma or their family can call the group any time for help, assistance and advice anytime at 866-714-6466.

Who Can Get Mesothelioma? Individuals exposed to asbestos. As Follows

* Individuals who served in the US Navy. Especially Navy personnel who served in or around naval ship engine rooms.

* Members of the US Army, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.

* Naval ship yard workers

* Oil refinery workers

* Ship yard workers

* Automotive repair specialists

* Construction workers

* Plumbers

* Demolition contractors

Important note to doctors and medical staff: Please tell your patients about the Mesothelioma Victims Center.

Because no other group is providing this full range of services, and because victims and their families need assistance in these areas, Americas Watchdog is doing all of this at no charge, because its the right thing to do. Americas Watchdog's Mesothelioma Victims Center web site is located at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com. Anyone wishing more information can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466. Health care workers or physicians are encouraged to tell your patients about the Mesothelioma Victims Center.

Americas Watchdog and its Mesothelioma Victims Center are all about taking care of precious souls in need, and corporate responsibility.

Contact Information
THOMAS MARTIN
Americas Watchdog
Http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com
866-714-6466

Should Mesothelioma Victims Call A Mesothelioma Victims Center?

2008-05-26T14:46:00.000-05:00

Mesothelioma Victims Should Call Americas Watchdog's Mesothelioma Victims Center

If you are a victim of Mesothelioma or a family member friend of a victim Americas Watchdog is there for you. Americas Watchdog has created the Mesothelioma Victims Center as a free service to victims or family members of victims, of a rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma. Americas Watchdog has initiated this very complete free service because there was literally nothing close to this type of service in the United States and because this type of service is sorely needed by Mesothelioma victims and their families. The Mesothelioma Victims Center was created to assist victims & their families in every way possible

April 21, 2008 -- Americas Watchdog has created the most wonderful service for victims or family members of victims of Mesothelioma. Until a family member was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, Americas Watchdog had never heard of this disease or knew much about it. Mesothelioma is a rare and lethal form of cancer. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The group never realized that there was no safety net for victims, to get help from the government. They did not know how difficult it might be to get veterans benefits or social security benefits. Americas Watchdog also discovered that it is critical for victims of this lethal disease to get proper legal representation. They have designed the Mesothelioma Victims Center to be the national advocacy center for the victims and family members of Mesothelioma.Their service is free. The web site is located at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com.

Their services include:
* Assisting the victims obtain Social Security permanent disability payments
* If the victim is a veteran and was exposed to asbestos during military duty, we will work with the victim and his/her family in obtaining veterans disability and health care benefits.
* We will assist the family in getting the best possible health care options
* We will assist the victim in getting legal representation.
* We will assist the victim and their family in getting counseling on a wide variety of topics that arise from this disease.
A victim of Mesothelioma or their family can call the group any time at 866-714-6466.

Who Can Get Mesothelioma? Individuals exposed to asbestos. As Follows
* Individuals who served in the US Navy. Especially Navy personnel who served in or around naval ship engine rooms.
* Members of the US Army, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.
* Naval ship yard workers
* Ship yard workers
* Automotive repair specialists
* Construction workers
* Plumbers
* Demolition contractors

Because no other group is providing this full range of services and because victims and their families need assistance in these areas, Americas Watchdog is doing this at no charge because its the right thing to do. Americas Watchdog's Mesothelioma Victims Center web site is located at Http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com . Any one wishing more information can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466.

Americas Watchdog and its Mesothelioma Victims Center are all about taking care of precious souls in need and corporate responsibility.

Press Contact: THOMAS MARTIN
Company Name: Americas Watchdog
Phone: 866-714-6466
Website: Http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Mesothelioma Blog Reports on Man Fired for Reporting Asbestos Cleanup

2008-05-21T15:05:00.000-05:00

LegalView Mesothelioma Blog Reports on Whistleblower Who Was Allegedly Fired for Reporting Improper Asbestos Cleanup to Authorities

LegalView recently updated its mesothelioma blog to include reports of a whistleblower being fired after he reported improper asbestos cleanup. The worker who refused to sign off on the demolition of the school was dismissed from his job duties permanently after he reported the improper procedure cleanup to officials.

Denver, CO - April 18, 2008 -- LegalView, the number one resource for everything legal on the Web, recently updated its mesothelioma blog with news of the firing of an alleged whistleblower who attempted to report improper asbestos cleanup of a local high school. The city worker was part of a crew that was to demolition an old schoolhouse. The worker allegedly told city managers that the schoolhouse was filled with asbestos and would be hazardous if improper asbestos removal procedures were not followed. However, after the worker refused to sign off on the demolition and spoke out, he was fired, according to reports.

Asbestos is a hazardous chemical that is often found in insulation of many older buildings including government buildings, offices, homes, apartments, universities and schools. It is derived of vermiculite, which was heavily mined early on in the 20th century throughout the world. Asbestos was revered for its qualities of being cost efficient and its ability to insulate sufficiently without catching on fire as easily as other insulations. However, it was discovered that breathing in asbestos fibers and dust caused a deadly form of lung cancer to develop. Additionally, areas that currently contain asbestos must follow strict procedures and methods from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for removal, otherwise asbestos fibers will likely be released into the air and contaminate surrounding areas and individuals. Those who feel they have been previously exposed to asbestos fibers should contact a mesothelioma lawyer for immediate assistance on building a case.

Mesothelioma cancer can take years to develop and is incurable. It is often misdiagnosed, as symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are similar to many other illnesses. Individuals who have contracted mesothelioma should speak with an experienced medical attorney and receive a consultation on a potential mesothelioma lawsuit. To learn more about this recent mesothelioma blog posting as well as additional up-to-date news, reports and information on recent mesothelioma jury verdicts, visit http://mesothelioma.legalview.com/.

In addition to the extensive mesothelioma information portal, LegalView offers information on an assortment of other legal issues that may disrupt the lives of millions of Americans. Information on issues such as pharmaceutical investigations, including the latest Singulair recall, preventable conditions like Erb's Palsy, diseases, illnesses, accidents, chemical exposure, employment discrimination, etc.

LegalView even provides news on the most recent traumatic brain injury treatments, available through LegalView's Web site. Also on the brain injury site, readers can find information on what may be involved with filing a brain injury lawsuit.

On the Singulair practice area, readers will be able to access the latest news on the prescription drug, which had been under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after reports began to surface about Singulair side effects that can allegedly include moodiness, suicidal behaviors and thoughts.

Additionally, using the Erb's Palsy information portal will provide victims and their families insight into the cause of their condition as well as opportunities for developing an Erb's Palsy lawsuit for potential monetary compensation to help pay for costly medical bills commonly associated with this condition. Erb's Palsy can be a debilitating condition and is usually preventable. It is associated with birth-canal complications that have occurred when an infant's shoulders or head became lodged, causing damage to the nerve system controlling arm movement. While Erb's Palsy often can clear on its own through time, many individuals still require physical therapy and many will need surgery to fix their condition. Those who suffer from this disease are advised to use LegalView's site to easily be referred to a qualified Erb's Palsy lawyer.

About LegalView:
LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Press Contact: Katie Kelley
Company Name: LegalView
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://mesothelioma.legalview.com

Center to Assist All Victims of Mesothelioma

2008-05-18T22:03:00.001-05:00

Mesothelioma Victims Center to Assist All Victims of Mesothelioma

Americas Watchdog has created the Mesothelioma Victims Center as a free service to victims or family members of victims, of a rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma. Americas Watchdog has initiated this very complete free service because there was literally nothing close to this type of service in the United States and because this type of service is sorely needed by Mesothelioma victims and their families. The Mesothelioma Victims Center was created to assist victims & their families in every way possible.

April 16, 2008 -- Americas Watchdog has just opened its Mesothelioma Victims Center, as a way to assist and protect victims of a rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma. The service is free to Mesothelioma victims or their families.

Until a family member was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, Americas Watchdog had never heard of this disease or knew much about it. Mesothelioma is a rare and lethal form of cancer. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The group never realized that there was no safety net for victims, to get help from the government. They did not know how difficult it might be to get veterans benefits or social security benefits. Americas Watchdog also discovered that it is critical for victims of this lethal disease to get proper legal representation. They have designed the Mesothelioma Victims Center to be the national advocacy center for the victims and family members of Mesothelioma.Their service is free.

Their services include:
* Assisting the victims obtain Social Security permanent disability payments
* If the victim is a veteran and was exposed to asbestos during military duty, we will work with the victim and his/her family in obtaining veterans disability and health care benefits.
* We will assist the family in getting the best possible health care options
* We will assist the victim in getting legal representation.
* We will assist the victim and their family in getting counseling on a wide variety of topics that arise from this disease. A victim of Mesothelioma or their family can call the group any time at 866-714-6466.

Who Can Get Mesothelioma?

* Individuals who served in the US Navy. Especially Navy personnel who served in or around naval ship engine rooms.
* Members of the US Army, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.
* Naval shop yard workers
* Ship yard workers
* Automotive repair specialists
* Construction workers
* Plumbers
* Demolition contractors

Because no other group is providing this full range of services and because victims and their families need assistance in these areas, Americas Watchdog is doing this at no charge because its the right thing to do. Americas Watchdog's Mesothelioma Victims Center web site is located at Http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com . Any one wishing more information can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466.

Americas Watchdog and its Mesothelioma Victims Center are all about taking care of precious souls in need and corporate responsibility.

Press Contact: THOMAS MARTIN
Company Name: Americas Watchdog
Phone: 866-714-6466
Website: http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Oral Cancer Now Covered under Specialty Benefits Dental Plans

2008-05-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

`Early Warning' for Oral Cancer Now Covered under UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits Dental Plans

Coverage Applies to New Screening Test Used by Dentists

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn.-- May 13, 2008 --UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits now provides coverage under all of its insured dental plans for a new oral cancer screening test for potential abnormalities inside the mouth, including premalignant lesions and oral cancer.

The test, which uses light-contrast technology, can improve a dentist's ability to identify, evaluate and monitor lesions that are difficult to see using visual inspection under conventional lighting.

"Evidence shows that dentists can serve as a valuable 'early warning' system for patients who have signs of oral cancer," said Dr. Michael Weitzner, vice president of clinical product development for UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits dental unit.

More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high - not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Studies confirm that survival does correlate with stage, making early diagnosis and treatment optimal for this disease and may have a positive impact on an individual's medical costs (Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol. 132, Nov. 2001).

By covering this type of oral cancer screening, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits dental unit is renewing its longstanding commitment to early detection of oral cancer. In addition to oral cancer screening, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits dental plans have covered brush biopsies since 2005 when the American Dental Association first introduced a current dental terminology (CDT) code for the procedure. Screening is covered once a year for individuals, starting at age 30. UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits' focus on wellness continues to build programs and plan enhancements that promote individuals' ability to better manage their overall health as well as their future medical and dental costs.

About UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits

UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits offers a broad array of specialty benefits, including vision, dental, group and voluntary insurance, worksite individual insurance and non-insurance programs. UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits is a business unit of OptumHealth, the health and wellness unit of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (NYSE:UNH). More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.optumhealth.com/.

Contacts

OptumHealth
Ann Fleischauer, Director, External Communications
763-797-2652

Practice-Changing Clinical Data Anticipated By Medtronic

2008-05-12T09:11:00.001-05:00

Medtronic Anticipates 'Practice-Changing' Clinical Data for Interventional Cardiologists at EuroPCR

ENDEAVOR II Four-Year Results, Updated ENDEAVOR Pooled Safety Analysis, One-Year Results from E-Five Registry and TAPAS Trial - All Feature on Meeting's Scientific Program

MINNEAPOLIS-- May 12, 2008 --Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT), today announced plans for the release of new clinical data on the Endeavor® Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System and the Export® Aspiration Catheter at EuroPCR in Barcelona this week, May 13-16.

"New data from the ENDEAVOR clinical program and the TAPAS trial have the potential to be practice-changing for interventional cardiology," said Prof. Anthony Gershlick of University Hospitals of Leicester in the UK. "As the evidence from this clinical research continues to build, it shows more and more definitively the advantages of the Endeavor drug-eluting stent for a broad range of patients with coronary artery disease and of thrombus aspiration with the Export Aspiration Catheter for a specific group of patients suffering myocardial infarction."

A summary of the data presentations related to Medtronic's product portfolio for interventional cardiology at EuroPCR follows:

    * On Tuesday, May 13, the late-breaking clinical trials session from 15:30 - 18:30 in Room 1 includes presentations by:

- Dr. Jean Fajadet (at approximately 15:45) of the four-year results from ENDEAVOR II, a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial that compared the Endeavor drug-eluting stent to the Driver bare-metal stent.

- Prof. Bart de Smet (at approximately 16:30) of one-year results from TAPAS, a single-center trial designed to evaluate the effect of thrombus aspiration preceding percutaneous coronary intervention by using the Export Aspiration Catheter in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

    * On Thursday, May 15, the Medtronic-sponsored symposium titled "Patients and Stents: Learning and Progress," 5:00 - 6:30 pm in Room 1, features presentations by:

- Prof. Martin Rothman on the one-year results of 8,300 patients in E-Five, an international registry that investigated the performance of the Endeavor drug-eluting stent in routine clinical practice.

- Prof. Ian Meredith on the updated ENDEAVOR pooled safety analysis, which includes 2,132 Endeavor patients (from ENDEAVOR I, II, II continued access, III and IV) - 678 of whom have now been followed for four years, 1,271 for three years, 1,290 for two and 2,093 patients for one year.

All times are local to Barcelona. Room numbers are for The Forum CCIB Convention Center, the venue for EuroPCR.

"The data we're presenting this week at EuroPCR illustrate the depth of innovation within the CardioVascular business at Medtronic and the growing breadth of our offering to interventional cardiologists," said Scott Ward, senior vice president of Medtronic and president of the CardioVascular business. "We are particularly excited to share the long-term results from the ENDEAVOR clinical program, which continue to illustrate significant performance advantages for patients and physicians, positioning Medtronic for market leadership in coronary stents."

In addition to attending these data presentations and other educational and scientific sessions, EuroPCR participants are encouraged to visit the Medtronic exhibit (booth #D04), which will feature highlights of the company's current and future cardiovascular innovations, including the:

    * Endeavor and Endeavor Resolute Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Systems
    * Sprinter Legend Balloon Catheter
    * Export XT Aspiration Catheter
    * Defender Embolic Protection Filter
    * Complete SE (Self-Expanding) Peripheral Stent
    * Assurant Cobalt Balloon-Expandable Iliac Stent
    * Melody Transcatheter Pulmonic Heart Valve

Information on Medtronic's programs designed to foster "Innovation through Collaboration" in the fields of educational development (Academia) and clinical science (Scientia) will also be available at EuroPCR.

"As the trend of closer collaboration across medical specialties continues, our CardioVascular business is uniquely positioned to forge the partnerships necessary to find novel solutions to unmet patient needs," Ward added. "As the theme of our EuroPCR exhibit, 'Better Together,' suggests, we know from decades of experience the profound power of collaboration with the clinical community in the service of patients with chronic diseases."

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2007. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts

Medtronic, Inc.
Joe McGrath, 707-591-7367 (Public Relations)
Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696 (Investor Relations)

South African Ban on Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos

2008-05-09T09:03:00.001-05:00

LegalView Updates Mesothelioma Blog Readers with News of South African Ban on Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos

LegalView, on its mesothelioma blog, recently reported an asbestos ban on the use, manufacture and processing of the cancer-causing contaminant. Asbestos was mined for decades in South Africa and since the 1960s mesothelioma cancer and related illnesses have been associated with inhalation of the deadly fibers.

Denver, CO - April 11, 2008 -- LegalView.com recently reported on its mesothelioma blog the ban of asbestos in South Africa. The Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister there announced the ban with regards to the use, manufacture and processing of asbestos, which causes a deadly form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. The South African ban marks the latest addition to a worldwide effort to ban the mineral. Currently, approximately 50 countries around the globe have prohibited the production of the contaminant. For years, asbestos was mined in the area and, according to news reports, accounted for 3 percent of the value of all of the area's minerals. To learn more about how to locate mesothelioma attorneys in your area, which may be able to provide consultation on the effects of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, which is derived from vermiculite - the mineral mined throughout the world and the source of asbestos, was widely used in a variety of construction projects such as the main source of installation in millions of homes, apartments, schools, universities, and business and government buildings worldwide. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos should not only speak with a medical professional immediately, but should consider finding a mesothelioma lawyer as well.

Often it isn't until years after initial exposure to asbestos that individuals begin to notice symptoms of the inhaled asbestos fibers; the end result is usually an incurable lung cancer. Victims of this cancer in need of a mesothelioma attorney should utilize LegalView's referral service to connect them with any of the many mesothelioma lawyers available through the mesothelioma information portal. Here, an individual can be referred to an experienced mesothelioma attorney who will have important information on the legal implications of exposure to asbestos.

In addition to mesothelioma, LegalView also provides information portals on topics such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), Singulair side effects and the Baxter Heparin recall. TBIs adversely affect millions of Americans each year and thousands of these cases go unreported even though the effects may be severe. TBI side effects range from memory loss to poor motor and social skills to paralysis. Individuals who have been injured in a traumatic brain injury should use the LegalView TBI information portal to locate an attorney as well as to learn about the latest TBI treatments.

On the Singulair practice area, readers will learn of the latest U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into the allergy symptom drug. The investigation stems from patient reports that there may be some Singulair side effects that are causing an increased risk of suicidal thoughts among patients.

Learn the latest updates on the FDA's investigation into the Baxter Heparin recall, which was spurred by a rash of allergic reactions among patients who had previously received the drug during surgical procedures. Most recently, the FDA discovered that a Chinese manufacturing plant was responsible for a tainted batch of Baxter Heparin. The drug is a blood thinner used to decrease the risk of deadly blood clots during surgical procedures such as heart surgery.

About LegalView:

LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Press Contact: Katie Kelley
Company Name: LegalView
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://mesothelioma.legalview.com

Deep Brain Stimulation Study Offers Hope for Severe Depression Patients

2008-05-05T17:41:00.001-05:00

Results of Brodmann Area 25 Deep Brain Stimulation Pilot Study Offer Hope for Patients with Severe Depression

Study findings presented today at American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting

ST. PAUL, Minn.-- May 05, 2008 --St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ) today announced pilot study results from the first multi-center study investigating deep brain stimulation (DBS) of Brodmann Area 25 for major depressive disorder.

Results of the study, which were presented today at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) meeting in Washington, D.C., found that 6 months after the procedure, 56 percent of the patients experienced at least a 40 percent decrease in depressive symptoms. Patient's symptoms were measured using a standardized test called the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.

Results were presented by Sidney Kennedy, M.D., psychiatrist-in-chief with the University Health Network in Toronto. "Severe depression destroys a person's ability to be productive and have a normal quality of life," said Dr. Kennedy. "The results from this study are very promising, and we are hopeful that our research will lead to a therapy that can help these patients."

Prior to beginning the study, all patients were classified as having severe depression after multiple treatments - such as medications, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy - had failed to provide sustained relief from depression. Each study patient had tried a minimum of 12 depression medications over his or her lifetime.

DBS was targeted at an area of the brain known as Brodmann Area 25, which appears to become overactive when people are profoundly sad and depressed. Conducted at three leading Canadian academic medical centers, the study expands and supports the groundbreaking research of Helen Mayberg, M.D., and Andres Lozano, M.D., which was published in Neuron in March 2005.

On average, the 20 study participants had suffered from depression for more than 20 years; they were disabled and unable to work at the time of enrollment. The study also found that:

    * At their most recent psychiatric evaluation, 78 percent of the patients experienced at least a 40 percent decrease in depressive symptoms.
    * Three of the study patients are considered to be in remission.
    * Eight patients have re-engaged in life activities such as work, school, relationships and travel.

In the study, DBS was delivered through the St. Jude Medical Libra® Deep Brain Stimulation System, which delivers mild electrical current from a device implanted near the collarbone; the device is connected to small electrical leads placed at specific targets in the brain.

"These results are important as they help establish the body of evidence that will continue to move depression research forward," said Chris Chavez, president of the St. Jude Medical ANS Division. "We are committed to leading the development of products that can make life better for patients suffering from this debilitating condition."

Based on the results of this research, St. Jude Medical announced the BROADENT (BROdmann Area 25 DEep brain Neuromodulation) study in February 2008, to further investigate the use of DBS for major depressive disorder. A controlled, multi-center, blinded clinical study, BROADEN is being conducted in the U.S. under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

St. Jude Medical owns the intellectual property rights and has various patents issued and pending for the use of neurostimulation at Brodmann Area 25. For more information about this clinical trial, call toll-free 866-787-4332 or visit www.BROADENstudy.com.

According to the National Advisory Mental Health Council, of the 21 million adult Americans who suffer from depression, approximately 4 million live with severe depression that does not respond to medications, psychotherapy and, in certain cases, electroconvulsive therapy.

About St. Jude Medical

St. Jude Medical is dedicated to making life better for cardiac, neurological and chronic pain patients worldwide through excellence in medical device technology and services. The Company has five major focus areas that include: cardiac rhythm management, atrial fibrillation, cardiac surgery, cardiology and neuromodulation. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., St. Jude Medical employs more than 12,000 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.sjm.com.

About the ANS Division of St. Jude Medical

The ANS Division (Advanced Neuromodulation Systems) became a part of St. Jude Medical in 2005. The ANS Division is an innovative technology leader dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of implantable neuromodulation systems to improve the quality of life for people suffering from disabling chronic pain and other nervous system disorders (www.ans-medical.com).

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include the expectations, plans and prospects for the Company, including potential clinical successes, anticipated regulatory approvals and future product launches, and projected revenues, margins, earnings, and market shares. The statements made by the Company are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include market conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control and the risk factors and other cautionary statements described in the Company's filings with the SEC, including those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2008 (see Item 1A on pages 13-20, and page 20 of Exhibit 13 to the Company's Form 10-K). The Company does not intend to update these statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstance.

Contacts

St. Jude Medical, Inc.
Investor Relations:
Angela Craig, 651-481-7789
or
Media Relations:
Kathleen Janasz, 651-415-7042
Mobile: 612-743-8995
or
Denise Landry, 972-309-8085

Infectious Disease Research Institute Collaborates With 3M On Vaccine Adjuvants

2008-05-01T21:57:00.001-05:00

3M Collaborates with Infectious Disease Research Institute on Vaccine Adjuvants

ST. PAUL, Minn.-- May 01, 2008 --3M Drug Delivery Systems announces the signing of a non-exclusive license agreement with the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) in support of vaccine research for humanitarian efforts in developing countries. Under the agreement, 3M will donate its patented toll-like receptor (TLR) immune response modifier compounds.

3M's patented TLR immune response modifier compounds, which may be useful as vaccine adjuvants, will be used by IDRI to research new vaccines. Vaccine adjuvants are known to help boost the effectiveness of a vaccine.

"IDRI's vaccine platform has the potential to prevent and treat a number of important diseases in the developing world. By providing our vaccine adjuvant compounds to their vaccines, we are providing a cost-effective way for IDRI to conduct vaccine research," said Dr. Mark Tomai, PhD, Vaccine Business Development, 3M Drug Delivery Systems. "This will help them and us learn more about the potential effectiveness of our vaccine adjuvants. We anticipate this collaboration with IDRI to be the first in many deals around our TLR vaccine adjuvant portfolio."

3M's TLR compounds, also called TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, are small organically synthesized molecules that offer flexibility in formulating and route of delivery, and ease in manufacturing, unlike most other TLR agonists, which are much larger and not as easy to manufacture.

"IDRI's access to a 3M compound provides us with a very important tool for our efforts to develop adjuvants to be used in vaccines for diseases of global impact," says Steve Reed, IDRI's Founder and Head of Research. "We are very pleased that 3M has demonstrated this confidence in our organization-and are confident that IDRI's access to the 3M technology will improve our vaccine research and development."

"Our toll-like receptor agonist platform is a major part of our vaccine offering that also includes our Microstructured Transdermal System(a) for needle-free delivery of vaccines. We are at the start of a positive relationship that pairs our unique technology with a critical global need. We look forward to working with IDRI on its vaccine research," said Dr. Steven Wick, Technical Director, 3M Drug Delivery Systems.

About 3M Drug Delivery Systems Immune Response Modifiers

3M Drug Delivery Systems has a portfolio of patent protected toll-like receptor TLR7 and TLR8 agonists that have shown promise as vaccine adjuvants. There are a variety of assets in the portfolio that can be used topically, admixed or in conjugatable form. The lead candidate, resiquimod (TLR7/8 agonist) has shown promising results in a number of animal models and has an extensive toxicology and clinical data package to support further development as a vaccine adjuvant. In addition, 3M offers other TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, some of which can be attached to various proteins that enhance vaccine efficacy in a number of models. As small molecules, 3M's TLR7 and TLR8 agonists offer unique advantages over other TLR agonists with regards to delivery and manufacturing. 3M is actively seeking partners to license these assets on a non-exclusive basis. For more information, or to contact Dr. Tomai, go to www.3m.com/dds.

In addition, 3M Drug Delivery Systems has a variety of immune response modifier compounds that may be useful in oncology and dermatology.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

About IDRI

IDRI is a non-profit organization committed to developing technologies to treat "neglected" diseases that place a significant burden on those living in the developing world. IDRI achieves its mission by working closely with industry, universities, and hospitals in developed and developing countries, government and private funding agencies, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as the World Health Organization. For more information, go to www.idri.org.

(a)3M Microstructured Transdermal System (MTS) is a state-of-the-art solid microneedle system for transcutaneous or intra-dermal drug delivery. MTS bypasses the barrier properties of the stratum corneum and provides a means to deliver a wide variety of molecules that ordinarily would not penetrate the skin, including vaccines. MTS enhances the efficacy of vaccines by targeting the antigen presenting cells within the skin, thereby improving delivery efficiency and reducing dose requirements. MTS is a painless, easy-to-use system with the potential to greatly improve the delivery of vaccines.
Contacts

3M
Stephanie Sanderson, 651-733-8588
sjsanderson@mmm.com

Some other health and medical resources to consider include ADA diabetes, laser eye clinics, psoriatic arthritis, and fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Findings Reported at Cancer Conference Say Survival and Longer Term Disease Control Important

2008-04-23T16:20:00.001-05:00

The International Myeloma Foundation Says New Findings Reported at Global Cancer Conference Require New Ways to Evaluate Treatments: Survival and Longer Term Disease Control Take Precedence over Short Term Response to Treatment

Findings from a multi-center clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and led by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) demonstrated that lowering the dose of the steroid dexamethasone when paired with REVLIMID® to treat newly diagnosed myeloma, not only reduces side effects, but also improves long-term survival. The data are being discussed and evaluated at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Atlanta. According to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, lead institution for the study, the data show a "distinct survival benefit" with lower doses of the dexamethasone combined with REVLIMID. S. Vincent Rajkumar, M.D., hematologist and lead investigator of the study at the Mayo Clinic added, "This is a major advance in the treatment of cancer, and also gives researchers a new direction to explore - that more is not necessarily better when it comes to fighting the cancer."

North Hollywood, CA, and Atlanta, GA - December 14 -- The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) - supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians - today said new data being reported at a global cancer conference require a new approach to evaluating cancer treatments. Findings from a multi-center clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and led by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) demonstrated that lowering the dose of the steroid dexamethasone when paired with REVLIMID® to treat newly diagnosed myeloma, not only reduces side effects, but also improves long-term survival. The data are being discussed and evaluated at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Atlanta.

According to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, lead institution for the study, the data show a "distinct survival benefit" with lower doses of the dexamethasone combined with REVLIMID. S. Vincent Rajkumar, M.D., hematologist and lead investigator of the study at the Mayo Clinic added, "This is a major advance in the treatment of cancer, and also gives researchers a new direction to explore - that more is not necessarily better when it comes to fighting the cancer."

The data showed REVLIMID, an oral medication from Celgene, plus low-dose dexamethasone improves one year survival compared to the standard high-dose dexamethasone, 96% to 88%. Over two years the benefit continues with an 87% survival rate for low-dose dexamethasone compared to a 75% survival rate for high-dose dexamethasone. While lowering the dose of the steroid also lowers some immediate measures of response that is offset by better, long-term disease control.

"Lowering the doses of the steroid dexamethasone with REVLIMID gives us a new paradigm of treatment," said Brian G.M. Durie, M.D., chairman and co-founder of the International Myeloma Foundation. "When we combine REVLIMID with lower dose dexamethasone, we are seeing reduced side effects so patients stay on the drug longer, and, above all, significant survival benefits. These are the outcomes that patients and physicians find most important, and take precedence over the traditional ways we have used to evaluate new therapies."

Last April the independent committee monitoring the trial found the preliminary results so compelling that the trial was stopped and all patients in the trial were moved to lower dose dexamethasone. Because of the overwhelming positive response to REVLIMID plus low-dose dexamethasone in the ECOG study, a trial from the other large cancer cooperative, SWOG, was also stopped prematurely. This trial compared REVLIMID plus high-dose dexamethasone to dexamethasone alone. Because this SWOG trial stopped early, and because nearly half of the patients on the dexamethasone-alone-arm of the study crossed over to the REVLIMID-plus-dexamethasone-arm of the study within the first year, overall impressions regarding survival could be misleading.

According to Dr. Durie: "We do not want patients confused by statistics. In fact, the SWOG trial concluded that REVLIMID with low-dose dexamethasone is among the most active up-front combination regimens against myeloma. These results demonstrate that REVLIMID plus dexamethasone is definitely better than dexamethasone alone, and is an excellent treatment in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma."

The International Myeloma Foundation concludes that overall findings presented at this conference about multiple myeloma in all ages, and across all categories of patients (newly diagnosed, relapsed, patients proceeding to bone marrow transplants and so on) is positive and encouraging and represents major advances in the treatment of blood cancers beginning with myeloma.

ABOUT The International Myeloma Foundation
The International Myeloma Foundation is the oldest and largest myeloma organization, reaching more than 165,000 members in 113 countries worldwide. A 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients and their families, the IMF focuses in four key areas: research, education, support and advocacy. To date, the IMF has conducted more than 120 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned hotline, and operates Bank on a Cure®, a unique gene bank to advance myeloma research. The IMF was rated as the number one resource for patients in an independent survey by the Target Research Group. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE, or out of the United States at +1 (818) 487-7455. More information is available at www.myeloma.org.

Media Contact: Stephen Gendel or Jennifer Anderson +1 (212) 918-4650.

Press Contact: Flaherty Chelsey
Company Name:
Phone: 212-445-8274
Website:

Major Myths About Cancer

2008-03-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

Cancer Organizations Spread Major Myths About Cancer

Organizations designated to disseminate accurate information about cancer actually spread most of the modern myths surrounding this disease, says Bill Sardi, author of the book You Don't Have To Be Afraid Of Cancer Anymore ( www.thecancerbook.com ).

October 15, 2007 -- Cancer information bureaus claim cancer is not contagious, surgery doesn't spread cancer, sugar doesn't make cancer grow faster, hair dye doesn't cause cancer, and use of sunscreen lotion prevents skin cancer. "All of these are falsehoods," says Sardi.

Cancer is contagious

"Cancer certainly is indirectly contagious," says Sardi. Up to 15% of cancers are caused by germs, says Sardi, who says a whole book documents that fact. (Microbes and Malignancy, Oxford University Press, 1999) Lymphomas, sarcoma, gastric carcinoma, liver and cervical cancer all emanate from viral or bacterial infection, says Sardi. Examples are oral, throat and cervical cancers which are caused by the Human papilloma virus and gastric cancer which is unequivocally caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, masses caused by Mycobacteria tuberculosis are indistinguishable from cancer. TB may be a major cause of cancer. [Quarterly Journal Medicine 100(1):59, 2007; European J Gynaecology Oncology 24(6):561-2, 2003; Acta Neurochir (Wien). 145(6):513-7, 2003; Diagnostic Cytopathology 28(2):107-9, 2003
Does surgery cause cancer to spread?

A survey indicates 41% of Americans believe surgery can cause cancer to spread. Cancer agencies say that is fiction. A physician spokesperson for the American Cancer Society says this myth "really keeps patients from potentially receiving what could be a definitive, if not curative, surgery." But surgery is not a cure for cancer, and there is published evidence surgery does indeed facilitate the spread of tumors.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School clearly state that "surgical wounding associated with the removal of experimental primary cancers can trigger angiogenesis (new blood vessels) in previously dormant micro-metastatic tumor deposits, which can result in the acceleration of relapse and death." (Lancet 357: 1048, 2001)

It is said that surgery "kick starts" hidden small tumors. Surgeons know this and often prescribe pre-operative chemotherapy, or anti-estrogen drugs, to limit the effect surgery has upon accelerated growth of remaining small tumors following surgery. {Lancet 347: 260, 1996)

In a report entitled "Excisional surgery for cancer sure: therapy at a cost," researchers indicate there is "strong" evidence that tumor removal influences the growth of remaining tumors. (Lancet 4: 760-68, 2003)

A report in Medical Hypotheses states that "surgery can increase the number of circulating tumor cells and induce an immunosuppressive effect that might facilitate metastatic spread. The process of wound healing can stimulate growth factors that have been shown to accelerate tumor cell growth. This situation is a double-edged sword." (Medical Hypotheses 67: 1054-59, 2006)

Researchers in Ireland report that surgical removal of a primary tumor is often followed by a faster and more aggressive tumor at the same site. (Annals Thoracic Surgery 80: 1046-50, 2005)
Even a simple biopsy is invasive enough to activate the wound-healing process and accelerate tumor progression. (Lancet 357: 1048, 2001)

Finally, Georgetown University doctors report that surgery carries an increased risk for cancer weeks or even years after an operation. (Anesthesiology Clinics North America, June 2006)

Hair dye and cancer.

The American Cancer Society says hair dyes don't cause cancer. But this so-called myth persists. After examining 79 different studies, a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association says "We did not find strong evidence of a marked increase in the risk of cancer among personal hair dye users." (Journal American Medical Assn 293: 2516-25, 2005)
However, a study conducted by researcher at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health found that the use of any hair dye in the month before and/or during pregnancy is associated with a modest increased risk of neuroblastoma in offspring. (Cancer Causes Controls 16: 743-48, 2005) Neuroblastoma is a tumor containing embryonic nerve cells.

When data was pooled from different population studies, it was found that "personal use of hair dye products increases bladder cancer risk by 22% to 50%." (Public Health Reports 120: 31-38, 2005)

A recent study shows that the use of hair dyes is associated with adult acute leukemia and that more frequent use and long-term use increased the risks for this type of cancer. Non-permanent hair dyes were not associated with leukemia, but long duration of permanent hair dye "may have an impact on the risk of leukemia." (American Journal Epidemiology 160: 19-25, 2004)

Another study could not completely dismiss data linking hair dye use with a modest increased risk for bladder cancer. (International Journal Cancer 109: 581-86, 2004)

It's possible the hair care industry knows why hair dye is linked with cancer since a recent study shows that the increased risk for Hodgkin's lymphoma was only found among women who started using hair coloring products prior to 1980. (American Journal Epidemiology 159: 148-54, 2004) It's possible some carcinogens have been removed from currently made products.
The data is not clear enough to say no to the idea that hair dye may increase cancer risk, even if only by a modest degree.

Does sugar promote cancer growth?

According to the American Cancer Society, sugar doesn't make cancer grow faster.
Dr. John T. Ely of the University of Washington decided to test whether sugar abets tumor growth. Dr. Ely found that patients in remission from tumors have lower blood sugar levels. (Integrative Cancer Therapy 4: 25-31, 2005)

Dr. Ely and colleagues went on to conduct an animal test. Mice were placed on three different diets designed to produce different blood sugar levels and then injected with highly aggressive breast tumor cells. Seventy days later 16 of 24 mice on a high sugar diet had succumbed to cancer, 8 of 24 mice on a normal sugar diet died and only 1 of 20 mice on a low-sugar diet died. (Biochemistry Biophysical Research Communications 132: 1174-79, 1985)

Dr. Ely has taken breast cancer patients, placed them on a low sugar diet, added supplemental vitamin C and treated their tumors with radiation, and demonstrated a prolonged survival. (Integrative Cancer Therapy 4: 25-31, 2005)

Does sunscreen use prevent skin cancer?

When Americans were surveyed, 43% said that sunscreen use can prevent skin cancer. The ACS says: "The use of sunscreen on a daily basis is a good practice for reducing skin cancer risk."

Yet, when researchers scrutinized the issue of whether sunscreen use prevents skin cancer, they found that there is no association between sunscreen use and the development of malignant melanoma, the most feared form of skin cancer. (British Journal Dermatology 153: 378-81, 2005) When researchers analyzed data from many studies they concluded that "the melanoma protective potential of sunscreens cannot be proven using the existing evidence." (Photodermatology Photoimmunology Photomedicine 18: 153-56, 2002)

The big shocker is that 95% of solar radiation is UV-A energy, while most sunscreens protect from the harsher UV-B rays. UV-A may also induce skin cancer. [Journal Investigative Dermatology 121:869-75, 2003 The latest study shows that UV-B rays only partially contribute to the development of melanoma. UV-A is also involved. (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 97: 1822-1831, December 21, 2005)

SPF (sun protection factor) refers to the ability of a product to block out UV-B rays. So there is a flaw in the design of the sunscreen products themselves. (Postgraduate Medicine 116: July 2004)
Melanoma was rare up until the 1950s when sunscreen use began as "tanning lotions." Now there are over 40,000 cases of melanoma and 7,000 deaths from melanoma reported annually. Rising trends in the incidence of and mortality from melanoma began in the 1970s and 1980s, when sunscreens with high sun protection factors were more widely used. (Annals Epidemiology 3: 103-10, 1993)

Blockage of UV-B sun rays by sunscreen lotion inhibits production of vitamin D in the skin. (American Journal Clinical Nutrition 80: 1678-88S, 2004) According to a recent report, frequent regular sun exposure acts to cause cancers that have a 0.3% death rate with 2,000 U.S. fatalities per year and acts to prevent cancers that have death rates from 20-65% with 138,000 U.S. fatalities per year. (Preventive Medicine 22: 132-40, 1993):

A recent study estimates that 50,000-63,000 individuals in the United States and 19,000-25,000 in Britain die prematurely from cancer annually due to insufficient vitamin D. (Photochemistry Photobiology 81: 1276-86, 2005)

For more information about myths that surround cancer read the new book You Don't Have To Be Afraid Of Cancer Anymore, offered at www.thecancerbook.com

Press Contact: WILLIAM SARDI
Company Name: Knowledge of Health
Phone: 909 596 9507
Website: www.thecancerbook.com

The main cause of angiosarcoma liver cancer is thought to be from exposure to the chemical benzene. Workers in many industries such as plastics and petroleum plants are at the highest risk for benzene exposure.