Ovarian Cancer Test 'Premature,' Critics Worry

Sativex for cancer pain already in advanced clinical trials

(NEWSER) - A company developing a marijuana-based mouth spray for cancer pain is hoping for FDA approval by next year. British firm GW Pharma is already carrying out advanced clinical trials for Sativex, the first pharmaceutical developed from raw marijuana, reports AP . Sativex contains marijuana components delta 9-THC and cannabidiol, and has already been approved in eight European nations and Canada and New Zealand for easing muscle spasms linked to multiple sclerosis. FDA approval would be a major breakthrough in the stalemate between federal drug enforcement and the 16 states where medical marijuana is legal. More»

Genentech won't be seeking US approval anytime soon

(AP) - Avastin, the blockbuster drug that just lost approval for treating breast cancer , now looks disappointing against ovarian cancer, too. Two studies found it did not improve survival for most of these patients and kept their disease from worsening for only a few months, with more side effects. The Genentech drug won approval in Europe last week for advanced ovarian cancer. But its maker has no immediate plans to seek the same approval in the US. More»

It wants FDA to tighten standards

(NEWSER) - Apple juice and grape juice have levels of arsenic that could raise kids' risk of cancer, according to an investigation by Consumer Reports . The study of 88 samples of fruit juice bought in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut found that 10% had arsenic levels that exceeded standards set for federal drinking water. In addition, 25% exceeded the levels of lead deemed safe for bottled water. More»

In fact, it can actually have negative impact

(NEWSER) - Bad news from a new cancer study: Not only does ovarian cancer screening not reduce the number of deaths from the disease—it also leads to unnecessary treatment for false positives. The 16-year study of 78,000 women found that doctors "were unable to detect ovarian cancers any earlier" in women who received annual screenings than in those who did not, says the study author. More»

Number of survivors rises 20% in six years

(NEWSER) - More people than ever can call themselves cancer survivors, according to new federal stats. Highlights from the New York Times :

• One in 20 adults has survived some form of the disease, including one in five people over age 65.
• The total number of survivors rose to 11.7 million in 2007, up from 9.8 million in 2001 and 3 million in 1971.
• About 65% of survivors have lived five years or more since diagnosis, 40% have lived at least 10 years, and 10% at least 25 years.