Cancer - July 2015 Archives

Mayo Clinic part of new clinical trial to treat advanced melanoma Treating melanoma in some people can be a challenge. Now a new clinical trial ...

ROCHESTER, Minn. – For women with dense breast tissue, supplementing standard mammography with a new imaging technique called molecular breast imaging (MBI) can lower the cost of diagnosis of breast cancers, according to a Mayo Clinic study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR). Researchers at the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine found that adding MBI to mammography of women with dense breast tissue increased the costs of diagnosis 3.2 times, compared to costs of mammography alone, and nearly quadrupled the rate of cancer detection. Because the supplemental test found more cancer, screening with a combination of mammography and MBI saved $8,254 per cancer detected. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iWCjHy37Ck&feature=youtu.be While mammography is still the standard tool for widespread breast cancer screening, it is now known to perform less effectively in women with dense breast tissue. Both tumors and normal dense breast tissue can appear white on a mammogram, making tumors hard to detect. Nearly half of all women over age 40 have mammograms classified as “dense,” according to Carrie Hruska, Ph.D., a medical physicist in the Mayo Clinic Department of Radiology and the study’s lead author. Supplemental screening techniques like MBI address a significant need for better cancer detection methods for this patient population. Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Hruska are in the downloads. MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Nellis and Shea Jennings, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu

Tips for cancer survivors to keep cool in the summer heat Some cancer treatments can increase your risk for dehydration and sunburn. Here's how ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxY6zGHfHvE&feature=youtu.be ROCHESTER, MINN. – A group of 118 of the nation's leading cancer experts have drafted a prescription for reducing the high cost of cancer drugs and voiced support for a patient-based grassroots movement demanding action on the issue. Their recommendations and support are outlined in a commentary, co-authored by the group, in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings. "High cancer drug prices are affecting the care of patients with cancer and our health care system," says lead author Ayalew Tefferi, M.D., a hematologist at Mayo Clinic. "The average gross household income in the U.S. is about $52,000 per year. For an insured patient with cancer who needs a drug that costs $120,000 per year, the out-of-pocket expenses could be as much as $25,000 to $30,000 – more than half their average household income." The group cites a 2015 study by D.H. Howard and colleagues et al, published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives, which found that cancer drug prices have risen by an average of $8,500 per year over the past 15 years. "When you consider that cancer will affect 1 in 3 individuals over their lifetime, and [with] recent trends in insurance coverage [that] put a heavy financial burden on patients with out-of-pocket expenses, you quickly see that the situation is not sustainable," Dr. Tefferi, says. "It's time for patients and their physicians to call for change." Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Tefferi are available in the downloads. MEDIA CONTACT: Joe Dangor, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In their bid to find the best combination of therapies to treat anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), researchers on Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus demonstrated that all histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are not created equal. In testing multiple HDAC inhibitors in combination with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, known to give some benefit for this aggressive cancer, they found that class II HDAC inhibitors signal through a newly discovered pathway to promote synergy with chemotherapy treatment. Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Copland are available in the downloads. MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Punsky, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 904-953-0746, punsky.kevin@mayo.edu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unMvowv9k2w The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes new recommendations for when and how often women should have mammograms. They say women at average risk of ...

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Mayo Clinic today has been named one of the best hospitals nationwide by U.S. News and World Report. Mayo Clinic earned more No. 1 rankings in individual specialties than any other provider based on reputation, services and volumes, safety and clinical outcomes. “This ranking underscores our long-standing commitment to provide the highest-quality care that best meets our patients’ needs,” says John Noseworthy, M.D., president and CEO, Mayo Clinic. “Mayo Clinic is fortunate to be ranked No. 1 in more specialties than any other hospital in the nation. We owe our success to staff members who dedicate themselves daily to this shared mission.” Mayo Clinic was second overall on U.S. News & World Report’s 2015-2016 Best Hospitals list and earned a No. 1 ranking in eight specialties: Diabetes and endocrinology Gastroenterology and gastrointestinal (GI) surgery Geriatrics Gynecology Nephrology Neurology and neurosurgery Pulmonology Urology Mayo Clinic has more No. 1 rankings than any other provider – a testament to the breadth and depth of excellence that yields the best, whole-person care for each patient every day. Mayo ranked No. 2 in three additional specialties – cardiology and heart surgery; ear, nose and throat; and orthopedics – and No. 3 in cancer. Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 1 in Minnesota, and No. 1 in Arizona and the Phoenix metro area. It was No. 4 in Florida and No. 1 in the Jacksonville metro area. Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire is recognized among the best hospitals in northwestern Wisconsin. MEDIA CONTACT: Mayo Clinic: Rhoda Madson 507-284-5005 newsbureau@mayo.edu

12 specialty areas in Arizona ranked nationally on the “Best Hospitals” list PHOENIX - Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix is ranked No. 1 in Arizona and the Phoenix metro area in the annual U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Hospital List released today. Hospitals included in the U.S. News Report such as the Mayo Clinic, are part of an elite group recognized for “breadth of excellence,” according to the magazine. Mayo Clinic in Arizona ranked nationally in 12 specialties including Cancer; Cardiology and Heart Surgery; Diabetes and Endocrinology; Ear, Nose and Throat; Gastroenterology and Gastroenterologic Surgery; Geriatrics; Gynecology; Nephrology; Neurology and Neurosurgery; Orthopedics; Pulmonology and Urology. “Recognitions like this are a testament to our skilled and compassionate staff who place patients' needs first every day,” says Wyatt Decker, M.D., vice president and chief executive officer for Mayo Clinic in Arizona. “Mayo Clinic has a long tradition and deep organizational commitment to delivering high-value health care that best meets patients’ needs. We take great pride in developing the most innovative treatments and care delivery models in an effort to best serve our patients. Examples include the proton beam and new cancer center facility now under construction on our Phoenix campus, as well as our telemedicine programs which are bringing much needed specialty expertise to rural parts of our state.” MEDIA CONTACT: Jim McVeigh, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 480-301-4522, Email: mcveigh.jim@mayo.edu

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — U.S. News & World Report again has named Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus to its annual list of “America’s Best Hospitals” published online today. Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 1 in the Jacksonville metro area, No. 4 in Florida and among the top 50 hospitals nationally in cancer, gastroenterology (GI) and GI surgery, geriatrics, and neurology and neurosurgery. The Florida campus also was recognized as high performing in diabetes and endocrinology, ear, nose and throat, gynecology, nephrology, orthopedics, pulmonology and urology. “This honor reflects the deep commitment of our staff to provide the highest quality of care to our patients every day,” says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., CEO of Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus. “Our employees are critical to the success of Mayo Clinic. I’m extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment to making the patient experience the very best it can be.” Journalists: Sound bites from Dr. Farrugia are available in the downloads. MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Punsky, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 904-953-0746, punsky.kevin@mayo.edu

For most women, breast surgery means mastectomy. But there are other types of breast surgery, including breast reconstruction and breast augmentation. On the next Mayo ...

Cancer caregivers, remember to take care of yourself  Just as your loved one with cancer needs care, so do you. From finding alone time to ...

Mighty dragons are taking to the water in western Wisconsin this summer. Mayo Clinic Health System is hosting two Dragon Boat Festivals, in La Crosse and Eau Claire, to raise awareness and funds for health issues: breast cancer survivorship, and hospice and bereavement services. As a symbol of the teamwork that supports patients and families, teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson guide the colorful dragon boats. Music and spectator viewing of the races is free. Food and other items will be available for purchase. More than 100 volunteers will support each event. Big Blue Dragon Boat Festival La Crosse, June 17–18, Copeland Park Friday 6:00 p.m. opening ceremonies 6:30 p.m. exhibition races, kid activities 9:45 p.m. fireworks Saturday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. races 1:00 p.m. survivor ceremony 4:00 p.m. awards More than 50 teams are participating in the third annual Big Blue Dragon Boat Festival in La Crosse. The event supports free mammograms for women in financial need, as well as comprehensive care and support for patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare in southwest Wisconsin. Half Moon Dragon Boat Festival   Eau Claire, Aug. 8, Half Moon Beach   Saturday    10:00 a.m. qualifying races    12:15 p.m. opening ceremony, parade    12:45 p.m. semifinal races      3:00 p.m. remembrance ceremony      5:30 p.m. awards More than 30 teams are participating in the inaugural Half Moon Dragon Boat Festival in Eau Claire. The event will raise awareness of hospice care for people in the final stages of life. Funds raised will support bereavement services for families and the community following the loss of a loved one.