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

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:

Alzheimer's Disease and Other Forms of Dementia

Normal "Senior Moments," Or Alzheimer's Disease?

Are you concerned about your memory? Johns Hopkins Health Alerts compares the symptoms of normal memory loss as a result of aging, with memory loss caused by Alzheimer's disease or more serious dementia. Learn how to distinguish between memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Also learn two of the other main causes for memory loss.

New York, NY  -  April 9, 2008 -- The recent passing of vibrant actor Charlton Heston from late-stage Alzheimer's disease makes us all stop and think about our own mortality. In particular, it is natural to wonder about your own memory, and what is 'normal' when it comes to memory loss as a result of aging.

Occasional memory lapses, such as forgetting why you walked into a room or having difficulty recalling a person's name, become more common as we approach our 50s and 60s. It's comforting to know that this minor forgetfulness is a normal sign of aging, not a sign of dementia.

But other types of memory loss, such as forgetting appointments or becoming momentarily disoriented in a familiar place, may indicate mild cognitive impairment.

In the most serious form of memory impairment -Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia -- people often find themselves disoriented in time and place and unable to name common objects or recognize once-familiar people.

Here are examples of the types of memory problems common in normal age-related forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia.

Memory Condition -- Normal Age-Related Forgetfulness:
•    Sometimes misplaces keys, eyeglasses, or other items.
•    Momentarily forgets an acquaintance's name.
•    Occasionally has to "search" for a word.
•    Occasionally forgets to run an errand.
•    May forget an event from the distant past.
•    When driving, may momentarily forget where to turn. Quickly orients self.
•    Jokes about memory loss.

Memory Condition -- Mild Cognitive Impairment:
•    Frequently misplaces items.
•    Frequently forgets people's names and is slow to recall them.
•    Finding words becomes more difficult.
•    Begins to forget important events and appointments.
•    May forget more recent events or newly learned information.
•    May temporarily become lost more often.
•    May have trouble understanding and following a map.
•    Worries about memory loss. Family and friends notice the lapses.

Memory Condition -Alzheimer's Disease and Other Forms of Dementia:
•    Forgets what an item is used for or puts it in an inappropriate place.
•    May not remember knowing a person.
•    Begins to lose language skills. May withdraw from social interaction.
•    Loses sense of time. Doesn't know what day it is.
•    Short-term memory is seriously impaired. Has difficulty learning and remembering new information.
•    Becomes easily disoriented or lost in familiar places, sometimes for hours.
•    May have little or no awareness of cognitive problems.

If you are concerned about memory loss in yourself or a loved one, there can be a variety of underlying causes too which can be treated, for example, temporary memory loss due to depression, or certain prescription or over the counter medications. You should discuss such concerns with your doctor.

There are a number of tests your doctor can administer right in the office which can help determine whether it is cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Sisease or another form of dementia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on Memory Loss and Alzheimer's, please visit the Memory topic page at Johns Hopkins Health Alerts:
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Memory Topic

THE JOHNS HOPKINS GUIDE TO MEMORY LOSS AND AGING
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts has recently published a free special report, "The Johns Hopkins Guide to Memory Loss and Aging." It in you will learn more about the reasons for memory loss as we age, and how to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, versus the normal changes in memory we can all expect as a result of the aging process.
This Special Report also offers 8 Memory Preserving Tips.

For a free copy The Johns Hopkins Guide to Memory Loss and Aging, please visit:
Johns Hopkins Guide to Memory Loss and Aging

Press Contact: JOAN MULLALLY
Company Name: Johns Hopkins Special Reports
Phone: 917-640-4362
Website: http://www.hopkinsreports.com

Healthcare News Network Adds to Team

The Healthcare News Network Adds to Team

Recent hires in management, creative development, production and sales have the company ready to soar to new heights.

Cape Coral, Florida (PRWEB) December 13, 2007 -- Healthcare News Network (www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com) is expanding their team. Recent hires in management, creative development, production and sales have the company ready to soar to new heights. 

Joann Ellis has been named General Manager and brings with her a diverse background to expand the network. Joann graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Ohio State University with a Masters degree in Quantitative Analysis and Measurement. Joann's background experience includes consulting for Ohio Collaborative, a group specializing in research for state agencies and writing briefs for the Ohio Senate and lobbying groups, as well as Titan Financial Group in Atlanta where she created and facilitated employee training programs and developed models for risk management.

Gregory Bush, Healthcare News Network CFO, is responsible for the financial reporting and technical infrastructure of the network. Greg brings with him over 20 years of management, financial and systems experience from both private and public companies, including Colorworks, Morgenthau and Bush Industries. A graduate of State University of New York Fredonia, Greg holds a degree in Business Management and Computer Engineering.

Juan Andres Rodriguez, named HNN's Creative Director, is a talented graphic artist and develops the feel of the network. A Cum Laude graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Juan has a passion for life, well-being and happiness which translates into the mission of the Healthcare News Network. Juan has worked for such advertising agencies as Leo Burnett and Grupo Z in Mexico and was a part of the launch of Zombra, a below-the-line advertising agency also based out of Mexico. Juan is part owner of Baja Design Studios in Baja California, Mexico, a freelance design studio specializing in the image and promotion of new businesses throughout the area.

Michael Shapiro, VP Director of Programming, is responsible for the content and substance of the network. He is committed to acquiring video material and public service announcements from non-profit organizations to help promote local and national charities. Mike has a diverse background with nearly 30 years of television experience in news, production, management, producing and videography. He has worked at television stations in South Dakota, Iowa, and cities in Florida including Fort Myers, Tampa and Miami. He is an award-winning producer of spot news, features, documentaries and a national Addy for a PSA. Giving back to the community is important to Mike and he is a member of several advisory boards including The School of Nursing at Florida Gulf Coast University, The Nations Association and the PACE Center for Girls. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude from Adelphi University.

Shirley Stone, HNN's National Sales Manager, has over 20 years in the New York advertising industry. She has worked for ad agencies, media departments and started her sales career in magazines - Redbook and Cosmopolitan. In the early 1980's she switched from magazines to the just emerging cable TV industry and was a member of the first MTV sales team. From there she moved on to working for Ted Turner at CNN and then the first New York Director of Sales for The Discovery Channel where she managed a team of account executives and sales support people. Disillusioned with the corporate environment she started a media consulting business and worked on the launch of The Food Network, several Internet companies and By Kids For Kids, a kids innovation company. She holds both a BBA and MBA in marketing, is a graduate of the Communispond Public Speaking Course and is a certified Empowerment Life Coach.

The Healthcare News Network started with less than 10 employees writing, producing, shooting, editing and distributing its programming just one year ago. They now house a team of over 30 employees in three states and will continue to grow along with the success of the nationwide network.

About the Healthcare News Network
The Healthcare News Network, a hospital-exclusive Out-of Home Media Network, was launched in February of 2007 and is based out of Cape Coral, Florida. HNN is the first of its kind to bring customizable, positive healthcare news to each hospital in its network. Currently, HNN is airing in 34 hospitals across Florida with the expansion to 23 states and over 200 hospitals expected to be complete by 2008.

For more information, visit our website: www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com
Or call our office toll free: 800 446 7575

Contact:
Rachel Tramonte
Healthcare News Network
800 446 7575
239 549 4176
rachel @ healthcarenewsnetwork.com
www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com

Press Contact: Rachel Tramonte
Company Name: Healthcare News Network
Phone: 800-446-7575
Website: www.healthcarenewsnetwork.com