Drugs

Intersection of Heart Health and Breast Cancer

The American Heart Association’s first scientific statement on the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and breast cancer says that with the evolving intersection of the cardiovascular and oncologic fields, “comprehensive care is an essential element in the management of cancer patients to maximize gains in cancer treatment while minimizing the potential deleterious impact on cardiovascular health.” The paper says that CVD is the leading cause of mortality in women, although many people perceive breast cancer to be the number one threat to women’s health.

CVD and breast cancer have several overlapping risk factors, the paper says, such as obesity and smoking. Also, current breast cancer treatments can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, and for women with pre-existing CVD, it might influence treatment decisions by both the patient and the provider.

“As the population ages, there will likely be more women with breast cancer, CVD, or both,” the paper says. “Current cancer treatments might increase the risk of both short- and long-term cardiotoxicity and women who are breast cancer survivors could be at higher risk of death caused by CVD than women without a history of breast cancer. More research is needed in terms of optimal surveillance of cardiotoxicity. There are gaps in care and in priorities that would help bridge care of the patient. Improved risk assessment and development of personalized preventive strategies in cancer survivorship programs are imperative for improved outcomes and reductions in CVD mortality in the breast cancer patient.”

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA has classified Boston Scientific's recall of its Imager II Angiographic Catheters as Class I because a manufacturing problem could cause catheter tips to degrade and detach, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications. The agency announced the Class I classification 9/25, updating an Early Alert it issued

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome