Bhinneka News Online: Reuters Health Report: June 6, 2017

Tuesday, 6 June 2017

Reuters Health Report: June 6, 2017

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Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Roche combo of breast cancer drugs shows modest benefit

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A clinical trial from Roche Holding AG combining the company's newer targeted drug for breast cancer with an older treatment resulted in a modest benefit for women with a specific type of disease, according to data presented on Monday.

Massachusetts judge allows right-to-die lawsuit to move forward

BOSTON (Reuters) - A Massachusetts judge ruled that two doctors may move forward with a lawsuit seeking an order that the state's murder and manslaughter laws do not apply to physicians who offer lethal medications to terminally ill patients.

Seattle to become latest U.S. city to tax sugary drinks

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Seattle's City Council voted on Monday to levy a special tax on sodas and other sugary beverages sold to consumers, becoming the latest of several local government bodies across the country to take such action for the sake of public health.

Kite to launch mid-stage leukemia trial in fourth quarter 2017

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Kite Pharma Inc said on Monday it planned to launch in the fourth quarter of this year a Phase 2 trial of its experimental T-cell therapy in leukemia patients, possibly at a lower dose than is currently being tested.

Roche's Alecensa bests Pfizer's Xalkori in lung cancer trial

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Roche Holding AG's Alecensa halted the spread of lung cancer for a median of 15 months longer than treatment with rival Pfizer Inc's Xalkori with fewer side effects, according to trial results presented on Monday.

FDA approves new use for Edwards' Sapien 3 heart valve

(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Edwards Lifesciences Corp's Sapien 3 artificial heart valve for high-risk patients whose previously implanted heart valves are failing, a procedure designed to avoid repeat open heart surgery.

Puerto Rico declares Zika outbreak over, CDC maintains travel warning

(Reuters) - Puerto Rico on Monday declared that the 2016 Zika epidemic is over, saying transmission of the virus that can cause birth defects when pregnant women are exposed has fallen significantly.

Pfizer drug delays lung cancer growth longer than Astra's Iressa: study

(Reuters) - A targeted drug being developed by Pfizer Inc held advanced lung cancer in check longer than AstraZeneca's Iressa in newly diagnosed patients, but with a higher rate of side effects, according to data presented on Monday.

Big returns on small cancer research investment, study suggests

(Reuters Health) - A government-backed research collaboration program started in the 1950s has added about 3.34 million years of life for cancer patients in the U.S. at an estimated cost of just $125 for each year of life gained based on successful new treatment options developed through the program, a new study estimates.

Less dietary salt is coming from packaged foods these days

(Reuters Health) - Packaged foods and store-bought drinks are blamed for adding a lot of salt to U.S. diets, but a new study suggests those foods and beverages don't contain as much sodium as they once did.