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Imatinib therapy was discontinued in 40 patients who had sustained undetectable BCR-ABL transcripts for 2 or more years, and close follow-up revealed approximately 50% remained with undetectable disease off treatment at 24 months.
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In a prospective analysis, healthy women known to be carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations chose either bilateral mastectomy or active surveillance. Ascribing to careful methodological detail, the investigators found that those who chose surgery had lower risk for breast cancer occurrence and better survival. Nonetheless, the authors note that longer follow-up and a larger sample size are needed to confirm statistical significance of their observations.
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Evidence-based updates in primary care medicine By Louis Kuritzky, MD
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In a single institutional study (M.D. Anderson), 60 older patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were treated with lenalidomide. Thirty-five of the 60 patients had a response lasting > 36 months, and compared with those who did not have such a durable response, those who did had lower pretreatment ß-2 microglobulin levels and were more likely to have favorable cytogenetics. Lenalidomide treatment was associated with improvement in circulating immunoglobulin levels and T-lymphocyte numbers.
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Women over age 40 might underestimate their need for effective birth control; however, despite declining fertility, such women can be at risk for unintended pregnancy.
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Results of a just-published study indicate a possible method to predict when a woman will have her final menstrual period.1 Such findings might be helpful in aiding women and providers in combatting potential bone loss and cardiovascular risk associated with onset of menopause.
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In a decision more than 10 years in the making, a U.S. Federal District judge ruled April 5, 2013, that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must lift age and point-of-sale restrictions on Plan B One-Step emergency contraception (EC) within 30 days.
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A new Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) review of available evidence reveals that women who have problematic irregular or heavy cyclic menstrual bleeding have several safe and effective nonsurgical treatment options.1
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Add new research to your clinics protocols: The risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) following insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) is very low, whether or not women have been screened beforehand for gonorrhea and chlamydia.