Welcome to the inaugural edition of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's "Top Tips." This semi-monthly service is designed especially for health and medical reporters and is offered free of charge by the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Public Relations Department. To receive "Top Tips" twice each month via e-mail, please send your name, organization, phone and fax numbers, plus e-mail address, to sandy@vancommunications.com. If you are already receiving this service and do not wish to, you may cancel by sending to the same e-mail address with the word "unsubscribe" entered in the subject field. To pursue any of these story ideas, call 1-800-396-1002. Thank you.
DIABETES DRUG AND ACCUTANE BLOCK BREAST CANCER CELL GROWTH
Breast cancer cells exposed to a diabetes drug (Troglitazone) and the
Vitamin A compound Accutane stopped multiplying and died on cue in
laboratory and animal studies conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The
drug combination appears to have no adverse effect on healthy cells, either
in laboratory studies or in immunodeficient mice injected with human breast
cells that form tumors.
Interview: H. Phillip Koeffler, M.D., Director of Hematology/Oncology,
Cedars-Sinai
NEW BRAIN TUMOR SUPPORT GROUP OFFERS PATIENTS AND FAMILIES MONTHLY UPDATES
ON NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS PLUS PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
A new Brain Tumor Support Group at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's
Neurosurgical Institute provides patients and their families with
psychological support as well as monthly updates on the latest in treatment
options, including radiation, chemotherapy and future strategies using gene
therapy and immunology. The series of programs combines medical updates with
psychological support groups.
Interview: World-renowned brain surgeon Keith L. Black, M.D., and brain
tumor patients
CLINICAL TRIALS AT CEDARS-SINAI OFFER NEW OPTION FOR ANGINA PAIN SUFFERERS
Cardiac patients who are too frail for coronary bypass surgery or
angioplasty may find relief through a new laser procedure called
Percutaneous Transluminal Myocardial Revascularization (PTMR), which is
presently in phase II clinical trials at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Interviews: Norman Lepor, M.D., Principal Investigator, and patients
DELICATE SKULL BASE BRAIN SURGERY CAN GIVE PATIENTS WITH DEBILITATING FACIAL
PAIN A NEW LEASE ON LIFE
Universally acknowledged as the most painful affliction known to adult men
and women, Trigeminal Neuralgia (severe facial pain) affects thousands of
Americans. Until recently treatment options were limited and largely
ineffective. Now, however, thanks to a highly specialized type of skull base
brain surgery known as Microvascular Decompression, sufferers can get
immediate relief.
Interview: Hrayr K. Shahinian, M.D., and two patients
BABIES WITH CROSSED EYES SOUGHT FOR NATIONWIDE CONGENITAL ESOTROPIA STUDY
200 babies (age 9 to 17 weeks) whose eyes cross are needed for a nationwide
Congenital Esotropia observational study. The study is sponsored by the
National Institutes of Health and there is no fee to participate. Study is
being conducted by NIH-certified investigators at 100 participating centers
nationwide.
Interview: Kenneth Wright, M.D., Chair, Congenital Esotropia Study
To pursue any of these stories, please call 1-800-396-1002 or e-mail sandy@vancommunications.com
Media Contact: Sandra Van or Roberta Nichols
Ph. 1-800-396-1002