Researchers discover link between organ transplantation and increased cancer risk Jul 16, 2008
PHILADELPHIA Researchers have determined a novel mechanism through which organ transplantation often leads to cancer, and their findings suggest that targeted therapies may reduce or prevent that risk. In the July 15, 2008, issue of Cancer Research, researchers at Harvard Medical School found in animal and laboratory experiments that the anti-rejection, immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine ramps up expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which signals the growth of new blood... (EurekAlert!)
Gender 'impacts on transplants' Jul 5, 2008
She said that the current success rates for donor organ transplantation - and the shortage of suitable organs, meant that policies should not change yet. "The science is still too premature to suggest that allocation schemes from dead donors or selection of living donors for transplantation take notice of this effect.". (BBC News -- UK)
Commentary in The Lancet on the Declaration of Istanbul Sees Organ Transplantation Worldwide Threatened by Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism and Commercialism Jul 4, 2008
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The July 5 issue of the leading medical journal, The Lancet, highlights the Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism, an important affirmation of ethical principles and practices adopted on May 2, 2008, at an International Summit of more than 150 healthcare professionals, officials, scientists, ethicists and legal scholars from 78 countries and 20 international organizations. A Commentary, authored by the 32-member Steering... (PR Newswire)
Common Drug Review refuses to recommend public access of unique once-yearly osteoporosis treatment Jul 2, 2008
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. conducts hundreds of clinical trials across the country seeking new treatments for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, ophthalmology and organ transplantation. In 2007, the Company invested over $86 million in research and development. (Canada Newswire)
Cipla, AIDS groups oppose Roche`s AIDS drug patent in India Jun 29, 2008
a drug used during organ transplantation and by HIV/ AIDS patients. . (TopNews)
2 plead guilty to human organ trading in first such case here Jun 28, 2008
He added that if Singapore wants to be a regional hub for organ transplantation, it not only needs high clinical standards but also ethical standards. Mr Khaw said the ethics committee in hospitals was set up to thoroughly interview and counsel patients as well as donors to ensure proper consent. (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
Docs push for cash-for-organ studies Jun 26, 2008
Thats why the AMA has waded into the controversial waters of offering financial incentives for cadaver organ donations, a proposition that cant even be examined without modifying the National Organ Transplantation Act. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Health)
European Science Foundation aims to strengthen 'regenerative medicine' Jun 20, 2008
Because the stem cells are taken from the person being treated, there are no problems with the body's immune system recognising the cells as 'foreign' and attempting to reject them, something that is still a problem with organ transplantation, for example. To help ensure that Europe retains its competitive edge in the field, the ESF has launched REMEDIC, a research networking programme in regenerative medicine (13 May 2008). (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Temple to perform pancreas transplant Jun 18, 2008
said Tuesday it has added pancreas transplant surgery to its abdominal organ transplantation services after receiving approval from the and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. "A pancreas transplant can help preserve a new kidney by restoring normal sugar control and eliminating the need for insulin injections in patients with type-I diabetes," said Dr. John A. Daller, director of the abdominal organ transplant program at Temple. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Doctors Rate Health Insurance Industry Jun 18, 2008
According to the AMA resolution, pilot studies involving payment are barred under the National Organ Transplantation Act. - Delegates took a step back from endorsing programs that use undercover patients to evaluate the performance of doctors and their staffs. (Click2Houston, TX)
Financial Incentives Could Improve Organ Donation and Reduce Donor-Recipient Gap Jun 17, 2008
The current law, the National Organ Transplantation Act, prohibits financial incentives for organ donation, stating that any motivation for donation other than altruism is unethical. The AMA already supports study into financial incentives for cadaveric organ donation. (PR Newswire)
Swedish Orthopedic Institute Opens in Seattle Jun 4, 2008
In addition to general medical and surgical care, Swedish is known as a regional referral center, providing specialized treatment in areas such as cardiovascular care, cancer care, neuroscience, orthopedics, high-risk obstetrics, pediatrics, organ transplantation and clinical research. For more information, visit. (PR Newswire)
Pat Keindel presented with Standards Council of Canada's prestigious 2008 Jean P. Carrière award Jun 4, 2008
Keindel has navigated the organization through uncharted territory, pioneering such standards as fuel cells; sustainable forest management; cell, tissue and organ transplantation; and customer service for people with disabilities. Her work with CSA has been distinguished by double-digit annual revenue growth and expansion of CSA's diverse technical committees, increased member satisfaction and a heightened presence for CSA on the international stage. (Canada Newswire)
New Approach To Treating Autoimmune Disease Developed Jun 4, 2008
They also think the method could be valuable in suppressing unwanted inflammation in diseases unrelated to autoimmunity, as well as in preventing graft rejection and certain complications in bone marrow and organ transplantation, in which inflammation is believed to play a major role. Prof. (Science Daily)
Anti-Rejection Drugs After Transplant, Increase Diabetes Risk: Study May 31, 2008
Treatment with Sirolimus a relatively new immunosuppressant drug used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation - may actually lead to an increased risk of diabetes later on in kidney transplant recipients, a team of researchers has found. For the study the researchers scrutinized data of about 20,000 Medicare patients who had undergone kidney transplants between 1995 and 2003. (TheMedGuru)
The immortalist May 27, 2008
"There are many ways we have used science and technology effectively to 'cheat death'", says Bostrom, "whether it's through antibiotics, organ transplantation, or even lightning rods to deflect electrical currents from the sky. You know, when they were first invented some people said it was 'playing god' to try to deal with lightning in this way.". Bostrom believes that reversing the ageing process, or at least using stem cell therapy to slow down the negative effects of ageing, should be "the... (BBC News -- UK)
Isotechnika reports final results of the PROMISE trial May 27, 2008
There is a significant unmet medical need in the treatment of both solid organ transplantation and autoimmune disease. It is estimated that the market potential will exceed $4 billion annually in sales for calcineurin inhibitors such as voclosporin by 2010. (Canada Newswire)
Iraq War Service: A Risk Factor For Bronchiolitis? May 22, 2008
Bronchiolitis is known to be associated with many conditions including organ transplantation, toxic inhalation, infection and rheumatoid arthritis. In most cases, it is a diagnosis based on clinical history, x-ray and pulmonary function testing. (Science Daily)
The gift of a kidney May 20, 2008
" His operation had already been postponed five times. The fact that you are not allowed to buy organs does not mean that organ transplantation is not expensive. While Marks medical aid (the best package on offer) paid for the actual transplantation it did not cover the costs of the donor operation and the pre-operation blood tests and bills (R60000). Luckily Mark could afford the costs, but for someone without his income, the chance at a new life would simply have been unaffordable. "I now... (iAfrica.com)
Melissa Biggs, Fashion Designer and Former Baywatch Actress, Teams with CSL Behring to Raise Awareness of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a Commonly Misdiagnosed Respiratory Disease May 18, 2008
Other products are used for the prevention of hemolytic diseases in the newborn, in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation and in the treatment of burns. The company also operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, ZLB Plasma. (PR Newswire)
Somerset man has ‘bloodless’ procedure May 16, 2008
At Allegheny General, surgical procedures including organ transplantation, brain, vascular, gynecological, cardiac, orthopaedic and gastrointestinal surgery can be performed without transfusions. Bloodless medicine not only reduces the risk of exposure to infectious disease, but research suggests additional tangible clinical benefits for patients, including fewer post-surgical complications and decreased length of hospital stay, Doebler said. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Business Times takes four Golden Quill awards May 14, 2008
In the nondaily newspaper health and medical reporting category, Business Times reporter Kris B. Mamula won for his "Defining Death Sparks Debate" piece on organ transplantation. Mamula's story "Team Races Against the Clock" won in the nondaily newspaper science and technology reporting category. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
1 dies, 1 ill after receiving kidneys May 13, 2008
"The virus is not transmitted casually from person-to-person; in addition to transplants, the only identified human transmissions have been from mother to fetus. Most people who are exposed catch it from the droppings of rodents, including wild animals and pets.Because the virus causes few health problems in those who contract it, there has been little incentive to develop a rapid test.The only tests currently available take time and are not widely available, said Dr. Eileen Farnon, a CDC... (Boston Globe)
Kidney market shut as Pakistan cuts supply May 12, 2008
Pakistan had no legal framework for organ transplantation before the Government introduced the Transplantation of Human Organ and Tissues Ordinance last September. Before that the World Health Organisation had rated Pakistan as the world's second biggest centre for organ trade. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Organ Donations Apr 23, 2008
Transported on the evening of March 20 by special ambulance to Schneider's Children Hospital in Petah Tikvah, Halleli was removed from life support and a marathon organ transplantation got under way. Her heart was given to a 13-month-old girl, suffering from cardiac muscle disease, Israel's youngest heart transplant patient ever, and her liver went to an 18-month-old girl who had been en route to the airport with her parents for treatment in a Miami, Florida, hospital when they got the call from... (Jerusalem Post, Israel)
LinkMed: Anders Karlsson New CEO of AbSorber Apr 17, 2008
Today, AbSorber has one commercial product, a standardized transplantation test XM-ONE, used to evaluate organ transplantation risk. AbSorber has entered into a global sales agreement for XM-ONE with the U.S. medtech company BD. AbSorber is also developing an ABO column to facilitate organ transplantations between people of different blood groups and a diagnostic test that measures the occurrence of blood group antigens. (BusinessWire)
Muslims urged to be resilient to face on-going challenges Apr 12, 2008
He said: "Over the last 20 years, the community has moved from a position where it was completely excluded from all forms of human organ transplantation to voluntary donation under the Medical Therapy Education Act and finally to the point where all Muslims are now included under HOTA."This would not have been possible without the strong support of the community. Our Muslim community understands that Islamic virtues such as kindness and compassion require us to find solutions to problems,... (Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
Broken hearts Apr 6, 2008
What happened at Papworth was a sobering experience not just for the hospital, but for organ transplantation in this country. It shone light on an area of medicine we have come to regard as routine, something we think about only when things go wrong. (Guardian Unlimited)
Pioneering Heart Surgeon, Robert E. Michler, M.D., Appointed Chair of Surgery and Surgeon-in-Chief at Einstein and at Montefiore Medical Center Apr 5, 2008
Montefiore's distinguished centers of excellence include cardiology and cardiac surgery, cancer care, tissue and organ transplantation, children's health, women's health, surgery and the surgical subspecialties. Montefiore is a national leader in the treatment of diabetes, headaches, obesity, cough and sleep disorders, geriatrics and geriatric psychiatry, neurology and neurosurgery, adolescent and family medicine, HIV/AIDS and social and environmental medicine, among many other specialties. (PR Newswire)
Fetal Cells Detected in Mothers' Blood Years After Donor Egg Pregnancies Apr 4, 2008
Finding could lead to advances in organ transplantation and stem cell research. HealthDay. (MEDLINEplus)
LifeSharers approach to organ donation Apr 4, 2008
An organization named LifeSharers is doing something about that waste of life with an innovative approach to organ transplantation. It not only tries to stop the terrible waste of usable organs but also helps make the transplant system fairer. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
A Gift of Life Turns Deadly Apr 3, 2008
Bacterial meningitis, though serious, did not preclude organ transplantation after death. According to a report on the case, published in the January issue of the American Journal of Transplantation, Alex's liver went to a 52-year-old man, his pancreas to a 36-year-old woman, and his kidneys to a pair of men, ages 46 and 64. (ABC News)
The gift of sight Mar 25, 2008
"Tremendous advances have been made in tissue and organ transplantation, offering the hope of life and significantly improving the quality of life for many people," Jane Drummond, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said. "I encourage Missouri residents to take time this month to learn more about cornea transplants and tissue donation.Missouri residents can arrange to become eye tissue donors by signing up for the state's Organ Donor Registry and telling their... (Maryville Daily Forum, MO)
New treatment for heart failure approved by Health Canada Mar 25, 2008
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. conducts hundreds of clinical trials across the country seeking new treatments for cardiovascular disease, oncology, diabetes, cancer, ophthalmology and organ transplantation. In 2007, the Company invested close to $86 million in research and development. (Canada Newswire)
Ray of hope for kidney patients Mar 19, 2008
A team of city nephrologists has formed the Organ Transplantation Coordination Committee (OTCO) and begun lobbying to get the scheme started. "The state health department has appointed 20 doctors 10 each from state and private hospitals who are authorised to certify a patient as brain dead," said transplantation surgeon Debasish Banerjee, who is also convener of OTCO.. (Times of India)
Organ donation must be built on trust Mar 16, 2008
RE : More than 12,000 times each year in the United States, neurologists and physicians with no connection to organ transplantation use brain death criteria to determine death. Brain death is accepted legally in many countries. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Govt mulling change in organ transplant law Mar 10, 2008
Ramadoss said there was another model like the one in Iran where the government controlled organ transplantation, but that model has drawn much criticism from experts ... The government is contemplating amending the Organ Transplantation Act to avoid illegal transplantation of organs in the country. (Hindu)
Glucocorticoid Hormones Mar 8, 2008
Glucocorticoids can also be used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), immune suppression following organ transplantation, and cortisol deficiency secondary to disease in the pituitary gland or adrenal glands (e. g., Addison's disease). (Suite101.com)
Face Transplants Get Approval In U.S. Mar 6, 2008
The organ bank is the oldest independent organ procurement organization in the country and serves 12 transplant centers that perform all types of organ transplantation. It allocates organs for transplant regionally and nationally through the United Network for Organ Sharing's national network, according to. (Click2Houston, TX)
Transplant doc accused of hastening death Mar 5, 2008
"The sensationalism of this case in the media will unfortunately result in a decrease in organ donation. This, in turn, will deprive patients waiting for life-saving organ transplantation their opportunity for life," said Goran Klintmalm, the president of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. "If Dr. Roozrokh is guilty, it would represent a gross aberration in the organ donation process, not the gift of life we are all trying to provide.". (CNN -- Health)
Rising graph of Kidney diseases spurs organ trade: Experts Mar 4, 2008
Because of the increase in CKD there is an unprecedented demand for organ transplantation leading to international racketeers indulging in organ trade. The very debate all over the world on organ donation and transplantation is on the simple fact that demand for organs or transplantation far outweigh the supply, they said. (Times of India)
Adverts target more organ donors Mar 3, 2008
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "The shortage of donor organs for transplantation is an increasingly acute problem and we are determined to tackle this. "One of the greatest successes of modern medicine is organ transplantation. "We only need to look at the extraordinary recent achievement of the transplant unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in carrying out the first living donor liver transplant. "But that is a reflection of the steps people are having to take to compensate for the... (BBC News)
God and Man at Pitt Mar 1, 2008
I discovered William F. Buckley, Jr. in the late 1980s as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, where I was a pre-med student preparing for a career in organ transplantation ... I discovered William F. Buckley, Jr. in the late 1980s as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, where I was a pre-med student preparing for a career in organ transplantation. (Townhall.com)
Experts Are Concerned Court Case May Scare Off Potential Organ Donors Feb 29, 2008
Of particular concern is the potential for the same doctor involved in organ transplantation to be involved with the end-of-life care of the potential donor. Most protocols for transplantation surgery maintain that end-of-life care and organ recovery be handled by two separate teams of doctors; however, as this case could reveal, these guidelines may not always be abided. (ABC News)
Everolimus (RAD001) Significantly Extends Progression-Free Survival in Advanced Kidney Cancer Patients After Failure of Other Targeted Therapy Feb 28, 2008
About Novartis Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufactures and markets leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of diseases and conditions, including those in the cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, organ transplantation, central nervous system, dermatological, gastrointestinal and respiratory areas. The company's mission is to improve people's lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions. (PR Newswire)
The life you save Feb 27, 2008
Advances in medicine and medical technology in the field of organ transplantation have created all sorts of new ethical problems ... Initial hostility from Orthodox authorities to organ transplantation, more specifically to heart transplants, was based on poor results. (Jerusalem Post)
Ireland Cancer Center and TRACON Pharmaceuticals Announce Treating the First Cancer Patient With TRC102, An Inhibitor of Chemotherapy Resistance Feb 25, 2008
The primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Case Medical Center is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research centers of excellence in the nation and the world, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopedics and spine, radiology and radiation oncology, neurosurgery and neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation and human genetics. Its main campus includes the internationally... (Primezone Releases)
PIL in Delhi HC to make easy organ transplant act Feb 15, 2008
The long and hectic way of legal organ transplantation moves the people towards the illegal organ trading. RELATED STORIES. (Newstrack India)
Functional Immune System Can Be Derived From Embryonic Stem Cells, Preliminary Study Finds Feb 14, 2008
This study was supported by a grant from NIH/NHLBI, a VA Merit Review, and a grant from the Roche Organ Transplantation Research Foundation. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Activist moves high court on kidney transplant law Feb 13, 2008
Com- Serving Mangaloreans Around The World (Mangalorean.com)
Patch instead of pills makes living with Alzheimer's disease easier Feb 12, 2008
This disease is so tough on everyone - the patch is definitely going to make it easier for us," says Anne West, whose husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease seven years ago. "I would like my husband to stay at home with me for as long as possible and with the patch, he and I can both see the medication is being given to him every day as it should be. " Designed to provide smooth and continuous delivery through the skin for a 24-hour period, Exelon(*) Patch offers a unique treatment... (Canada Newswire)
Make donations easier Feb 11, 2008
It hopes to convince parliamentarians that revisions in the laws governing organ transplantation warrant a select committee to go into every nuance and para in the text. If the law is revised and pushed through in a hurry without key provisions in place, a second chance for correction may not occur soon. (India Times, India)
Scientists confirm new virus responsible for deaths of transplant recipients in Australia Feb 7, 2008
The arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) has been implicated in a small number of cases of disease transmission by organ transplantation, however, the newly discovered virus, which may be a new strain of LCMV, is sufficiently different that it could not be detected using existing screening methods. High throughput sequencing and methods for cloning nucleic acids of microbial agents directly from clinical samples offer powerful tools for pathogen surveillance and discovery,... (EurekAlert!)
Former Substance Abusers Rarely Relapse After Organ Transplantation Feb 6, 2008
Editorial: "Addictive behavior after solid organ transplantation: What do we know already and what do we need to know?" Lucey, Michael; Tome, S.; Said, Adnan. Liver Transplantation; February 2008. (Science Daily)
JDRF partners with Plureon to explore generating insulin-producing cells from adult stem cells Feb 5, 2008
The objective is to return the re-programmed insulin-producing cells back into the patient in an autologous manner, i.e., without the need for immunosuppressive agents normally required for organ transplantation in this manner, the patients own transplanted cells will be capable of glucose-dependent insulin secretion and the restoration of normal blood sugar levels. Plureon is the latest company to work with JDRF through its innovative Industry Discovery and Development Partnership program. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Kidney racket: Women did con job for Amit Kumar Feb 4, 2008
Linda (24) was arrested by Gurgaon police on Thursday for her alleged links to the organ transplantation racket. Employed at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, Linda has confessed to assisting Dr Raut at his Gurgaon clinic. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Hospital pact could cost Nemours $4.46M Feb 1, 2008
Nemours also promised to wait at least two years after it opens before providing such high-level services as organ transplantation, bone marrow transplants and open-heart surgery or angioplasty. To answer the concerns of Florida Hospital and Orlando Regional that the children's hospital would further exacerbate the physician shortage, Nemours has agreed not to prohibit or restrict its physicians from having privileges at Florida Hospital, and to accept referrals of Medicaid and self-pay patients... (Orlando Business Journal)
Human Harvest Jan 29, 2008
Currently, the law on organ transplantation (Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994) allows exchange only between blood relatives and those professing love and affection' towards the patient. Though the intention is to prevent commercial trade in human organs, escape clauses only increase risk factors while raising ethical questions. (India Times, India)
Wockhardt Hospitals plans to foray into organ transplant Jan 26, 2008
KOLKATA: Wockhardt Hospitals is planning to make a major foray into the organ transplantation segment ... We intend to replicate our success in super-speciality care in organ transplantation as well, Mr Nazareth said. (India Times)
Dr Thomas Stuttaford answers your questions about organ donation Jan 26, 2008
A1: If the recipient of a transplanted organ is to have the best chance of long term survival it is to all intents and purposes essential, for a successful thoracic organ transplantation of the heart or lungs, for the surgeons to remove the organs from someone who is brain stem dead but still has a heart beating. It is also highly desirable that those who are having a kidney or liver transplant should have equally potentially viable donated organs. (Times Online)
Stem Cells May Gradually Replace Antirejection Drugs For Kidney Transplant Patients Jan 25, 2008
A team led by Joshua Miller, MD, a researcher at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, is working with Northwestern Memorial Hospital's department of organ transplantation to enroll qualifying subjects in a new research study that seeks to transplant stem cells from a kidney donor's bone marrow into the recipient, with the hope of gradually eliminating the need for anti-rejection drugs ... These antigens vary from person to person, and an HLA compatibility test is performed... (Science Daily)
Transplant Patient Thrives Two Years After Stopping Immunosuppressive Drugs Jan 25, 2008
The journal issue also includes two reports from other research groups, describing their efforts to achieve organ transplantation without long-term immunosuppressive drugs ... The biggest danger with organ transplantation lies not in the surgery, but in the recipient's own body rejecting the organ as a foreign invader. (Science Daily)
Harvard scientist triumphs after setback in kidney transplant study Jan 24, 2008
Transplant surgeons said Sachs's study represents a pivotal moment in organ transplantation, demonstrating that it is feasible to eliminate immunosuppressive drugs with their debilitating side effects, such as skin warts, cataracts, and increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and serious infections ... Since he was a young Harvard medical student in the mid-1960s, hearing his first lecture on organ transplantation, Sachs has set out to tackle "the most important problem that could be... (Boston Globe)
Potential Diagnosis And Treatment For LAM Lung Disease Jan 15, 2008
"We currently treat their severe renal and pulmonary disease with surgery and organ transplantation. We hope that our results and additional research with sirolimus and other drugs will lead to specific targeted therapies that minimize the need for such surgeries.". "We're encouraged to see progress with diseases for which there were no new therapies on the horizon," said Frank McCormack, M.D., study co-author, Division Director of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at the UC College of... (Science Daily)
'One transplant kidney can save my son's life' Jan 13, 2008
Britain leads the field in many areas of healthcare, but organ transplantation is not one of them. More than 400 people will die this year while they are on the waiting list. (Guardian Unlimited)
