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Merck KGaA Considers Appealing CHMP Opinion On Erbitux Treatment For Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), the scientific committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), has adopted a negative opinion for the use of Erbitux® (cetuximab) in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Merck KGaA is evaluating potential appeal options requesting that the CHMP re-examine data demonstrating clinical relevant benefits to patients.
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GAO Report Finds Veterans Affairs Facilities Do Not Comply With Privacy Standards For Women
All Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics and hospitals are failing to fully comply with federal privacy standards for women, according to a Government Accountability Office report, the AP/Boston Globe reports. The report comes as thousands of female veterans are entering the VA health system after returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.GAO auditors said that many VA facilities had gynecological tables that faced the door. In one instance, a gynecological table faced a door opening to a waiting room. The investigation also found cases where women had to walk through waiting rooms to use the restroom -- a violation of VA policy requiring adjoining restrooms. Four VA hospitals did not guarantee women access to private bathing facilities. In two of those cases, the facilities did not have locks.Nearly 20% of female veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and many of them have experienced sexual trauma while serving, according to the report. The report also said that most female veterans at VA facilities are ages 20 to 29. On average, female veterans using VA facilities are much younger than male VA patients, it noted.Randall Williamson, director of health care issues at GAO, said that although top VA officials are committed to improving care for female veterans, facilities are not always taking simple steps, such as repositioning exam tables. Patricia Hayes, chief consultant for VA"s veterans strategic health care group, said that the agency recognizes issues and is making changes to address disparities in care. She noted that VA is creating a long-term plan for construction improvements to address space and building layout challenges (AP/Boston Globe, 7/15).
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Massachusetts Cuts Health Coverage By $115 Million
"Overseers of Massachusetts" trailblazing health care program made their first cuts recently, trimming $115 million, or 12 percent, from Commonwealth Care, which subsidizes premiums for needy residents and is the centerpiece of the 2006 law," according to the Boston Globe. The Connector Authority board made the cuts in response to two recession side effects: "the state budget crisis and a surge in enrollment by the recently unemployed." Commonwealth Care"s enrollment has increased in the last three months from 165,000 member to 177,000 members, and is projected to grow to 212,000 next year.
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University Of Queesnland's Speech Pathology Students Teach The Art Of Smooth Talking, Australia

A group of UQ speech pathology students recently ran an intensive treatment program for people who stutter. Coordinated by lecturer Dr Elizabeth Cardell, the five-day program, held between July 20-24, required participants to visit the on-campus clinic for nine-hour sessions, and participate in both individual and group treatment exercises. "Results of research indicate that for most adults who stutter, intensive practice of a different and smoother speech pattern is the most effective way to change stuttered speech," Dr Cardell said. "Additionally, people can make a lot of change very quickly and this can be reassuring and very motivating." "Given that one to two percent of the adult population stutters, we need more graduates with these competencies in stuttering management to address a communication disorder that can have debilitating effects on people educationally, vocationally, and socially." For some years now, there have been no professionally run intensive treatment programs in Queensland for people who stutter. Dr Cardell said the UQ program - which is a replication of a well-researched program at La Trobe University in Melbourne - would provide an opportunity for Queenslanders to participate in evidence-based best practice treatment for stuttering. "The UQ clinic is dedicated to ensuring the community can obtain excellent treatment services for stuttering while simultaneously ensuring speech pathology students can experience working with specialist staff whilst learning to deliver the treatment," she said. In addition to the five-day intensive program, participants will be required to attend seven follow-up sessions. The program can be tailored to the "talking needs" of each person, with speech exercises designed to help with talking on the telephone, shopping, making inquiries and speaking in front of an audience. Dr Cardell said the exact cause of stuttering was unclear. "There is research that shows structural and functional differences in the brains of people who stutter, however, whether this is the cause of stuttering or the result of stuttering is not certain," she said. "We believe that stuttering is a problem of coordinating the timing of speech. "We know that stuttering is not caused by poor parenting habits or extreme anxiety, although people who stutter may become very anxious as a result of their trouble talking." It has been proposed that the program be run twice per year at UQ. "Stuttering is an extremely frustrating and debilitating condition that can severely limit participation and opportunities in daily communication," Dr Cardell said. "Also, it can negatively impact on quality of life. "Queenslanders deserve access to the best available treatments and the Division of Speech Pathology at UQ is delighted to offer this opportunity." University of Queesnland


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