Friday April 29, 2011
A study released in Lancet Oncology this month has shown that giving Bortezomib (Velcade) as an injection into the fatty tissue (subcutaneous) as opposed to the veins may reduce the risk of some side effects. The study showed that while the effectiveness of the myeloma drug was unchanged in relapsed patients, there was a notable decrease in certain side effects such as thrombocytopenia, anemia and peripheral neuropathy. The researchers also indicated that another possible benefit of subcutaneous Velcade is that it could mean patients would be more easily able to receive the drug at home.
Although this is exciting news for Velcade patients, it may be a bit premature to plan for subcutaneous administration to become routine at this point. Some physicians caution that the drug needs to go through an approval process for a change in standard administration and that patients must continue dose- monitoring programs.
Saturday April 23, 2011
Like many holidays, Easter is a time for feasting! For people who follow the traditions of Lent, the period of deprivation is over. For the rest of us, Easter is a great reason to break out the turkey, ham, or fancy dinnerware!
Easter, as a feasting holiday, is also a great time to check your knowledge about food safety. Did you know that leftovers should be refrigerated or frozen within two hours to prevent food poisoning? How about talking turkey? Whole turkey should be cooked to a temperature of 185 F to kill any harmful bacteria.
While food safety is always important, we often get caught up in the festivities of the holidays and forget the principles. In particular if you have a lowered immune system, follow a few simple tips to keep yourself safe this Easter!
Saturday April 23, 2011
Happy Easter, bunnies! With Easter just around the corner, many folks are getting out the gear to do a little festive egg decorating this weekend. While this is a wonderful family activity, there are a few things to remember about handling eggs if you have a lowered immune system as a result of leukemia or lymphoma.
Health Canada recommends hard boiling your eggs before you decorate them. Once they are cooled, you should refrigerate them to keep them edible, if that is what you are in to. You may also choose to use non- toxic dyes and easter egg colors to prevent leaching through the shells.
You should never eat eggs, raw or cooked, that have been left out for display. According to health officials, hard cooked eggs that have been left out of the fridge for more than two hours are no longer safe to eat.
Tuesday April 19, 2011
A study published earlier this month by the Journal of the American Medical Association has revealed that many persons infected with genital herpes (HSV-2) can shed the virus and infect others, even when they have no symptoms present. In addition, the literature indicates that some of these individuals may not even realize they have the infection if there are no symptoms present.
Previously, many believed that if you did not have lesions, you could not transmit the disease.
This research may be of particular interest for people who have a decreased immune system as a result of leukemia, lymphoma, or treatment for a blood cancer. When your immune system is suppressed, you are at an increased risk of contracting infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and you should be extra careful if your partner has herpes or if you are beginning a sexual relationship with someone new. It reinforces the importance of using a barrier method of contraception (i.e.; condom) to protect yourself, not only from herpes, but other infections as well.
