Category: Brandpoint Health

2022-04-28T12:31:00

(BPT) – Without a doubt, cancer is one of the scariest diagnoses anyone may face, typically triggering a roller coaster of emotions — from fear and anxiety to anger and sadness — and sending families into turmoil. But thanks to major advances in cancer treatment, survival rates are increasing, and more people than ever are seeing their cancer go into remission.

Still, life is never the same after a battle with cancer. Even after tests show they are cancer free and life returns to normal, many live with the fear that their cancer may return, constantly dreading that the proverbial other shoe will drop and worrying about the next scan.

When cancer returns after treatment, this is known as cancer recurrence. Rates of recurrence vary widely. For instance, breast cancer patients may have a recurrence rate of 5% to 9% if treated early, whereas colorectal cancer patients could have a 17% risk after surgery. The odds depend on many factors, but research continues to show that identifying recurrence early on can help improve recovery rates or make it easier to manage the disease.

Tools for monitoring recurrence

The good news is that now there are new ways to monitor cancer recurrence with just a simple blood test. Natera’s Signatera test is a personalized blood test capable of detecting tiny amounts of cancer left in the body — right down to a single molecule of tumor DNA present in a test tube of blood. Regular monitoring using the Signatera test can provide greater peace of mind that if their cancer does return, they can catch it earlier and at a more treatable stage.

Many cancer survivors are turning to Signatera as a valuable screening tool, including Taryn Hillin, a screenwriter living in Los Angeles, who at the age of 33 years old, faced a life-changing diagnosis with a rare type of neuroendocrine cancer in the uterine cervix that has a low survival rate.

In her desperate battle against the disease, she underwent aggressive treatment that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She also changed her entire lifestyle, improving her diet, working with an oncologist to determine a supplement regimen and adding more exercise to her day.

“I’m so traumatized from cancer that every time I get even a little sick, I descend into a pit of desperation,” Hillin writes in her blog, which she uses to chronicle her ongoing battle against the disease. “Never again, I tell myself. But I am only human and cannot control everything.”

Yet today, almost three years later, there is still no evidence of her cancer recurring. Hillin’s routine surveillance program includes scans every 90 days, as well as regular blood tests with Signatera, which she says is giving her peace of mind and a sense of taking back control.

What makes this test different?

The Signatera test is custom built for each patient’s tumor mutation signature, tracking this unique fingerprint over time. For this reason, it’s a highly sensitive disease detection method that in some cases can detect recurrence months to years before imaging and scans.

Signatera can even be used during treatment to help evaluate the need for additional chemotherapy. While many of today’s tools for detecting cancer recurrence are inadequate, Signatera offers a fast, accurate and less invasive monitoring and surveillance strategy — and vital peace of mind for patients like Hillin.

Thanks to regular Signatera testing, Hillin’s UCLA doctors are planning to space out her PET scans, a type of imaging test that uses a radioactive drug to detect the abnormal metabolic rates typical of tumors. Instead, they plan to alternate between scans and Signatera testing.

“When you’re fighting the battle against cancer, you can’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out information on new tools like Signatera,” Hillin says. “I encourage everyone to get out there and use everything at their disposal, especially tests like these — it can greatly help with scan anxiety and the fear of recurrence.”

For more information, visit Natera.com or ask your doctor about Signatera.

2022-04-28T09:01:00

(BPT) – When you get dressed in the morning, do you smile in the mirror and like what you see? Your teeth are part of your overall well-being and have the power to change how you look and feel. Having a solid oral health routine enables you to look and feel your best with a brighter, whiter smile. It can go a long way in improving your health, mood and help you carry yourself more confidently.

Just like putting on a nice outfit makes you feel put together and capable, a great smile can improve your appearance and impact your self-esteem. According to a survey by Premier Dental, 78% of respondents feel more confident when their teeth are clean and white.

Your teeth also affect how others perceive you. Of those consumers surveyed, respondents noted that when they meet someone who has a bright, white smile, they believe that person is confident (41%), happy (32%) and friendly (29%). If you want to make a great first impression, having a bright, clean smile can help.

People care about teeth, and for some, proper oral hygiene is non-negotiable in romantic relationships. About 50% of U.S. consumers would break up with someone over their neglected dental hygiene. Investing in your oral hygiene may very well improve your current or prospective dating life!

Elevate your oral health

If you already have an excellent oral hygiene routine, you likely brush your teeth twice a day with a regular or electric toothbrush. If you want to step up your game further, consider improving your oral health with the advanced izzo® 4-in-1 oral care system.

Inspired and designed by dental professionals, izzo^® is technology for your mouth that can give you a healthy, confident smile.

The izzo^® 4-in-1 oral care kit includes an advanced oscillating toothbrush, polishing system with interchangeable polishing cup head and enamel polishing paste, scaler and UVC sanitizer. The stylish components are stored on a convenient charging base. The kit even includes a sample packet of eco-friendly floss picks. izzo^® has everything you need for a simple four-step dental routine, with a turnkey subscribe and save model to ensure you’re always replenished.

1. Start by attaching the advanced oscillating brush head to the power handle and set your brush speed to gentle, daily or ultra. The built-in timer will ensure you’re brushing for two minutes, giving you the perfect clean every time.

2. Eat or drink something that’s likely to discolor your enamel like coffee, red wine or blueberries? Switch the brush head for the polishing cup once per week and apply the enamel polishing paste to really make your teeth shine. This polishing system removes surface stains and soft plaque 73% better than advanced whitening toothpastes with 45% less abrasion on teeth.

3. Get into those tight nooks and crannies with the at-home scaler. Made from medical-grade polymers, the scaler is strong enough to remove soft plaque and food particles in between teeth and around your gum line yet flexible enough that it won’t scratch or hurt your gums when used as directed.

4. Ensure that you’re ready for the next time you brush by putting the brush head and polishing cup head in the UVC sanitizer. In just three minutes, the ultraviolet light kills 99.9% of germs like bacteria and viruses that may be lurking in the brush and polishing heads. No more kidding yourself that rinsing your brush for three seconds under the faucet makes it clean … because it doesn’t! The UVC case takes two hours to fully charge and holds its charge up to a month.

Bonus Step: Grab an izzo^® eco-friendly, plant-based floss pick to finish off your routine.

Smile On!

“We are passionate about elevating oral care. It’s at the heart of our business. We believe oral health is a function of regular visits to your dentist and a great oral care routine in the home,” said Julie Charlestein, CEO and founder of izzo^®, and CEO of Premier Dental. “Our revolutionary izzo® oral care system makes it possible for consumers to elevate their at-home dental routine to bring a healthy confidence and a bright smile for the other 360+ days they’re not at the dentist.”

Invest in your teeth, your health and your confidence. To learn more about the izzo^® oral care system and other ways to improve your dental hygiene, visit izzosmile.com.

2022-04-28T05:01:00

(BPT) – “I can hear you. I just can’t understand you.”

This is a common refrain heard from millions of Americans with the most common form of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

The reason? Healthy hearing is much more than the “loudness” of sound. Today’s treatments for hearing loss, devices like hearing aids, can make sounds louder, but they often fall short in helping people to hear more clearly.

A nationwide clinical trial is underway to study whether a drug candidate may improve hearing in people with certain types of hearing loss — particularly their ability to hear sounds and speech clearly.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)

SNHL is the most common form of hearing loss. It results from damage to sensory cells (commonly referred to as hair cells as they look like little hairs) in the inner ear or problems with the nerve pathways that convert sound waves from the inner ear to the brain.

These sensory hair cells can be lost due to chronic noise exposure, suddenly, as a result of aging, or due to certain viral infections or exposure to drugs that are toxic to the ear.

While many assume that this type of hearing loss is just part of getting older, in fact, it is a public health problem that spans all age groups.

A nationwide clinical study

A Massachusetts-based biotech company is looking for people with sudden or noise-induced SNHL to participate in a free clinical study of a promising therapy designed to restore some hearing.

Frequency Therapeutics has been conducting clinical studies for a drug candidate, called FX-322, that it believes could help treat SNHL. Three clinical studies in which a single dose of FX-322 was administered have shown hearing improvements in measures of speech perception (hearing clarity). In addition, FX-322 was observed to be well-tolerated with no serious adverse effects.

The study is open to men and women 18 to 65 years of age with a documented medical history consistent with acquired, adult-onset, sensorineural hearing loss associated with noise induced or idiopathic sudden SNHL and have an audiogram from at least six months prior to screening. The study is not for those who were born deaf or who have a genetic form of hearing loss.

It is now enrolling subjects at nearly 30 sites across the United States. For more information on the study and site locations, visit https://www.clarahealth.com/studies/hearing-study.

2022-04-27T06:01:00

(BPT) – With the pandemic winding down, most of us are venturing out and going back to the office after about two years of working from home. This heralds a strong return to social engagements, parties and other face-to-face encounters that were on hold for so long.

“Cosmetic treatments for the face, body and skin are definitely in high demand post-pandemic. All signs suggest that consumers are eager to experience the newest crop of advanced aesthetic treatments we can offer them,” says Brandy Van Heyde, NP-C at BraVa MedSpa. “Many people opted for surgical procedures in 2021 since they could manage some downtime due to widespread shelter-in-place orders. Now we are seeing patients who are seeking facial and body treatments that yield maximum results with minimal downtime. The good news is that some of the latest and greatest non-invasive treatments and technologies can deliver surgical-like results,” says Van Heyde.

Eyelid surgery was the top surgical procedure among 50- to 80-year-olds from January to July 2021, according to The Aesthetic Society¹, but not everyone wants or needs surgery to soften crow’s feet and other signs of aging around the eyes and upper face.

Enter Secret RF™ and Secret PRO™ by CUTERA with options that combine fractional CO₂ laser skin resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling to treat aging around the eyes, while enhancing overall skin tone and texture.

Dr. Edward A. Alvarez, founder of Madison Avenue Face and Body, explains, “This technology stimulates the production of collagen and elastin under the skin’s surface, restoring many of the qualities associated with youth. An added bonus is that Secret RF microneedling can also treat common skin concerns such as texture, scars, loss of radiance, skin tone, quality and stretch marks.”^2,3,4

“The procedures can be stepped up if you are looking for a deeper, more corrective treatment to reverse the signs of aging or stepped down if you just need a touchup,” says Dr. Alvarez. Typically, one to four treatments are needed to achieve your goals.

Many of us put on a little weight during the pandemic from lack of exercise and stress-eating. “Now that the world has opened up again and everyone has started to return to their normal routine, non-invasive body contouring is on trend, and it’s helping both men and women restore their contours,” he says.

“Most people don’t have the downtime needed for liposuction, so we suggest a truBody treatment with truSculpt® flex and truSculpt® iD,” says Dr. Alvarez. “truSculpt iD is a 15-minute fat reduction treatment, and truSculpt flex is a 15- to 45-minute muscle-stimulating treatment that can tone your abs, obliques, buttocks and thighs,” he says.

“With truSculpt iD, it takes about three to four months for your body to eliminate the damaged fat cells, and most people see an average of 24% reduction in fat,”^5,6 Dr. Alvarez says. “truSculpt flex creates tone and definition through multi-directional bioelectrical muscle stimulation. One treatment simulates 54,000 crunches, and a series of treatments can result in up to a 30% increase in muscle mass,”⁷ he says.

The best part? “The surgery-like results we can achieve with Cutera’s innovations can be performed with almost zero downtime so they can fit into anyone’s schedule and lifestyle year-round,” says Van Heyde.

Schedule a consultation with a Cutera provider near you today: https://www.cutera.com/find-a-provider/.

¹ Aesthetic Society. “Americans Spent Over $8.7 Billion on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in the First 6 Months of 2021”

² Juhasz, Margit L.W., and Joel L. Cohen. “Microneedling for the Treatment of Scars: An Update for Clinicians.” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 13, 2020, pp. 997–1003., https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s267192.

³ Yadav, Savita, and Aashim Singh. “Microneedling: Advances and Widening Horizons.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal, vol. 7, no. 4, 2016, p. 244., https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185468.

⁴ Cho, Soo Ick, et al. “Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedle Treatment in Acne Scars and Large Facial Pores.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 38, no. 7, 2012, pp. 1017–1024., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02402.x.

⁵ Taub A, Bartholomeusz J. Ultrasound Evaluation of a Single Treatment With a Temperature Controlled Multi-Frequency Monopolar Radio Frequency Device for the Improvement of Localized Adiposity on the Abdomen and Flanks. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(1):28-34., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985195/

⁶ Somenek MT, Ronan SJ, Pittman TA. A Multi-Site, Single-Blinded, Prospective Pilot Clinical Trial for Non-Invasive Fat Reduction of the Abdomen and Flanks Using a Monopolar 2 MHz Radiofrequency Device. Lasers Surg Med. 2021 Mar;53(3):337-343., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32621362/

⁷ Stephen J. Ronan M.D. A Novel Bio-Electric Current Stimulation Device For Improvement Of Muscle Tone 7/2019., https://illumaadvanced.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/truSculpt-flex-Safety-and-Efficacy-Whitepaper-1.pdf

2022-04-26T00:01:00

(BPT) – In an extensive analysis of patient claims data, health plan member engagement has emerged as employers’ single best-practice solution for controlling costs and improving outcomes for their employees.

In the fifth joint white paper by the Health Action Council and UnitedHealthcare, a comprehensive analysis of 320,000+ covered lives identified 50% of nearly $2 billion in cost to employers was limited to five conditions:

Cancer – 15%

Musculoskeletal – 13%

Cardiovascular – 9%

Gastrointestinal – 7%

Neurological – 6%

The study, Costly Conditions: Identifying and Addressing Top Clinical Cost Drivers, offers insights into why employer cost varies so widely across gender, age, income, geography and social determinants of health. In addressing these dominant conditions, the report shows why individual communities matter so much in terms of total cost of care, billing patterns, treatments and outcomes. In addition to the “why,” the report shows how employers can reduce costs by encouraging more employee engagement.

Best-Practice Recommendations

Patty Starr, president and CEO, Health Action Council, and Craig Kurtzweil, vice president, UnitedHealthcare Center for Advanced Analytics, stress that employer, management and budget priorities should focus on these strategic imperatives:

Transparency

Empowering people with more information about their care options may help everyone make more informed decisions and save. Integrated online resources available today provide personalized wellness support, decision-making power and comparison-shopping options for employees. Employers can achieve significant gains by providing tools for employees to evaluate providers, treatment options and cost estimates of medical services.

Engagement

Encouraging employee engagement — activation — helps optimize plans and incentives. For example, the UnitedHealthcare HAI™ tool evaluates 53 evidence-based decisions as well as life-stage, demographic and social determinants, to identify under-engaged individuals and groups. The report shows that highly activated patients are significantly less costly, and far healthier, than those lower on the activation scale.

Affordability

Lower drug prices have the greatest impact on plan affordability for the company and employee. Introducing pharmacy step therapies to support the use of high-quality, lower-cost generics or biosimilars before turning to more expensive solutions is one example. Also, look for differences in practice patterns by geographic region (over- and undertreating; low adoption of best practices) when targeting high-cost conditions. Did you know that neurological treatment differs greatly by location? For example, patients in Greensboro are eight times more likely to have carpal tunnel surgery than people in Phoenix. Billed charges also vary widely. The average billed by providers in Los Angeles is four times higher than Philadelphia for the same procedure code.

Advocacy

Employers should also make sure their employee health strategy includes a commitment to helping their employees navigate the health care system. Using advanced algorithms to identify the next best actions personalized to each member, advocacy and clinical resources can go beyond basic customer service to develop a deeper understanding of an individual and their needs, including social needs, to deliver personalized guidance. The goal is to create a simpler experience, so a person can make more informed health decisions, improve their health, connect with relevant clinical programs, avoid unnecessary costs, understand lower-cost treatment options and find community resources.

Employers can learn more about how to lower costs and help employees achieve better health by reading the full white paper HealthActionCouncil.org/News/Health-Action-Council-and-UnitedHealthcare-Release.

2022-04-24T18:01:00

(BPT) – Denver native Matt Callis has a busy, active lifestyle to balance, and he doesn’t want his diabetes to interfere with either enjoying time playing with his young kids or riding his motorcycle. Like the 37.3 million other people in the U.S. who have diabetes^[i], Matt relies on available therapies, medical technology and a treatment plan from his healthcare team to help manage his condition and stay as healthy as possible.

“I do everything I can to stay on top of my health,” says Matt, “so I can be there for my kids when they need me.”

Medical technology to aid people with diabetes

Fortunately, medicine has advanced a great deal in the 100 years since insulin was first discovered. Technology to help those with diabetes has improved dramatically, providing people with better tools to help manage their condition and improve treatment outcomes. One of the biggest technological innovations in recent times is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which offers people with diabetes insights into the impact of their glucose-lowering medications (mainly insulin), plus their activity, diet and lifestyle on their glucose levels. The information gleaned from these easy-to-use devices can help people improve their outcomes and avoid low sugar levels that can be dangerous.

How CGMs work

CGMs use a small sensor placed under the skin to measure your glucose levels every few minutes, all day and night, and then sends that information to a monitor or mobile device. Anyone wearing a CGM can check their glucose level easily at any time, allowing them to better balance factors like their medications, food intake and physical activity. An alert can sound to notify you (or a parent, in the case of children) if glucose levels become too high or too low and need to be addressed. Family and friends can also follow this on their own smartphones, if that is what both you and they want.

The knowledge provided by CGMs not only helps improve each person’s daily well-being, but the information collected over time also allows healthcare providers to assess patterns and trends so they can evaluate the effectiveness of the overall treatment plan for each individual.

Groundbreaking improvement to the CGM

One of the few drawbacks to using some CGM systems is that the majority of available CGM sensors can only last for a limited time. Depending on the type of CGM, the sensor may need to be replaced as often as every week or two. However, the FDA has just approved a 180-day (up to 6 months) sensor for the Eversense E3 CGM System, which was developed by Senseonics, Inc and brought to people by Ascensia Diabetes Care. As the longest-lasting system available in the U.S. today, the new Eversense E3 CGM System provides a significant step forward for people with diabetes.

“It gives me great peace of mind knowing that I won’t have to worry about replacing my CGM sensor for months,” says Matt. “Wearing this new CGM means that I will likely only need two sensor insertion and removal procedures per year, which is a big improvement. That freedom and convenience is so important for my active lifestyle.”

How to learn more about the Eversense E3 CGM System

The Eversense CGM System is a prescription device designed for adults (18 years of age and older) with diabetes taking insulin. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more or, to get started with Eversense E3, you can sign up at EversenseDiabetes.com/get-started-today.

“People today want choice and functionality that allows them to seamlessly integrate medical technology to meet their unique needs and their lifestyle,” says Dr. Francine Kaufman, chief medical officer of Senseonics and former President of the American Diabetes Association. “This new system offers people — and their healthcare providers — unparalleled flexibility and convenience, with a CGM sensor that is long-lasting as well as highly accurate.”

For important safety information, see EversenseDiabetes.com/safety-info/.

2022-04-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – More people are looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of everyday habits and actions, and some companies are helping them do just that. Did you know sustainability actions can include your oral care habits and the oral care products you use daily, like your toothbrush and toothpaste tubes?

Crest and Oral-B have been working on developing sustainable solutions from improving their product designs to responsible manufacturing using 100% purchased renewable electricity. In order to help less plastic material waste go to landfills and find innovative solutions, the Crest and Oral-B Recycle On Us program recycles your oral care waste that cannot be processed through traditional recycling. The best part: It’s free and easy! It’s just one small action you can take for positive impact.

Want to further reduce the environmental impact of some of your daily habits? Here are three concrete actions, including the Recycle On Us program, to help make a difference when it comes to your oral care routine:

1. Turn off your tap

Did you know that turning off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth can save up to 8 gallons of water a day? In between wetting your toothbrush and rinsing your teeth after you’re finished brushing, make sure to turn off the water rather than letting it run down the drain. Even better, consume less energy by opting for cold water.

2. Recycle your used oral care products

Did you know it’s possible to recycle things like old toothbrushes and dental floss containers? First, check the packaging to see if it can be recycled curbside. If not, Crest and Oral-B’s Recycle On Us recycling program helps consumers recycle many of their oral care products that cannot be processed through traditional recycling, including:

• Toothbrushes
• Toothbrush heads
• Toothpaste tubes
• Mouthwash containers
• Dental floss containers
• Floss picks

It’s easy. Here are the 3 easy steps to participate in Recycle On Us:

• Step 1: Request a free shipping label at OralB.com/Recycling.
• Step 2: Gather and put your used oral care materials in any size box, seal and attach the shipping label.
• Step 3: Ship the box from your local shipping center directly to their processing facility for recycling — so your discarded items can be turned into things like park benches, clothes and more.

3. Unplug your electric toothbrush

Most electrical appliances continue to use some electricity as long as they are plugged in, so remember to unplug the base charger when you’re not charging your electric toothbrush to help save energy.

Perhaps you’re already practicing some of these actions — great work! Keep it up and see if you can incorporate all three into your oral care routine. You’ll see it’s easy to help reduce your environmental impact and be more sustainable. The planet thanks you!

Photograph by Kai Casey

2022-04-22T17:23:00

(BPT) – For the more than 20,000 patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the U.S. each year, managing and coping with disease symptoms can be incredibly difficult.

AML, a rare blood cancer, causes the buildup of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, which can interfere with normal blood cell production, resulting in decreased healthy red and white blood cells and platelets.

Many AML patients tend to present with non-specific symptoms associated with more common ailments like the flu. AML World Awareness Day (April 21) is a reminder to look into symptoms you may otherwise brush off. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), AML symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss or appetite
• Weakness or feeling tired
• Red or purple pinpoint spots on the skin

Research has also found that the average age at first diagnosis of AML is around 68 and it is slightly more common among men than women.

“Older Americans must be vigilant about any changes in their health and behaviors,” said Dr. George Yaghmour, assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at USC Keck School of Medicine. “Seeing a doctor about possible AML symptoms may help to detect — and, more importantly, treat — AML in its early stages before it rapidly progresses.”

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, see a doctor.

Prevalence and risk factors

AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults and makes up 31% of all adult leukemia cases, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. While anyone can develop AML, particularly as they age, some factors increase the risk of developing this condition. These risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Exposure to radiation or certain cancer-causing chemicals
• Having certain blood disorders, such as chronic forms of leukemia
• Having a family history or genetic syndrome

If you have any of these risk factors, you should consider talking with your doctor.

Current treatments and challenges

Prior to 2018, treatment options were limited for people living with AML, but the AML treatment landscape has been rapidly evolving with new treatment options in recent years. In particular, some hematologists are exploring continued treatment as an alternative for patients who cannot proceed to stem cell transplant. Continued treatment is a post-remission option that may help adult AML patients live longer.

Frontline treatments like chemotherapy and others can be effective in getting patients into remission, however many patients will unfortunately relapse following treatment.

“Current treatments have left a gap in care for AML patients, who need innovative, continued treatment options that can prolong overall survival,” said Dr. Yaghmour.

Prolonging survival

There is an oral treatment available for AML patients in first remission who may not proceed to transplant due to either clinical eligibility or non-clinical reasons such as patient preference or caregiver support. This therapy may provide patients a better chance at living longer.

Onureg^® (azacitidine) tablet is the first and only FDA-approved continued AML therapy indicated for continued treatment of adult patients with AML who achieved first complete remission (CR) or complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) following intensive induction chemotherapy and are not able to complete intensive curative therapy. This oral medication also gives patients the option of treatment in the privacy of their own home.

As with any medication, it is important to discuss possible side effects that may occur with Onureg with your doctor, including the most common symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness or weakness, constipation, stomach area (abdominal) pain, pneumonia, joint pain, decreased appetite, pain in arms or legs, and dizziness. Find the complete list of possible side effects in Onureg’s Prescribing Information here.

See additional Onureg Important Safety Information here.

“Ultimately, we know that most patients with AML will face a relapse or progression of disease despite best available treatment,” said Dr. Thomas William LeBlanc, hematologic oncologist and associate professor of medicine at Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, North Carolina. “As a hematologist, my primary goal in this setting is to delay the progression of the disease and to better the patient’s probability of survival. Continued therapy plays an important role in helping to provide adult patients with AML a chance at living longer.”

If you’re living with AML, talk with your doctor and see if Onureg is suitable for you. To learn more, visit ONUREG.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is ONUREG^®?

ONUREG^® is a prescription medicine used for continued treatment of adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who had a first complete remission (CR) following intensive induction chemotherapy with or without recovery of your blood cell counts, and who are not able to complete intensive curative therapy. It is not known if ONUREG^® is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Do not take ONUREG^® if you:

are allergic to azacitidine or any of the ingredients in ONUREG^®. See the Patient Information for a complete list of ingredients in ONUREG^®.

Before taking ONUREG^®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have kidney or liver problems.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ONUREG^® can harm your unborn baby.
• Females who are able to become pregnant:
  • Your healthcare provider should perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with ONUREG^®.
  • You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for at least 6 months after your last dose of ONUREG^®.
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with ONUREG^®.
• Males with a female sexual partner who can become pregnant:
  • You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose of ONUREG^®.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ONUREG^® passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after your last dose of ONUREG^®.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I take ONUREG^®?

• Take ONUREG^® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
• Your healthcare provider will prescribe an anti-nausea medicine for you to take to help prevent nausea and vomiting during your treatment with ONUREG^®.
• Take the anti-nausea medicine 30 minutes before each dose of ONUREG^®.
• Your healthcare provider may decide to stop the anti-nausea medicine after your second cycle of ONUREG^®, if you do not have any nausea or vomiting.
• Take ONUREG^® by mouth 1 time each day beginning on Day 1 through Day 14 of each 28-day cycle.
• Take ONUREG^® with or without food at about the same time each day.
• Swallow ONUREG^® tablets whole. Do not cut, split, crush, or chew the tablets.
• If the powder from ONUREG^® tablets comes in contact with your skin, wash the area well right away with soap and water. If the powder from ONUREG^® tablets comes in contact with your eyes or mouth (mucous membranes), flush the area right away with water.
• If you miss a dose of ONUREG^®, or if you do not take your dose at the usual time, take the dose as soon as possible that day. Take your next dose at the regular time the next day. Do not take 2 doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.
• If you vomit after taking a dose of ONUREG^®, do not take another dose on the same day. Take your next dose at the regular time the next day.

What are the possible side effects of ONUREG^®?
ONUREG^® can cause serious side effects, including:

• New or worsening low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). New or worsening low white blood cell counts are common but can also be severe during treatment with ONUREG^®. If your white blood cell counts become very low, you are at increased risk for infections. Your healthcare provider will check your white blood cell counts before and during treatment with ONUREG^®. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine to help increase your white blood cell count if needed.

  Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms:

• fever or chills
• body aches
• feeling very tired or weak
• unusual headaches
• New or worsening low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Low platelet counts are common but can also be severe during treatment with ONUREG^®. Your healthcare provider will check your platelet counts before and during treatment with ONUREG^®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding. Your healthcare provider may change your dose or tell you to stop taking ONUREG^® if you have low blood cell counts.

ONUREG^® may cause fertility problems in males and females, which may affect your ability to have children. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

The most common side effects of ONUREG^® include:

• nausea and vomiting. See “How should I take ONUREG^®?”
• diarrhea. You may need to be treated with anti-diarrheal medicines.
• tiredness or weakness
• constipation
• stomach area (abdominal) pain
• pneumonia
• joint pain
• decreased appetite
• pain in arms or legs
• dizziness

These are not all of the possible side effects of ONUREG^®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1800FDA1088.

General information about the safe and effective use of ONUREG^®.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use ONUREG^® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ONUREG^® to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about ONUREG^® that is written for health professionals.

Please see full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for ONUREG^®.

Individual patient experiences may vary.

ONUREG is a trademark of Celgene Corporation, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

© 2022 Bristol Myers Squibb. All rights reserved. 2011-US-2200114. 04/22.

2022-04-22T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored and Developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be a life-changing event, and navigating care options throughout the course of this neurodegenerative disorder can be overwhelming for people with PD and their loved ones. A PD diagnosis requires lifelong management of the disease and ongoing communication with healthcare providers to address each person’s unique experience with PD. As the disease progresses and symptoms evolve, some people with PD may become discouraged by the misperception that little can be done to address symptoms associated with disease progression. Fortunately, that isn’t the case, and people with PD should continue to speak with their care teams about their concerns.^1,2,3 Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on care plans for people with PD, including treatment options and lifestyle adjustments, based on symptoms.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

While every person’s PD is different, symptoms may include motor symptoms, characterized by abnormal movement or difficulty of movement like tremors or rigidity, and non-motor symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep disorders, memory problems and anxiety and depression.^1,4,5 The current most commonly prescribed treatment for motor symptoms is a combination of two medications called carbidopa/levodopa. An increase or worsening of PD symptoms could be a sign that people with PD are experiencing disease progression. As symptoms progress, people with PD may experience more frequent OFF time, or periods of time when medications start to wear off between doses.^6,7

Understanding OFF Time

• PD is thought to be caused by low or falling levels of dopamine, a chemical that helps send messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.^1,7
• Treatment with the combination of carbidopa/levodopa can make more dopamine available in the brain.^6,7
• Usually, people on carbidopa/levodopa need to take pills multiple times per day to keep the dopamine levels in their brains steady. When the medication starts to wear off between doses, symptoms of PD can reappear, indicating that they may need to have their dose of carbidopa/levodopa increased.^6,7

For people with PD already taking carbidopa/levodopa, it may be time to explore an adjunctive (add-on, or additional) treatment option — like one that blocks the COMT enzyme, which may help make more levodopa available to reach the brain.^7,8 It may be worthwhile to speak with your doctor about your motor symptoms and treatment options that could help reduce OFF time and potentially provide more symptom-free time throughout the day.

Finding Motivation to Pursue Lifestyle Adjustments

When it comes to PD, lifestyle adjustments can also play an important role in addressing the signs and symptoms of the disease. For example, nearly three quarters of people living with PD experience micrographia, a cramped form of handwriting, and lifestyle adjustments like handwriting practice have been shown to help.^9,10

To motivate people with PD to keep up with their handwriting exercises, Neurocrine Biosciences, a neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and delivering life-changing treatments for Parkinson’s disease, created Parkinson’s Cards to Heroes. The program encourages people to practice handwriting through the act of transcribing messages of gratitude that are sent to everyday heroes, including the military and veterans as well as first responders and healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years ago and while my condition has fortunately progressed very slowly, I have a tremor in my left hand that I notice the most. Staying active and productive is important to me, so I was excited to get involved with Parkinson’s Cards to Heroes. The program provides a sense of purpose and writing cards is an opportunity to feel good about yourself while doing something positive. A true win-win,” said Allen, a Parkinson’s Cards to Heroes participant. “In recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April, visit the program’s website at www.pdcardstoheroes.com to order a kit and join me in getting started on your cards.”

Discussing Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Plans

From his care partners and loved ones to his doctors, Allen attributes his PD management to maintaining an open and ongoing dialogue with his care team about his PD symptoms. If you or a loved one with PD have experienced signs of disease progression and/or more frequent OFF time, be empowered this Parkinson’s Awareness Month to speak up. For more information about Cards to Heroes and to participate in the program, please visit www.pdcardstoheroes.com.

References:

1. Parkinson’s Foundation. What is Parkinson’s.
2. Global Burden of Disease Neurological Disorders Collaborator Group. Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders during 1990-2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. Lancet Neurol. 2017;16(11):877-897.
3. Dorsey ER, Bloem BR. The Parkinson Pandemic–A Call to Action. JAMA Neurol. 2018;75(1):9-10. 9.
4. Postuma RB, Berg D, Stern M, et al. MDS clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease. Mov Disord. 2015;30(12):1591-1601.
5. Chaudhuri KR,Martinez-Martin P, Schapira AH, et al. International multicenter pilot study of the first comprehensive self-completed nonmotor symptoms questionnaire for Parkinson’s disease: the NMSQuest study. Mov Disord. 2006;21(7):916-923.
6. Pahwa R., Factor S.A., Lyons K.E., et. al. Practice parameter: treatment of Parkinson disease with motor fluctuations and dyskinesia (an evidence-based review): report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2006;66(7):983-995.
7. Muller T. Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease. Drugs. 2015;75(2):157-174.
8. Bonifácio MJ, et al. Catechol-O-methyltransferase and Its Inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease. CNS Drug Rev. 2007;13(3):352-379.
9. Bryant, PT, et al. An Investigation of Two Interventions for Micrographia in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Clin. Rehabil. 2010.
10. Nackaerts, E., et al. Training for Micrographia Alters Neural Connectivity in Parkinson’s Disease. Front. Neurosci., 2018.

2022-04-21T16:01:00

(BPT) – Five years ago, LuAnn Valentino was given just an 11% chance of survival.

At just 53 years of age, she had been diagnosed with colon cancer during her first colonoscopy. With colorectal cancer being the third leading cause of cancer and one of the most common causes of cancer death, the diagnosis was already grim. But then, she learned that she was already in Stage IV, the most advanced and deadliest stage of colon cancer.

Now, five years later, she has not only survived, but she has thrived. And as she thinks about her cancer journey, she knows two things are true: Had she gotten a colonoscopy earlier, she likely wouldn’t have been in the most advanced stage when she was diagnosed, and a blood test has helped save her life.

A late diagnosis

Valentino knew she should have a colonoscopy, but in her words, “it just wasn’t convenient.” As a schoolteacher in New Jersey and a mother, Valentino had a busy lifestyle that delayed her screening. The only indicator she had that something was wrong was her constant fatigue, which plagued her even after drinking four cups of coffee in a day.

Finally, in November 2017, she took a day off to see her doctor for the colonoscopy. As she was waking up from sedation, she learned she had a significant mass in the right of her large intestine, which turned out to be Stage IV colon cancer that had already spread to other parts of her body.

Valentino’s experience is not unusual. Colorectal cancer used to be considered an illness found later in life, with more than half detected after the age of 64, according to the American Cancer Society. But a 2017 study found a sharp increase in the rate of colorectal cancer in those born in 1990 as compared to those born around 1950. In fact, three out of 10 rectal cancer diagnoses are now found in people under the age of 55. This shift led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower the recommended screening age to 45 years old from 50 years old in 2021.

“Sadly, no matter how healthy you think you may be, cancer can happen to anyone, and it changes your life,” Valentino said. “The toll that death takes on everyone you love makes you realize the importance of getting screened.”

The initial journey

The diagnosis left Valentino overwhelmed and conflicted. She had no other symptoms warning her that she had cancer, but that can be typical, according to the American Cancer Society, because the disease may not cause symptoms initially. However, she knew she had a family history of cancer.

“I never understood why my brother was 35 years old with cancer or why my mother simultaneously was diagnosed with cancer, and my sister was diagnosed at 54 with cancer,” she said. “I figured it was only a matter of time before it got to me. By the time it did, I knew enough about cancer that I was able to fight for my own life. A gift that I attribute to each of my loved ones’ cancer journeys.”

And fight she did. At the advice of her doctors, she began chemotherapy in 2018 and had surgery to remove a third of her large intestine, a third of her liver as well as her gallbladder and appendix. After the surgery, she resumed chemotherapy and her disease seemed to go into remission.

The journey wasn’t always pleasant. She suffered side effects, including hair loss, nerve damage causing weakness and pain, body shakes and severe aversion to cold — even cold beverages. Despite this, she felt like she had her cancer under control.

But two years later, in 2020, a CT scan showed that the cancer had returned. This is not uncommon. According to a study in the Annals of Family Medicine, approximately 30–40% of those with colorectal cancer develop recurrence following surgery and most recurrences happen within the first two to three years following initial treatment.

The path to identifying characteristics of the tumor

Given all of this, Valentino’s oncologist suggested she undergo biomarker testing of her cancer. Biomarker testing is a way to look at the genetic make-up of an individual’s cancer to identify whether a particular treatment may work for that person. Testing is done one of two ways — either using tissue from the tumor itself or using a blood sample that can detect tumor DNA circulating in the person’s blood stream.

Deciding she wanted to obtain her results quickly, Valentino took it upon herself to do her research and have her oncologist reach out to Guardant Health, a leader in developing blood-based tests for cancer, to obtain a Guardant360 CDx test.

The blood test revealed new information from her tumor, which alerted her care team that they needed to adjust their approach and add a treatment, immunotherapy, to her regimen. After only two rounds on the FDA-approved immunotherapy, the cancer seemed to disappear, shocking both Valentino and her oncologists.

Hope for the future

Today, Valentino feels great. But she remains vigilant on her cancer journey. Knowing that cancer can continue to evolve over time, which can require new treatment approaches, Valentino stays up to date with surveillance tests and has a blood test regularly to monitor for any changes.

Knowing all the characteristics of her cancer provided a more complete picture of the disease for Valentino. In her words, it gave her hope for the future.

“Blood tests are fantastic,” she said. “They’re such a huge breakthrough for colorectal cancer. They are not only convenient, more importantly, they saved my life.”