Pfizer Cancer Therapies Move Forward in Europe

The European Medicines Agency has accepted Pfizer's regulatory submissions for review of two investigational compounds.One of them,crizotinib,targets a form of advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC);the other,bosutinib,is aimed at newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia.Both compounds are believed to inhibit signaling in cancer cells that allows them to grow,survive and reproduce.
Pfizer Oncology says its pipeline is focused on identifying and translating the best scientific breakthroughs into clinical applications across a wide range of cancers.It has biologics and small molecules in clinical development and more than 100 clinical trials underway.
With its wide array of research partners,ranging from individual researchers to academic institutions,Pfizer Oncology strives to deliver the right drug for each patient at the right time to cure or control cancer.
Pfizer is listed on the London and New York stock exchanges under the ticker symbols PFZ and PFE,respectively.CEO Ian Read heads the New York-based company.

Advances in Oncology

Our knowledge of cancer grows with each passing month,moving us to an ever greater understanding of the processes and origins of these complex diseases.British researchers have been cataloging the abnormalities which cause cancer across the human genome.There are 23,000 mutations in every cancer cell.Specifically,the scientists have mapped the genetic code for two common cancers:lung cancer and malignant melanoma.This had never been done before.Over time,such detailed knowledge should enable the development of new screening tests and treatments.The research was published in the science journal Nature.
One cause of genetic mutations is exposure to radiation.For instance,CT scans have now been found to cause more cancers than was previously thought.This important diagnostic procedure peers deep inside the body,resulting in radiation exposure worse than that caused by conventional x-rays.A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine says that,of all the patients that had CT scans in 2007,27,000 will develop cancers as a result of the scans,and 15,000 of them will die.The lead researcher commented that it is clear that many CTs are unnecessary.
While some oncology research leads to new treatments or screening techniques,other studies cause testing guidelines to be revised or reinforced,and may be just as important to patient welfare.

Health Uncle:Pistachios Beneficial

Pistachio nuts may be helpful in lowering LDL cholesterol by up to 12%.The Penn State study shows that one or two handfuls a day may be effective.Besides being linked to lower cholesterol,the nuts are high in fiber and cell-protecting anti-oxidants.A 100 calorie serving of pistachios amounts to about 30 nuts.
When you've eaten your nuts,consider flossing or rinsing to prevent gum disease.Gum disease is associated with a number of other chronic diseases,from heart conditions to oral and lung cancers.Particles of food stuck on or between the teeth attract the bacteria that eventually infect your gums.More than 75% of Americans suffer from some stage of gum disease.