Category Archives: MS Treatment

Here at Maclean's, we appreciate the written word. And we appreciate you, the reader. We are always looking for ways to create a better user experience for you and wanted to try out a new functionality that provides you with a reading experience in which the words and fonts take centre stage. We believe you'll appreciate the clean, white layout as you read our feature articles. But we don't want to force it on you and it's completely optional. Click "View in Clean Reading Mode" on any article if you want to try it out. Once there, you can click "Go back to regular view" at the top or bottom of the article to return to the regular layout. Last weeks cancellation of a clinical trial in Albany, N.Y., researching treatment of CCSVI is a big setback for those trying to glean scientific insight into whether venous angioplasty mitigates multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms in people with MS who have obstructed venous flow. Its very bad news for the Saskatchewan government, which allocated $2.2 million to fund the trial and recruited volunteersto travel to the U.S. And it is a major blow for those whod taken part in the trial or … Continue reading →

By Margot Peppers PUBLISHED: 14:16 EST, 23 September 2013 | UPDATED: 14:32 EST, 23 September 2013 24 shares 32 View comments Angelina Jolie's breast cancer surgeon has hit back at critics who say she's 'taking advantage' of the clients who have been flocking to her now-famous clinic. Kristi Funk, 44, told Town & Country that it was 'entirely' Ms Jolie's decision to 'go public' about the preventive double mastectomy she underwent at the Pink Lotus Breast Center, the clinic Dr Funk co-founded in Beverly Hills. 'She and Brad hope their situation can resonate with other women,' Dr Funk said of the actress. 'Whatever criticism there is that I am taking advantage of my clientele is overruled by the good that is done.' Claim to fame: Angelina Jolie's breast cancer surgeon Kristi Funk (pictured) has hit back at critics who say she's 'taking advantage' of the clients who have been flocking to her now-famous clinic Since May, when Ms Jolie told the New York Times she had her treatment at Pink Lotus, patients have been calling the clinic non-stop, booking appointments with Dr Funk up to three months in advance. See the rest here: Angelina Jolie's mastectomy surgeon Kristi Funk hits … Continue reading →

Surgeon faces probe over breast cancer treatment Tuesday, September 24, 2013 A woman who died of breast cancer following a nine-month delay in her diagnosis voiced concerns about her young daughter and her will shortly before she passed away. By Kevin Keane Her consultant breast surgeon is facing allegations that he failed to carry out a full investigation on the woman, known only as Ms K. A Medical Council fitness to practise inquiry has heard the consultant initially decided not to carry out a mammogram on her and instead opted for a ultrasound and asked her to return to see him three months later. The consultant is on sick leave from work and can only be identified as Dr C, upon the direction of the inquiry. It heard that Ms K, who was aged 40 at the time, was referred to the surgeon by her GP in Jul 2007 after complaining of lumps in her left breast. Before seeing Dr C in August, she failed to attend two earlier appointments and also failed to attend a follow-up appointment made for her in Dec 2007. However, after being sent for a mammogram and biopsy by Dr C in Jun 2008, she … Continue reading →

EXTON, Pa., Sept.24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BioTrends Research Group, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for specialized biopharmaceutical issues, finds that surveyed U.S. neurologists report significantly greater overall physician satisfaction with Biogen Idec's recently-launched oral disease-modifying therapy (DMT) Tecfidera than with most other DMTs approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). These other agents include platform injectables such as interferon-beta therapies and Teva's Copaxone, as well as other oral DMTsAubagio from Genzyme (a Sanofi company) and Novartis's Gilenya. This finding likely reflects respondents' high rating of Tecfidera on several key performance attributes in the areas of efficacy and patient benefits compared with other approved agents. Nevertheless, Copaxonethe current patient share leader among respondents' DMT-treated MS patientsstill ranks as respondents' most preferred brand for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS), a perception driven by the drug's long-term safety and tolerability/side effect profile. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130103/MM36805LOGO ) The recently published TreatmentTrends: Multiple Sclerosis Q3 2013 (US) report also finds that, if only two late-stage emerging products were to launch for the treatment of MS (out of six products assessed), more than 45 percent of surveyed neurologists select Teva's Copaxone 40 mg three-times-weekly (3TW) and Genzyme/Bayer … Continue reading →

Three decades of research in Cambridge has been rewarded after the EU agency responsible for regulating new drugs approved a transformational new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). In 1975 scientists Cesar Milstein and George Kohler working at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) in Cambridge invented the technology for making large quantities of an antibody targeted at one specificity, so-called monoclonal antibodies (work for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1984). Building on this research, Herman Waldmann, Geoff Hale and Mike Clark from the University of Cambridge, with Greg Winter and Lutz Riechmann in LMB, produced the first monoclonal antibody for potential use as a medicine, Campath-1H (now known as Alemtuzumab), adopting the technique of humanising these antibodies in order to minimise risk of the drug being rejected by patients. Campath-1H was subsequently licensed for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. However, in the 1980s Cambridge clinical scientists also began to explore its use in autoimmune diseases, which occur when the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In 1991, Alastair Compston (Professor of Neurology and Head of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences) began to explore the use of Alemtuzumab as a treatment … Continue reading →

WESTON, Mass.--(BUSINESSWIRE)-- Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:BIIB - News) will present 58 data sets from the companys multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical portfolio of approved and investigational products at the 29th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Copenhagen, Denmark, October 2-5. The collection of data being presented at ECTRIMS represents Biogen Idecs industry-leading expertise in MS research and showcases the companys deep understanding of differing patient needs. Through decades of cutting-edge science, Biogen Idec has more experience than any other company in advancing the treatment of this disease, recognising that physicians need therapeutic choices to meet treatment goals. Biogen Idec is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in MS, which has been made possible through our research and development efforts over the past 30 years, said Douglas E. Williams, Ph.D., executive vice president, Research and Development at Biogen Idec. Our commitment has enabled us to bring a number of therapy options to patients, and we are excited to be presenting data on some promising candidates which have the potential to broaden the treatment spectrum for people living with this chronic, debilitating disease. Data at ECTRIMS will be presented from across Biogen Idecs portfolio, … Continue reading →

Sept. 23, 2013, 3 a.m. Esther Olsson knows what it's like to lose someone to mental illness. In the last two years, the 20-year-old from Hawthorn had to attend the funerals of two uncles who lost their battles with depression. As a result, Ms Olsson is once again taking part in ZIP IT, a campaign that challenges people across Australia to stop talking for up to 24 hours on World Mental Health Day, October 10, to raise awareness about the crippling effects of mental illness. ''I feel like mental health needs to be talked about more. People have always had a weird reaction to it,'' she said. Last year, Ms Olsson raised nearly $2500 for the cause, and this year she and her three siblings wish to donate the proceeds to Suicide Prevention Australia, one of the organisations officially supporting ZIP IT. Part of a ''loud, talkative and crazy family'', Ms Olsson said that giving up talking for a day would be challenging. ''But when I did it last year, I got people messaging me on Facebook, telling me it's great that I'm doing this. People started talking about [mental illness] because not talking for a day is a conversation … Continue reading →

Jackson, MS (PRWEB) September 21, 2013 Dr. Roger B. Parkes and Dr. R. Clarke Steward are certified to perform the most advanced laser gum disease treatment option in Jackson, which treats gum disease and decreases the risk of tooth and bone loss. The Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) is the only FDA cleared laser available for the treatment of gum disease. Gum disease begins with harmless-seeming symptoms such as sensitivity of the gums, gums that bleed easily and inflammation. Many sufferers ignore these symptoms, sometimes out of fear of traditional dental procedures, and often because they are unaware of the severity of potential health issues related to gum disease. One of these issues is the deterioration of bone in the jaw. In some cases, the infection associated with gum disease causes the bone in the area to recede away from the tooth, leading to tooth loss. Bone loss occurs rapidly when a tooth is lost, because it is no longer stimulated by the roots of the tooth. Drs. Parkes and Steward believe in helping patients keep their natural teeth whenever possible. LANAP uses a highly specialized laser to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and to remove damaged tissue. … Continue reading →

Holyrood PR TV Episode 85 - MS Treatment, Scottish Food and Drink and New Client Wins Another busy week at Holyrood Partnership, attracting international patients for a unique MS clinic, celebrating the best of Scottish food and drink - toppin... By: Holyrood PR … Continue reading →

Connecticut readers may recognize David S. Rosenblum, M.D., of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford, as a "Top Doc" from his numerous mentions in Connecticut Magazine's annual physician reviews. This year, the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has given the doctor a new title: Partner in MS Care, Rehabilitation Professional. "Being recognized as a Partner in MS Care reinforces my continued dedication to the National MS Society," said Rosenblum. "I have worked with the MS community for many years, and it has truly become a long-standing, personal and professional commitment." Partners in MS Care is a broad and inclusive initiative that recognizes partnerships with many types of MS healthcare professionals. The goal of the program is to positively impact the quality of MS care and access to that care. Gaylord also provides financial assistance to those suffering from MS through the Elizabeth Birney Gagliardi Fund for Multiple Sclerosis which is funded each year by a wine tasting event on campus. "Connecticut Chapter Partners in MS Care abide by strict criteria," shared Lynette Coleman, Associate Vice President of Programs & Services for the Connecticut Chapter. "Physicians with a particular interest in MS care must have extensive experience and knowledge of MS, must … Continue reading →