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Abstract

AbstractVaccine prolongs prostate cancer survivalImmunisation with Prostvac vaccine prolonged overall survival in advanced prostate cancer by 8.5 months compared with placebo, a phase II trial has shown.Prostvac, a recombinant viral vaccine against prostate‐specific antigen and associated co‐stimulatory molecules, is being developed jointly by Bavarian Nordic and the US National Cancer Institute. Administered as a course of seven monthly subcutaneous injections, it has been shown to increase median overall survival from 16.6 months with placebo to 25.1 months after four years' follow‐up in 125 men with advanced prostate cancer. Bavarian Nordic says the tolerability profile is good, with local injection site reactions accounting for most adverse events.Breast cancer specialists not auditing NICE adherenceMost UK breast cancer specialists believe their units follow NICE guidance on treatment, but only 21 per cent have checked by auditing their practice. Further, 23 per cent do not have, or are unaware of, systems for recalling women treated with tamoxifen for reassessment after 2‐3 years. A quarter do not provide junior medical staff with a copy of treatment guidelines.The findings come from a survey of 100 breast cancer specialists presented at the National Cancer Research Institute Conference in Birmingham in October 2008. The authors concluded there is a clear need for a simple standardised system, in addition to normal clinical follow‐up, that would ensure timely recall of women on tamoxifen to review their treatment plans.Ovarian cancer statement raises awarenessClinicians, patients' representatives and policy makers have published a consensus statement designed to improve the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by raising awareness of its symptoms.Public awareness of ovarian cancer is low and patients often follow a convoluted care pathway because GPs fail to recognise the presenting symptoms. Although these are not specific, the statement emphasises that the persistence, frequency and severity of new‐onset pelvic and abdominal pain, increased abdominal size/persistent bloating, and difficulty eating and feeling full should alert doctors to the diagnosis.Copies of the statement can be downloaded at www.eveappeal.org.uk/consensus.HIV testing should be routineHIV testing should be a routine part of diagnosis for all health professionals in secondary care, according to a new guide.It is estimated that a third of HIV cases are undiagnosed and one‐third of diagnoses are late. Delayed diagnosis is believed to account for 35 per cent of HIV‐related deaths. The new guide, HIV for non‐HIV Specialists: Diagnosing the Undiagnosed, produced by the Medical Foundation for AIDS and Sexual Health (MedFASH) with funding from the Department of Health, provides practical help and advice for non‐specialists to help them consider the possibility of HIV infection in their differential diagnosis. The recommendations complement new national guidelines on HIV testing.MedFASH is a charity supported by the British Medical Association. The booklet can be downloaded at www.medfash.org.uk.OTC gel for bacterial vaginosisA new topical treatment for bacterial vaginosis is now available without prescription. Balance Activ Vaginal Gel contains lactic acid and glycogen; manufacturer Inverness Medical says this restores normal vaginal pH and promotes growth of lactobacilli. Further details are available at www.balanceactiv.com. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd