Biology in the News Explained

Will we finally dump chemotherapy in favor of immune-system-based cancer treatments?

Targeted cancer therapies are finally getting some of the attention they deserve, now that it's becoming clear that chemotherapy is a barbaric dead-end for most people.

How are cancer deaths defined?

Cancer death statistics could actually be useful in fighting cancer, rather than just for propaganda, if they were true. But they aren't.

Evidence-based medicine includes listening to the patient

We explain "evidence-based medicine," and what you should understand about it before you discuss treatment options with a doctor.

Stripping away cancer’s armor

A research article hot off the press demonstrates a possible new tactic in our quest to stop cancer's uncontrolled growth.

Does coffee prevent prostate cancer?

Overall, it's looking good for coffee-drinkers and cancer risk. Just remember there are a lot more variables in the equation that we do not yet understand.

Progress in getting our genes back from biotech companies

The U.S. government finally has taken the position that unmodified genes are a "natural product" that are not patent-eligible. The District Court rules soon on the class-action suit that should return to you the 20% of your genome now owned by corporations.

Axillary lymph node dissection will hopefully soon be a thing of the past

If your cancer surgeon tells you that you need axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after finding a positive sentinel lymph node, you should make him or her justify that decision. A recent study shows that many women do not need this further surgery.

PSA screening test is still uninformative

PSA screening is still worse than useless - it not only doesn't predict cancer, but because someone at some point thought that it did, needless painful biopsies happen every day.

Death Panels Return!

The American Society of Clinical Oncologists is trying to go behind Sarah Palin's back. That's a start.

Too bad gene patent law wasn’t a key election issue

The Obama administration takes the right position against the inanity of gene patent law.

MammographySavesLives.org is a front for financially interested radiologists

The American College of Radiology is at it again - only this time their affiliation with a pro-"mammography-for-everybody" site is hidden in the back pages.

Bisphosphonates are anti-cancer – evidence accumulates

Data continue to indicate that treatment with bisphosphonates might be a good idea for breast cancer patients.