Electrode radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective way of treating patients with liver cancer that can be completed in less time than current ablation techniques, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison."One of the biggest limitations of current radiofrequency ablation techniques is the inability to effectively treat large tumors" said Paul Laeseke, PhD, lead author of the study. [click link for full article]

Author's objectives The aim of this review was to assess the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors. Author's conclusions Most malignant liver tumors can not be surgically removed because of their extension, systemic involvement, comorbidities or tumor size. RFA is proposed as an alternative for patients with primary hepatocellular tumors or liver metastases of colorectal cancer, when surgery is not possible. When assessing the evidence, it is observed that in all cases tumor resection is the treatment of choice. When this is not possible, RFA shows more effectiveness than most alternative treatments. However, it is worth mentioning that the differences found are mainly in the rates of local recurrence and length of hospital stay, but there are no differences in survival. In addition, complications, although not evaluated by many authors, would be fewer than in other treatment alternatives (experts suggest a complication rate of 3% to 5%), with a mortality rate lower than 1%. To use this treatment, it is recommended that a multidisciplinary team including a liver surgeon performs a patient selection and that it is performed under ultrasound or topography guidance. The requirements that must be met to use RFA in patients with liver tumor are: - not candidates for surgical tumor resection (either because there is local involvement, or because of tumor location or comorbidities) - metastases of an isolated colorectal cancer or a hepatocarcinoma - no systemic or extrahepatic disease - identification images (ultrasound or computed tomography) - tumors less than 4 cm in diameter. Those tumors of other origins which are treated with RFA or which are treated for palliative treatment are considered investigational. Structured abstract from Health Technology Assessment Database

Author's objectives The aim of this report is to assess the available information on the use of transient elastography (FibroScan) for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis. Author's conclusions Liver fibrosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The major cause is hepatitis C, which affects 240,000 Canadians. Assessing the degree of liver fibrosis is critical to its management. Liver biopsy, an invasive procedure, is considered to be the diagnostic gold standard. FibroScan is a rapid, non-invasive technology that uses low frequency vibration and ultrasound to assess the stiffness of liver tissue. The diagnostic performance of FibroScan is good for identifying severe fibrosis or cirrhosis, but it is less accurate for milder presentations. FibroScan is a promising technology, but large multi-centre trials comparing a range of emerging non-invasive fibrosis staging technologies are required. Structure abstract from Health Technology Assessment Database

Author's objectives This study aims to summarise the currently available evidence on thymalfasin (Zadaxin) for hepatitis C virus. Author's conclusions Thymalfasin (Zadaxin, TA-1, thymosin alpha 1) is in phase III trials for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients who are non-responders to prior therapy. Thymalfasin is injected subcutaneously twice a week and stimulates the production of white blood cells and enhances antigen presentation. If licensed, thymalfasin would be used in combination with pegylated interferon (peg-IFN). Results from a randomised placebo-controlled trial in combination with interferon in 109 patients with HCV found that after 26 weeks serum alanine transaminase (ALT) was reduced in 37% of patients on combination therapy, 16% of patients on IFN only and 3% on placebo. HCV RNA clearance was achieved in 37% of patients on combination treatment, compared to 19% of patients on IFN monotherapy. Three phase III, multi-centred, double blind, placebo-controlled trials are ongoing: two in combination with peg-IFN over 12 months; and 1 in combination with peg-IFN and ribavirin. Structured abstract from Health Technology Assessment Database

Author's objectives The aim of this review was to compare the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for primary hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic colorectal liver carcinoma, in comparison to other surgical and non-surgical therapeutic techniques, on the basis of a systematic assessment of the literature. The surgical comparative techniques included resection or hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy. The nonsurgical comparative interventions included local ablative therapies such as percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI); cryotherapy; or procedures that produce local heat such as microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) or laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT). Author's conclusions On the basis of the evidence presented in this systematic review, The ASERNIP-S Review Group agreed on the following classifications and recommendations concerning the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of liver tumours: Evidence rating - Average Safety - At least as safe compared to comparator procedure(s) Efficacy - Efficacy cannot be determined Structured abstract from Health Technology Assessment Database

I am in North County San Diego, CA now, and previously from Southernnj/Philadelphia Area. In both areas I am treated by many as a lepper. And forget about finding someone to share a date or life with. I am the Optimist and always tell of my Hep C upfront, needless to say It has reduced my contacts...lol. I even had one Internet dating site suggest that I remove the part about Hepatitis C or I would not meet anyone. So, back to my question.......When do I tell a girl I have Hep C? It is compared to HIV often, and not like it at all. You can only contact Hep C from blood to blood contact. If nothing else this might help educate others to what it is. Her is a good link for answers if you want them .................................... http://www.hepatitis-central.com/hcv/ I really appreciate your feed back. Shawn

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NYSE: BAY) and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONXX) today announced that a Supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Nexavar(R) (sorafenib) tablets has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. Nexavar is currently approved in more than 50 countries for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. [click link for full article]

ViroPharma Incorporated (Nasdaq: VPHM) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation for HCV-796 for treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. HCV-796, a unique orally dosed non nucleoside hepatitis C viral polymerase inhibitor that interferes with the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV), is currently undergoing Phase 2 evaluation and is being co-developed with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE). [click link for full article]

Bayer Healthcare announced that a supplementary Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) has been submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for the approval of Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) i.e. the most common form of liver cancer. [click link for full article]

Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: DVAX) announced today the initiation of three clinical trials to support licensure of HEPLISAV(TM), its novel hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine: -- The ongoing multi-center pivotal Phase 3 trial in Canada has been expanded to include seven sites in Germany as planned; -- A U.S. study is enrolling subjects 11 through 55 years of age. The data from the U.S. [click link for full article]