Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Roundup: Late-Stage Cancer Patients Struggle With Immunotherapy Choice; The Danger Of PCBs
Stat: Cancer Patients Face The Ultimate Choice, With No Room For Error
Immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to attack tumors, brings with it the hope of significant remission, if not a cure, for some patients. But clinical trials often exclude those who have already had similar treatments, in part because researchers are seeking clear indications of a particular drug’s effectiveness. For patients, that means the stakes on a single decision couldn’t be higher. And many have little data on the drugs to guide them. (Tedeschi, 10/6)
The Washington Post: Activists Warn That PCBs — Toxic Industrial Chemicals — Contaminate Thousands Of U.S. Schools
Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, are industrial chemicals so toxic that Congress banned them 40 years ago. Research has shown that they can cause a range of health concerns, including cancer and neurological problems such as decreased IQ. And yet, because they were commonly used in building materials for decades, they continue to contaminate classrooms in between 13,000 and 26,000 schools nationwide, according to Harvard researchers. No one knows exactly how many schools are affected — nor how many children are being exposed to these toxic chemicals — because many schools don’t test for PCBs. Under federal law, they don’t have to. (Brown, 10/5)
Los Angeles Times: This Is What Can Happen If An E-Cigarette Blows Up While You’re Using It
It was an injury unlike any Dr. Elisha Brownson had seen — a young man whose teeth were blown out when his electronic cigarette exploded in his mouth. His injuries were so severe he was admitted to the trauma intensive care unit.“I had never heard of an injury mechanism like this before,” said Brownson, a surgeon who specializes in treating people with burns. The patient “left a gruesome impression on me.” (Kaplan, 10/5)
The Star Tribune: What Causes Runner's High? Scientists Are Still Chasing After The Answer
For many of the runners in this weekend’s Twin Cities Marathon, the reward for pushing themselves during the race will extend beyond the finish line in the form of a hidden perk: runner’s high. But knowing what causes that euphoric feeling — and how to achieve it — has been a bit of a mystery. (Shah, 10/5)
