Trying to consider cancer therapy alternatives, assessors of technology appear to come up short
Article Abstract:
The Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) has recently completed a three-year evaluation of alternative cancer treatment methods, but the results have been criticized for their closed-mindedness. Sixteen people provided formal input to OTA in a public hearing. The 575-page report concerns nutritional, herbal, pharmacologic, and biologic cancer therapies that lie outside conventional medicine. Eighteen people served on the OTA panel to create the report, and all agree that more work is needed. One panelist suggested that funding be provided to evaluate alternative methods. Critics were invited to the hearing precisely because they disagreed with the report, according to an OTA official, and may not represent an unbiased view of it. Some physicians who treat cancer patients have praised the report as creating a bridge between the two long-feuding sides of the cancer issue. The report is slated for publication in June or July, 1990. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Device Manufacturers Consider Constraints
Article Abstract:
Speakers from companies that manufacture medical devices believe the process of getting a device from the research lab to the patient needs to be easier. They voiced their concerns at a workshop on medical devices sponsored by the Institute of Medicine. Part of the problem is the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) device regulations, which have been streamlined recently. Another problem is financing the research and development of medical devices. About 25 million Americans benefit from medical devices such as heart valves, implantable pumps, pacemakers, defibrillators, and stents.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2000
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FDA focuses on drug and device errors
Article Abstract:
Physicians, nurses, pharmacists and FDA officials met in 1996 to address the problems caused by medication errors. At that time, the FDA had received reports of 4,500 medication errors which caused 250 deaths and 525 severe injuries. Medication errors commonly arise because two drugs have similar names or packaging. The agency proposes reviewing all drug names and packaging before approving the drug. Another recommendation is to avoid abbreviations and include the drug's purpose in prescriptions. Medical devices can also cause injury if they are designed poorly or used improperly.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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