Treatment update: Using bisphosphonates for metastatic breast cancer

Benjamin E. Tuy, MD; Joseph Benevenia, MD

Because bone is the most common site of metastatic breast cancer, orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of treatment options. Breast cancer is the leading malignancy affecting women. Approximately 178,480 women will be newly diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.1 Bone is the most common site of distant metastasis and will be affected in up to 80 percent of cases.2 In vitro studies have shown that breast cancer cells cause both matrix degradation and mineral release in devitalized bone.

Research update: Stopping metastatic kidney cancer

Amy Kile

OREF-funded research takes “small step forward” in improving patients’ lives Cancer is a dreaded diagnosis for any patient. Though not always fatal, it can be debilitating. So, researchers like Kristy L. Weber, MD—a recipient of the Career Development Award presented by Zimmer and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)—are investigating ways to prevent complications from the disease. Dr.

APIC study raises concerns about infections

Jason Calhoun, MD

1 in 20 patients may have MRSA The largest and most comprehensive study to date of the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in U.S. healthcare facilities indicates that 46 out of every 1,000 patients were either infected or colonized with the bacteria—a rate as much as 11 times greater than previous estimates. The Association for Professionals in Infection and Epidemiology (APIC) conducted the survey of 1,237 facilities in October and November of 2006.

Becoming a clinician-scientist is no easy task

Erin Lynn Ransford

CSDP helps residents along the road with tips, mentors Lance M. Brunton, MD, Safdar N. Khan, MD, and Jonathan Lam, MD, PhD, share a common goal: finding the perfect balance between a busy surgical practice, intensive laboratory research, and a fulfilling personal life.