Breast Implants: New Research Reinforces Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer
A recent study published in Histopathology provided an unprecedented, in-depth analysis of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). According to the researchers, “a comparison of the bacterial biofilm on breast implant capsules associated with ALCL when compared to that on implant capsules with contracture has revealed a distinct microbiome in BIA-ALCL.” This revelation may inform treatment options for physicians treating the man-made cancer.
The study also describes “the chronic inflammatory reaction induced by capsule contents or surface” which further supports the prevailing theory that textured breast implants are a primary cause of BIA-ALCL. While the study acknowledges that there are no standardized treatments, the research team strongly recommends complete removal of capsules during explant procedures.
Opioid Crisis: Seeking Alternatives and Solutions
Last week, Rutgers Dental School was awarded $11.7 million to research alternatives to opioids for pain management, alongside four other universities. Dean of Rutgers, Cecile Feldman, believes despite the drop in opioid prescriptions by dentists in recent years, there is “still way too much prescribing of opioids.” It is hoped that the study will provide solutions for the nationwide epidemic. As reported by Psychiatric Times, cannabinoids and ketamine may be two potential options.
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) also released new guidelines for opioid prescriptions. To manage the prevalence of opioid overprescription, the guidelines now advise doctors be slow in changing dosages and pay increased attention to the needs of each individual patient to ensure there is minimal abuse potential.
Talcum Powder: J&J Wins California Retrial While Deadlocked in Georgia Trial
Johnson & Johnson emerged victorious last week in the retrial of California spouses Carolyn Weirick and Elvira Escudero who claimed that the pharmaceutical company’s talcum powder contained asbestos and caused their mesothelioma.
Following five weeks of testimony, the jury’s verdict rejected allegations that Johnson & Johnson had produced a defective product, failed to perform safely as expected, and had known potential risks at the time of manufacture or sale of the products.
Across the country, Georgia’s first Talcum Powder case against Johnson & Johnson ends in mistrial. In 2016, at the age of 65, Brower died of ovarian cancer, following years using J&J’s baby powder. The jury was deadlocked despite the judge’s admonition that they reach a consensus if possible. Unable to reach a unanimous verdict, the case was declared a mistrial. Brower’s legal representation, Ted Meadows, now forges onward on behalf of ovarian cancer victims across the nation.
RoundUp: New Lawsuits Abroad
The last RoundUp trial of 2019, scheduled for October 15 on behalf of Walter Winston, has been postponed indefinitely after requests from both parties. Presiding judge of St. Louis Circuit Court, Michael Mullen, set a case check-in for February 2020. Currently in the midst of appealing three lawsuits, Monsanto has expressed positive sentiments on the postponement.
But while Monsanto’s trial is put on pause in the U.S., Australia is taking action. Australia native, Ross Wild, filed a lawsuit with the Victoria Superme Court alleging that his exposure to Monsanto’s Roundup caused his non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Melbourne-born lawyer Tony Carbone expects more Australians to come forward with claims against Monsanto’s agro-chemical.
E-Cigarettes: Limit on Nicotine Levels Proposed
Last Monday, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois proposed the Ending Nicotine Dependence from Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Act. Under this act, the ratio of nicotine to fluid would be capped at 20 milligrams per milliliter in an effort to make e-cigarettes less addictive to youths. Representative Krishnamoorthi told reporters that this bill is part of an ongoing struggle to prevent a new generation of nicotine addicts.
