Issues in emerging health technologies
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Issues Emerg Health Technol · Dec 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialBevacizumab for advanced colorectal cancer.
Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is thought that bevacizumab inhibits the formation of new blood vessels. ⋯ More studies are needed to compare the combination of bevacizumab plus IFL to other chemotherapy regimens used in the treatment of ACC. The addition of bevacizumab to 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimens will significantly increase the costs of palliation for ACC.
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In the US, subcutaneous administration of omalizumab is indicated for adults and adolescents (age greater than or equal to 12 years) with allergic asthma that is moderate to severe and inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. In placebo-controlled trials, omalizumab reduces asthma exacerbations and the need for inhaled steroids in this group. ⋯ Data are lacking on the efficacy of omalizumab compared to add-on therapies such as inhaled long-acting beta-2 agonists or anti-leukotriene agents. Further evaluation on omalizumab needs to be done in the pediatric population.
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Issues Emerg Health Technol · Jun 2003
Comparative StudyMulti-slice/helical computed tomography for lung cancer screening.
Compared to chest radiography, multislice/helical computed tomography (CT) is able to detect lung cancers of smaller size and at an earlier stage, when better outcomes may be possible. However, the rate of detecting benign lung nodules is high using these technologies. ⋯ Randomized controlled trials are underway to investigate this issue. Presently, even for smokers, screening for lung cancer with multi-slice/helical CT would be premature.
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Issues Emerg Health Technol · Oct 2002
Comparative StudyHand-carried ultrasound units for point-of-care cardiac examinations.
Several hand-carried ultrasound units have been developed for point-of-care cardiac examination. Limited small comparative studies indicate that these devices are more accurate than physical examination. ⋯ Operator training in the performance and interpretation of tests using these ultrasound devices is vitally important. The place of these devices in health care will depend on their compatibility with individual practice, their cost, reimbursement decisions and further technical developments.
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Issues Emerg Health Technol · May 2002
Comparative StudyContinuous glucose monitoring in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) measure interstitial fluid (ISF) glucose, and provide information about continuous glucose fluctuations that is not otherwise captured by intermittent blood glucose testing. CGMs may benefit patients having difficulty controlling their blood sugar or during initiation or monitoring of insulin pump use. CGMs require calibration with finger-stick tests and supplement, but do not replace conventional blood glucose testing. CGM values correspond to blood glucose values taken approximately 13-18 minutes earlier and may differ from metered readings.