TAMOXIFEN HAS LONG been the standard treatment for postmenopausal women after breast cancer surgery, but a new class of drugs may become a better option. Three studies have shown that aromatase inhibitors are better at preventing cancer recurrences. Recent evidence suggests more women stay cancer-free by switching from tamoxifen (Nolvadex) to exemestane (Aromasin). Among 4,700 women from 37 countries, those who switched from tamoxifen to exemestane after two to three years lowered by 32 percent their risk of developing another tumor in either breast or other organs, compared with those who stuck with tamoxifen for five years. Exemestane also had fewer side effects, although like all aromatase inhibitors, it might worsen osteoporosis. Tamoxifen treatment remains the recommendation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology for postmenopausal women who don't have a history of blood clots or risk of uterine cancer.
BABIES BORN DURING cold weather appear to have more heart disease and insulin resistance, higher triglycerides and poorer lung function later in life than those born when it's warmer. The theory is that exposure to cold at the time of birth causes the body to store more fat and go on to develop insulin resistance and heart disease. Researchers from the University of Bristol in England and University of Edinburgh in Scotland said more studies were needed to determine whether the critical time for exposure was during the end of the third trimester or in the first days after birth.
AN EXPERIMENTAL DRUG that cuts cravings for tobacco and food may become a treatment for the nation's leading preventable causes of death: smoking and obesity. In the yearlong study of Rimonabant's effect, 1,036 obese and overweight patients with high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein were divided into three groups. All dieted while getting either 5 milligrams of the drug, 20 milligrams of the drug or a placebo. Higher-dose recipients lost almost 20 pounds (compared with 5 pounds in the placebo group). Their good cholesterol rose 23 percent, their triglycerides dropped 15 percent and their levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, fell 27 percent, compared with 11 percent among placebo recipients. A 10-week study of 787 heavy smokers, who had failed previous attempts to quit, received either 5 milligrams or 20 milligrams of Rimonabant or a placebo; 36.2 percent of the high-dose group was smoke-free during the final four weeks, compared with about 20 percent of those in the 5-milligram or placebo groups.
EVERYBODY GET ANGRY now and then. But for some people the affect on relationships, friendships and work can be devastating. Author W. Robert Nay discusses how to manage feelings of frustration and rage in Taking Charge of Anger (Guilford Publications; $16.95). Nay reviews the five faces of unproductive anger - passive aggression, sarcasm, cold anger, hostility and aggression. He then discusses ways to ease anger, including journaling, breathing exercises and improved communication skills.
