Cancer patients with cardiac problems might not be treated as aggressively as they could be by their cardiologists or oncologists because of a lack of evidence-based indications to guide treatment choices. Thus, the International CardiOncology Society was born in January 2009 to close the knowledge and treatment gaps in this patient population.

The Ginzton Technology Center, the research and development facility for Varian Medical Systems and Stanford University in California, has been awarded a $3.6 million, five-year research grant from the National Institutes of Health, aimed at improving CT image quality for patients with implanted metal objects, including hip implants and dental fillings.

AngioDynamics, a developer of medical devices for the minimally invasive treatment of cancer and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), has reported for the fiscal 2011 first quarter, which ended Aug. 31, indicating a drop in net income, despite a slight increase in net sales.

The modest association between black versus white race and guideline-recommended breast cancer care is insensitive to adjustment for insurance and area-level socioeconomic status, found a study published online Oct. 11 in Cancer.

Cathie Biga, president of the Cardiology Advocacy Alliance, has warned cardiologists that even though Congress has stalled the planned sustainable growth rate (SGR) reimbursement cuts three times this year, it does not mean it will do so a fourth time. She reminded attendees at MedAxiom's Fall Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Oct. 7 that cardiologists face a 23 percent reduction from SGR Medicare reimbursements in less than 60 days, with another 6.5 percent reduction in the phased-in Medicare cuts at the start of 2011, unless Congress acts to change the rate.

Nova Southeastern Universitys medical school, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fla., has received a $1.35 million federal grant to create methods to evaluate patients health literacy; the ability to get and use information to receive optimal care.

Cardiologists may have to quickly assess whether to align themselves with accountable care organizations (ACOs), an author of the emerging ACO concept for healthcare said. In a speech to cardiologists and practice leaders from around the U.S., Steven Lieberman cautioned that cardiology practices must think through both clinical and business issues before pulling the trigger.

DFine has received FDA clearance of its radiofrequency ablation system, a percutaneous radiofrequency ablation device for metastatic spinal lesions.