Life is full of uncertainties and in healthcare, oftentimes these uncertainties seem even more pronounced. As we look toward the future, we ponder what toll healthcare reform will take, whether cardiovascular disease will ever be less damaging or whether a scientific discovery will eventually be able to cure the most devastating of disease states. We look for a moment of clarity. However, even as clear as some data may be in terms of outlining the benefits of certain procedures, there will always be another study questioning its worth.

The FDA has approved an updated label for Mercks Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) that includes results from the SHARP trial.

To bolster the already abundant knowledge of the FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) staff, the agency said that it will now incorporate a Network of Experts to help broaden scientific viewpoints.

The Utah State Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 31 approved legislation encouraging facilities to notify women of their breast density status. The legislation will be sent to the state Senate for consideration.

Concerns that surgical breast biopsies, as opposed to percutaneous core needle biopsies, were being overused may be unfounded as the true surgical breast biopsy rate is likely somewhere between 2 percent and 18 percent, which is close to the recommended rate, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

The FDA has cleared Toshiba America Medical Systems Aquilion Prime CT system.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, a national fundraiser for breast cancer research, has said it will halt all partnerships with Planned Parenthood, a move that will cut funding for breast cancer screenings and prevention.

GE Capital and GE Healthcare have invested in Check-Cap, developer of an ingestible imaging capsule that may help detect colorectal cancer.