Breast
Cancer Researchers at Queen Mary University's Barts Cancer Institute have identified a new molecule that exacerbates the growth of tumours in a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer. The molecule, known as αvß6, could be used to develop new treatments, as well as diagnose patients at risk of developing HER2 breast cancer.
Diabetes
The drug canagliflozin has been approved by NICE for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The organisation has released a technical assessment of the oral, once-daily drug, stating that it can be used in combination with insulin and metformin. The guidance can be found at: www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/TA315
Smoking
Delegates at the British Medical Association's annual representative meeting voted in favour of a policy to ban the sale of cigarettes to those born after the year 2000. They hoped this would break the cycle of smoking uptake by teenagers.
Breastfeeding
New figures for breastfeeding released by NHS England have shown regional variations, which has been described as a 'concern'. The statistics show that the number of women breastfeeding in the North East was dramatically lower than in southern areas.
Antibiotic Resistance
Prime Minister David Cameron has called for global action to tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. More and more bacterial and viral infections are becoming resistant to antimicrobial drugs but no new classes of antibiotics have been introduced into the market for 25 years.
NMC
The NMC has launched a new online registration service so nurses and midwives can complete notification of practice forms, view their registration records, update contact information, and provide details on equality and diversity online. There are plans to launch more online services. To register, visit: online.nmc-uk.org/Account/Register