Genetic Test and Early Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

A Duke University study concludes that the lung metagene model can predict with good accuracy which early stage lung cancer patients are likely to experience recurrence and therefore would benefit from chemotherapy. Currently, patients diagnosed with early stage non-small-cell lung cancer undergo surgery followed by observation, without chemotherapy.

Citation: Potti, A. et. al. "A Genomic Strategy to Refine Prognosis in Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer." New England Journal of Medicine 355(6): 570-580, August 10, 2006.

Uninsured Minority Adults

An analysis of data from the Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey finds that 62% of Hispanic adults ages 19 to 64 lacked health insurance at some point during 2005 and that about 33% of black adults in the same age group lacked coverage at some point during the same period.

Health Care Disconnect: Gaps in Coverage and Care for Minority Adults
Findings from the Commonwealth Fund Biennial Health Insurance Survey (2005), an August 2006 Issue Brief, is available online http://www.cmwf.org/usr_doc/941_Doty_hlt_care_disconnect_disparities_issue_bri.pdf