Drug Mixture May Slow Colon Cancer
NEW YORK - A study recently reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that combining a new drug with the standard ones could more effectively slow end-stage colorectal cancer, slightly prolonging victims' lives.
The drug irinotecan, also known as Camptosar, is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating patients with advanced, Stage IV colorectal cancer after standard drugs fail. Led by Dr. Saltz of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a three-drug combination of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin increased average survival to 15 months from 13 months, and the share of patients whose tumors temporarily shrank went to 50% from 28%.
In the current study, 226 patients received fluorouracil and leucovorin, while 231 patients got periodic shots of those two drugs plus irinotecan. For more information visit www.fda.gov.
I Was There: An Infection Preventionist on the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 30th 2025Deep feelings run strong about the COVID-19 pandemic, and some beautiful art has come out of those emotions. Infection Control Today is proud to share this poem by Carmen Duke, MPH, CIC, in response to a recent article by Heather Stoltzfus, MPH, RN, CIC.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
