NOTE — These summaries link to stories published online in the local and national press and other sources. Please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy or availability of links, as over time some links may expire or be made available only to registered users of the originating sites.
Sleep Problems Linked to Increased Prostate Cancer Risk — A new study found that men who have problems falling and staying asleep appear to be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Dr. Matthew Cooperberg, a genitourinary cancer specialist at UCSF, spoke about the finding and its implications for patients with NBC News.
Genetic Test Can Predict Most Aggressive Cases of Prostate Cancer — A new genetic test could provide about half of all prostate cancer patients with a better assessment of whether their tumors are low- or high-risk, and may increase the number of men who choose "watchful waiting" over treatment. Dr. Peter Carroll led the clinical trial of the test, which is now available to patients and physicians. Read more from TIME.
Hospitals Go Green on Cleaning Supplies — UCSF Medical Center and other local hospitals are swapping harsh chemical cleaners for environmentally friendly alternatives, as part of the Healthier Hospitals Initiative. Read more in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Inside the Robotic Pharmacy — Since introducing its automated pharmacy in 2011, UCSF has added additional safeguards, such as barcoding medications, to prevent medication errors. These efforts were featured on CNN.
New Drug Tested at UCSF May Burn Fat Without Surgery — A fat-dissolving injectable drug is in its third and final phase of testing after three years of clinical trials, including trials at UCSF. Dr. Sarah Arron, a dermatologic surgeon at UCSF Medical Center, spoke about the drug with NBC Bay Area.
Antidepressants Linked To Higher Risk of Complications After Surgery — A commonly used class of antidepressants, called SSRIs, appear to raise the risk of bleeding and the need for blood transfusions following surgery, according to a recent study from UCSF. Read more in Time.
Should Old, Sick Patients Get Skin Cancer Surgery? — A new study by UCSF dermatologists found that for some elderly patients, surgery for non-melanoma skin cancer may do more harm than good. Read more from Reuters.
Hospital Safety: Your Responsibility or Theirs? — Should patients be responsible for monitoring patient safety measures such as handwashing, or should that be left entirely to the hospital? Dr. Bob Wachter, a patient safety expert and chief of the medical service at UCSF Medical Center, discussed the question in the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Questioning the Pelvic Exam — Some gynecologists are challenging routine pelvic exams in women without symptoms, saying the effectiveness of the exam isn't supported by evidence and can lead to unnecessary follow-up testing. Dr. George Sawaya, a UCSF ob-gyn, is among the experts weighing in on the issue in The New York Times.
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Compiled by UCSF Public Affairs
