Your Health: Mar. 11, 2002

GOOD NEWS

BONING UP It was big news 16 months ago when drugmakers announced that the powerful osteoporosis medicine Fosamax could be taken once a week instead of once a day. Once a year is even better, and early reports suggest that a yearly, five-minute IV infusion of a relative of Fosamax, called Zometa, may increase bone density of the spine by 5% and of the hip by 3%. So far Zometa doesn't seem to have the side effects of Fosamax, which include abdominal pain and nausea. However, 10% of patients may experience flulike symptoms for a couple of hours after treatment.

CANCER BUSTER Just last year the breakthrough drug Gleevec looked so promising for treating a rare form of cancer called chronic myeloid leukemia that it received FDA approval in a record 2 1/2 months. Now it seems Gleevec may be even more effective than first thought. A study shows that after two years on the drug, 95% of patients are still alive, with 40% in complete remission. Treatment isn't cheap (cost: $2,400 a month), and the pills may have to be taken for life. But we haven't heard the last of Gleevec. It's being tested on breast, stomach and other common cancers.

BAD NEWS

PRESSURE COOKER Think you'll never develop high blood pressure? Don't be so sure. A new study shows that a staggering 90% of middle-aged Americans will become hypertensive sometime in their lives. How do you reduce your risk? The usual ways: exercise, stay slim and avoid excessive fat, alcohol and salt.

--By Janice M. Horowitz

Sources: Good News-New England Journal of Medicine (1 & 2); Bad News-J.A.M.A.