California cancer group opens new center

California Cancer Specialists Medical Group (Monrovia, California) has opened its first free-standing multi-specialty cancer center in South Pasadena. The 22,000 s.f. facility, operating under the banner, South Pasadena Cancer Center, will provide outpatient services in medical, surgical and radiation oncology. In addition, the Center claims to be the first of its kind in the San Gabriel Valley to offer RapidArc, a new and highly advanced form of image-guided radiation oncology.

"We are pleased to provide the community with a state-of-the art facility," said Vincent Jensen, COO. "In addition to our technology, we offer highly experienced physicians that are passionate about understanding, treating and curing cancer," he added.

Quidel updates QuickVue flu procedures

Quidel (San Diego) reported recent initiatives to educate and inform the healthcare community regarding methodologies and procedures for use of the company's QuickVue Influenza A+B POC Test in advance of the coming flu season.

In a webinar, the company detailed methods for achieving optimal results with the QuickVue Influenza A+B Test. Quidel studies have shown the company's influenza test, when used according to established procedures, has demonstrated 94% clinical sensitivity and 90% specificity compared with culture in detecting seasonal influenza type A with a nasal swab.

Douglas Bryant, president/CEO, said, "In recent external studies, researchers have generated results with our test using influenza specimens that were not tested immediately but instead were shipped and stored in a manner that might not result in optimal performance. With our webinar, we reinforced the appropriate use of the Company's test and encouraged clinicians and other practitioners to follow the instructions provided in the diagnostic package insert."

SyntheMed's Repel-CV receives endorsement

SyntheMed (Iselin, New Jersey) reported that Repel-CV Bioresorbable Adhesion Barrier has received the endorsement of Kids With Heart National Association for Children's Heart Disorders. Michelle Rintamaki, Director of Kids With Heart, said, "We want to inform parents of children with congenital heart defects about this new surgical device that reduces the risks associated with adhesions during repeat open-heart surgical procedures."

Repel-CV is a bioresorbable adhesion barrier film designed to be placed over the surface of the heart at the conclusion of an open-heart surgical procedure to reduce the extent and severity of adhesions. It was recently approved by the FDA for use in pediatric patients who undergo staged open-heart surgical procedures.

SyntheMed specializes in anti-adhesion products.