(February 13, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Indiana - Artificial sweeteners may actually increase weight gain and raise the risk of developing adipose tissue. Researchers observed the effects of giving 9 rats yogurt with artificial sweetener and compared it to 8 rats who were given yogurt with table sugar. Rats who ingested the artificial sweetener consumed more calories, gained more weight, and gained more body fat.

From California - Avastin has shown promise for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, when used in combination with chemotherapy. In a randomized clinical trial of over 700 women with metastatic HER-2 negative breast cancer, those who received Avastin in conjunction to docetaxel had a longer progression-free survival rate than those who received chemotherapy alone. The FDA decision on whether to add breast cancer to the list of Avastin indications is expected later this month.

And finally, from Germany - Drug-eluting stents, commonly used in advanced heart disease, may also benefit patients with severe peripheral vascular disease.  In a randomized clinical trial of 154 patients, those who received a stent which released Paclitaxel were less likely to have narrowed arteries and less likely to have restenosis following the procedure.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.