Questioning a Radiation Technique: Accelerated partial-breast irradiation — a treatment used following a lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer –  is under scrutiny following two recent studies, the WSJ reports . The technique shortens treatment time and reduces total radiation exposure, but one study links it with a higher risk of mastectomy within five years, while another suggests only one-third of the women receiving the treatment were suitable candidates. Results of a study comparing the treatment with traditional whole-breast irradiation aren’t due out until at least 2014, the paper says. Prostate-Drug Study: A new study published in the Lancet suggests that dutasteride, a drug approved to treat enlarged prostate, may prevent the progression of early-stage prostate cancer in some men who were being monitored but who weren’t otherwise receiving treatment, the New York Times reports . Still, there are caveats, including the small study size and short follow-up time, the paper says. And the drug may help more dangerous, late-stage cancers to grow, leading to caution from some experts. Drinking in Pregnancy: Recent research

suggests there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy, the WSJ reports . A study of almost 1,000 women who did drink during pregnancy found that some who averaged less than a drink a day had babies with characteristics of fetal alcohol syndrome, including a low birth rate and small head circumference. Still, the risk is low; according to the CDC, between 1,000 and 6,000 U.S. infants of the 4 million born each year fit the criteria for fetal alcohol syndrome. Comparative Effectiveness Agenda: The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has released its draft priorities and research agenda, which mentions broad topics like improving the health-care system rather than pinpointing the specific diseases and conditions that are in need of research comparing different treatments, Kaiser Health News reports . The more general agenda “sidesteps controversy that might arise from selecting certain diseases or treatments, but not others,” KHN says. Researchers will apply for funding to study specific questions. Image: iStockphoto

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A.M. Vitals: Scrutiny For Accelerated Partial-Breast Irradiation