Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 17:31:56 +1200

-----Original Message-----

From: USSW

Date: Friday, 24 July 1998 08:01

Subject: Silicone Breast Implants: Researchers Underscore Possible Links

Between Implants and Health Problems

Silicone Breast Implants:Researchers Underscore Possible Links Between Implants and Health Problems Existing Research Called Inadequate, Product Failure And Action of Silicone in Body Presented

WASHINGTON, July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Command Trust Network, an information clearinghouse for women with breast implants, issued the following:

Leading researchers this morning presented data on possible links between silicone breast implants and health problems to an independent science panel convened by the Institute of Medicine. (Please note: afternoon presentation not included here due to time constraints.)

Following is a synopsis of the presentations:

EPIDEMIOLOGY/OBSERVATION

Dr. Louise Brinton, Ph.D., National Cancer Institute

* Brinton presented methodology for her research -- the largest study to date (some 13,000 women) being conducted under the auspices of the NIH.

* Brinton said that studies commonly perceived to exonerate implants were too statistically limited to definitively rule out disease. She also pointed out that at least one of these studies indicates an increase of some classic connective tissue disease in implanted women.

Dr. S. Lori Brown, Ph.D., U.S. Food and Drug Administration

* Brown reviewed literature on product failure -- the rates at which the silicone breast implants "rupture," or fall apart in the body. She said "the devices are clearly not performing as intended." She noted the research done by Gabriel showing a 5.7 rupture rate within five years, as well as Robinson, showing half or more of the implants rupturing after ten years.

* Brown also presented her research showing 11 to 23 percent of women with ruptured implants have serious problems related to the silicone, including granuloma, ulcerations, silicone leaking from skin, silicone in the nerves, chronic numbness and pain.

Raymond C. Duhamel, Ph.D., McGahn Medical Corporation

* Duhamel's analysis of McGahn implants found lower rates of complication and product failure than those quoted in Brown's presentation.

* Study only looked at implants over five years; most problems present after this.

V. LeRoy Young, M.D., Washington University School of Medicine

* Young presented his findings that there was no silica (a breakdown by- product of silicone which may stimulate the immune system) in the breast tissue surrounding implants. He used these findings to dispute contradicting studies by Dr. Radford Douglas Shanklin of the University of Tennessee.

* Young mentioned in his presentation that Dow Corning helped make his research possible.

* Young did not mention his research -- published in the Annals of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and in Silicone Immunopathology -- which indicates that some women may have a genetic pre-disposition to health problems stimulated by silicone exposure.

John Naim, Ph.D., Rochester General Hospital

* Naim discussed his research showing that silicone can stimulate the immune system.

Michael Potter, M.D., National Cancer Institute

* Silicone gels can plasmocytomas and MGUS (thought to be a precursor to cancer) in mice.

Fred Miller, M.D., Ph.D., U.S. Food and Drug Administration

* Miller found that chronic, organized inflammation around implant site from silicone can expand to a more systemic immune response in some people. This may be based on a genetic tendency.

SOURCE Command Trust Network

CO: Command Trust Network

ST: District of Columbia

IN: MTC

SU: