New lung cancer drug approved

Here is an article Mema directed me to about a new lung cancer drug, Alimta, specifically for non-small cell cancer. Some interesting points:

The drug, Alimta, in clinical trials was found to shrink tumors as effectively as another cancer-fighting drug, Taxotere. But Alimta did so with fewer troubling side effects, which include hair loss, tingling fingers and toes, depressed blood count, and hospitalizations for subsequent infection.
One in 50 patients taking Alimta had side effects. That benefit came without any lessening of the drug's effectiveness.

But there is a downside:

The Alimta treatment, 500 mg every 21 days, costs patients $3,900 per month, according to the company.

Still, it is reassuring to know that there continue to be breakthroughs.