LungBlog

Dogs have long been accepted as man’s best friend. But nosy ones have provided inspiration to a laser research team working on early cancer detection methods to devise a breathalyzer-type tool that could significantly improve survival rates for suffering millions.

According to a report presented at the International Brain Mapping & Intraoperative Surgical Planning Society Conference at the University of California, the device can provide surgeons operating on areas such as brain tissue, where spotting tumor tissue from healthy cells is troublesome, with invaluable information.

The new device has shown promising results in diagnosing lung cancer and diabetes in patients who have breathed into the device

The discovery of ‘’significant abnormalities'’ on two patient’s chart, which had previously been ‘’reported as normal'’, would appear to warrant a full-scale emergency response. But a month later, management at Louth Hospitals was still seeking ‘’an opportunity to discuss how we can carry out an audit on a wider sample of this radiologist’s work'’.

Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Inc. said an independent data review committee recommended that the company’s Phase IIb seliciclib study in non-small lung cancer should continue, even though the data probably won’t show an improvement in progression-free survival - the study’s main objective.

With the glaring proof that early detection would severely decrease the death toll of lung cancer, it is difficult to believe that there is a controversy at all. Can one put a price on quality of life? The reality of the dose of radiation is that the screening is administered with no more radiation than a woman would receive during a mammogram (I-ELCAP). Just think of how much radiation one would receive if they were being treated for their cancer with radiation therapy? “The availability of early detection for lung cancer is widely unknown, inexcusably underencouraged, underfunded, and underinsured.” (Bonnie J. Addario) I believe that prescreening with the low-dose CT scan is the way to prolong survival of this horrific disease.

Jansen, 64, was diagnosed with lung cancer a year and a half ago, which spread into his adrenal glands. After several operations, chemo treatments and bouts with pneumonia, he’s battling back and recently gained nearly 15 pounds. “I’m on chemo for life….until a miracle comes through the door.”

Close to 1,000 rainbow ribbons were handed out Friday to those who came to a funeral service for Meaghan Latone, a Fairport native and non-smoker’s lung cancer activist.

The concept of the ribbons, said her father, Bill Barry of Fairport, symbolized her fight for awareness of the disease she battled for two years, one that receives too little financial support and deserves more research. For instance, other cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancers, receive a lot of publicity. Breast cancer has a pink ribbon, he said. But, Mrs. Latone would say, there are 72 kinds of cancer.

“Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one ribbon and every one was fought equally?” Barry said. “It gives everyone the chance to be advocates and say, here’s what cancer is about.”

In a collaborative effort, the European Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (ECCCA) strives to develop and implement innovative strategies to improve cancer care and reduce treatment related side effects.

Who knew that enzyme PI3K-C2alpha is needed in order for certain cancer cells to live and thrive? Nobody. Until recently.

By lowering levels of PI3K-C2alpha, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase enzyme, researchers at Grand Rapids-based Van Andel Institute and Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research discovered that pancreatic, prostate and lung cancer cells died. The procedure also kept cells from reproducing, and it sensitized cancer cells, making them more receptive to chemotherapy drugs like Taxol.

Scientists found that giving the drugs at between 1 and 4pm also reduced side effects by up to five times.

The team behind the study believe that the effect is due to changes in the natural rhythms of our bodies.

Scientists know that cells divide differently at different times of the day.

In cancer cells this normal division is accelerated but chemotherapy drugs target how the cells divide, slowing down the rate.

If the drugs can be given at the perfect time in the natural rhythm of the cell, doctors believe that they can be more effective.