ON THE PULSE… for people affected by breast cancer

Cancerkin’s news Update….
EXERCISE CLASSES
Please remember that we run the following weekly exercise classes:
Alexander Technique; Pilates (twice a week); Tai Chi (twice a week); Yoga

The classes are a good opportunity for a gentle work out and to meet old and new friends in a welcoming environment.
All are welcome at these classes, but it is helpful if you can let us know in advance if you plan to be there.
Remember that all classes are free of charge.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

In the news…
NEW DRUG TO TREAT UP TO A THIRD OF CANCERS
PARP inhibitors have already shown promise in dealing with some breast and ovarian cancers, which are strongly linked to BRCA gene mutations; but according to a recent study[1], there is a possibility that they could be used to treat several other cancers too.
Cells with faulty PTEN genes have been found to be 25 times more sensitive to the inhibitors than cells with normal PTEN. Faults in the PTEN gene account for 30-80% of breast, prostate, melanoma, womb and colon cancers.
Dr Chris Lord, lead researcher at Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: ‘This new class of drugs could potentially make a big difference for many thousands of cancer patients, including some with very limited treatment options’.
Professor Alan Ashworth, director of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research said:‘These results are exciting because they show that PARP inhibitors are potentially a powerful targeted treatment with few side effects which may help a broad range of cancer patients.’
See the following for further information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8256494.stm
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2639319/Wonder-drug-is-hailed-as-a-cancer-buster.html
16th September 2009
[1] The study appears in the EMBO Molecular Medicine journal.