On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
Therapies update…
Weekly Dance therapy classes with Marina Benini MA RDMP, Lecturer in Movement Studies and Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths Unit of Psychotherapeutic studies will be held on Mondays from 11.30am to 12.30am, beginning 11th April 2011.
Weekly art therapy classes with Milena Petrova will begin on Tuesday 5th April 2011 from 11am to 1pm. No previous artistic experience is necessary. Please note these classes will not take place on Tuesday 26th April and Tuesday 31st May 2011.
If you are interested in attending, contact Habeeb on 020 7830 2323 or h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk.
Cancerkin wants you!
Cancerkin wants to recruit a new member to its team in the full-time role of patient co-coordinator. If you are a bright and enthusiastic individual with plenty of initiative and administrative experience, we would love to hear from you. You can find more details about the position on the ‘jobs with us’ section of our website www.cancerkin.org.uk. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please forward a CV together with a covering letter saying why you want the job to info@cancerkin.org.uk.
In the news…
Five years of tamoxifen boosts breast cancer survival…
The drug tamoxifen is widely used to treat women with oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. The growth of such tumours is fuelled by oestrogen and the drug therefore works by blocking the hormone. It is already known that taking the drug for five years offers the best chance of survival from breast cancer. Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology this week, the first major study into the long-term effects of the drug confirms this and reveals that the cancer is less likely to come back in those that take tamoxifen for the full five years.
Researchers in the Cancer Research UK-funded study looked at 3,500 patients aged 50 to 81 who were taking Tamoxifen as part of their treatment for operable early breast cancer. Results showed that the cancer came back in 40 percent of those who took the drug for 5 years but in 46 percent of those who took it for two. It was also found that taking the drug for this length of time significantly reduced the risk of developing or dying from heart disease. Lead author of the study, Dr Allan Hackshaw, said of the results: “Our study provides conclusive evidence that taking tamoxifen for five years offers women the best chance of surviving breast cancer. Women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer who are prescribed tamoxifen are recommended to take the drug for five years, but we know that many stop after two or three. Worryingly our results suggest that by doing this, they could increase their risk of cancer coming back."
In a separate study outlined in a BBC news report this week, researchers looked at the medical records of 2,000 breast cancer patients also taking tamoxifen and found that as many as half of the women failed to finish a five-year course of the drug and one in five regularly forget to take a tablet. Many women stop taking tamoxifen before the advised time due to the drug’s unpleasant side effects or because they no longer feel they need to. However, as Dr Hackshaw’s study reveals, this may leave them at a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
Kate Law of Cancer Research UK said: "It's vital that doctors and nurses continue encouraging women to finish their course of tamoxifen and providing the necessary support to ensure any side-effects are effectively managed. We would urge anyone who experiences problems taking their medication to consult their doctor without delay."
To read more from Cancer Research UK, please click here. To read BBC news’ full report, click here.
Breast cancer surgery audit results
This week, results from the first audit into breast cancer patients’ views on their mastectomies and breast reconstructions were published by the NHS Information Centre. Commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership, the National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit asked 7,000 women treated in both NHS and independent hospitals about the outcomes of their procedures. They completed questionnaires three months and 18 months after their mastectomy and/or reconstructive surgery.
Analysis of the data revealed that on the whole, those undergoing breast cancer surgery were satisfied with the service offered. 90 percent said they received ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ care and 88 percent said they were treated with respect and dignity during their hospital stay. 85 percent of those who had breast reconstruction at the time of their mastectomy felt confident in a social setting 18 months later compared with 77 percent of those who did not. Reconstruction was also found to bring about higher levels of emotional and sexual wellbeing compared with mastectomy alone. 73 percent of those who had just a mastectomy and 67 percent of those who also had reconstructive surgery said the overall outcome of their surgery was ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’.
Results of the audit have been welcomed by the medical community. John Black, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: "This is the first time we have been able to see, on a national scale, what patients think about the results of their breast surgery and it's an important example of how valuable surgical audit is for clinicians to improve standards of care."
To read more, click here.
Laura Smith 25th March 2011
Friday 25 March 2011
Friday 18 March 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
Hyde Park Walk 2011...
Cancerkin’s 8th Hyde Park Walk will take place this year on Sunday 19th June 2011. More information will be sent out to you all very soon regarding the day and registration for the event so please do let all your friends, families and colleagues know about Cancerkin’s biggest event of the year!
In the meantime, we are looking for volunteers to help us with our mail out in the coming weeks and with other preparations for the walk. If you have just an hour to spare or would like to be more involved, please get in touch with Laura on 0207 830 2323 or on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.
Dance workshops
We are pleased to announce that from April, Cancerkin will be offering weekly Dance therapy classes with Marina Benini MA RDMP, Lecturer in Movement Studies and Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths Unit of Psychotherapeutic studies. They will be held on Mondays from 11.30am to 12.30am, beginning 11th April 2011. Please contact Habeeb on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk to register your interest.
Art therapy classes
Milena Petrova will be returning to Cancerkin to begin a new series of weekly art therapy classes from Tuesday 5th April 2011 from 11am to 1pm. No previous artistic experience is necessary. Please note these classes will not take place on Tuesday 26th April and Tuesday 31st May 2011. If you would like to book a place at the workshop, please contact Habeeb on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk.
Cancerkin wants you!
Cancerkin wants to recruit a new member to its team in the full-time role of patient co-coordinator. If you are a bright and enthusiastic individual with plenty of initiative and administrative experience, we would love to hear from you. You can find more details about the position on the ‘jobs with us’ section of our website www.cancerkin.org.uk. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please forward a CV together with a covering letter saying why you want the job to info@cancerkin.org.uk.
In the news…
Variations in surgery rates
Recently On the pulse reported on a Cancer Research UK-funded study into survival rates and levels of treatment of breast cancer in different age groups. This study revealed that those over 70 were much more likely to be diagnosed late and much less likely that those under 70 to receive surgery as treatment for their breast cancer. A more general study into variations in rates of surgery for cancer patients in England has been published this week by the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) with interesting results.
As Dr Mick Peake, clinical lead of NCIN, explains in his Cancer Research UK blog, surgery is the most likely way to cure cancer and also plays an important role in palliative care. Understanding why some patients receive surgery and some do not could therefore help to improve standards of care and cancer survival rates in England. Using hospital data, the NCIN report looked at patients diagnosed with one of thirteen different cancers between 2004 and 2006 around England to determine variation in the proportion of patients having treatment by way of major surgery.
The report revealed that surgical rates drop steeply as patient age increases. Although this is not an unsurprising trend, Dr Peake points out that the fall in surgery begins in age groups as young as 50 for a number of common cancers, namely ovarian, kidney and cervical cancer. It also found that there is huge variation in the proportion of patients having surgery with different types of cancer – nearly 85 percent of breast cancer patients but less that 10 percent of lung cancer patients have surgery. Apart from breast, uterus and liver cancer, surgery rates also varied depending on location, but not necessarily on social and economic circumstances. Except cervical cancer, the report found that no major fall in surgery rates was found in patients in more deprived areas.
As Dr Peake explains, reasons for variation in age and geography do not directly relate to a hospital’s quality of care but may be attributed to: the stage at which the disease is diagnosed; late presentation of symptoms; patients, particularly the elderly, electing not to have surgery; and varying numbers of patients with other illnesses that prevent them from having surgery. As complete data on these factors is yet to be made available, the report is unable to fully explain specific variations but further research hopes to uncover the underlying causes for the differences that have now been identified.
To read more of Cancer Research UK’s blog, please click here.
Laura Smith 18th March 2011
Cancerkin’s news…
Hyde Park Walk 2011...
Cancerkin’s 8th Hyde Park Walk will take place this year on Sunday 19th June 2011. More information will be sent out to you all very soon regarding the day and registration for the event so please do let all your friends, families and colleagues know about Cancerkin’s biggest event of the year!
In the meantime, we are looking for volunteers to help us with our mail out in the coming weeks and with other preparations for the walk. If you have just an hour to spare or would like to be more involved, please get in touch with Laura on 0207 830 2323 or on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.
Dance workshops
We are pleased to announce that from April, Cancerkin will be offering weekly Dance therapy classes with Marina Benini MA RDMP, Lecturer in Movement Studies and Dance Movement Psychotherapy, Goldsmiths Unit of Psychotherapeutic studies. They will be held on Mondays from 11.30am to 12.30am, beginning 11th April 2011. Please contact Habeeb on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk to register your interest.
Art therapy classes
Milena Petrova will be returning to Cancerkin to begin a new series of weekly art therapy classes from Tuesday 5th April 2011 from 11am to 1pm. No previous artistic experience is necessary. Please note these classes will not take place on Tuesday 26th April and Tuesday 31st May 2011. If you would like to book a place at the workshop, please contact Habeeb on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk.
Cancerkin wants you!
Cancerkin wants to recruit a new member to its team in the full-time role of patient co-coordinator. If you are a bright and enthusiastic individual with plenty of initiative and administrative experience, we would love to hear from you. You can find more details about the position on the ‘jobs with us’ section of our website www.cancerkin.org.uk. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please forward a CV together with a covering letter saying why you want the job to info@cancerkin.org.uk.
In the news…
Variations in surgery rates
Recently On the pulse reported on a Cancer Research UK-funded study into survival rates and levels of treatment of breast cancer in different age groups. This study revealed that those over 70 were much more likely to be diagnosed late and much less likely that those under 70 to receive surgery as treatment for their breast cancer. A more general study into variations in rates of surgery for cancer patients in England has been published this week by the National Cancer Intelligence Network (NCIN) with interesting results.
As Dr Mick Peake, clinical lead of NCIN, explains in his Cancer Research UK blog, surgery is the most likely way to cure cancer and also plays an important role in palliative care. Understanding why some patients receive surgery and some do not could therefore help to improve standards of care and cancer survival rates in England. Using hospital data, the NCIN report looked at patients diagnosed with one of thirteen different cancers between 2004 and 2006 around England to determine variation in the proportion of patients having treatment by way of major surgery.
The report revealed that surgical rates drop steeply as patient age increases. Although this is not an unsurprising trend, Dr Peake points out that the fall in surgery begins in age groups as young as 50 for a number of common cancers, namely ovarian, kidney and cervical cancer. It also found that there is huge variation in the proportion of patients having surgery with different types of cancer – nearly 85 percent of breast cancer patients but less that 10 percent of lung cancer patients have surgery. Apart from breast, uterus and liver cancer, surgery rates also varied depending on location, but not necessarily on social and economic circumstances. Except cervical cancer, the report found that no major fall in surgery rates was found in patients in more deprived areas.
As Dr Peake explains, reasons for variation in age and geography do not directly relate to a hospital’s quality of care but may be attributed to: the stage at which the disease is diagnosed; late presentation of symptoms; patients, particularly the elderly, electing not to have surgery; and varying numbers of patients with other illnesses that prevent them from having surgery. As complete data on these factors is yet to be made available, the report is unable to fully explain specific variations but further research hopes to uncover the underlying causes for the differences that have now been identified.
To read more of Cancer Research UK’s blog, please click here.
Laura Smith 18th March 2011
Friday 11 March 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
Cancerkin heads to the House of Lords!
Cancerkin this week presented its East London Outreach Project at an exciting evening of fundraising at the House of Lords, organised by the Funding Network. We were thrilled to be given the opportunity to speak about our progress and future plans for the project at this prestigious event and would very much like to thank the Funding Network for inviting Cancerkin to take part.
Hyde Park Walk 2011...
As I hope you will all know, Cancerkin’s 8th Hyde Park Walk will take place this year on Sunday 19th June 2011. More information will be sent out to you all very soon regarding the day and registration for the event. In the meantime, please do let all your friends know about Cancerkin’s biggest event of the year! We hope to see plenty of teams of friends, families and colleagues joining the event this year to walk, jog or run twice round the Serpentine together. Now is the time to begin coordinating your own team! If you have any questions about the walk or if you are interested in getting involved in the run up to the big day, please feel free to contact me on 0207 830 2323 or on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.
Art therapy classes
We are pleased to announce that Milena Petrova will be returning to Cancerkin to begin a new series of weekly art therapy classes from Tuesday 5th April 2011 from 11am to 1pm. The workshops aim to be a liberating experience for patients where they can discover the freedom to explore their creativity. The workshops use a specific approach to painting on damp paper that allows colour to flow easily and combine into beautiful and spontaneous patterns. No previous artistic experience is necessary.
If you would like to book a place at the workshop, please contact Habeeb on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk. Please note these art therapy classes will not take place on Tuesday 26th April and Tuesday 31st May 2011.
In the news…
The Welfare Reform Bill and Cancer Patients
The coalition government’s controversial Welfare Reform Bill, which plans to radically reform the UK’s welfare system, has this week come under serious fire from an alliance of 30 cancer charities. They highlight in a letter to Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, that alterations to the current benefit system could have a detrimental impact on cancer patients who are currently receiving disability living allowance and other incapacity benefits. The bill, which is due to receive its second reading in the House of Commons next Wednesday, proposes to change when and for how long some cancer patients are able to receive certain benefits. The charities argue the government therefore risks leaving tens of thousands of cancer patients worse off and “pushing some into poverty.”
As part of the government’s plans, a new benefit known as Employment support allowance (ESA) will replace a number of existing incapacity benefits. It will require all new and current claimants to undergo ‘work capability assessment’. Any cancer patients claiming ESA would be given a one-year limit for receiving the benefit if they fall into the ‘work-related activity group’, that is if they are expected to return to work after a year. In their letter, the charities point out that many cancer patients are not ready to return to work after this time, stating that 75 percent of patients who could be affected by this policy would still need ESA after one year.
In addition, there are further plans to replace the current disability living allowance, which can be claimed by cancer patients after three months, with the new personal independence payment. Patients will have to wait six months before they can claim this. The letter highlights that the existing three month wait is already highly problematic for many.
The benefits a cancer patient is entitled to receive may also become dependent upon the mode of their treatment. While those receiving conventional chemotherapy will be eligible for the new ‘support group benefit’, which will exclude them from having to look for work, those treated by oral chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be required to have medical assessment and may have to take part in such activities as practice job interviews as a condition of receiving their benefit. The charities point out that, due to medical advances in treatment, more aggressive forms of cancer are increasingly treated with oral chemotherapy. The choice between oral and conventional chemotherapy that some cancer patients are given would directly affect their benefit status.
To read more about this controversial topic, please click here.
Laura Smith 11th March 2011
Friday 4 March 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
Professor Sir Mike Richards’ lecture a success
Cancerkin’s inaugural annual lecture took place this Monday and we were thrilled to welcome Professor Sir Mike Richards to speak to a full audience here at the Royal Free. Professor Richards gave us a fascinating overview of the progress that has been made in tackling breast cancer in the UK during the past 15 years and the challenges that still lay ahead. A lively question and answer session with the audience followed his lecture.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Richards for sharing his time and expertise with us in what was a highly enjoyable and informative evening. We would also like to thank our fantastic team of volunteers who came along to support Cancerkin on the night – we could not have done it without you!
Cancerkin now in Bromley by Bow
On 18 February, Cancerkin held its first complementary therapy session at a new East London venue - the Bromley by Bow centre - as part of its continuing outreach programme in the area. Nearly 20 women from all over East London participated in the session, benefiting from a range of Cancerkin’s complementary therapies. Breast awareness talks were also held throughout the day for those visiting the centre.
On 28 January and 28 February, Cancerkin returned to St. Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney to hold a further complementary therapy sessions there, with over 30 women taking part on each occasion in a range of individual and group therapies. The session on 28 February culminated in an exhibition of art works by those who had taken part in art therapy classes at previous sessions.
We are please to announce that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from all who have participated in the sessions so far. We would like to thank both the Bromley by Bow Centre and St Joseph’s Hospice for providing the most stunning venues plus helpful and obliging staff members who have supported us throughout and helped make the sessions a success.
Cancerkin wants you!
Cancerkin wants to recruit a new member to its team in the full-time role of patient co-coordinator. If you are a bright and enthusiastic individual with plenty of initiative and preferably some administrative experience, we would love to hear from you. You can find more details about the position on the ‘jobs with us’ section of our website www.cancerkin.org.uk.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please forward a CV together with a covering letter saying why you want the job to info@cancerkin.org.uk.
Art therapy with Mary-Anne and Milena
We are pleased to announce that Mary-Anne Paterson will once again be holding art therapy master classes for those who have already taken her classes. The next master class group will be a one day workshop on Friday 11th March from 11am – 2.00pm.
For those who are new to art therapy, Milena Petrova will be continuing art workshops open to all in April. Weekly workshops will begin on Tuesday 4th April from 11am to 1pm. If you would like to book a place for either class, please contact Habeeb, on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk.
In the news…
Passive smoking and breast cancer
Much evidence exists to suggest that smoking increases an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer. The existence of a link between risk and passive smoking however remains a controversial issue, with some claiming there is such a link and some suggesting otherwise. A latest US study into the relationship between active and passive smoking and breast cancer risk has found evidence to suggest that long term exposure to second-hand tobacco does increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.
US researchers at the University of West Virginia the HealthPartners Research Foundation in Minneapolis studied data on 79,990 American women aged 50 to 79 years, who took part in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study between 1993 and 1998. They identified 3,250 cases of invasive breast cancer amongst these women. Analysis of their history of and exposure to smoking revealed that smokers had a 16% increased risk of developing breast cancer after the menopause. Ex-smokers had a 9% increased risk, even up to 20 years after giving up. The highest risk was found in those who had smoked for 50 years or more. Those who had never smoked but had been exposed to tobacco smoke for prolonged periods of time were also found to have an increased risk. Over 10 year’s exposure during childhood, over 20 years’ exposure at work and over 10 year’s exposure at home during adulthood was found to increase risk by 32 percent.
Although the study’s authors state more research is needed, the research certainly suggests that giving up smoking can lower not only an individual’s risk of developing the breast cancer but that of those living and working around them. Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "We already know that tobacco can cause over a dozen different cancers, and this study adds to the growing evidence that smoking can raise the risk of breast cancer. Being a non-smoker is still the best way to reduce the risk of cancer. It's never too late to quit and it's better not to start at all.”
Click here, to read Cancer Research UK’s article in full, or here, to read a BBC news report.
New technique under development
Scientists at Queen’s University in Belfast are currently developing a new technique to treat breast cancer, which causes cancerous cells to self-destruct. Lead by Dr Helen McCarthy, researchers have used a miniscule gene transport system, called a Designer Biomimetic Vector, to deliver poison directly into cancer cells in the laboratory. The nanoparticle containing the gene iNOS is 400 times smaller that the width of a human hair, allowing it to be delivered straight into the breast cancer cells and forcing them to produce poisonous nitric oxide. This kills the cells outright or makes them more susceptible to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The technique is still in the early stages of development but Dr McCarthy hopes it will be trialled in patients in five years time. If successful, it could help to overcome the toxic side-effects of current treatments, as this particular technique would leave surrounding health breast tissue unaffected. Dr McCarthy said: "In the long term, I see this being used to treat people with metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bones. The treatment would kill the breast cancer cells as well as improving the radiation or chemotherapy."
To read more about this, please click here.
Laura Smith 4th March 2011
Cancerkin’s news…
Professor Sir Mike Richards’ lecture a success
Cancerkin’s inaugural annual lecture took place this Monday and we were thrilled to welcome Professor Sir Mike Richards to speak to a full audience here at the Royal Free. Professor Richards gave us a fascinating overview of the progress that has been made in tackling breast cancer in the UK during the past 15 years and the challenges that still lay ahead. A lively question and answer session with the audience followed his lecture.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Richards for sharing his time and expertise with us in what was a highly enjoyable and informative evening. We would also like to thank our fantastic team of volunteers who came along to support Cancerkin on the night – we could not have done it without you!
Cancerkin now in Bromley by Bow
On 18 February, Cancerkin held its first complementary therapy session at a new East London venue - the Bromley by Bow centre - as part of its continuing outreach programme in the area. Nearly 20 women from all over East London participated in the session, benefiting from a range of Cancerkin’s complementary therapies. Breast awareness talks were also held throughout the day for those visiting the centre.
On 28 January and 28 February, Cancerkin returned to St. Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney to hold a further complementary therapy sessions there, with over 30 women taking part on each occasion in a range of individual and group therapies. The session on 28 February culminated in an exhibition of art works by those who had taken part in art therapy classes at previous sessions.
We are please to announce that feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from all who have participated in the sessions so far. We would like to thank both the Bromley by Bow Centre and St Joseph’s Hospice for providing the most stunning venues plus helpful and obliging staff members who have supported us throughout and helped make the sessions a success.
Cancerkin wants you!
Cancerkin wants to recruit a new member to its team in the full-time role of patient co-coordinator. If you are a bright and enthusiastic individual with plenty of initiative and preferably some administrative experience, we would love to hear from you. You can find more details about the position on the ‘jobs with us’ section of our website www.cancerkin.org.uk.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please forward a CV together with a covering letter saying why you want the job to info@cancerkin.org.uk.
Art therapy with Mary-Anne and Milena
We are pleased to announce that Mary-Anne Paterson will once again be holding art therapy master classes for those who have already taken her classes. The next master class group will be a one day workshop on Friday 11th March from 11am – 2.00pm.
For those who are new to art therapy, Milena Petrova will be continuing art workshops open to all in April. Weekly workshops will begin on Tuesday 4th April from 11am to 1pm. If you would like to book a place for either class, please contact Habeeb, on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk.
In the news…
Passive smoking and breast cancer
Much evidence exists to suggest that smoking increases an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer. The existence of a link between risk and passive smoking however remains a controversial issue, with some claiming there is such a link and some suggesting otherwise. A latest US study into the relationship between active and passive smoking and breast cancer risk has found evidence to suggest that long term exposure to second-hand tobacco does increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.
US researchers at the University of West Virginia the HealthPartners Research Foundation in Minneapolis studied data on 79,990 American women aged 50 to 79 years, who took part in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study between 1993 and 1998. They identified 3,250 cases of invasive breast cancer amongst these women. Analysis of their history of and exposure to smoking revealed that smokers had a 16% increased risk of developing breast cancer after the menopause. Ex-smokers had a 9% increased risk, even up to 20 years after giving up. The highest risk was found in those who had smoked for 50 years or more. Those who had never smoked but had been exposed to tobacco smoke for prolonged periods of time were also found to have an increased risk. Over 10 year’s exposure during childhood, over 20 years’ exposure at work and over 10 year’s exposure at home during adulthood was found to increase risk by 32 percent.
Although the study’s authors state more research is needed, the research certainly suggests that giving up smoking can lower not only an individual’s risk of developing the breast cancer but that of those living and working around them. Yinka Ebo, senior health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "We already know that tobacco can cause over a dozen different cancers, and this study adds to the growing evidence that smoking can raise the risk of breast cancer. Being a non-smoker is still the best way to reduce the risk of cancer. It's never too late to quit and it's better not to start at all.”
Click here, to read Cancer Research UK’s article in full, or here, to read a BBC news report.
New technique under development
Scientists at Queen’s University in Belfast are currently developing a new technique to treat breast cancer, which causes cancerous cells to self-destruct. Lead by Dr Helen McCarthy, researchers have used a miniscule gene transport system, called a Designer Biomimetic Vector, to deliver poison directly into cancer cells in the laboratory. The nanoparticle containing the gene iNOS is 400 times smaller that the width of a human hair, allowing it to be delivered straight into the breast cancer cells and forcing them to produce poisonous nitric oxide. This kills the cells outright or makes them more susceptible to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The technique is still in the early stages of development but Dr McCarthy hopes it will be trialled in patients in five years time. If successful, it could help to overcome the toxic side-effects of current treatments, as this particular technique would leave surrounding health breast tissue unaffected. Dr McCarthy said: "In the long term, I see this being used to treat people with metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bones. The treatment would kill the breast cancer cells as well as improving the radiation or chemotherapy."
To read more about this, please click here.
Laura Smith 4th March 2011
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