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Could there be hope for treating Cancer? |
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Everybody knows some one who has had or is fighting cancer, it is distrssing for everyone involved, the patient, doctor and family. But war has been wages and may be the next mellenium will see man kind cure some cancers.
Developments for the futureThe years of research put into cancer has lead to a greater understanding of how tumours work.Tumours is has been discovered have their own "fingerprints" a unique surface marker. These fingerprints can be recognised by proteins called momoclonal antibodies which fit these "fingerprints" like a glove. These monoclonal antibodies therefore provide a possibility to deliver medicines direct to the tumour to kill them. AstraZeneca has been investigating this very idea and are already developing a compound. Tumour 'fingerprints' are also dependant on the presence of certain hormones. Based on this a hormone blocking treatment is already available and in use for the treatment of breast cancer (NOLVADEX). Research is extensive and ongoing, in some cases it comes down to trial and error, many other new treatment are becoming available to treat the various types of cancer. Most scientists are confident that an effective treatment will one day be found. |
What is cancer?There are many different types of cancer, but it is an unregulated multiplication of cells in the body, the resulting cell mass can even developed its own blood system and begin invading other organs.Those tumours which shed malignant cells are more serious as these cells then get caught and spread round the body. No organ is immune from cancer and each case presents different medical conditions Already many cancers can be treated, people live longer and there quality of life is improved. For women the commonest cancer is breast and for men it is lung. Most people are aware of the types of treatment available, there main shortcomings are their relative lack of efficacy. For many solid tumours a less toxic and more curative forms would be better. |
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