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Max Power · 04-08-2005, 08:44 AM

We’ve all known someone who’s been affected from this terrible disease. This is great news if it actually materializes

Quote:

Scientists in Manchester say a cure for all types of cancer could be available on the NHS within five years.
The world's first patient trials in a technique which genetically engineers cells will take place at the city's Christie Hospital later this year.

The treatment - gene-modified t-cell therapy - could replace more intrusive treatments like chemotherapy.

The cells are fitted with a "tracker" device to kill cancer cells before being injected back into the patient.

Professor Robert Hawkins, clinical director of Medical oncology at the hospital, says the initial results of lab tests have been "spectacular".

In the lab we have seen spectacular results in lung tumours and in the brain. It's remarkable
Professor Robert Hawkins

More traditional treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy destroy both healthy and cancerous cells.

The new system makes the body naturally seek out and kill tumours by boosting the infection-fighting t-cells.

The body does not naturally have enough of these cells to combat huge tumours, and cancer cells often develop protective mechanisms to avoid them being recognised by the body as a disease.

Doctors will take blood samples from cancer patients to extract t-cells. They then genetically modify the t-cells, attaching an antibody which works like a tracking device to enable the t-cells to zone in on cancer tumours.

The t-cells are then multiplied a thousand-fold over a two-week period and injected back into the patient's body.

Professor Hawkins is appealing for funds to build a lab to genetically engineer t-cells, so that the treatment can be available for patients that cancer drugs, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have already failed.

Star's appeal

He said: "In the lab we have seen spectacular results in lung tumours and in the brain. It's remarkable.

"Given as an injection, it could get rid of a widespread range of tumours."

About £250,000 is needed through the Christie Appeal to pay for nurses with specialist training, research doctors and equipment.

Earlier this week, the hospital launched a new fundraising appeal backed by BBC One's Dr Who star, Christopher Eccleston, who was born in Salford.

Those wanting to give to the Christie Appeal can call the 24-hour donation line on 0800 1954321.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/h...er/4423847.stm

Published: 2005/04/08 11:01:55 GMT

© BBC MMV

**Amoroq** · 04-08-2005, 08:51 AM

This is awesome news. I've lost a Aunt, Uncle, and 2 good friends to cancer. Now, just to get the insurance companies to pay up. Sounds like it might be a costly treatment.

imported_Matt · 04-08-2005, 08:51 AM

Although I don't understand a word of that... it's great to hear! Imagine cancer a sickness of the past!

bluemeanie · 04-08-2005, 09:22 AM

Does someone have a light???

AvsRuleUDrule · 04-08-2005, 09:59 AM

I hope that it is true!!!!!!

butterfly_style · 04-08-2005, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluemeanie

Does someone have a light???

[img]*snip*[/img]

Sorry blue, I find this picture very disturbing.
I would imagine the parents of this little girl thought they were being funny or cute.
The truth is, children of smokers are more likely to start, than children of non-smokers.
Kids imitate the behaviour of their parents.

I always cringe when I see mommy or daddy having a smoke while junior sits in his car seat.
Now as a former smoker, I know that car-puff is the BEST! But please don't smoke in front of your kids.

If you must smoke(I really enjoyed smoking when I did it), don't let little johnnie or susie see you.
NOT to mention at all, the effects of second hand-smoke.

bluemeanie · 04-08-2005, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butterfly_style

Sorry blue, I find this picture very disturbing.
I would imagine the parents of this little girl thought they were being funny or cute.
The truth is, children of smokers are more likely to start, than children of non-smokers.
Kids imitate the behaviour of their parents.

I always cringe when I see mommy or daddy having a smoke while junior sits in his car seat.
Now as a former smoker, I know that car-puff is the BEST! But please don't smoke in front of your kids.

If you must smoke(I really enjoyed smoking when I did it), don't let little johnnie or susie see you.
NOT to mention at all, the effects of second hand-smoke.

No problem. I agree with you fully. I don't have kids, but when and if I do... I'll of coarse butt out for good. If anything the picture is a reminder of what you've just said. There are commericals that show children immitating smoking to get out this very point to parents. But to me it's just a joke, just like the half dozen pictures posted on here with babies holding beer cans.

butterfly_style · 04-08-2005, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluemeanie

But to me it's just a joke, just like the half dozen pictures posted on here with babies holding beer cans.

You're right, I've probably posted one or two of those myself.
And a picture or two of an althete in great anguish.

Usually, my sensibilities are not so offended . . .

Carry on!

Darsehole Tucker · 04-08-2005, 11:04 AM

This news is encouraging, and I've always been fairly certain there would be a cure found for cancer, though not necessarily in my lifetime. I'm worried about so many of the things that we find around us in our day to day lives that seem to be completely harmless. In the past, no one knew the consequences of smoking and second hand smoke, pollution, asbestos, etc. I just hope that with all of the technology advances that we've made as a society, there aren't unseen chemicals and products that will produce a different epidemic for future generations similar to the cancer epidemic of today.

bluemeanie · 04-08-2005, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darsehole Tucker

I just hope that with all of the technology advances that we've made as a society, there aren't unseen chemicals and products that will produce a different epidemic for future generations similar to the cancer epidemic of today.

Wishful thinking. I hope so to, but nature will somehow find a way to punish us for our relentless advancements in technology and our unyielding destruction of the planet. We'll probably all start growing beaks out of ears from cell phone use, and grow an extra hand to scratch our selves while we talk on forums. But, until then, this is truly good news. Now if only researchers can find a cure for ugliness.

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