Australian Health Consumers researched several Health Consumer delegates at several seminars and conferences during latter part of 2009, to assess needs for a mobile MRI/Scanner vehicle to service large areas of rural and outback State of Queensland.
The interest shown came not only from health delegates, but also rural doctors' groups , pointing out a need for a mobile imagery system, that would save patients from travelling to provincial centres to receive treatment.
There are two imported US. designed and developed mobile units servicing some eastern parts of Queensland and Gippsland (Victoria) medical centres.
Research gathered from these US. units and information supplied from a UK. Dutch designed mobile MRI units, has led Australian Health Consumers to consider a locally designed and developed project for Australian conditions, which has received support from a leading vehicle manufacturer, and an Imagery Health equipment supplier. Geoff.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
What NOT to say to Breast Cancer sufferer!
Breast Cancer, with all it diagnosis and treatments, comes in for some verbal treatment at times. Sympathy, yes, can be extended by someone, a friend, a husband, even a mother, who may have also suffered similar discomfort in her life time.
A comment to a BC sufferer should be given with sincere feelings, not to aggravate the situation, says psychologist Jeff Knajdl, director, psycho-Oncology services, Creighton University, Omaha, Nabraska, pointing out some common sayings to avoid upsetting Breast Cancer patients.
"Everything will be all right". You really have no way of knowing if it will be or not, says Jeff, such statements will sound like an empty platitudes, or something of mistrust. What a BC patient really wants to hear is that you're going to be there for her through good times and bad.
"I know how you feel". Often an automatic response to an inquiry of "How ya doing?" At this point in time, a depth of feeling assessment of the patient may not be received at the level of your understanding. Better to ask something like "How are your mood and spirits holding up?" This approach is not striking at a depth of feeling, but rather giving a sufferer a chance to tell you how she feels.
"Try to keep a positive attitude!". This tends to arrive at the patient like a salvo!. Cancer patients hear endless variations on this 'mind over body' theme. If a patient has a strong personality, they will dramatise the situation more than they need to do so.
"We can beat this!". In a rush to be supportive, it's all to easy to fall back on such encouraging and inspirational messages that can lead to deep seated feelings of failure.
"Now don't get worked up!". A statement directed by observations of a scared, angry, or in tears situation . Patients need to get their feelings out in the open. It is necessary to cry, get angry or get upset!
"Congratulations, you're done with chemo". This may not altogether produce the thrill a course of treatment is finished. During a treatment, a patient may feel she is actually taking action, because the focus is on a solution, either as a cure, or progress in pushing back the cancer.
It is important to accept the patient is feeling okay and that you are there to listen any time of the day.
Acknowledgment: Jeff Knajdl, Psychologist, Psycho-Oncology services, Crieghton University, Omaha, Nabraska. Breast Cancer, Caring.com Geoff.
A comment to a BC sufferer should be given with sincere feelings, not to aggravate the situation, says psychologist Jeff Knajdl, director, psycho-Oncology services, Creighton University, Omaha, Nabraska, pointing out some common sayings to avoid upsetting Breast Cancer patients.
"Everything will be all right". You really have no way of knowing if it will be or not, says Jeff, such statements will sound like an empty platitudes, or something of mistrust. What a BC patient really wants to hear is that you're going to be there for her through good times and bad.
"I know how you feel". Often an automatic response to an inquiry of "How ya doing?" At this point in time, a depth of feeling assessment of the patient may not be received at the level of your understanding. Better to ask something like "How are your mood and spirits holding up?" This approach is not striking at a depth of feeling, but rather giving a sufferer a chance to tell you how she feels.
"Try to keep a positive attitude!". This tends to arrive at the patient like a salvo!. Cancer patients hear endless variations on this 'mind over body' theme. If a patient has a strong personality, they will dramatise the situation more than they need to do so.
"We can beat this!". In a rush to be supportive, it's all to easy to fall back on such encouraging and inspirational messages that can lead to deep seated feelings of failure.
"Now don't get worked up!". A statement directed by observations of a scared, angry, or in tears situation . Patients need to get their feelings out in the open. It is necessary to cry, get angry or get upset!
"Congratulations, you're done with chemo". This may not altogether produce the thrill a course of treatment is finished. During a treatment, a patient may feel she is actually taking action, because the focus is on a solution, either as a cure, or progress in pushing back the cancer.
It is important to accept the patient is feeling okay and that you are there to listen any time of the day.
Acknowledgment: Jeff Knajdl, Psychologist, Psycho-Oncology services, Crieghton University, Omaha, Nabraska. Breast Cancer, Caring.com Geoff.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
FDA approves first human Stem Cell Clinical Trials
One of America's finest hospitals has been granted FDA approval to conduct first neural clinical Stem Cell trial on glioma brain tumors. Established in 1913, City of Hope neuroscience research teams will take 12 to 20 recurrent high grade glioma patients into their newly developed treatment strategy during coming summer months.
It is estimated over 22,500 US. citizens are diagnosed with malignant brain tumors annually, with just over 50% die each year. Survival rates vary with each type of brain tumor, but those with glioblastoma can expect a life period of around 15 months.
These tumors are highly invasive and ultimately resistant to current methods of treatment such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. One significant barrier to treating glioma type tumors is the presence of a blood-brain barrier, that can prevent chemotherapy agents entering the brain and reaching effective concentrations at tumor sites.
The first in-human clinical trial of a neural stem cell-based therapy will be an investigational targeted treatment option to see if eventual treatments develop a platform technology to target multiple agents to brain tumors, as well as other metastatic solid tumors inside and outside of brain.
This novel tumor-selective treatment has potential to overcome many obstacles that limit the success of currently available treatments of malignant tumors and other invasive cancers. Modified neural stem cells are injected during surgery into cavity wall of remaining tumor after tissue has been removed.
Study patients receive daily doses of prodrug 5-FC for one week. Once the 5-FC crosses blood brain barrier, the neural stem cell will convert 5-FC to an active chemotherapy agent 5-FU, at tumor sites in the brain.
As a delivery agent, the stem cells may allow researchers to target concentrated therapies specifically to tumor sites, reducing undesirable side effects to the patient.
Acknowledgment: City of Hope Dept. of Neurosciences, Durate, California. www.cityofhope.org Geoff.
It is estimated over 22,500 US. citizens are diagnosed with malignant brain tumors annually, with just over 50% die each year. Survival rates vary with each type of brain tumor, but those with glioblastoma can expect a life period of around 15 months.
These tumors are highly invasive and ultimately resistant to current methods of treatment such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. One significant barrier to treating glioma type tumors is the presence of a blood-brain barrier, that can prevent chemotherapy agents entering the brain and reaching effective concentrations at tumor sites.
The first in-human clinical trial of a neural stem cell-based therapy will be an investigational targeted treatment option to see if eventual treatments develop a platform technology to target multiple agents to brain tumors, as well as other metastatic solid tumors inside and outside of brain.
This novel tumor-selective treatment has potential to overcome many obstacles that limit the success of currently available treatments of malignant tumors and other invasive cancers. Modified neural stem cells are injected during surgery into cavity wall of remaining tumor after tissue has been removed.
Study patients receive daily doses of prodrug 5-FC for one week. Once the 5-FC crosses blood brain barrier, the neural stem cell will convert 5-FC to an active chemotherapy agent 5-FU, at tumor sites in the brain.
As a delivery agent, the stem cells may allow researchers to target concentrated therapies specifically to tumor sites, reducing undesirable side effects to the patient.
Acknowledgment: City of Hope Dept. of Neurosciences, Durate, California. www.cityofhope.org Geoff.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Seven Questions to ask about Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy
There has been so many advances in radiation therapy in past few years that choosing a therapeutic approach is not as simple as it used to be, says Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor. Here are some questions you may want to ask your Oncologist when deciding on a plan of treatment.
1. Is there a risk that radiation will damage the lungs?
2. If the tumor is located in left breast, do we need to worry about damage to the heart?
3. Would using IMRT reduce risk of damage to lungs, heart, or surrounding skin tissue?
4. Is the tumor located that treatment can be affected by movement from breathing or digestion?
5. Are you considering using techniques to control or compensate for movement during radiation?
6. Will deodorant, lotion and other products interfere with radiation therapy?
7. Can radiation cause cosmetic damage to the skin?
These question should go some way to alay any fear you may have regarding Radiation therapy. Even ask the Oncologist to show you the equipment you will be using in your treatment. You must eliminate all fears prior to taking on this treatment.
Acknowledge Caring.com Geoff.
.
1. Is there a risk that radiation will damage the lungs?
2. If the tumor is located in left breast, do we need to worry about damage to the heart?
3. Would using IMRT reduce risk of damage to lungs, heart, or surrounding skin tissue?
4. Is the tumor located that treatment can be affected by movement from breathing or digestion?
5. Are you considering using techniques to control or compensate for movement during radiation?
6. Will deodorant, lotion and other products interfere with radiation therapy?
7. Can radiation cause cosmetic damage to the skin?
These question should go some way to alay any fear you may have regarding Radiation therapy. Even ask the Oncologist to show you the equipment you will be using in your treatment. You must eliminate all fears prior to taking on this treatment.
Acknowledge Caring.com Geoff.
.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Genes Patent Invalidated by U.S. Judge
What started out as a brash idea created in a management move within an Australian Bio research company, the patent of human genes gathered momentum amongst Bio research organisations around the World. You may recall our blog item "Genes Patent: Your Body, but Who are the Owners? (April 5, 2009)
A local Australian Bio research company, Gene Technologies, had engaged in a U.S. partnership concern with Myriad, keen to evaluate DNA genes into common research. Meanwhile, the Australian Government had engaged a Senate inquiry in an examination of the ownership of Genes used by companies to claim ownership by including them in their product patent.
Intellectual property law was brought into question whether commercial organisations could claim it was a 'right' to register a patent on human genes as part of their protected company property.
Now, a U.S. Federal District Judge in a Manhattan Court, has ruled that patents held by Myriad Genetics, concerning Breast Cancer Genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, were invalid.
Judge Robert Sweet anticipated a negative reaction from Bio tech industry in his 152 page ruling, discounting fears invalidating such patents would decimate the industry. Because the case could be decided with patent law, Judge Sweet did not look at the challenge on First Amendment grounds and dismissed them without prejudice.
Federal Government inquiries held around Australia, heard from a Breast Cancer sufferer express concern about the impact gene patenting could have on research. During 2009, Melbourne-based Genetic Technologies asked hospitals to stop testing for breast cancer genes because it owned the patent for genetic mutation and tests.
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Peter Dutton, MP. advised the Federal Government Senate inquiry decision had now been delayed unto June 17, 2010.
Health Consumer Advocates will keep the pressure on Government and Intellectual Property Research authorities to arrive at a sensible decision. As we have asked previously, "Your Body, but Who are the Owners?
Acknowledgment: nytimes.com; theage.com.au; wikipedia.org; Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs. Geoff.
A local Australian Bio research company, Gene Technologies, had engaged in a U.S. partnership concern with Myriad, keen to evaluate DNA genes into common research. Meanwhile, the Australian Government had engaged a Senate inquiry in an examination of the ownership of Genes used by companies to claim ownership by including them in their product patent.
Intellectual property law was brought into question whether commercial organisations could claim it was a 'right' to register a patent on human genes as part of their protected company property.
Now, a U.S. Federal District Judge in a Manhattan Court, has ruled that patents held by Myriad Genetics, concerning Breast Cancer Genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, were invalid.
Judge Robert Sweet anticipated a negative reaction from Bio tech industry in his 152 page ruling, discounting fears invalidating such patents would decimate the industry. Because the case could be decided with patent law, Judge Sweet did not look at the challenge on First Amendment grounds and dismissed them without prejudice.
Federal Government inquiries held around Australia, heard from a Breast Cancer sufferer express concern about the impact gene patenting could have on research. During 2009, Melbourne-based Genetic Technologies asked hospitals to stop testing for breast cancer genes because it owned the patent for genetic mutation and tests.
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Peter Dutton, MP. advised the Federal Government Senate inquiry decision had now been delayed unto June 17, 2010.
Health Consumer Advocates will keep the pressure on Government and Intellectual Property Research authorities to arrive at a sensible decision. As we have asked previously, "Your Body, but Who are the Owners?
Acknowledgment: nytimes.com; theage.com.au; wikipedia.org; Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs. Geoff.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Aspirin linked to Breast Cancer survival
A recent US. study has found regular taking of Aspirin is linked to increased survival after Breast Cancer operations, adding a lower risk of recurring.
Dr.Michelle Holmes, Brigham and Woman's hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, said this was the first study to find Aspirin can significantly reduce risk of cancer spread and death, for women who have been treated for early stages of the disease.
Previous studies in animals and lab cultures have suggested Aspirin may reduce risk of breast cancer.
Dr.Holmes confirmed women living at least one year after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Aspirin was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence and breast cancer death.
The Doctor also stressed it was important to see if these findings are replicated in other studies before giving advice to women on whether they should be taking Aspirin after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Acknowledge: medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.
Dr.Michelle Holmes, Brigham and Woman's hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, said this was the first study to find Aspirin can significantly reduce risk of cancer spread and death, for women who have been treated for early stages of the disease.
Previous studies in animals and lab cultures have suggested Aspirin may reduce risk of breast cancer.
Dr.Holmes confirmed women living at least one year after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Aspirin was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence and breast cancer death.
The Doctor also stressed it was important to see if these findings are replicated in other studies before giving advice to women on whether they should be taking Aspirin after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Acknowledge: medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.
Osteoporosis drugs help decrease risk of Breast Cancer
Recent research by US. Breast Cancer researchers have discovered the use of Osteoporosis drugs help in controlling risk of Breast Cancer.
Patients using bisphosphonate range of drugs, including Fosamaz, Boniva and Zomita, have made a 40% reduction in risk of breast cancer.
The study involved 6,000 women, aged 20 to 69 years, half with invasive breast cancer. The women were interviewed about their bone health, history of fractures, and whether they had been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, and use of bisphosphonate drugs.
Head of Cancer Prevention Programs, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Wisconsin, Polly Newcomb, Ph.d M.P.H. told British Journal of Cancer, the way in which these drugs may precent breast cancer is not known.
"These drugs may affect cell function and be important in cell growth and death," said Polly Newcomb. "Because we were able to account for important cofounders, these findings may reflect real benefits due to the anti-tumor mechanisms of these medications" Polly concluded. Acknowledge: medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.
Patients using bisphosphonate range of drugs, including Fosamaz, Boniva and Zomita, have made a 40% reduction in risk of breast cancer.
The study involved 6,000 women, aged 20 to 69 years, half with invasive breast cancer. The women were interviewed about their bone health, history of fractures, and whether they had been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, and use of bisphosphonate drugs.
Head of Cancer Prevention Programs, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Wisconsin, Polly Newcomb, Ph.d M.P.H. told British Journal of Cancer, the way in which these drugs may precent breast cancer is not known.
"These drugs may affect cell function and be important in cell growth and death," said Polly Newcomb. "Because we were able to account for important cofounders, these findings may reflect real benefits due to the anti-tumor mechanisms of these medications" Polly concluded. Acknowledge: medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.
Australia battles to review new Healthcare
Since the Rudd Government initiated a review of the Health and Hospitals Reform in 2008, close to 2 million words have been written in research papers and bulletins and health consumer reviews, urging a direction for the Government to follow.
Health Consumer Groups, aided by public debate, have examined every possible avenue to apply a new direction for Healthcare, not seen since Federation of Australia. Sure, there have modifications along the way, but nothing as dedicated as the 2008 review.
The most common direction seems to be a take-over by Federal Health of a new Healthcare system, to manage the hospital system from Federal financial support.
This, however, has not seemed to the States as palatal exercise as they had hoped, some State Premiers rejecting the review outright!
Not to be seen as hopeless a situation, the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is holding talks individually with each State Premier, explaining how the new Commonwealth Health structure will work in with each State Health authority.
It is going to take some talking to modify the various health empires of past decades. Geoff
Health Consumer Groups, aided by public debate, have examined every possible avenue to apply a new direction for Healthcare, not seen since Federation of Australia. Sure, there have modifications along the way, but nothing as dedicated as the 2008 review.
The most common direction seems to be a take-over by Federal Health of a new Healthcare system, to manage the hospital system from Federal financial support.
This, however, has not seemed to the States as palatal exercise as they had hoped, some State Premiers rejecting the review outright!
Not to be seen as hopeless a situation, the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is holding talks individually with each State Premier, explaining how the new Commonwealth Health structure will work in with each State Health authority.
It is going to take some talking to modify the various health empires of past decades. Geoff
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Nanoparticle 'Cocktail' Kills Cancer Cells
US. scientists have developed a 'cocktail' of nanoparticles that work in the bloodstream, seeking-out cancer cells to kill them.
Developed by bioengineers at Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT) and cell biologists at University of California (CALTEC), the nanosystem uses particles measured in nanometers, equal to one billionth of a meter, a thousand times smaller than the thickness of a human single hair.
A single nanoparticle may not be able to stick to tumor cells once it locates them. However, scientists have developed a cocktail of nanoparticles, which can seek out tumor cells, stick onto them, where the combination with other drugs, is able to kill the cancer cell.
Made up of nanomaterials, the nanoparticle is made of gold nanorod "activities" that seep into a tumor through its leaky bloodvessels.Other nanomaterials are responder nanoparticles, either as iron oxide 'nanoworms' that light-up in an MRI scan, and a nanoparticle loaded with anti-cancer drug, doxonrubicin.
Dr. Michael Sailor, professor chemistry and biochemistry, UCSD., described the collaborative system of activator and responder nanomaterials as being like a search and destroy mission; one unit locates the target and the others eliminate the enemy.
The cocktail is designed to minimise collatural damage to the rest of the body, Dr. Sailor concluded. Geoff
Acknowledgment: medicalnewstoday.com
Developed by bioengineers at Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT) and cell biologists at University of California (CALTEC), the nanosystem uses particles measured in nanometers, equal to one billionth of a meter, a thousand times smaller than the thickness of a human single hair.
A single nanoparticle may not be able to stick to tumor cells once it locates them. However, scientists have developed a cocktail of nanoparticles, which can seek out tumor cells, stick onto them, where the combination with other drugs, is able to kill the cancer cell.
Made up of nanomaterials, the nanoparticle is made of gold nanorod "activities" that seep into a tumor through its leaky bloodvessels.Other nanomaterials are responder nanoparticles, either as iron oxide 'nanoworms' that light-up in an MRI scan, and a nanoparticle loaded with anti-cancer drug, doxonrubicin.
Dr. Michael Sailor, professor chemistry and biochemistry, UCSD., described the collaborative system of activator and responder nanomaterials as being like a search and destroy mission; one unit locates the target and the others eliminate the enemy.
The cocktail is designed to minimise collatural damage to the rest of the body, Dr. Sailor concluded. Geoff
Acknowledgment: medicalnewstoday.com
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Healthcare to dominate for 2010
Healthcare will be the buzzword for a few countries during 2010, with country's like America now with a revised new Healthcare system, some European countries and Britain reviewing some aspects of their healthcare programs, and Australia continuing on with its review of "dressings" to its country's healthcare.
The comprehensive re-examination of Australia's healthcare system has noticed some thoughts emerging about aspects of health, including a re-think on hospital layout, location of certain treatment functions, preventative health, health literacy, smoking and alcohol addiction, new disability plans, and possible projections on mobile phone health.
Consideration is in the offing for overall IT management controls on hospital and support medical facilities, to improve overall communications, also the introduction of new patient card electronic records system, to cover patients throughout the country in need of medical attention.
Australia is also facing an election delema during 2010, hoping it will not interfere with the progress of our new healthcare review. Let's hope its a happy new healthcare Year for all. Geoff.
The comprehensive re-examination of Australia's healthcare system has noticed some thoughts emerging about aspects of health, including a re-think on hospital layout, location of certain treatment functions, preventative health, health literacy, smoking and alcohol addiction, new disability plans, and possible projections on mobile phone health.
Consideration is in the offing for overall IT management controls on hospital and support medical facilities, to improve overall communications, also the introduction of new patient card electronic records system, to cover patients throughout the country in need of medical attention.
Australia is also facing an election delema during 2010, hoping it will not interfere with the progress of our new healthcare review. Let's hope its a happy new healthcare Year for all. Geoff.
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