Tag: Institute of Cancer Research

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Healthy Tips News on Health & Science

Black Cohosh Stops Breast Cancer Growth

A new laboratory study, published in Phytomedicine, suggests that extracts from black cohosh, an herb most commonly used to reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, may stop breast cancer cells in their tracks. This adds more evidence to a small but growing body of research suggesting that black cohosh could have a use in breast cancer prevention.

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Black cohosh (Cimicifugae racemosae rhizome), is a perennial plant native to North America, is a member of the buttercup family. It has long been a popular alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in many countries. In the UK, 9 million days’ worth of black cohosh supplements were purchased in 2004.

The inhibition of the growth of breast cancer cells was related to an induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis).

“These results corroborate the results of our previous studies indicating that the growth inhibitory effect of actein or an extract of black cohosh is associated with activation of specific stress response pathways and apoptosis,” wrote the researchers, referring to their studies published earlier this year in Anticancer Research and the International Journal of Cancer.

Although the results are promising, further research is needed to determine whether the herb can be effectively used as a breast cancer chemopreventive agent.

Sources:
FoodAndDrinkEurope.com November 13, 2007
Phytomedicine October 31, 2007 [Epub Ahead of Print]
Anticancer Research March-April, 2007;27(2):697-712
International Journal of Cancer November 1, 2007;121(9):2073-83

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Dogs as Disease Detectors

 

There is no question that dogs can provide companionship, protection, and other services. But could there be another use for our canine friends? Some anecdotal evidence and a sprinkling of scientific studies suggest that dogs can detect seizures and cancers (like skin melanoma and prostate cancer). Though the research is still in its infancy, preliminary results have already provided insight on developing new medical technologies…………..CLICK & SEE

Detecting Seizures
Though many anecdotal stories suggest dogs can alert their owners before a seizure, there has been little research on how dogs might detect seizures before they happen. Some theorize that the dogs may smell a chemical or other scent that is released just prior to a seizure. Others believe the dog‘s attachment to his or her owner helps in detecting subtle scent and behavioral changes before a seizure. Only a very small percentage of these service dogs are currently able to reliably warn their owners before a seizure. Some researchers have studied whether these skills could be taught………….click & see

Researchers in the UK reported in the January 1999 and January 2001 issues of Seizure on dogs they had trained that could detect seizures 15  to 45 minutes prior to the episodes beginning. In addition, the researchers found that the people using these dogs actually reported fewer seizures. Though these results are promising, in most cases it still seems that this skill is inherent in a dog’s personality, rather than something that can be taught. Future research may reveal what these dogs are detecting and how this information can be applied in the hospital setting.

There is no doubt that trained seizure alert dogs can alert help, help prevent injury and watch over someone when they are having a seizure. However, the Epilepsy Foundation cautions people against rushing into spending thousands of dollars for a dog said to have skills of prior seizure detection, at least until the research supports a specific training regimen.

Detecting Cancer
There has also been anecdotal evidence of dogs being able to sniff out cancer and warn their owners. A brief report in a 1989 issue of the Lancet describes how one dog discovered a cancerous skin tumor on her owner’s leg. Researchers have been able to teach bomb-sniffing dogs how to detect cancer using similar training techniques. Other research supports the theory that dogs have the ability to smell cancer. But the real promise may be in learning how dogs can do this and possibly developing medical technology to do the same..…click & see

The Future of Dogs as Doctors….click & see
Dogs may never be used in the physician’s office. However, studying how animals can detect disease conditions in humans could lead to future advancements in medicine and medical technology. For instance, by learning about the ways dogs  smell   a seizure or cancer cells, we can develop technologies to detect those same molecules. Medical   sniffing machines  have already been developed and are providing insight into the smells of disease for disease detection.
RESOURCES:

The Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.efa.org

The National Cancer Institute
http://www.nci.nih.gov

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Animals and Your Health: Dogs as Disease Detectors

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There is no question that dogs can provide companionship, protection, and other services. But could there be another use for our canine friends? Some anecdotal evidence and a sprinkling of scientific studies suggest that dogs can detect seizures and cancers (like skin melanoma and prostate cancer). Though the research is still in its infancy, preliminary results have already provided insight on developing new medical technologies.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
Detecting Seizures
Though many anecdotal stories suggest dogs can alert their owners before a seizure, there has been little research on how dogs might detect seizures before they happen. Some theorize that the dogs may smell a chemical or other scent that is released just prior to a seizure. Others believe the dog’s attachment to his or her owner helps in detecting subtle scent and behavioral changes before a seizure. Only a very small percentage of these service dogs are currently able to reliably warn their owners before a seizure. Some researchers have studied whether these skills could be taught.

Researchers in the UK reported in the January 1999 and January 2001 issues of Seizure on dogs they had trained that could detect seizures 1545 minutes prior to the episode’s beginning. In addition, the researchers found that the people using these dogs actually reported fewer seizures. Though these results are promising, in most cases it still seems that this skill is inherent in a dog’s personality, rather than something that can be taught. Future research may reveal what these dogs are detecting and how this information can be applied in the hospital setting.

There is no doubt that trained seizure alert dogs can alert help, help prevent injury and watch over someone when they are having a seizure. However, the Epilepsy Foundation cautions people against rushing into spending thousands of dollars for a dog said to have skills of prior seizure detection, at least until the research supports a specific training regimen.

Detecting Cancer
There has also been anecdotal evidence of dogs being able to sniff out cancer and warn their owners. A brief report in a 1989 issue of the Lancet describes how one dog discovered a cancerous skin tumor on her owner’s leg. Researchers have been able to teach bomb-sniffing dogs how to detect cancer using similar training techniques. Other research supports the theory that dogs have the ability to smell cancer. But the real promise may be in learning how dogs can do this and possibly developing medical technology to do the same.

The Future of Dogs as Doctors
Dogs may never be used in the physicians office. However, studying how animals can detect disease conditions in humans could lead to future advancements in medicine and medical technology. For instance, by learning about the ways dogs “smell” a seizure or cancer cells, we can develop technologies to detect those same molecules. Medical “sniffing machines” have already been developed and are providing insight into the smells of disease for disease detection.

Written by :Skye Schulte, MS, MPH.

Resources:The Epilepsy Foundation and The National Cancer Institute

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Ailmemts & Remedies

Cancer

Conventional cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, are often highly effective in battling this frightening illness. Gentle natural therapies may be used in conjunction with traditional methods to help curb their troublesome side effects and even boost their potency.

Symptoms
Unusual bleeding or discharge.
A change in either bowel or bladder habits.
Chronic indigestion or difficulty swallowing.
Unexplained increased appetite or weight loss.
A sore that doesn’t heal.
Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere.
Persistent cough, hoarseness, or sore throat.
A change in a wart or mole.
Unexplained fatigue.

When to Call Your Doctor
If you have any symptom of cancer for two weeks or longer, and there is no other obvious cause.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

What It Is
There are more than a hundred types of cancer, all marked by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. Most begin as solid tumors, from which cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Untreated, cancer cells can overpower normal cells and sap the body’s vital nutrients, resulting in grave illness or even death…...click & see

What Causes It
Why healthy cells turn cancerous is unknown. But such factors as smoking, excessive sun exposure, pollutants, stress, and a poor diet appear to play a role. Any of these may weaken the immune system, which is then unable to attack cancer cells effectively, or expose the body to free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells. Heredity also seems to be a key element in the development of many types of cancer.

How Supplements Can Help
In cancer treatment, supplements stir especially intense debate. Studies conflict, and a parade of fraudulent “miracle cures” are offered — usually at a steep price. But a number of supplements, taken daily over the long term, do show special promise as valuable additions to conventional cancer therapies.
Vitamin A, along with the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids (especially beta-carotene and lycopene), selenium, and coenzyme Q10, helps protect cells from free radicals and may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. These supplements may be particularly beneficial for people who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation — procedures that damage healthy cells as they attack cancer cells. Amino acids may speed healing and slow tumor growth as well.

Rotating echinacea in three-week cycles with extracts of medicinal mushrooms and other immune-boosting herbs may help to strengthen overall immunity during cancer treatments. (Vitamin C also bolsters the immune system, aiding it in fighting off any cancer cells remaining in the body after treatment.) The Coriolus versicolor mushroom has shown particular promise against lung, stomach, and colon cancers. Taking a liver detoxification formula (sometimes called a lipotropic combination in health-food stores) to help prevent the buildup of dangerous cancer-promoting toxins in the body may also be a good idea.

What Else You Can Do
Eat a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals.
Join a support group: Studies show this step can prolong your survival.
Try exercise, meditation, biofeedback, massage, or imaging techniques to help reduce stress, lessen anxiety, and ease symptoms.
If nausea is a problem during chemotherapy, try ginger (100 to 200 mg every four hours, or a cup of ginger tea, as needed). Take it with food to avoid stomach irritation. Relaxation tapes or acupuncture may also help.

Supplement Recommendations
Vitamin A
Vitamin C/Vitamin E
Carotenoids
Selenium
Coenzyme Q10
Amino Acids
Echinacea
Mushrooms


Vitamin A
Dosage: 50,000 IU a day for 1 month, then 25,000 IU a day.
Comments: Take only 5,000 IU a day if you may become pregnant.

Vitamin C/Vitamin E
Dosage: 2,000 mg vitamin C 3 times a day; 400 IU vitamin E twice a day.
Comments: Vitamin C helps boost the effects of vitamin E.

Carotenoids
Dosage: 3 pills mixed carotenoids a day with food.
Comments: Each pill should supply 25,000 IU vitamin A activity.

Selenium
Dosage: 200 mcg a day.
Comments: Don’t exceed 600 mcg daily; higher doses may be toxic.

Coenzyme Q10
Dosage: 200 mg each morning.
Comments: For best absorption, take with food.

Amino Acids
Dosage: Mixed amino acids (see label for dosage), plus NAC (500 mg 3 times a day) and L-glutathione (250 mg twice a day).
Comments: Take L-glutathione separately from other amino acids.

Echinacea
Dosage: 200 mg 3 times a day.
Comments: Rotate in 3-week cycles with astragalus (400 mg twice a day), pau d’arco (500 mg twice a day), and mushrooms (below).

Mushrooms
Dosage: 500 mg reishi, 400 mg shiitake, 200 mg maitake 3 times a day; and/or 3,000 mg Coriolus versicolor divided into 2 daily doses.
Comments: Avoid reishi mushrooms if you’re on anticoagulants.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.

Source:Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs (Reader’s Digest)

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Vaccine For Brain Tumour

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In an attempt to beat brain tumour, one the deadliest of all cancers, a researcher and his team in US has tried to harness a remedy by producing vaccine from the tumour itself, reports New Scientist……..Click & see

Andrew Parsa, a neurosurgeon from the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center, has helped create made-to-measure vaccines using a person’s surgically removed tumour, and he’s started testing the concept in a small group of patients.

The vaccine, which utilises specific proteins from the tumour, is administered through a needle to the arm every two weeks, with the aim of stimulating T-cells from the immune system to attack any regrowth of the cancer.

“We’ve now got some compelling data from the first six patients and it looks like clearly all six patients had an immune response,” said Parsa, the study’s principal investigator. “In other words, when I test their blood after the vaccination, it’s apparent that they have T-cells that weren’t there before that are specific to their tumour.”

“And of those six patients, five of them have lived longer or are living longer than 6.5 months after recurrence of glioblastomas, which is the most malignant kind of brain tumour you can have,” Parsa said in Orlando, Florida, where he presented his findings at the Society of Neuro-Oncology annual scientific meeting.

Four of the patients have survived almost a year. One woman died about 10 months after starting vaccinations, while the sixth patient died before 6.5 months the average expected period of survival for this form of brain tumour, which arises in tissue that surrounds nerve cells.Brain tumours known as recurrent gliomas are notoriously difficult to treat and remain among the deadliest of all cancers. High-grade recurrent gliomas, or glioblastomas, can be made up of several different types of cancer cells and may infiltrate many parts of the brain.But Parsa stressed that these are extremely preliminary findings, based on a small number of patients in a phase 1 study designed to ascertain safety not effectiveness. “It just so happens we have some really dramatic immunomonitoring data and some interesting survival data at this point,” he said.

Commenting on the research, neuro-oncologist Warren Mason of Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital said various types of experimental immune-stimulating therapies have been tried in the past, all without success.

Sources:   The Times Of India Publication

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