ENMD, where there is smoke...there is fire?
By: arthurjgg $$
08 Jan 2002, 03:44 PM EST Msg. 40311 of 40314
Here is the Dutch article properly translated, courtesy of my M.D. Dutch brother-in-law in Victoria, Canada:
TUMOUR RETARDER
by Ina Eggink Utrecht/Amsterdam
Medicines which inhibit the formation of new blood vessels around cancer tumours appear in some patients to completely stop the disease. That is pointed out by the University Medical Centre in Utrecht and the VU Medical Centre in Amsterdam. In Utrecht under direction of Professor Dr. E. Voest, 24 patients have been treated with an angiostatin.
But in even more patients who had cancer in an advanced state, the growth of tumour had been stopped for a long time and for some, more than 10 months.
Prof. Voest calls it unusual that with patients who have received several forms of chemotherapy, the cancer is stabilized.
STUDY
24 patients in VUMC who had an unstoppable cancer received an endostatin. Also here for some of these patients, the disease was halted.
Prof. Dr. B. Pinedo (picture of patient, Frans Jongen)
With one patient, we saw the tumour becoming smaller according to the investigator, Prof. B. Pinedo. "Along with the hopeful results, it is important to see that we don't see any or few side effects from the medication." Tumours grow according to the nourishment they receive via new blood vessels. This process is called, angiogenesis.
Endostatin and angiostatin inhibit the formation of these new blood vessels and cause narrowing of these vessels.
The nourishment of the tumour is impeded and in this way, the growth of the tumour is halted.
The investigating team of Pineda also had a second success. Until recently, the endostatin had to be given by permanent infusion. That procedure is time consumingt and a burden to the patient. It turned out that the active material can be given via subcutaneous injections. Pinedo: "It appears that the active part in the blood can be compared with that of patients who received endostatin via intravenous infusion. American doctors who also investigate angiogenesis blockers are curious to find out about our resuts and invited us to bring our results to a convention.
The Dutch Oncologistsemphasize that investigations are still in an early phase. The results are encouraging and both studies will be expanded. In Utrecht, 8 patients are under treatment. At the VUMC(Amsterdam), 12 to 20 additional patients will take part in the experimental treatment.
At this hospital, the dose will be increased to see if patients, who did until now, not respond quite as well, will get a better result with the higher dose.
(Voluntary Disclosure: Position- Long; ST Rating- Strong Buy; LT Rating- Strong Buy)
- - - - - |
