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NOVEMBER 2012
--
Cancer.Vive 2013 Ride
applications now open!
Cancer survivors of the “shy cancers” (breast, ovarian, cervical, colorectal, prostate and testicular cancer) can now apply to participate in the 2013 Awareness and Educational Ride. The application
form can be
downloaded
from www.cancervive.co.za.
In 2012 the team
of 25 survivors
visited mines,
schools, farm
workers and factory workers in
the Gauteng and
Mpumalanga
area
Lilian Dube in Kagiso during the 2013 Ride.
and about 10,000
people were educated. For more information, contact Frieda on
[email protected].
Can-Sir members were at Sahara Park, Newlands to educate
Cape Cobra supporters about men’s cancer. Alongside the Cape
Cobras mascot are Can-Sir members Charlton Frans (left) and
Bianca Jacobs with CEO Ismail-Ian Fife attempting to take the
bite out of the Cape Cobras FANgS. See story on page 3.
New Johannesburg Cancer Buddies
People Living With Cancer and CanSurvive Support Group now have another 24 Cancer Buddies trained and ready to help patients,
survivors and caregivers. More pictures on page 4.
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
How would we cope?
Cancer buddies give back
Oncologist James Salwitz writes from the US about the incredible
way that people worked together after Hurricane Sandy had
devastated the East coast.
Would South Africans pull together like this? Our performance
in hospitals under normal working conditions doesn’t raise much
hope.
“The blackout legacy of Sandy affected man, woman and child,
plunging all into cold darkness, putting all in harms way. However,
for few was this trauma more acute then for cancer patients in the
middle of their battle against disease. For hundreds of local
patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy this week, suddenly
finding themselves without access to critical care was frightening
and dangerous. Into this crisis stepped local heroes.
“When two of our three offices lost power and heat, 210 patients
due to receive vital treatments this week were left without access
to ongoing chemotherapy. Another 185 patients scheduled for
vital lab testing were in jeopardy and over 400 office visits cancelled. As with sailors suddenly washed overboard, these cancer
patients, many frail and vulnerable, had lives suddenly at risk. Our
staff of front desk workers, LPNs, RNs, pharmacists, technicians
and physicians did not hesitate. They would all say that they were
just doing their jobs. If that is true, then how these people do their
jobs is an inspiration.
“We are three friends Diane, Belinda and Janice who have all lost
our mothers to cancer. I am cancer survivor too and during my
recovery I was introduced to PLWC Cancer Buddies based at the
Vincent Palotti Oncology unit. What an inspirational group of
people! I felt an immediate bond with my fellow survivors. Our
monthly discussions are a time to reflect on our cancer journey,
learn about medical advances, experience alternative therapies,
plan our dying ( it is inevitable) and advocate for change. But
above all it is an opportunity to celebrate life!
“Acting with calm, good humour (actually really awful humour)
and intelligence, these professionals organised chaos. Working
around downed trees and phone systems, transporting drugs and
equipment, jury rigging critical systems to augment struggling
electronics, in real time they brought care to cancer patients in
critical need. They urged chilled, struggling lab equipment to life,
alternative communication systems were rigged, patients contacted and schedules redesigned, on the fly. Chemotherapy was given
in exam rooms, at desks, in any available cranny. Doctors wearing
hiking boots and jeans, instead of white coats and ties, examined
patients. Rather then being left in isolation, frightened patients
were given comfort and care, vital medicine, a warm touch and
hot coffee (with doughnuts…OK not the best in nutrition, but we
will let it slide).”
When my friend Janice’s mom fell ill, I introduced her to the
group. As a caregiver she too was struck by the joy of this group.
Not to mention the advice she got – both on a practical and
emotional level. And yet another dimension of the group was
revealed. The voice of the caregiver.
Us ladies were chatting about our need to pay forward by doing
something meaningful for someone else before the end of 2012.
Having a mutual love of a glass of champagne and slice of cake
we decided to arrange a tea party to raise funds for a worthy
cause. With the positive role Cancer Buddies has played in our
lives it was the obvious choice to be the beneficiary.
We anticipated having a smallish group of ladies to host, but how
wrong we were! What happened was an unexpected, overwhelming and wonderful outpouring of love from our friends, family and
the greater community. We were offered donations of both
money and food. Some friends responded by arranged phenomenal prizes and others gave of their time and creative talents. The
men were not to be outdone. They set out furniture, manned the
entrance table, poured hundreds of glasses of champagne and
took care of the banking and petty cash. The sun came out just
before 3pm and our 70 guests had a wonderful afternoon filled
with tea, bubbly, snacks, fun and sharing. We are still receiving
donations and have managed to raise in excess of R12 000 thus
far! We have been truly blessed!
Tollfree service
for cancer patients
PLWC Cancer Buddies now have a tollfree number - it is
0800 033 337 and it is available 24/7.
All cancer patients now have access to free cancer support and
can ask any questions about cancer and treatment of cancer;
the emotional issues related to the cancer journey; questions
about side effects of treatment; assistance with accessing
resources like wigs, prosthesis, home nursing and hospice.
A big thank you must go to Linda Greeff whose telling of the
Cancer Buddies story had such an amazing impact on every single guest. And of to every person who contributed, in any way, to
the success of the fund raiser we truly appreciate it. We have
already had enquiries about when we will be hosting the next
one! “ - Diane
Problems relating to access to treatment or services delivery
issues can also be reported and they will assist in navigating
the complex healthcare system we have in South Africa.
No question is insignificant!
2
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
Guinness World Record attempt
Can­Sir Pulls the FANgS out
of Cape Cobras
November 9 - What an evening it was! Although we are disappointed in the Cobras loss at the hands of the Bizhub Highveld
Lions, our awareness drive was truly memorable, informative, mind
blowing and hugely successful.
That Sahara Park Newlands was not packed to the rafters may
have been a blessing in disguise as we did not have a full complement of members and volunteers due to the short notice of this
particular event. Now that we have received the full schedule,
Can-Sir members and volunteers will be all hands on deck for the
remaining events.
Can-Sir will be taking part in a 24-hour Static Cycle Guinness
World Record attempt on 24 and 25 November, by supporting all
participants and raising much needed cancer awareness and
education.
Organisers Spin4C and Sponsor’s REFLEX will staging this event
at the Kranking Fitness Studio in the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.
During the course of the evening, we managed to reach 523
FANgS (Fangs is a description for fans) based on flyers issued less
flyers returned.
teed to have themselves tested for testicular cancer at the next
Newlands game - that is a breakthrough if ever there was one!!
What was very interesting to note was the fact that most of the
men we approached were very receptive with the odd few trying
to escape us … lol … we caught them too lol… The biggest plus of
the evening was that 90% of the people approached, men and
women, were all in agreement that this form of awareness drive
was long overdue for men and wanted to see more. Well, we
assured them that we will be back and will be present at all of the
Cape Cobras home games. During the course of the evening, we
had 17 offers from FANgS to assist us at our next Newlands
awareness drives - now isn’t that just great!!!
Future dates to diarise:
Now for the facts: 523 fans were reached; 65 fans had private discussions; 7 fans were counselled and 175 young men have guaran-
16 February: Can-Sir Valentines Day Charity Dance at the Astra
Hall, Montana, Cape Town.
Bracelet funds the first toll-free
line of its kind in South Africa!
From now on, all the funds raised through the sale of the
bracelets will go towards paying for the monthly maintenance of
the toll-free line.
We look forward to our next venture at Boland Park and hope that
with the added Can-Sir manpower, more people will be reached.
23 November: Can-Sir takes the sting out of Cape Cobras at
Boland Park, Boland – Cancer Awareness programme.
30 November: Can-Sir bites into the FANgS at Sahara Park
Newlands Cape Cobras– Cancer Awareness programme.
The toll-free line is available between 8:00 and 17:00 daily. NO
question is unimportant.
People Living With Cancer (PLWC) is very proud and even more
pleased to announce that the toll-free number for CANCER
BUDDIES has gone live and can offer help to cancer
patients and their families. Just make the call
and it is also free!
Patient’s enquiries are taken by trained oncology social
workers who then determine the needs of the
patient and the family, and the support needed and then the caller is referred to a specifically selected “friend” from a similar diagnosis as the patient. Cancer Buddies who take
the hands of the cancer patient are all trained to
take calls and deal with the needs of the patient and their
journey. The hope and support offered by this service is incredible
and assists the patient to feel more in control of his journey with
cancer.
Toll free number to call is: 0800 033 337
All cancer patients and their families have
free access to free cancer support through
Cancer Buddies, a project of PLWC.
PLWC would like to thank everyone who lent their hands by buying the bracelet and wearing them. You have made this line possible and you will change many lives for the better. Not just
today, but forever! PLWC would also like to thank all those who
bought the bracelets because you are going to save lives by
spreading the message that the early detection saves lives.
So go for regular checkups.
Visit the website www.cancerbuddies.org.za lend your hand for
further information and to buy bracelets online. The beautiful
handmade emblem of the wristband was designed and painted
by the famous artist Pierre Volschenk.
3
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
CanSurvive
and
People Living
With Cancer
2012
Cancer Buddy
Training Course
4
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
Cancer.Vive
reach out
in Namibia
Four Cancer.vive members were invited by
SPAR Namibia as special guests at the annual
Ladies Cancer Breakfast in Swakopmund. More
than 500 ladies, all dressed in shades of pink,
gathered in a huge marquee tent which was
erected on the beach.
Raynolda Makhutle, Ray Cassiem, Adri van
Nieuwenhuizen and Frieda Henning shared
their stories and knowledge on the signs and
risks of the “shy cancers” with the ladies. SPAR Some of the 500 ladies who attended the Ladies Breakfast in Swakopmund where
Western Cape has been supporting the cause Cancer.vive did what they do best - spread knowledge about the shy cancers.
for the last 3 years and it was an honour to be present at the
their support towards the “Pink Trees for Pauline – embraced by
Swakopmund event, said Frieda Henning.
Cancer.vive)-project for 2013. The money raised with this project
will be used to spread the word of the importance of early detection for cancer in Namibia.
The response from the ladies was overwhelming and four towns
(Swakopmund, Walvisbaai, Hentiesbaai and Windhoek pledged
CANCER BUDDIES
Ride 4 Skin Cancer (R4SC) 2013
The P&P Cape Argus Cycle Tour entries have been opened for a
while now and we need to begin preparation for the R4SC in
2013. We will continue our support for Cancer buddies – should
anyone wish to find out more information about our chosen
charity please visit www.cancerbuddies.org.za
It is with great pleasure that we welcome to the team Debbie
Thwaits. As the new bond administrator she will take care of the
admin associated with the charity. Debs, in consultation with
myself, Jill and Chad will run R4SC on a day to day basis. If you
would like to participate either in the ride or in any other way
towards making the event the success it is, please contact Debs
on [email protected] /mobile number is
082 355 177
Do you need a Cancer Buddy?
Cape Town Buddies Fundraiser
The Cancer Buddies support project emphasises the
importance of support while learning to live with
cancer, and that this is fundamental to developing a
true cancer survivor approach.
It is with great pleasure that we can tell you that we donated
R4110 into your account today as a result of our fundraiser tea!
A heartfelt thank you from Tania and I for your support Elise and
for your inspired presence on the day. It was a great success and
would not have been so without you.
What inspired us? A heartfelt need to give back to such a worthy
beneficiary who would in turn use the money to help those who
are living with cancer. I lost both my Mom & Sister in Law to cancer this year and both Tania and I have close friends who are
directly or indirectly affected by cancer and we just felt we would
like to do something… And we are thinking that we will perhaps
make it an annual occasion!
Thank you both for the wonderful work you are doing – we hope
that this contribution will benefit those in need and your cause. –
Kim Mortimer
Talking with someone who has survived cancer and has
regained his or her life offers hope and a sense of
empowerment. Through empowerment comes a fighting spirit that can assist in building resilience, and in
challenging the process of learning to live with cancer.
The service is offered absolutely free via our website at
www.cancerbuddies.org.za - or our toll-free line, 0800
033 337, is open to and helps anyone touched by any
type of cancer, at any cancer stage, at any age, living
anywhere in South Africa.
5
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
Hospice is Life
James C. Salwitz, MD
Dr. Salwitz is a Clinical Professor at
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
I know that bringing hospice into a discussion says that a problem
is present from which the patient will eventually die. That is a
tough idea. The problem is that many people confuse hospice with
accelerating death. They think only of morphine drips, stopping
needed medicines and starvation. This common reaction still surprises me. For I believe hospice is life.
He lectures frequently in the community on topics related to Hospice and
Palliative Care and has received
numerous honors and awards, including the Physicians Leadership Award in
Palliative Care.
There are several reasons for the confusion regarding the true
goals of hospice. First, superficially, most people who go on hospice do indeed die. Therefore, from the outside there may seem to
be a cause and effect relationship, e.g. go on Hospice …Hospice
makes you die. It may be difficult to see that the patient is living
better and perhaps longer. Second, we often delay in calling hospice to the very end, when things may be desperate with symptoms out of control. I cannot count how many times I have seen
hospice called during the last two days of life. Then hospice can
have relatively little benefit and may in fact have to be very
aggressive with medications just to achieve comfort.
His blog, Sunrise Rounds, can be found
at http://sunriserounds.com
failing therapy, progressive disease, limited prognosis and terminal
care, all at one time. Thus, we take a short hop from, “you are
doing fine” to, “let us talk about hospice.”
Hospice can give weeks or months of quality life to a patient and
family. In addition to controlling symptoms hospice helps with
planning and coping. In this difficult time hospice acts not only as
caregivers, but as guides. This can increase the patient’s independence and assure dignity during this part of their life. Remarkably
increasing data shows that instead of treating a terminal patient
with failing chemotherapy, if you just control symptoms the
patient will not only live better, but significantly longer.
Occasionally I have seen patients on hospice for more than a year.
Not infrequently "terminal" patients given the quality and support
of hospice actually regain their health enough to leave hospice.
Some of them live for years after, or are healthy enough to resume
active cancer care if needed.
Finally, I think hospice is confused with death because of the way
in which we handle these conversations. Instead of planning when
we are relatively well and have time to discuss end-of-life from a
perspective of health, we wait until the last minute. Then, as everything is deteriorating we suddenly have to mix statements about
Hospice can be a tremendous assistance and gift to a patient and
family, going through an end-of-life experience. It provides hope for
comfort, quality and dignity. It brings people together. This is precious time, which can be lived well. Life giving hospice can help.
In Africa
Champion Kudiwa celebrated LIVESTRONG
Day with Dave R Mahlangu at the Khumbula
High School in Thsolothso, Zimbabwe where
they handed out the famous LIVESTRONG
wristbands to the eager pupils.
Champion and Dave are both LIVESTRONG
Leaders and are committed to helping
cancer patients in the Bulawayo area.
The LIVESTRONG Foundation provides free cancer support services to help
people cope with the financial, emotional and practical challenges that
accompany the disease. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and philanthropist
Lance Armstrong, the Foundation is known for its powerful brand –
LIVESTRONG – and for its advocacy on behalf of survivors and their families.
With its iconic yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the Foundation has become a
symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Since its inception, the
Foundation has raised nearly $500 million to support cancer survivors and
served 2.5 million people affected by the disease.
For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.
6
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
Talking about cancer
During 2012 CanSurvive and its project,
CanAssist, have joined with the cancer
awareness organisation, LiveWell, and
have been spreading knowledge of
cancer and cancer support to
corporates, sporting events,
hospitals and other groups.
CanAssist has also been providing
comforts to chemo patients at the
Charlotte Maxeke Chemo Clinic.
If you would like to join us or
donate in cash or kind, please
email [email protected]
LET’S TALK ABOUT CANCER
Join in the conversation at our CanSurvive Cancer Support Group!
On the second Saturday of each month have a cup of tea/coffee,
a chat with us and listen to an interesting talk.
BOOK NOW FOR OUR END OF YEAR BREAKFAST ON 1 DECEMBER
NEXT MEETING: 12 JANUARY
Enquiries: 083 640 4949 email: [email protected]
The Group is run by members of the Johannesburg Branch of People Living
With Cancer in association with the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre and
is open to any survivor, patient or caregiver. No charge is made.
7
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
Dates to remember
CONTACT DETAILS
People Living With Cancer, Johannesburg, CanSurvive Cancer
Support Group : 083 640 4949, [email protected]
November 2012
17
22
22
26
Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group 9h30
PLWC Panorama Hospital morning Support Group.
Visiting dietician.
Reach For Recovery Cape Peninsula Branch. 10h00
Show and Tell.
PLWC Vincent Pallotti Oncology Support Group.
People Living With Cancer, Cape Town: 076 775 6099,
[email protected], www.plwc.org.za
People Living with Cancer, Pretoria Support Group
Contact: Danie at [email protected] or 083 281 9238
People Living With Cancer, Panorama Support Groups (morning
and evening): Emerentia Esterhuyse 021 944 3850
December 2012
1
1
6
9
2
5
6
10
People Living With Cancer, Vincent Palotti Support Group
PLWC Johannesburg and CanSurvive Annual End of Year
Breakfast, 9h00 at Da Vincenzo Restaurant, Barbeque
(Kyalami).
Wings of Hope Christmas breakfast, Full Stop Cafe,
Parktown North..
GVI Cape Gate Support Group, Reflection on the year
and staying focused.
PLWC Pretoria Support Group. 14h00 Picnic.
Reach for Recovery, Johannesburg, 9:30 for 10:00
GVI Oncology Port Elizabeth - Langenhoven Oncology
Centre - Emotional Impact of Cancer.
GVI Cape Gate Support Group, Staying focused.
PLWC Vincent Pallotti Oncology Support Group. Year in
review and celebration.
Contact: Linda Greeff 0219494060 or 076 775 6099
GVI Cape Gate Support group: Contact: Caron Caron Majewski,
021 9443800
GVI Oncology Port Elizabeth ( Langenhoven Oncology Centre,
LDOC Boardroom) Marina Lourens 0413630581
GVI Oncology Somerset West Group for advanced and metastatic
cancers. Contact person: Nicolene Andrews 0218512255
Cancer.vive, Frieda Henning 082 335 49912, [email protected]
Can-Sir, 021 761 6070, Ismail-Ian Fife, [email protected].
Support Group: 076 775 6099.
Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group
Christel Klima 083 693 9236, [email protected]
Bosom Buddies: 0860 283 343, www.bosombuddies.org.za.
Support Group: 0860 283 343 (BUDDIIE)
January 2013
Happy New Year
12
CHOC: Childhood Cancer Foundation SA; Head Office:
086 111 3500; [email protected]; www.choc.org.za
PLWC Johannesburg CanSurvive Cancer Support Group
9h00
CANSA National Office: Toll-free 0800 226622
February 2013
9
16
CANSA Johannesburg Central: 011 648 0990, 19 St John Road,
Houghton, www.cansa.org.za
PLWC Johannesburg CanSurvive Cancer Support Group
9h00
Can-Sir Valentines Day Charity Dance at the Astra Hall,
Montana, Cape Town.
Reach for Recovery (R4R) : Johannesburg Group, 011 648 0990.
Reach for Recovery (R4R) Pretoria Group: 082 212 9933
Reach for recovery, Cape Peninsula, 021 689 5347 or 0833061941
March 2013
9
Reach for Recovery: Harare, Zimbabwe contact 707659.
PLWC Johannesburg CanSurvive Cancer Support Group
9h00
Breast Best Friend Zimbabwe, e-mail bbfzim@gmailcom
Pink Drive: [email protected], www.pinkdrive.co.za
Cancer Centre - Harare: 60 Livingstone Avenue, Harare
Tel: 707673 / 705522 / 707444 Fax: 732676 E-mail:
[email protected] www.cancerhre.co.zw
Thank you to WDGMC !
People Living With Cancer and the CanSurvive and Can-Sir
Cancer Support Groups wish to thank Wits Donald Gordon
Medical Centre for their ongoing support. They have
allowed us to use their facilities for our Groups for over two
years and this is much appreciated by Group members.
We value the support and generosity of WDGMC and their
staff and their commitment to improving services rendered
to cancer patients and their families.
8
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
News in brief
New target for cancer research
Wings of Hope have their last public meeting of the year on 17
November at the Donald Gordon facility, 18 Eton Road,
Parktown (9.30 for 10.00). Speakers are Dr. Carol-Ann Benn and
Dr. Jeff King.
Researchers in scientists' laboratories collaborated to find a patch
of amino acids that, if blocked by a drug docked onto the chromosome end at this location, may prevent cancerous cells from
reproducing. The amino acids at this site are called the "TEL patch"
and once modified, the end of the chromosome is unable to
recruit the telomerase enzyme, which is necessary for growth of
many cancerous cells.
The year end party with big surprises will be on 01.12.2012 @
the Full Stop Cafe.
The first three public meetings in 2013 will be on 2 February, 16
March and 4 May. Due to the imminent building alterations at
Donald Gordon, the Wings have decided, to accept a generous
offer from the German International School to use their facilities for all meetings and workshops in 2013. The address is Road
11 Sans Souci Road, Parktown, which is next to the Guild Road
Entrance to Milpark Hospital.
"This is an exciting scientific discovery that gives us a new way of
looking at the problem of cancer," Cech said. "What is amazing is
that changing a single amino acid in the TEL patch stops the
growth of telomeres. We are a long way from a drug solution for
cancer, but this discovery gives us a different, and hopefully more
effective, target."
Cech is the director of the BioFrontiers Institute, a Howard Hughes
Medical Investigator and winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
Computer assisted tumour surgery for
bone cancer
http://tinyurl.com/b2lqpny
In the conventional management of bone tumour surgery, surgeons have to integrate two-dimensional (2D) preoperative
images to simulate a three-dimensional (3D) surgical plan.
Surgeons often have difficulties in accurately executing the virtual
surgical plan. Inaccurate tumour resection may lead to local
tumour recurrence and death. Surgeons often have to remove normal bone tissues and surrounding structures of the patients and
this will impair their limb functions.
Vegetable-derived compounds effective for
triple-negative breast cancer
A new compound created from a rich source in vegetables including broccoli and brussel sprouts has been developed to combat
triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This research was presented
at the 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
(AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition, the world's largest pharmaceutical sciences meeting, in Chicago during October.
Since 2006, orthopaedic surgeons at The Chinese University of
Hong Kong (CUHK) have developed and refined the techniques of
computer assisted tumour surgery (CATS) which is particularly useful in complicated tumour surgery, such as pelvic / sacral tumours
removal and paediatric bone cancers. CATS has been successfully
applied to 32 bone cancer patients. The integration of all preoperative information by image fusion not only allows detailed analysis
of patients’ anatomy and tumour position but it also enables precise virtual surgical simulation and resection planning. The surgical
plan can be executed with the help of a computer navigation system to achieve a high level of precision and accuracy, ensuring clear
resection margins and reducing the error in bone resection to less
than two millimeters. This technology helps increase the chance of
total tumour resection and preserve normal bone tissues and joints.
TNBC accounts for approximately 15-20 percent of all breast
cancer cases in the US It is one of the most aggressive forms of
breast cancer; it grows faster, spreads to other parts of the body
earlier, is harder to detect on a mammogram and recurs more
often.
Mandip Sachdeva, Ph.D., and Chandraiah Godugu, P.h.D., from
Florida A&M University, in collaboration with Stephen Safe, Ph.D.,
from Texas A&M University, have evaluated the activity of novel
C-substituted diindolylmethane (C-DIM) derivatives and demonstrated that they have superior anticancer activities. These synthetic compounds derived from diindolylmethane (DIM), commonly found in various types of cruciferous vegetables, can be
used to treat several types of cancer, including triple-negative
breast cancer. C-DIMs are also being investigated for their cancer
prevention activity.
The Chinese University Of Hong Kong.
Ketamine used to reduce depression
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?new
sid=251500
Many chronically depressed and treatment-resistant patients
experience immediate relief from symptoms after taking small
amounts of the drug ketamine. For a decade, scientists have been
trying to explain the observation first made at Yale University.
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PUBLICATION
IN “VISION” NEWSLETTER
Today, current evidence suggests that the pediatric anaesthetic
helps regenerate synaptic connections between brain cells damaged by stress and depression, according to a review of scientific
research written by Yale School of Medicine researchers and published in the 5 October 2012 issue of the journal Science.
Articles and letters and events submitted for
publication in VISION are welcomed and can be
sent to: [email protected]
Ketamine works on an entirely different type of neurotransmitter
system than current antidepressants, which can take months to
9
VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
improve symptoms of depression and do not work at all for one
out of every three patients. Understanding how ketamine works in
the brain could lead to the development of an entirely new class
of antidepressants, offering relief for tens of millions of people suffering from chronic depression.
US Department of Defence through its Prostate Cancer Research
Programme (PCRP), which aims to promote innovative research
focused on eradicating prostate cancer and funds “high risk-high
impact” research that is geared toward developing treatments for
the disease.
"The rapid therapeutic response of ketamine in treatment-resistant patients is the biggest breakthrough in depression research in
a half century," said Ronald Duman, the Elizabeth Mears and
House Jameson Professor of Psychiatry and Professor of
Neurobiology.
Through pioneering research on the monoamine oxidase-A
enzyme (MAO-A) conducted by University Professor Jean Shih, it
is already known that this particular gene plays a role in depression, autism, aggression and other mental illnesses.
Efforts to develop drugs that replicate the effects of ketamine have
produced some promising results, but they do not act as quickly as
ketamine. Researchers are investigating alternatives they hope can
duplicate the efficacy and rapid response of ketamine.
Source: Yale University
“The objective of this study is to determine the functional role of
MAO-A in human prostate cancer progression and metastasis, and
to evaluate the effectiveness of novel MAO-A inhibitors to target
prostate cancer cells, with the promise of preventing and eradicating prostate cancer growth,” explained Shih, who holds the Boyd P.
and Elsie D. Welin Professorship in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Better collaboration between palliative care
docs and oncologists needed
Because MAO-A inhibitors are successfully being used to treat
other diseases linked to this enzyme, such as depression, Shih
believes the right inhibitors can treat prostate cancer growth and
eventually eliminate the cancer all together.
Cancer doctors often refer their patients to palliative care very late
in the course of disease, according to a new survey from Canada.
http://tinyurl.com/bz3jrxv
"All palliative specialists believe that palliative care should be
involved early," said Dr. Camilla Zimmermann of Princess Margaret
Hospital in Toronto, who led the study with funding from the
Canadian Cancer Society.
"Despite that and despite guidelines to refer early, many studies
have shown that palliative still happens too late, in the last few
months of life."
Rather than providing aggressive medical treatments, palliative
care focuses on improving a person's well-being by offering pain
management as well as psychological, social and sometimes
spiritual care.
http://bit.ly/Phb4FH Journal of Clinical Oncology, online October
29, 2012.
Personalised prostate cancer screening may
save unnecessary treatment
Targeting prostate cancer screening based on a man's age and
genes could potentially save thousands of men from unnecessary
treatment and save the NHS millions of pounds. The research was
presented at the NCRI Cancer Conference in Liverpool recently.
The researchers, funded by Cancer Research UK, developed a theoretical model to compare the effectiveness and cost of two different approaches to prostate cancer screening.
The model showed that a personalised approach - based on a
man's age and looking for the common genes that increase the
risk of prostate cancer - would result in fewer deaths from the disease and cost tens of millions less for the NHS to roll out com-
Imatinib may help treat aggressive lymphoma
You don’t need to face
cancer alone!
Based on the results of a new study, researchers are developing a
clinical trial to test imatinib (Gleevec) in patients with anaplastic
large cell lymphoma (ALCL), an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma that primarily affects children and young adults.
You are invited to join us at our Cape Town
Cancer Support Groups:
The researchers found that a protein called PDGFRB is important to
the development of a common form of ALCL. PDGFRB, a growth
factor receptor protein, is a target of imatinib. Imatinib had anticancer effects in both a mouse model of ALCL and a patient with
the disease, Dr. Lukas Kenner of the Medical University of Vienna in
Austria and his colleagues reported October 14 in Nature Medicine.
Vincent Pallotti Hospital in the GVI
Oncology unit: Contact Linda Greeff
0219494060
To test the treatment strategy in people, they identified a terminally ill patient with NPM-ALK-positive ALCL who had no other
treatment options and agreed to try imatinib. The patient began
to improve within 10 days of starting the therapy and has been
free of the disease for 22 months, the authors reported.
Panorama Support Groups (morning and
evening): Contact Emerentia Esterhuyse
021 944 3850
The planned clinical trial will be based on the expression of
PDGFRB in tumours.
See the calendar on page 8 for dates
or contact the PLWC helpline on 076 775 6099
http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/103012/page3#b
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU
USC study progression of prostate cancer
We are here to help
A new study is being funded by a three-year grant awarded by the
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VISION, NOVEMBER 2012
pared to screening all men aged 55 to 79 every four years with the
PSA test.
The model also showed 50 per cent fewer men would need to be
screened and 18 per cent fewer men would be diagnosed with the
disease - possibly reducing the problem of over-diagnosis and saving men from unnecessary treatment that can lead to side effects
like impotence and incontinence.
Source: Cancer Research UK
New medication may reduce risk of dying
from advanced prostate cancer
New hormonal medication (enzalutamide) has reduced the risk of
dying from advanced prostate cancer during the trial period with
patients by 37 % and the risk of the PSA level increasing by 75%
and, at the same time, enhancing the quality of life of the patients.
These were the results obtained in phase 3 of an international
multicentre clinical trial in which the University Hospital of
Navarra took part. The research was published by The New
England Journal of Medicine and in which hospitals from 15 countries and 1,199 patients participated.
In fact, as Doctor Ignacio Gil Bazo, specialist at the Department of
Oncology of the University Hospital of Navarra stated, “these
highly spectacular results caused an unexpected suspension of the
clinical trials and patients taking placebos were offered the opportunity of receiving enzalutamide”.
http://tinyurl.com/98ue7x9
Do doctors grieve?
Do doctors grieve when their patients die? In the medical profession, such grief is seldom discussed - except, perhaps, as an example of the sort of emotion that a skilled doctor avoids feeling. But
in recent paper in Archives of Internal Medicine (and in a forthcoming paper in the journal Death Studies), Leeat Granek, health
psychologist and a postdoctoral fellow at the Hospital for Sick
Children in Toronto, and his colleagues reported that in their
research about oncologists and patient loss: Not only do doctors
experience grief, but the professional taboo on the emotion also
has negative consequences for the doctors themselves, as well as
for the quality of care they provide.
Informed choices about cancer screening
Informed Choice about Cancer Screening consulted with the
public, experts and opinion leaders on a new way of presenting
information about the harms and benefits of cancer screening
between January and September 2012. Our engagement process
has now closed.
Over 1,000 people took part in our online poll and we have also
received input from a range of academics, experts in screening,
charities, people affected by cancer, NHS organisations and
experts in communicating with the public. The results of the poll
are now available here.
Feedback has shown that there is an appetite from the public for
more information on the benefits and harms of screening, as well
as a desire to make an informed choice about whether to participate. However, there is also recognition that providing this information in a balanced, understandable way is not an easy task.
We are currently analysing these responses and will be revising our
proposed approach in light of the feedback we have received. Our
findings and recommendations will be made available on this site
shortly.
Our revised approach will be used to develop information for the
NHS Cancer Screening Programmes. Following the recent publication of an independent review into breast cancer screening, led by
Professor Sir Michael Marmot, we will be considering how best to
revise the information provided to women invited to have breast
cancer screening.
http://www.informedchoiceaboutcancerscreening.org/
Breast cancer in men is rare, but it’s real!
According to the National Cancer Institute at the National
Institutes of Health, 2,190 cases of male breast cancer were diagnosed in 2011, less than one percent of all breast cancers in the
United States.
Yes, male breast cancer is rare, but so are a lot of life threatening diseases. Don’t take a gamble on something as important as your life.
The study took place from 2010 to 2011 in three Canadian hospitals. they recruited and interviewed 20 oncologists who varied in
age, sex and ethnicity and had a wide range of experience in the
field - from a year and a half in practice in the case of oncology
fellows to more than 30 years in the case of senior oncologists.
They found that oncologists struggled to manage their feelings of
grief with the detachment they felt was necessary to do their job.
More than half of the participants reported feelings of failure, selfdoubt, sadness and powerlessness as part of their grief experience,
and a third talked about feelings of guilt, loss of sleep and crying.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/opinion/sunday/whendoctors-grieve.html?_r=1
DISCLAIMER
This newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Please consult your
doctor for personal medical advice before taking any action that may impact on your health.
The views expressed are not necessarily those of People Living With Cancer, CanSurvive or those of the Editor.
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