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NEW DEVELOPMENTS RELATING to the treatment of bowel cancer were announced this week, raising hope they could lead to improved treatment and earlier diagnosis.
Scientists have discovered biological markers (biomarkers) – indicators of a biological state – are linked to poor survival rates for the condition.
In the new study, which used tissue samples from over 100 patients, it was found that biomarkers were at a higher level in around half of patients. All of these were found to have had poorer rates of survival.
The discovery of these biomarkers could possibly be used to predict responses to drug treatment and could give physicians the ability to personalise treatment for individual patients.
It is also hoped that a new system of detection will allow bowel cancer to be diagnosed at an earlier stage. This new blood test is based on antibodies produced by the body that fight the cancer.
The test has been used to assess and screen over 200 positive Faecal Immunohistochemical tests since May 2013.
A patent has been granted for the blood exam and if further tests are successful, it could be used as prat of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Bowel cancer occurs when the cells in the bowel grow at a faster than normal rate. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in Ireland.
This new research was carried out by Dr Gregor Kijanka at the Biomedical Diagnostics Institute in Dublin City University.
On the findings Dr Kijanka, who is a former research fellow with the Irish Cancer Society, said:
This research is aimed at using these biomarkers identified in patients with bowel cancer to develop a quick, non-invasive blood test that would detect bowel cancer earlier so they are treated faster. Our other research discovery will help physicians to decide on a more personalised course of medicine which will ultimately improve patient outcomes.
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Great work! Finding biomarkers for the cancer with the second highest fatality rate for the disease is hugely significant. Though I have to say, I really wouldn’t have known bowel cancer was this prevalent… It’s probably not practicable but I could see advantages to having a national charity for cancer research and the funds being divided according to most critical areas.
Finding biomarkers in cancer is a relatively simple process these days. Trying to link them to prognosis, treatment response etc is the difficult part.
Ehh lads. This is not an article about the HSE. Another thread, another time maybe
LPO
The best way to help ill people in this country would be to replace the shameful HSE
I agree fully. People red thumbing here have obviously not had someone die in care here nor have they someone seriously ill in their family.
I disagree fully, the speed with which my mom was diagnosed and treated was excellent. But the cancer was too aggressive and too strong for any treatment to fix. It wasn’t the HSE’s fault
1. As a bowel cancer survivor. Too many ignore symptoms out of ignorance. We have a saying: the longer you wait the worse it gets. See your GP if your toilet habits change.
2. To be able to diagnose sooner is fantastic.
3. We need to expand the screening programme to reach the level of action equal to breast cancer screening.
John Flood – good words of wisdom
The age for the national bowel screening programme is 60-69 years.
It needs to be developed for the 55 to 74 age group, not on a phased basis, as is the current situation. It’s all about finances.
Breast cancer screening has better marketing. High level corporate support, mini-marathons, pink, pink, pink. On the other hand who wants to talk about poo? Even the holier than thou RTE rejected a well made ad about bowel cancer awareness because they said the sound of repeated toilet flushes were not appropriate. Well done to the politically correct breast cancer screening – now it’s time to give bowel cancer screening an equal footing!!!
A proper screening programme needs to be implemented. With early detection the prognosis is good. Treatment is harsh with surgery – colostomies and chemotherapy, but you will do and try anything to increase your chances of survival. Unfortunately if undetected for some time it’s a different story.
My father unfortunately ignored a bleeding bowel for a couple of years and never told anyone . He took the mans view of his own health … Sure it will go away .. Well it didn’t and. By the time he did see about it it was way too late and he suffered with surgery , chemo , colostomy bag the works but he faded away over a 7 mth period. So hearing this is absolutely G&T
Rest news . Every male should take this test after 55 and repeat it every couple of years . If you catch this cancer early it prevents the spread to your other organs , cause once it moves from the bowel , your then into a losing battle .
So doc’s please develop this test as soon as you can and then start a program like breast cancer and bring it out into the open . Get charity funding going . We can beat this if we get it diagnosed early .
A chap in same town also had bowel cancer at same time as the dad but the difference was he immediately did something about it and he’s still motoring today .
Be good
Completely reverse Diabetes Type 2 by avoiding food with Trans Fats and eat a fistful of Walnuts per day for good natural fat. Takes about 7 months but well worth it. Leo could easily deliver within budget if he took an interest in Trans Fats!
What’s a prat?
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