New Discoveries in Cancer Treatments offer more options

According to the World Health Organisation the number of cancer deaths worldwide could double by 2030 to reach 13 million.

Patients who are suffering from lethal types of cancers, like brain, lung, liver, ovarian and pancreas, do not respond well to existing therapies. This is bad news.

However there is good news too. Recent discoveries in cancer treatments are raising more hope for researchers as well as patients.

Cancer experts who met at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology last month were encouraged by the recent victories in treating cancer. Instead of the conventional way of standard chemotherapy, new therapies are taking a bigger role in targeting key tumour functions and destroying the cancer cells by boosting the immune system.

Patients with advanced or metastasized cancers, with limited treatment options, have shown increased rates of survival.

Researchers have discovered that an experimental drug, ipilimumab, can extend the lives of patients suffering from advanced melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer that is increasing at a faster rate than other types of cancer.

Crizotinib, another experimental drug, was also shown to shrink tumours in advanced lung cancer patients.

Patients of advanced ovarian cancer have shown good progress in clinical trials of Avastin, a drug that cuts off supply of nutrient-rich blood to the tumours.

The life expectancy of men suffering from advanced prostate cancer can be significantly improved by adding radiation to hormone deprivation therapy.

Researchers are able to produce cancer vaccines that are more effective by using a common diabetic’s drug known as Metformin. They discovered that this anti-diabetic drug works better by boosting the number of cancer fighting T-cells.

These T-cells have immunological memory and can fight off a tumour that might occur later.

This discovery could revolutionise current strategies for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Therapeutic vaccines are meant to treat illnesses that have already occurred and can be developed to treat many types of cancer including breast, prostate and lung.

Prophylactic vaccines are designed to prevent diseases from developing in healthy people, and can be developed to treat liver and cervical cancers.

In Singapore, scientists have discovered a way to halve chemotherapy costs for advanced breast cancer patients by using a $9 anti-fungal drug meant for dandruff and athlete’s foot infections.

Scientists at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore found that Ketoconazole, the anti-fungal drug, complements chemotherapy treatment as it impedes an enzyme in the body from breaking down a drug used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy treatment uses a drug known as Docetaxel to treat breast, stomach, lung and prostate cancers. Patients undergo a total of  four cycles, each cycle once every three weeks and this cost between US$1300 to $1800. Using Docetaxel together with Ketoconazole, the concentration level of the chemotherapy was reduced by 40 per cent and in turn halving the cost while maintaining the desired results.

In a separate trial done recently involving 2000 women from nine countries, it was found that a single dose of radiation during surgery was just as effective for breast cancer patients as receiving weeks of radiation.

This new technique, called Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy, could save patients many weeks of post-operation radiotherapy that can include 20 or 30 visits to hospital. It also reduces damage to organs such as the heart, lung and oesophagus from radiation exposure. Although this new technique was applied to women with a similar type of breast cancer, researchers were excited by the findings.

Hopefully before the end of 2010, there will be more great news for cancer patients. Stay tuned.

Kiwifruit is one of my favourite fruits. It tastes good and has a long shelf life. Of all the popular fruits consumed in the world today, Kiwifruit is the most nutrient-rich. It is an excellent source of Vitamins C , E and A and high in dietary fibre. Kiwifruit has twice the amount of vitamin C than orange, 3 times that of mango, 11 times that of banana and 16 times that of apple.

It is low in fat and sugar and contains no cholesterol. Most fruits have one or two nutrients but kiwifruit has a broad complement of nutrients. Among the fruits with low-sodium and high-potassium, kiwifruit ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruit. It also contain phosphorous, magnesium and copper.

Health Benefits of Kiwifruit

Cancer

Kiwifruit contains an anti-mutagenic component which helps to prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process.
Kiwifruit has been shown to aid the prevention of nitrosation, a process when carcinogenic nitrates, created during smoking or barbecuing of food, is ingested.

In laboratories tests, kiwifruit extract was found to inhibit melanoma, a type of skin cancer.Arginine, an amino acid found in kiwifruit, improve post angioplasty blood flow and actually prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Kiwifruit contains an important phytochemical known as Lutein which is linked to the prevention of prostate and lung cancer.
Studies have indicated that kiwifruit contains a not-yet-isolated compound that accelerates digestive transit time which help to prevent colorectal cancer. This laxative action decreases the build-up of cancer-promoting metabolites.

Kiwifruit is one of the few fruits that are green when ripe, and chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll, is believed to be an inhibitor of liver carcinogenesis.

Eye Health

Kiwifruit contains Carotenoids lutein, the natural compounds that give various fruits, vegetable and flowers their rich red, orange and yellow colors.

Carotenoids lutein promotes clear vision by absorbing the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and neutralizing free radicals in the retina (the light-sensitive portion of the eye). This may help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, an age-related vision disorder that is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Some studies have revealed that people who consumed a high quantity of carotenoid lutein have a 20 – 50% lower risk of getting a cataract.

Heart Health

Kiwifruit is particularly high in two amino acids: arginine and glutamate. Arginine dilates the arterioles and improve the blood flow which is important for heart health.

Kiwifruit a good source of vitamin E and Magnesium which are crucial for a healthy heart. It also contain pectin which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
Kiwifruit has a good sodium/potassium ratio which is critical for a healthy heart.

Impotence

Arginine is known to be effective in the widening of blood vessels and relaxation of muscles and may be helpful in treating impotence in men.

Depression

Inositol is found in kiwifruit. Recent studies have shown that inositol functions as a precursor of an intracellular second messenger system and is beneficial in the treatment of depression.

Diabetes

The presence of Inositol in the kiwifruit makes it great for diabetes patients, as it helps regulate the body hormones and neurotransmitters.

Stress Reduction

Kiwifruit contains a relatively high level of serotonin which provide a calming effect in most individuals.
Physical Fitness
Kiwifruit contains a wide range of electrolytes that is essential for replenishing those lost during rigorous exercises.

Indigestion

Kiwifruit is highly effective in easing indigestion. It contains an enzyme called actinidin that may make an excellent meat tenderizer. It is also a rich source of potassium, which is needed to stimulate the flow of digestive juices.

Joints Pain

The enzymes found in Kiwifruit could benefit people who suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia. These enzymes are also beneficial for anyone with low back pain, hip pain and sciatica. If you suffer from inflammation of the joints and muscles you should consume kiwi fruit regularly.
Pregnancy
Kiwifruit contains close to 10% of the recommended daily value of folic acid (vitamin B9) which is vital for the health of mother and child during pregnancy, and for the prevention of birth defects.

Testosterone

Kiwifruit contains Zinc which is important for boys and men because it helps produce testosterone. In addition, Zinc is essential in for healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails
Kiwifruit is an ideal fruit to have for breakfast, or simply as a desert or snack. It is easy to eat and digest which is important for lazy people. It is good to eat a kiwifruit if you have a heavy meal to help digest the protein rich meal.