Promising new technologies in BC treatment

mts · 08-14-2006, 09:05 AM

Hi all,

Well, my trip to DC as a consumer reviewer for breast cancer research was quite informative. First of all, there are many smart people "out there" that are trying to figure out how to eradicate breast cancer.
My reviews were strictly on the physical imaging grant proposals. It was clear to me that the scientist reviewers (15 in all) that also scored the grant applications -were supremely intelligent. They represented MAJOR breast cancer research centers and universities. It is also more clear to me that early detection regardless of stage is possibly the closest thing to a cure now. Once the cancer is detected, the biologic treatments would come in and target the cancer and maintain us like diabetics with insulin.

Nearly all major breast cancer centers in the USA (58 total and yes, you name it and it was there) applied for research funding and nearly 15% of those will actually receive the funding. The 15% that made the scores were beautiful and innovative and if successful in their research will have a huge impact on eliminating breast cancer. Many centers that did not receive funding were and continue to collaborate their research with other institutions with funding from other grant sources -specifically the NIH.

While the biologic attributes of cancer are still being discovered, and we all wait for a drug that will cure us for good, its my belief that these scientists (not M.D.'s), but specialists in the robotics, engineering and science behind the MRI's, PET's, mammos and microwaves etc. will be the ones that will be able to detect cancer at one millimeter (currently the smallest detection tumor size is approx 4 millimeters).

I know for many of us, this may not sound like something that may help us in our current struggles with b.c., but I can hope that better technology will be here for my children.

Maria (MTS)

MCS · 08-17-2006, 09:25 PM

Great Maria, sis, you're back!

Please expand on the information on detection.

XOXO

MCS ( maria)

mts · 08-18-2006, 12:34 PM

According to everyone there (all super brains from well established medical universities from all over the USA) -mammos are on their way out. The work horse of the 90's is becomming obsolete. Dense breast tissue in approx 40% of women is difficult to read leading to unecessary surgeries and sometimes hidden tumors that go undetected until its too late. Therefore new imaging technologies are being invented and additional components to existing technology are being improved.
One very interesting research program that was discussed and likely funded was a new innovative approach to targeting cancer at the molecular level. It kind of works like this:
A special nannochemical/drug compound is delivered into the bloodstream which then attaches itself to a cancer tumor as small as 1 millimeter. The imaging apparatus then combines spectroscopic tomography (the future replacement of mammos), MRI technology and microwaves to 3-dimensionalize the tumor and provide an exact position of it as well as surrounding tissues with considerably better resolution than what is currently available. The 3D image is then transfered onto a computer screen where the radiologist can perfectly visualize the entire tumor on a big screen. Because the compound attaches to cancer tumors (because they are warmer by a few degrees than healthy tissue), the cancer is caught VERY early and therefore providing a much better prognosis. This technology is adaptable to existing technology -making it widely available to underserved populations, it does not produce radiation or side-effects, does not hurt and it allows for a smooth transition for radiologists to understand what they see without major training and best of all the low price would make it comparable to mammos and in the end, more women would benefit.
From what I gathered, we are years away from a chemo-cure. Radiology is currently our best defense against cancer. Early detection is the key. Especially screening at a younger age.
For those with higher potential of mets, this is great because again, it catches the cancer early and get this:
The compound that is delivered into the bloodstream also has the potential to carry molecular, radioactive bombs that would penetrate the cancer cell mitochondria and cause it to die. So, here the smaller the better. It would also prevent tumor growth...
The research is to take 2 years, which if successful then goes to another funding source for the trials. Perhaps in about 5 years we will be seeing something at our larger medical universities.

Hope this wan't too long, but you asked!
warmly,
Maria (MTS)