One step closer....cancer research..

[Azure]

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...2154&t=TS_Home

Toronto researchers believe they've taken a major step closer to discovering how cancers start.In a study published yesterday, scientists have found strong evidence that only a small proportion of cells drive the formation of tumours associated with colon cancer. This is the fourth form of cancer in which so-called "stem cells" have been identified as the source of the disease and appears to bolster the theory that these cells may be the source of all cancers.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Good on them, that is truly impressive. If one day we can say we have found the cure for cancer, that would have to be the greatest achievment in the history of medical science. How would you like to be the guy/gal that gets to announce that one?

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Azure

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...2154&t=TS_Home

My late father died from Colon Cancer some 7 years ago. I hope this leads to better treatments and a possible cure.

It's painful to watch someone die from this disease.

[Table 5]

how anyone could be against stem cell research after reading something like this, is beyond me....

[@theCBE]

Originally Posted by Table 5

how anyone could be against stem cell research after reading something like this, is beyond me....

That is exactly the thought that went through my mind as I read it...

[SeeGeeWhy]

Pretty simple when you're coming from the standpoint that working with stem cells is equivalent to playing God.

Same can be said for any sort of medical treatment, though, in my opinion.

We're finally getting to the point where we can work with our DNA, which is very promising on many levels... but is very much a double edged sword.

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by @theCBE

That is exactly the thought that went through my mind as I read it...

The "Stem cells" in question are that which the cancer stems from as I understand it, not actual stem cells as in a fetus.

[@theCBE]

Originally Posted by FireFly

The "Stem cells" in question are that which the cancer stems from as I understand it, not actual stem cells as in a fetus.

You are right... should have read it more closely the first time. Regardless though, it great they have made progress with cancer research and I still think actual stem cell research is a good thing.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Good on them, that is truly impressive. If one day we can say we have found the cure for cancer, that would have to be the greatest achievment in the history of medical science. How would you like to be the guy/gal that gets to announce that one?

Cancer won't be cured suddenly one day. Its too diverse.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Jake

Cancer won't be cured suddenly one day. Its too diverse.

Yes it is deverse, but it is essentially our own cells, once we find away to kill specific cells....cure. Great steps are being made in all medical science including nano technology. Have little warriors injected in your body programed to destroy only cancer cells will one day happen IMO.

Also, cancer gives off specific protiens. Currently scientists are creating a virus that will attack only the cells that have this specific protein.

There will be a cure for cancer....and I believe it will be in our life time.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

There will be a cure for cancer....and I believe it will be in our life time.

I certainly hope that is true .... I hate to be a pessimist but I sometimes think that Pharmaceutical companies, who have so much power will never let that happen. Can you imagine how much money they'd be out if there was an actual cure for cancer? Maybe it's just the conspiracy theorist in me but there are so many greedy, self serving people running those companies that I wouldn't doubt it. Unfortunately money is the most powerful thing in this world, as evident by all the human suffering going on all over this planet.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Nicole

I certainly hope that is true .... I hate to be a pessimist but I sometimes think that Pharmaceutical companies, who have so much power will never let that happen. Can you imagine how much money they'd be out if there was an actual cure for cancer? Maybe it's just the conspiracy theorist in me but there are so many greedy, self serving people running those companies that I wouldn't doubt it. Unfortunately money is the most powerful thing in this world, as evident by all the human suffering going on all over this planet.

I agree that there is more to make in research than in treatment in most cases. the great thing in Cancer research is many Universities are involved in this....making it a much better chance of any cures being released to the public.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I've heard cancer refered to as "the plague of the 21st century" and I'm inclinced to agree. If it doesn't kill you it sure as hell can come close.

A buddy of mine works with patients going through chemotherapy and he says it's just brutal to see how it takes its toll on you. The poison used to kill the cancer scars your skin from the inside out.

I've lost more family members that I care to count to cancer, my second cousin at the age of 33. I really hope they find better treatments and a cure in my lifetime.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

I agree that there is more to make in research than in treatment in most cases. the great thing in Cancer research is many Universities are involved in this....making it a much better chance of any cures being released to the public.

True, and I pray to God that it does happen one day.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Nicole

I certainly hope that is true .... I hate to be a pessimist but I sometimes think that Pharmaceutical companies, who have so much power will never let that happen. Can you imagine how much money they'd be out if there was an actual cure for cancer? Maybe it's just the conspiracy theorist in me but there are so many greedy, self serving people running those companies that I wouldn't doubt it. Unfortunately money is the most powerful thing in this world, as evident by all the human suffering going on all over this planet.

even the most extreme pessimist should realize that people who work for pharma companies don't want to die from cancer either

I'm sure there will be a slow progress towards better treatments and or 'cures' or 'vaccines' for cancer over the next generation...and heck they may continue to be expensive enough to make it worthwhile for the bad guys

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by looooob

even the most extreme pessimist should realize that people who work for pharma companies don't want to die from cancer either

I'm sure there will be a slow progress towards better treatments and or 'cures' or 'vaccines' for cancer over the next generation...and heck they may continue to be expensive enough to make it worthwhile for the bad guys

Yeah, I see your point and I'm sure that if 'cure' or 'vaccine' does come out, that it will be insanely expensive and for the most part only the rich will be able to get the treatment and that includes these pharmaceutical guys. Drugs that are given to patients who have cancer such as the chemotherapy drugs, pain killers, anti-nauseant, etc .. would still be more lucrative I'm thinking. As long as a cure is available for Mr.CEO of Pfizer, if he gets cancer, then all is ok in the world. Pharmaceutical companies could care less about the people who take their drugs, they just care about the $$$. .. Hopefully though, if a cure is ever found that it is covered by insurance and EVERYONE who is stricken with Cancer is able to be treated, regardless of their financial situation.

[notoepik]

Originally Posted by Nicole

Yeah, I see your point and I'm sure that if 'cure' or 'vaccine' does come out, that it will be insanely expensive and for the most part only the rich will be able to get the treatment and that includes these pharmaceutical guys. Drugs that are given to patients who have cancer such as the chemotherapy drugs, pain killers, anti-nauseant, etc .. would still be more lucrative I'm thinking. As long as a cure is available for Mr.CEO of Pfizer, if he gets cancer, then all is ok in the world. Pharmaceutical companies could care less about the people who take their drugs, they just care about the $$$. .. Hopefully though, if a cure is ever found that it is covered by insurance and EVERYONE who is stricken with Cancer is able to be treated, regardless of their financial situation.

There are chemotherapy drugs on the market that are incredibly cheap, considering what they do for a patient. New drugs that come on the market are expensive because there has been a lot of research and development, as well marketing, that goes into the launch of a new drug. You can be sure that the cost of a new drug will be high. But that doesn't preclude anyone using it. There is also competition among manufacturers to have the doctor prescribe their drug. Cost is considering factor to doctors as well patients.

I am not sure how it works in Canada, but in the US major drug companies all have patient assistance programs that provide drugs for patients in financial crisis.

I can't see any company withholding a cure for cancer from the market because they make more money from the other drugs to fight cancer. Those people all have families and friends afflicted with this horrid disease too. It isn't just you and me and the average Joe that are touched by cancer.

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by notoepik

There are chemotherapy drugs on the market that are incredibly cheap, considering what they do for a patient. New drugs that come on the market are expensive because there has been a lot of research and development, as well marketing, that goes into the launch of a new drug. You can be sure that the cost of a new drug will be high. But that doesn't preclude anyone using it. There is also competition among manufacturers to have the doctor prescribe their drug. Cost is considering factor to doctors as well patients.

I am not sure how it works in Canada, but in the US major drug companies all have patient assistance programs that provide drugs for patients in financial crisis.

I can't see any company withholding a cure for cancer from the market because they make more money from the other drugs to fight cancer. Those people all have families and friends afflicted with this horrid disease too. It isn't just you and me and the average Joe that are touched by cancer.

I don't think they would 'withhold' a cure for cancer. I guess what worries me is how much it would cost the average person to be able to use any sort of 'miracle drug' ... but if there are programs that help, then that is great. I know I sound so negative and just like most other people, I have had many family and friends not only have cancer but die from it as well. I would be thrilled if there was some sort of miracle cure and I definitely do not doubt that it will happen.

[Wookie]

Originally Posted by Nicole

I certainly hope that is true .... I hate to be a pessimist but I sometimes think that Pharmaceutical companies, who have so much power will never let that happen. Can you imagine how much money they'd be out if there was an actual cure for cancer? Maybe it's just the conspiracy theorist in me but there are so many greedy, self serving people running those companies that I wouldn't doubt it. Unfortunately money is the most powerful thing in this world, as evident by all the human suffering going on all over this planet.

Except that these greedy people will one day die of something, and that will probably be some sort of cancer. What do the greedy rich (if that's what you think they are) always wish for in the end? A way for their money to buy them more time!! So.. They cure cancer...

I don't believe all that stuff about "treatment being more profitable" Curing it is still treatment, it's just short treatment. And then we'll still pay for other things as we get older anyway..

It's a win win.. we're going to die of something

Eh edited cause people already made my point

[Azure]

Plus...those greedy people will already make an enormous amount of money from selling a drug that can cure cancer. If it turns out to be a drug...that is.