Battling Cancer

By Tom Hanks. The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids Honorary Patron Tom Hanks.

In March of 2001 the The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids was created.

The objective of the fund is to help researchers develop pilot data from feasibility studies to be subsequently used in new research grant proposals leading to new therapies for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma. To date ten neuroblastoma research grants have been awarded. Read More

How Can I Help … When a Child Dies?

I am already at a loss for words when an adult dies. I would be speechless what to say when a child dies…Ruth

Here is some help

“A child has died. Regardless of the child’s age or the circumstances of death, as a person wishing to give support, you feel empty and helpless. What can you say that will ease the pain and help to mend the hurts?

What Can You Do to Help?

There are no easy answers, no standard approaches that are universally helpful. There are no magic formulas that will make the pain go away. It is natural to feel helpless when the child of a friend or relative dies. Remember that showing your loving concern can be very comforting to a grieving family. Please don’t avoid them because you feel inadequate. Families are more likely to reach a healthy, positive resolution of their grief if they receive continuing support and understanding. The following suggestions may help you provide that support”

Foreword By Tom Hanks. The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids Honorary Patron Tom Hanks In March of 2001 the The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids was created. The objective of the fund is to help researchers develop pilot data from feasibility studies to be subsequently used in new research grant proposals leading to new therapies for the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma. To date ten neuroblastoma research grants have been awarded. Read More

About Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid tumours of early childhood usually found in babies or young children. The disease originates in the adrenal medulla or other sites of sympathetic nervous tissue. The most common site is the abdomen (near the adrenal gland) but can also be found in the chest, neck, pelvis, or other sites. Most patients have widespread disease at diagnosis.

Apr. 1, 2006. 01:00 AM

A new quarter, a collaboration of the Royal Canadian Mint and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, will go into circulation today.

The coin will be adorned with a pink ribbon, a symbol of the disease that touches so many. Last year, 21,600 women and 150 men in Canada could expect a diagnosis of breast cancer; it was expected to kill 5,000 women and 45 men.

Designed by the mint’s director of engraving, Cosme Saffioti, the quarter will be Canada’s second coloured coin. The first, 2004’s red poppy quarter, garnered attention as the world’s first painted circulation coin.

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Last Updated: Friday, 31 March 2006, 11:35 GMT 12:35 UK

A new device for cancer patients could end the side effects of chemotherapy such as hair loss and vomiting, researchers say.

The revolutionary new method uses an implant made of tiny fibres and beads soaked in chemotherapy drugs.

The device, which was developed at Bath University, dissolves internally, releasing the chemotherapy chemicals directly into the cancer site.

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San Francisco Business Times - 2:51 PM PST Thursday

Cytokinetics Inc. said Thursday that a clinical trial of ispinesib, an experimental lung cancer treatment, failed.

The South San Francisco drug company (NASDAQ: CYTK) said the Phase II trial, run by GlaxoSmithKline, failed to meet the criteria to advance to the next stage of clinical testing.

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03.30.06, 12:00 AM ET

THURSDAY, March 30 (HealthDay News) — Extensive removal of lymph nodes appears to boost the five-year survival of stomach cancer patients, Taiwanese researchers report.

Surgery is considered the gold-standard treatment for gastric cancer, but there’s still debate about the role of radical lymph node dissection, the researchers noted.

As reported in the April issue of The Lancet Oncology, the study included 221 gastric cancer patients randomly assigned to receive more-extensive or less-extensive surgery. The two groups’ five-year overall survival was then tracked.

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Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:19 PM GMT

By Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Women who use the herb ginseng may be more likely to survive breast cancer, and have a better quality of life after treatment, new study findings suggest.

The study cannot establish whether ginseng is the reason for the better prognosis. But investigators say the results lay the groundwork for future clinical trials to see if there is a cause-and-effect benefit.

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Mar 29, 2006 6:14 pm US/Eastern

CBS) SCOTIA, N.Y. The treatment for cervical cancer often leaves women unable to have babies.

But, reports The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay, a new technique may help women retain their fertility.

Senay says the normal course of treatment, such as surgery to remove the uterus and chemotherapy and radiation, frequently results in infertility.

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By Julie Deardorff
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWS SERVICE

The clock was ticking for Frank Fazio. By the time his colon cancer was discovered, the disease had spread to his abdomen, spine and bones.

But instead of undergoing conventional chemotherapy, Fazio, 64, literally tried putting time on his side. Using the little-known practice of chronotherapy, the Orland Park, Ill., housing contractor received chemo drugs based on the internal rhythms of his body and his illness.

It has been four decades since Western medicine began to acknowledge the existence of the mysterious 24-hour body clock, set by proteins found throughout the body that determine whether we’re morning larks or night owls.

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