Link from Uma's Indian writng blog

http://www.matchpia.org/Bone marrow Registry

Cancer reserach breakthrough at AIIMS

Big drug delivery breakthroughAbantika Ghosh[ 12 Jan, 2007 0301hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]

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NEW DELHI: This is probably the biggest techno-medical breakthrough from India in the past few years. Researchers at the AIIMS and IIT-Delhi have obtained patent for a biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel that they say will revolutionise treatment of diseases like cancer, osteomyelitis and brain tumour through targeted drug delivery, minimising side-effects of toxic antibiotics. The first phase for obtaining FDA approval has also been cleared. A hydrogel is a polymeric compound that can store water or other molecules in their intermolecular space, making them ideal for localised drug delivery. The only other similar compound approved by the FDA was introduced in the US in 2005, but the hyaluronic acid-based compound, costs a whopping Rs 1.5 lakh for one gram. Thus it can be afforded by vwey few people. The gelatin-based polymer developed by AIIMS and IIT costs a mere Rs 40 per gram. Explaining the concept, Dr Amit Dinda, additional professor, department of pathology, AIIMS, said, "Hydrogels like silicon have been used for sometime now. But their side-effects and non-biodegra-dability is an issue. They have to be surgically removed. The biocompatibility of our compound means that there would be no side-effects and as it is biodegradable, it will degrade on its own." Hydrogels can alter the treatment of any disease requiring high dose of antibiotics or for inoperable deep-seated tumours like those in the brain. Initial studies have been done on osteomyelitis, a bone infection that causes bone decay. "The normal protocol of treatment is oral administration of 2 gm per day of gentamycin, a highly toxic antibiotic for a period of one month to six weeks. But as the drug goes through the blood stream, other organs suffer the toxic effects. With hydrogel as little as 40 mg may be directly introduced into the bone cavity through the pus channels using a biopsy needle. There is staggered release of the drug and no trace of it in the blood stream," Dr Dinda said. Hydrogels can be programmed at the time of making to degrade and release the chemical within at a specific rate. The rate has to be different for different diseases. The institute which has already got pre-bids "running into crores" for the compound is now planning to conduct clinical trials on cancer patients. For cancer patients, the best thing is that chemotherapy drugs can now be given straight at the organ affected so that side effects like hair and immunity loss will be hugely reduced. The team is now working on developing nanoparticles of hydrogel that would ensure that in breast and ovary cancers, it can be coupled with folic acid and injected.

Cancer Survivors Network- Newsletter

CSN Home Sign In Help Contact CSN Cancer Survivors Network Newsletter January 2007

January 2007
Dear CSN Community Member:
If you're interested in starting the year out making better choices about your health, you will find helpful tips for good nutrition and physical activity on our CSN home page this month. Take me to the CSN home page.
Your CSN staff has been working diligently behind the scenes to revamp our community's Web site. We will keep you informed as we progress toward completion over the next couple of months. Our Members
With the end of the holiday season comes the beginning of a brand-new year, feelings of gratitude, and other good things. Reflecting back offers soccerfreaks and Kerry an opportunity to move forward with a new sense of direction and purpose. Check out their featured stories on Our Members page.
Also on this page, we introduce you to donaldo and oldejack! Take a minute to read their contributions and hilarious accounts of a hospital stay and a doctor's visit.

Expressions
"Peace" is the title of an original poem written by lindy42. Her beautiful words encourage us to slow down and enjoy "a stream" and "a dream." An equally thoughtful and beautiful image was contributed by BrianG. You will also find on our Expressions page celebratory messages and memorial tributes received in the last part of 2006. Go to the Expressions page.
Resources
Every month we search for the latest books and resources. This month we highlight the new prostate and colorectal cancer QuickFACTS™ books from ACS. Also, I Can Cope classes are now available on-line! For more details, as well as links to information about clinical trials, treatment facilities, treatment decision tools, events, and more, check out our Resources page!

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service. For information on cancer or American Cancer Society programs, please call 1-800- ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) or visit www.cancer.org.

On Cancer Researcher- Mansukh Wani

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Cancer Information News Alert India

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Cancer Info Alert India

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