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By V. UPENDER RAO
Published September 19, 2005
In 2003, Dr. Andrew C. Von Eschenbach, director of the National Cancer Institute , announced the institute's goal to eliminate suffering and death due to cancer by 2015.
In a more recent communication, he outlined the institute's strategy for fiscal year 2006. It involves capitalization on the current most promising opportunities, removing obstacles to progress and ensuring that the pertinent discoveries emerging from research are validated in clinical trials so that effective treatment or management strategies reach the patients already diagnosed with cancer - and so that preventive measures reach those patients who are at risk.
Advances in genetic, molecular and cell biology are redefining the process of cancer, providing opportunities for interrupting this process at several points over which cancer evolves. The institute proposes to translate this new and accumulating knowledge into innovative and evidence-based strategies to prevent cancer from occurring, to eliminate it when it has occurred, and to modify its devastating effects in late stages to make it tolerable and compatible with reasonable comfort for the duration of the patients' lives.
Creation of the cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid has connected all cancer researchers to pooled data and analytical tools to dramatically improve research efficiency. Advanced imaging technologies will enhance the power of early detection of cancer, guide treatment, and aid the monitoring of clinical outcomes and molecular effects of therapeutic interventions in real time.
Recent developments in the identification of genes and the function of the proteins they make by mass spectrometry will allow unprecedented analysis of biomarkers of cancers that can be used for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, these biomarkers can be used for the development targeted drugs that can "home in" on the cancer cells without affecting the surrounding normal cells.
The National Cancer Institute also is developing cancer-preventing vaccines. One such vaccine for cervical cancer prevention is under development. It is expected to save hundreds of thousands of lives around the world each year.
Interestingly, knowledge gained from cancer research may reveal important information relevant to other serious diseases. The newly created National Advanced Technologies Initiative for Cancer will facilitate public and private research coordination. The benefits of such cooperation and sharing of information will most certainly reach beyond cancer into successful management of other serious illnesses.
In a recent communication, Eschenbach said, "Our 2015 challenge goal is an urgent call to action that will require a concerted, collaborative effort by the entire community. At NCI we believe that the goal is within our grasp, and we are prepared to stretch the boundaries of science, imagination and human will to achieve success."
It is important, however for the greater cooperation of the medical community in validating the products of new research into clinically applicable treatments. This will involve the cooperation of patients and physicians to accrue onto - and participate in - well-designed clinical trials in order that effective treatments can be brought to the cancer patients in effective and a timely manner.
--Dr. V. Upender Rao practices at the Cancer and Blood Disease Center in Lecanto.
[Last modified September 19, 2005, 01:08:18]
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