Healthwise 88     July 2007

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors by Helen Franks, journalist and author. Welcome to healthwise 88.  

For previous articles in the healthwise series visit 'more healthwise'  

Gene therapy kills bowel cancer cells

An innovative type of gene therapy has for the first time succeeded in making bowel cancer cells commit suicide, according to a report in Cancer Research. The therapy, developed by Cancer Research UK-funded scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, combines cutting-edge techniques to target tumour cells.

Known as GDEPT (Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy), the treatment uses a virus to attack cancer cells.But the researchers have added an extra gene to the virus. The virus is programmed to switch on the gene only if it reaches a tumour. Because this drug is only activated in tumours, it selectively kills only cancer cells. In normal tissue, the drug remains inactive, so healthy cells are not affected.

This is the first time such a therapy has proved successful at killing bowel cancer cells, albeit only in the laboratory. Cancer Research UK and The Institute of Cancer Research are supporting the development of the therapy, and hope to take it into early clinical trials in the future.

The Men's Health Forum.

A new report claims that men are nearly twice as likely as women to develop and die from virtually all cancers that can affect both sexes. Despite this shocking claim, policies aimed at preventing cancer in men are failing and are being hampered by misconceptions and a lack of knowledge.

'Tackling the excess incidence of cancer in men', the new report from The Men's Health Forum, Cancerbackup, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Centre for Men's Health at Leeds Metropolitan University, documents an expert symposium held last year to discuss why the incidence of cancer and mortality are so much higher in men than women.

It is widely believed that one important reason for the difference in mortality rates is that man are more likely than women to delay seeking help once they have developed potential cancer symptoms. However, there is limited research on this issue.

Given that the higher rates in men are so fundamental a feature of cancer incidence and mortality, it is unsatisfactory and extremely surprising that
the knowledge base is so poor.

Its a memory saver- Alzheimer’s Society

Over 100,000 people are diagnosed with dementia each year. The Alzheimer’s Society is hoping an idea developed using simple desktop software will inspire IT professionals to come up with the new technology needed to empower the thousands who live with dementia.

The idea – using Microsoft - proposes using computers as a new way of helping people with dementia deal with their memory loss and social isolation – by adapting the humble screen saver.

Says Dajani, website manager at the Alzheimer’s Society,
‘We would also like to investigate whether we could use the software to connect people with dementia to each other in a secure and safe way. A network such as this would not only help overcome feeling of isolation but also encourage mutual support.’

Look for the competition winner on the DesignIT website. The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk
 

Blood pressure: left arm please

Blood pressure readings are usually lower from the left arm than the right, says a report in Archives of Internal Medicine.

The report shows that the difference can be as much as 3 mm Hg between the left arm and the right in a healthy patient.

The blood pressure readings are higher in the morning, so go to the hospital in the afternoon and offer your left arm.

Date of birth – the link to menopause

Date of birth could influence the menopause, say Italian researchers. Earliest was found in women born in March, while later in the year there was a difference of 15 months.

Dr Angelo Cagnacci and researchers from four university hospitals studied almost 3000 post-menopausal women.

They found that those born in March reached the menopause at 48 years and 9 months, while those born in the autumn were still fertile until 15 years and 3 months.
 

If in any doubt about any of the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your GP.

IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION

Cancer and domestic pesticide

A recent study was too small to draw any meaningful conclusions..

Virtual-reality video game helps depression

A new tool for assessing the link between depression and the hippocampus, the brain's memory hub

Phone-based therapy eases depression long-term

Long-term positive effects..

Why mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may be wrong for heart attack

It dramatically increases the chances of the person dying, The Lancet reports.

Meditation reduces blood pressure

A dramatic reduction of blood pressure levels is gained just by meditating

Healthcare watchdog survey of patients on diabetes check-ups

People with diabetes need to be offered more help by local services to manage their diabetes themselves

Drug cuts hip fractures

A new drug could cut hip fractures by more than 40%

Useful websites

More useful websites

The complete family health guide

Essential medical reference that's a must for every home. Published in association with the BMA, it includes comprehensive coverage of every important aspect of health and medicine, as well as user-friendly charts for at-a-glance information and easy reference. Also lists the best medical websites...

Maximise your memory

This work provides detailed instructions, illustrations and sample exercises that show the reader how to build a system of personalized frameworks for storing and recalling information on demand.