By Lisa Collier Cool | Posted October 19 2010
Innovations that Could Save or Extend Lives
Fewer Americans are getting cancer and those who do are more likely to survive, thanks to improved screening methods and better treatments. A new study by the American Cancer Society reports that between 1990 and 2006, cancer deaths in men dropped by 21 percent, and rates for women fell 12 percent. That adds up to 767,000 lives saved over the 16-year period. New cases have also plummeted, in part due to smoking cessation.
Here’s a look at three advances that could offer new hope in the battle against cancer:
*A test to detect—or even prevent—cancer. The biggest decreases in cancer deaths are for breast, prostate and colon cancer, all of which have screening tests. “With colonoscopies however, not only can we catch cancer early—potentially improving the patient’s outcome—but we may also be able to prevent it, by detecting and removing polyps so the person doesn’t develop colon cancer,” says Steven Libutti, MD, director of the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care in Bronx, NY. “This procedure has had a dramatic impact on reducing colon cancer cases—and even more cases would be prevented if more people started colonoscopies at age 50, or earlier for people at high risk due to family history,” adds Dr. Libutti.” The screening should be repeated every 10 years (or more frequently, if advised by your doctor).
*Combining chemotherapy and surgery. In the past, patients whose cancer had spread from the primary site (like the breast or prostate) to the liver or lungs weren’t usually considered candidates for surgery. Now, reports Dr. Libutti, “if the tumor can be removed and we can administer regional chemotherapy during the operation, there’s a much better chance that these patients can be cured. Using these treatments for advanced disease is a major advance in how we fight cancer.” The idea behind regional chemo is that a higher dose can be given where it’s needed with fewer side effects like diarrhea or vomiting than if the patient was treated with IV cancer drugs.
*Optical imaging. GE researchers are developing a dynamic optical imaging platform with the aim of helping surgeons better visualize cancerous tumors with a fluorescent dye and special lighting system, while avoiding delicate nerves. “A dye technique to more carefully identify cancer could be useful,” says Dr. Libutti, who is not involved with the GE research. “We could potentially do a better job of debulking tumors so patients would benefit more.”
CONNECT THE DOTS
To learn more about screening, read the American Cancer Society’s guidelines on early detection of cancer. Mayo Clinic has an overview of colon cancer symptoms, screening, and prevention. For information on advanced treatment options for common and rare types of cancer, visit the website of Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care. GE recently announced three healthymagination technology research projects, including optical imaging, at its “Future of Healthcare Technology” event.
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