Gene therapy for cancer

Article Abstract:

Gene therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for different types of cancer. This type of treatment involves the insertion of functioning genes into the cells of the patient to correct a cellular malfunction or to introduce a new type of function to the cell. One approach is to isolate tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from the patient's tumor. The gene for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) can be inserted into TIL, which can be given back to the patient. The TIL will attack the tumor, releasing TNF in the process. Another type of gene therapy involves the insertion of genes for cytokines into tumor cells to increase the immune system response to the cancer. Cytokines are substances produced by the immune system. Several techniques have been used to insert genes into human cells, but the efficacy of most of these techniques has been low. One technique that may be more efficient is the use of a virus as a gene carrier.

Usage, Gene therapy

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'Antineoplastons': an unproved cancer therapy

Article Abstract:

The antineoplastons A-10, AS 2.1 and AS 2.5 have not been shown to be effective in treating cancer. These compounds were first isolated from urine by Stanislaw R. Burzynski, based on his hypothesis that the human body produces peptides that can restore, or 'normalize' cancerous cells to their previously healthy condition. He called these substances antineoplastons. A-10 was found by Burzynski himself to be an insoluble chemical related to the drug thalidomide. He says that the chemical, when administered orally, is converted to phenylacetylglutamine (PAG), which he himself showed to be ineffective against cancer cells. In fact, none of the three antineoplastons is a peptide, and researchers cited in Burzynski's press releases who have been contacted say they have no evidence that these chemicals are effective against cancer. The US National Cancer Institute came to a similar conclusion in 1990.

Alternative medicine

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Secrecy in medical research

Article Abstract:

Secrecy with the results of medical research is restricting the progress of such research and should be discouraged through education, discussion, and revision of patent laws. Medical researchers often keep their results confidential so that they can advance their careers in a competitive field, secure funding, or gain patents. Biotechnology companies restrict the exchange of information or chemicals among researchers in order to maintain their competitive edge and survive as businesses. However, such confidentiality and restrictions on sharing chemicals may cause increased suffering or preventable deaths. Thus secrecy should be discouraged because research scientists, like physicians, have an ethical responsibility to do no harm. Honest discussion and changes in patent laws might foster openness while assuring that proper credit is received by scientists and financial interests are protected.

Column, Ethical aspects, Medical research

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